Certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) vs. Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Quick Verdict
The choice between CISSP and Azure Solutions Architect Expert depends on your career goals. If you seek a broad, vendor-neutral security certification recognized globally, CISSP is the better option. If you are focused on designing solutions within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem, the Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is more appropriate. Both certifications are challenging and highly valued within their respective domains.
- CISSP is a globally recognized, vendor-neutral security certification suitable for experienced security professionals, while Azure Solutions Architect Expert is specific to the Microsoft Azure platform and targets IT professionals designing cloud solutions.
- CISSP requires five years of experience and ongoing CPE credits, whereas Azure Solutions Architect Expert requires the Azure Administrator Associate certification and renewal through online assessments.
- CISSP is broader in scope, covering various security domains, while Azure Solutions Architect Expert focuses on Azure-specific cloud and hybrid solutions.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert |
|---|
| Name | — | — |
| Target Audience | — | — |
| Prerequisites | — | — |
| Exam Difficulty | — | — |
| Exam Cost | — | — |
| Continuing Education Requirements | — | — |
| Job Role Alignment | — | — |
| Industry Recognition | — | — |
| Study Resources Available | — | — |
| Renewal Process | — | — |
| Focus Area (Security vs. Cloud) | — | — |
| Vendor Neutrality | — | — |
| Salary Expectations | — | — |
| Price | — | — |
| Ratings | — | — |
Overall Comparison
CISSP: Exam Cost $749, Salary in North America $147,757. Azure Solutions Architect Expert: Exam Cost $165, Average Salary $153k.
Pros and Cons
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Pros:
- Globally recognized and highly valued in the cybersecurity industry
- Prepares you for roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Security Manager, Security Analyst, Security Architect, IT Director/Manager, and Security Consultant
- Challenges professionals to think critically and apply security principles to real-world scenarios
- Ranks at the top of job postings
- Often dubbed the 'gold standard' of cybersecurity certifications
Cons:
- Considered one of the more challenging cybersecurity certifications
- Requires significant time investment for exam preparation (3-6 months, 10-15 hours weekly)
- Requires ongoing continuing education to maintain certification (120 CPE credits every three years)
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Pros:
- Significantly boost career prospects and earning potential.
- Opens doors to senior roles such as Azure Solutions Architect, Cloud Architect, or IT Leader.
- The Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is a career-changing credential.
- Certified professionals reporting an average 20% salary increase after certification.
- The exam covers a wide range of topics closely related to real-world scenarios, including identity management, monitoring, governance, data storage, business continuity, and infrastructure.
Cons:
- Exam is known for its challenging nature.
- Requires a deep understanding of Azure services across various domains.
- It is very common to fail this exam.
User Experiences and Feedback
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Common Complaints- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception- No value feedback reported.
User Recommendations- The true value of CISSP lies in its practical application.
- CISSP challenges professionals to think critically and apply security principles to real-world scenarios.
- CISSP consistently ranks at the top of job postings and is often dubbed the 'gold standard' of cybersecurity certifications.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Common Complaints- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception- No value feedback reported.