Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.
Full guide →Professional Scrum Master I
Validates knowledge of the Scrum framework and ability to apply it in real-world agile environments as a Scrum Master.
Full guide →Azure Fundamentals vs Professional Scrum Master I
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | Azure Fundamentals | Professional Scrum Master I |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$165 USD | $200 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$6,000/yr | ✓+$9,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 85/1000 |
| Exam duration | 65 min | 60 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Scrum.org |
| Difficulty |
Azure Fundamentals
None required
Professional Scrum Master I
None required
- 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 new to project management or switching careers from another field
- You want a potential +$9,000/yr salary uplift
- You work in agile teams and want to formalise Scrum Master skills
Azure Fundamentals and Professional Scrum Master I lead to entirely different careers — cloud computing vs project management. 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 Professional Scrum Master I courses
Is Azure Fundamentals harder than Professional Scrum Master I?
Both Azure Fundamentals and Professional Scrum Master I are rated beginner difficulty.
Which pays more — Azure Fundamentals or Professional Scrum Master I?
Azure Fundamentals has an average salary uplift of +$6,000/yr, while Professional Scrum Master I has +$9,000/yr. Professional Scrum Master I has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Fundamentals or Professional Scrum Master I?
Azure Fundamentals is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Professional Scrum Master I.
Can I get both Azure Fundamentals and Professional Scrum Master I?
Yes — many professionals hold both. Azure Fundamentals and Professional Scrum Master I complement each other, covering cloud computing and project management 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 Professional Scrum Master I?
Both are worth it in 2026. Azure Fundamentals offers a +$6,000/yr average salary uplift; Professional Scrum Master I offers +$9,000/yr. Professional Scrum Master I has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.