Azure Security Engineer vs CCSP
Compare Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500) and CCSP cloud security certifications.
Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500)
Microsoft
CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional)
ISC2
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500) | CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Microsoft | ISC2 |
| Difficulty Level | Associate | Professional |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes | 4 hours |
| Exam Cost | $165 USD | $599 USD |
| Exam Format | 40-60 questions + labs | 150 questions |
| Prerequisites | AZ-104 or equivalent | 5 years IT + 3 years security + 1 year cloud |
| Validity Period | 1 year (renewal) | 3 years (30 CPE/year) |
| Ideal For | Security engineers on Azure | Cloud security architects across platforms |
| Salary Range | $120,000 - $165,000 | $135,000 - $185,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500) Focus Areas
- Azure AD Security
- Platform Protection
- Security Operations
CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) Focus Areas
- Cloud Architecture
- Security
- Compliance
- Operations
Our Recommendation
AZ-500 is Azure-specific; CCSP is vendor-neutral cloud security.
Choose Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500)
Choose AZ-500 for Azure-focused security roles.
Choose CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional)
Choose CCSP for multi-cloud or vendor-neutral security expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500) or CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional)?
AZ-500 is Azure-specific; CCSP is vendor-neutral cloud security.
What are the salary differences between Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500)?
Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500) typically offers salaries around $120,000 - $165,000, while CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) offers $135,000 - $185,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose AZ-500 for Azure-focused security roles. Choose CCSP for multi-cloud or vendor-neutral security expertise.
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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