Alternatives to the Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals Certification for Beginners

Entry-level security credentials from other bodies

Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals introduces core ideas and the related Microsoft cloud solutions. Newcomers who want a different starting point can read the reviewed options below, including a vendor-neutral entry route and a network-leaning one. They are comparable choices, not equals or ranked.

Security Fundamentals alternativesMicrosoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals Search Certifications by Filters

Why compare

Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals alternatives to consider

The reviewed options are comparable credentials: entry-level security routes from ISC2 and Fortinet. They range from a vendor-neutral view of security to a network-leaning one, so their emphasis differs from the Microsoft credential.

Starting point

Reference facts

Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals

Microsoft

Level: Foundational
Credential type: Professional certification
Exam type: Written
Study time: 10-20h
Known price: $99

Full certification details

Comparable

Comparable options to Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals

Credentials aimed at a similar goal and level, from another angle or provider. A similar purpose does not make them interchangeable.

ISC2

ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)

Vendor-neutral entry-level security start

ISC2's Certified in Cybersecurity is a foundational credential for newcomers, offering a vendor-neutral alternative to starting with a Microsoft-specific fundamentals exam.

Who it suits

Suits newcomers and career changers who want a general security foundation that does not depend on any one vendor.

Key differences

It covers general security principles with no product focus, whereas the Microsoft exam explains security, compliance, and identity through Microsoft's services.
ISC2 offers a visible path to its advanced credentials after this entry point.
It omits the Microsoft platform vocabulary, so it helps less if the goal is Microsoft-specific role readiness.

Level: Foundational
Assessment: Written
Study time: 30-70h
Listed from: $199

Fortinet

Fortinet NSE 1

Network-leaning security fundamentals

Fortinet NSE 1 offers foundational cybersecurity and cloud concepts as the start of a network security vendor track, a comparable entry point with a network emphasis.

Who it suits

Fits beginners aiming at network security work, or who may later use Fortinet products, and want a vendor fundamentals credential.

Key differences

It leans toward network security and Fortinet's framing, whereas the Microsoft exam stresses identity and compliance.
It starts a vendor ladder that continues into Fortinet's further levels.
Compliance and identity topics are not its focus, so it fits network-oriented learners better.

Level: Foundational
Assessment: Written
Study time: 43-85h
Listed from: $0

Side by side

How the options compare on the record

Structured facts from each certification record, with Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals as the reference row. Prices and exam details change, so check the provider before deciding.

Certification	Compared for	Level	Assessment	Study time	Listed from
Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals Microsoft	Reference	Foundational	Written	10-20h	$99
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) ISC2	Comparable	Foundational	Written	30-70h	$199
Fortinet NSE 1 Fortinet	Comparable	Foundational	Written	43-85h	$0

Next steps

Narrowing the choice around Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals

Open the detail pages of the options that match your goal, then compare scope, assessment style, specialism, and provider fit. Certification search can widen the comparison to more security fundamentals credentials from other bodies.

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Ready to Explore Other Foundational Microsoft Certifications?

After reviewing the Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals certification, compare it with other foundational or role-based Microsoft credentials. Understand how it fits into broader career paths in cybersecurity and identity management, and discover related certifications to deepen your expertise in specific domains.

Security, Compliance, Identity Fundamentals Cert