CISSP vs Azure Fundamentals
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
(ISC)²
CISSP
CISSP
Gold-standard senior security certification covering 8 domains including risk management, architecture, and cryptography.
Full guide →Microsoft
Azure Fundamentals
AZ-900
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | CISSP | Azure Fundamentals |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $749 USD | ✓$165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$22,000/yr | +$6,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 240 min | 65 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | (ISC)² | Microsoft |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Beginner |
CISSP — Prerequisites
5 years paid work experience in 2+ of 8 CISSP domains
Azure Fundamentals — Prerequisites
None required
Get CISSP if…
- •You're aiming for senior or management roles in security
- •You want a +$22,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from (ISC)²
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
Best CISSP courses
Best Azure Fundamentals courses
Frequently asked questions
Is CISSP harder than Azure Fundamentals?
CISSP is harder — rated advanced vs beginner.
Which pays more — CISSP or Azure Fundamentals?
CISSP has an average salary uplift of +$22,000/yr, while Azure Fundamentals has +$6,000/yr. CISSP has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CISSP or Azure Fundamentals?
Azure Fundamentals is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CISSP.