Microsoft Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) vs CompTIA Security+ vs eJPT - Junior Penetration Tester
| Factor | ✅ Microsoft Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) | CompTIA Security+ | eJPT - Junior Penetration Tester | Splunk Core Certified User | IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Microsoft | CompTIA | eLearnSecurity | Splunk | IBM |
| Level | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner |
| Exam Cost | $99 | $425 | $200 | $130 | $49/mo |
| Pass Rate | 80% | 83% | 70% | 72% | N/A |
| Avg Salary | $70K–$90K | $75K–$100K | $65K–$90K | $70K–$95K | $75K–$100K |
| Difficulty |
Easier
★★☆☆☆
|
Easier
★★☆☆☆
|
Moderate
★★★☆☆
|
Moderate
★★★☆☆
|
Moderate
★★★☆☆
|
| Best For | Business professionals, students, and IT beginners entering security or compliance roles. | IT professionals entering cybersecurity, system admins wanting a security baseli… | Aspiring penetration testers, security students, and IT professionals pivoting i… | IT professionals, SOC analysts, and data engineers starting with the Splunk plat… | Beginners entering cybersecurity or IT professionals transitioning from helpdesk… |
| Expiry | Typically 3 years — renewal at microsoft.com | Check comptia.org | Check elearnsecurity.com | Check splunk.com | Check coursera.org/ibm |
| Full Guide | View guide → | View guide → | View guide → | View guide → | View guide → |
Which Should You Choose?
The right certification depends on your current role, target employer, geography, and the specific skills gap you're trying to close. Here's a practical breakdown:
✅ Choose Microsoft Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) if…
You're targeting roles at organisations that specifically require Microsoft credentials, or you're already working within the Microsoft ecosystem. The Microsoft Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) carries the strongest recognition among Microsoft customers and partners, and its salary premium of $70K–$90K is well-documented in the job market.
Full Guide →Consider CompTIA Security+ if…
You're targeting organisations in the CompTIA ecosystem, or the CompTIA Security+ is more commonly required in your target industry or geography. Salary data: $75K–$100K. Entry-level cybersecurity cert. DoD 8570 approved. Listed in 20,000+ job postings. The most recogniz…
Full Guide →Consider eJPT - Junior Penetration Tester if…
You're targeting organisations in the eLearnSecurity ecosystem, or the eJPT - Junior Penetration Tester is more commonly required in your target industry or geography. Salary data: $65K–$90K. Practical, beginner-friendly penetration testing certification. Validates real-world hacking skills …
Full Guide →Detailed Analysis — Microsoft Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)
Strengths
- ✓Issued by Microsoft — one of the most trusted credential authorities in Cybersecurity
- ✓Salary premium of $70K–$90K documented across multiple independent sources
- ✓Exam fee of $99 — strong ROI relative to salary gain
- ✓Global recognition at enterprise employers, government agencies, and consulting firms
- ✓Covers 5 core domains including: Security concepts & methodologies, Identity & access principles, Compliance management
Considerations
- ◆Pass rate is approximately 80% — structured preparation is essential, not optional
- ◆Entry-level — pairs best with parallel practical experience
- ◆Renewal required — check current requirements at microsoft.com
Made your decision? Start your preparation today.
Microsoft Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) Full Guide → Study Roadmap → Salary Data →