CompTIA Security+ vs Azure AI Fundamentals
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
CompTIA
CompTIA Security+
SY0-701
Entry-level cybersecurity certification covering core security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, and incident response.
Full guide →Microsoft
Azure AI Fundamentals
AI-900
Microsoft's entry-level AI certification covering machine learning, computer vision, NLP, and generative AI on Azure.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | CompTIA Security+ | Azure AI Fundamentals |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $404 USD | ✓$165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$8,000/yr | +$7,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 65 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | CompTIA | Microsoft |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Beginner |
CompTIA Security+ — Prerequisites
None required, CompTIA Network+ recommended
Azure AI Fundamentals — Prerequisites
None required
Get CompTIA Security+ if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$8,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from CompTIA
Get Azure AI Fundamentals if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$7,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Microsoft
Best CompTIA Security+ courses
Best Azure AI Fundamentals courses
Frequently asked questions
Is CompTIA Security+ harder than Azure AI Fundamentals?
Both CompTIA Security+ and Azure AI Fundamentals are rated beginner difficulty.
Which pays more — CompTIA Security+ or Azure AI Fundamentals?
CompTIA Security+ has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while Azure AI Fundamentals has +$7,000/yr. CompTIA Security+ has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CompTIA Security+ or Azure AI Fundamentals?
CompTIA Security+ is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Azure AI Fundamentals.