In 2025, cloud computing continues to dominate the tech landscape. Businesses of every size are migrating to the cloud, and IT professionals who understand cloud infrastructure are more in demand than ever. But with so many certifications available, one question keeps coming up: should you choose CompTIA Cloud+ or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals to future proof your career?
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this guide will help you make the smart choice, based on your career goals, skill set, and long-term aspirations.
What is CompTIA Cloud+?
CompTIA Cloud+ is a vendor-neutral, intermediate-level certification that focuses on the skills needed to deploy, manage, and troubleshoot cloud infrastructure. Unlike platform-specific certifications, Cloud+ covers a range of technologies applicable to multi-cloud and hybrid cloud environments.
Key areas covered include:
- Cloud architecture and support
- Operations and support
- Troubleshooting performance and availability issues
- Security in cloud environments
- Automation and orchestration
This certification is generally recommended for professionals with around 2-3 years of experience in system administration or networking who are working in or transitioning to cloud-focused roles.
What is Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)?
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) is more of an entry-level certification that introduces learners to basic cloud concepts with a focus on Microsoft Azure services.
Topics include:
- Core cloud principles
- Azure’s core services and architecture
- Pricing, service-level agreements (SLAs), and lifecycle
- Security and compliance basics
It’s designed for individuals who are new to cloud computing or want to understand how Azure fits into their organisation’s technology stack. It’s also suitable for non-technical professionals in sales, project-management, or operations roles who need to become more familiar with cloud technologies.
Why should you consider CompTIA Cloud+?
CompTIA Cloud+ is a better fit if you:
- Already work in IT and want to expand into cloud infrastructure roles
- Need to support multi-cloud or hybrid environments
- Work in roles like systems administration, network engineering, or IT operations
- Want a certification that aligns with hands-on, day-to-day cloud deployment and troubleshooting
Who should consider Azure Fundamentals?
Microsoft Azure fundamentals is ideal for:
- Complete beginners looking to understand cloud basics
- Professionals working at companies that use Microsoft Azure
- Non-technical team members who interact with technical teams (e.g., Azure Administrator or Architect)
Because AZ-900 covers concepts and service overviews rather than implementation, it is not meant to prepare someone for a technical cloud job on its own, but it does offer a solid introduction.
Career impact and use cases in 2025
Both certifications offer career-building value, but in different ways.
CompTIA Cloud+
- Adds technical credibility if you’re applying for cloud support, infrastructure, or DevOps roles
- Recognised in multi-cloud or platform-agnostic environments
- Useful in enterprise IT, especially where vendor neutral skills are prioritised
- Can complement other CompTIA certifications like Security+ or CySA+ for a broader IT path
Azure Fundamentals
- Provides foundational cloud understanding, especially valuable in Azure-focused organisations
- Helps non-technical or entry-level professionals communicate more effectively about cloud-services
- Often taken before more technical certifications in Microsoft’s certification path
Neither certification guarantees a job, but both can be helpful components of a broader learning and career development strategy.
Can you take both?
Yes! In fact, taking both can be strategic. Here’s one possible path:
- Start with AZ-900 to learn cloud basics and get comfortable with terminology.
- Advance to CompTIA Cloud+ if you plan to work in infrastructure, support, or operations roles, especially if your environment is not exclusively Azure.
This approach can help you understand both core concepts and practical implementation, giving you a stronger foundation for cloud roles.
Which option would you choose?
Conclusion
The right certification for you depends on your current experience and your long-term goals.
If you’re seeking technical, platform-agnostic skills that prepare you for real-world cloud environments, CompTIA Cloud+ offers more depth and job relevance in infrastructure-focused roles. If you’re at the very beginning of your journey, or if your organisation uses Microsoft Azure, then Azure Fundamentals is a great way to build your understanding.
Whichever you choose, cloud knowledge is a valuable investment in your future. And in 2025, staying adaptable is just as important as being certified.How to Choose Between CompTIA Cloud+ and Microsoft Azure Fundamentals in 2025
Help readers decide based on their career goals and skill sets.
