What AZ-900 covers
AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals tests your understanding of cloud concepts, Azure architecture and services, and Azure management and governance. It's knowledge-based, aimed at beginners and non-technical roles, and the certification doesn't expire.
What AZ-104 covers
AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator is an associate-level exam for people who manage Azure environments. It expects you to actually configure identities, storage, compute, networking and monitoring, so hands-on experience matters. Associate certifications must be renewed each year through a free online assessment on Microsoft Learn.
Side by side
| AZ-900 | AZ-104 | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Fundamentals | Associate |
| Who it's for | Beginners, career changers, non-technical roles | Azure administrators and engineers |
| Style | Concepts and services | Hands-on administration tasks |
| Required first? | No prerequisite | No prerequisite, but Azure experience strongly recommended |
| Renewal | Doesn't expire | Renew yearly, free online |
Who should skip AZ-900
If you already administer Azure resources at work, AZ-900 may teach you little you don't know. Use Microsoft's free practice assessment to check, and if you pass comfortably, go straight to AZ-104.
Who should start with AZ-900
If you're new to cloud, AZ-900 gives you the vocabulary and big picture that make AZ-104 far easier, plus a quick early win for your CV.
A realistic study path
- AZ-900: two to four weeks of part-time study.
- Hands-on practice: build virtual machines, networks and storage in your own Azure subscription.
- AZ-104: usually eight to twelve weeks of part-time study for people new to administration.
Check the official AZ-900 study guide for the current skills measured.