Azure Fundamentals vs Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Microsoft
Azure Fundamentals
AZ-900
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.
Full guide →Google Cloud
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer
Professional ML Engineer
Advanced Google Cloud certification for designing and building ML models that scale — covers MLOps, Vertex AI, and responsible AI.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Azure Fundamentals | Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$165 USD | $200 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$6,000/yr | ✓+$22,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 65 min | 120 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Google Cloud |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Advanced |
Azure Fundamentals — Prerequisites
None required
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer — Prerequisites
3+ years industry experience + 1 year Google Cloud experience + ML background
Get Azure Fundamentals if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$6,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Microsoft
Get Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer if…
- •You're aiming for senior or management roles in security
- •You want a +$22,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Google Cloud
Best Azure Fundamentals courses
Best Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer courses
Frequently asked questions
Is Azure Fundamentals harder than Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer is harder — rated advanced vs beginner.
Which pays more — Azure Fundamentals or Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?
Azure Fundamentals has an average salary uplift of +$6,000/yr, while Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer has +$22,000/yr. Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Fundamentals or Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?
Azure Fundamentals is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer.