Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.
Full guide →Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer
Advanced Google Cloud certification for designing and building ML models that scale — covers MLOps, Vertex AI, and responsible AI.
Full guide →Azure Fundamentals vs Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | Azure Fundamentals | Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$165 USD | $200 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$6,000/yr | ✓+$22,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 65 min | 120 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Google Cloud |
| Difficulty |
Azure Fundamentals
None required
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer
3+ years industry experience + 1 year Google Cloud experience + ML background
- You're new to cloud and want a foundational credential from Microsoft
- You want a potential +$6,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on Microsoft and you need the recognised entry-level credential
- You're an experienced ML engineer targeting senior MLOps or research roles
- You want a potential +$22,000/yr salary uplift
- You build, train, and deploy ML models in production environments
Azure Fundamentals and Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer lead to entirely different careers — cloud computing vs AI and machine learning. The right choice depends on which field aligns with your current job or target role. If you want both eventually, start with Azure Fundamentals — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best Azure Fundamentals courses
Best Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer courses
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.
Can I get both Azure Fundamentals and Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?
Yes — many professionals hold both. Azure Fundamentals and Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer complement each other, covering cloud computing and AI and machine learning respectively. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — Azure Fundamentals or Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?
Both are worth it in 2026. Azure Fundamentals offers a +$6,000/yr average salary uplift; Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer offers +$22,000/yr. Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.