Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer vs Azure Administrator
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Google Cloud
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
ACE
Google Cloud's associate-level certification covering deploying, monitoring, and managing applications on Google Cloud Platform.
Full guide →Microsoft
Azure Administrator
AZ-104
Validates skills in managing Azure identities, storage, compute, virtual networks, and monitoring in enterprise environments.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer | Azure Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $200 USD | ✓$165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$16,000/yr | +$15,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 120 min | 100 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 1 years |
| Issued by | Google Cloud | Microsoft |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer — Prerequisites
6 months Google Cloud hands-on experience recommended
Azure Administrator — Prerequisites
AZ-900 recommended, 6 months Azure administration experience
Get Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$16,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Google Cloud
Get Azure Administrator if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$15,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Microsoft
Best Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer courses
Best Azure Administrator courses
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer harder than Azure Administrator?
Both Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer and Azure Administrator are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer or Azure Administrator?
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer has an average salary uplift of +$16,000/yr, while Azure Administrator has +$15,000/yr. Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer or Azure Administrator?
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Azure Administrator.