AWS Security vs Azure Security Certification
Compare AWS Security Specialty and Azure Security Engineer Associate certifications.
AWS Security - Specialty
Amazon Web Services
Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)
Microsoft
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | AWS Security - Specialty | Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft |
| Difficulty Level | Specialty | Associate |
| Exam Duration | 170 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Exam Cost | $300 USD | $165 USD |
| Exam Format | 65 questions | 40-60 questions + labs |
| Prerequisites | 5+ years security experience | AZ-104 recommended |
| Validity Period | 3 years | 1 year (renewal) |
| Ideal For | AWS security specialists | Azure security engineers |
| Salary Range | $140,000 - $190,000 | $120,000 - $165,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
AWS Security - Specialty Focus Areas
- Identity
- Infrastructure Protection
- Data Protection
- Incident Response
- Logging
Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) Focus Areas
- Azure AD Security
- Platform Protection
- Data Security
- Security Operations
Our Recommendation
AWS Security is more advanced and comprehensive; Azure AZ-500 is more accessible.
Choose AWS Security - Specialty
Choose AWS Security for deep AWS security expertise.
Choose Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)
Choose Azure Security for Microsoft-focused security roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: AWS Security - Specialty or Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)?
AWS Security is more advanced and comprehensive; Azure AZ-500 is more accessible.
What are the salary differences between AWS Security - Specialty?
AWS Security - Specialty typically offers salaries around $140,000 - $190,000, while Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) offers $120,000 - $165,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose AWS Security for deep AWS security expertise. Choose Azure Security for Microsoft-focused security roles.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
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