Microsoft Azure certifications have become some of the most valuable credentials for professionals entering cloud computing or advancing their IT careers. As organizations continue moving workloads to the cloud, demand for Azure-skilled professionals keeps growing. Two of the most common starting points in the Microsoft certification path are AZ-900 and AZ-104. While both certifications focus on Azure, they serve very different purposes, skill levels, and career goals. Choosing the right one depends on your background, technical experience, and long-term objectives.
If you are unsure whether to begin with AZ-900 or move directly into AZ-104, understanding the key differences can save time, money, and study effort.
What Is AZ-900?
AZ-900, also known as Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, is an entry-level certification designed for beginners who want to understand cloud computing concepts and Azure services. It introduces the basics of cloud models, Azure pricing, security, governance, compliance, and core services such as compute, networking, storage, and identity.
AZ-900 is ideal for people who are new to cloud technology and need foundational knowledge rather than hands-on administration skills. It is often chosen by students, sales professionals, managers, business analysts, and technical beginners.
What Is AZ-104?
AZ-104, Microsoft Azure Administrator, is a more advanced role-based certification focused on managing Azure environments. It tests practical skills such as deploying virtual machines, configuring networking, managing storage, securing identities, monitoring resources, and handling governance tasks.
Unlike AZ-900, AZ-104 requires stronger technical understanding and practical experience with Azure services. It is designed for system administrators, cloud engineers, IT professionals, and those pursuing technical cloud careers.
Main Difference Between AZ-900 and AZ-104
The biggest difference is depth.
AZ-900 teaches what Azure is, why organizations use cloud services, and how core services work at a high level.
AZ-104 teaches how to configure, deploy, secure, troubleshoot, and manage Azure resources in real environments.
AZ-900 is theory-focused and beginner-friendly. AZ-104 is hands-on and operations-focused.
Difficulty Level Comparison
AZ-900 is considered easier because it focuses on concepts rather than complex technical implementation. Many beginners with basic study preparation can pass it.
AZ-104 is significantly more challenging because it covers real administrative tasks, scenario-based questions, networking concepts, storage management, permissions, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
If you have never used Azure before, AZ-900 is usually the smoother starting point.
Skills You Learn in AZ-900
AZ-900 helps you understand:
- Cloud computing models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Azure global infrastructure
- Core Azure services
- Pricing and cost management basics
- Security and compliance concepts
- Governance principles
- Shared responsibility model
These concepts build strong cloud awareness.
Skills You Learn in AZ-104
AZ-104 develops practical skills such as:
- Managing Azure users and identities
- Configuring role-based access control
- Creating virtual machines
- Managing storage accounts and Blob Storage
- Designing virtual networks and subnets
- Monitoring Azure resources
- Configuring backups and disaster recovery
- Managing subscriptions and policies
These are job-ready operational skills.
Comparison Table
Who Should Choose AZ-900?
AZ-900 is best for:
- Absolute beginners in cloud computing
- Students exploring IT careers
- Non-technical professionals working with cloud teams
- Managers who need Azure awareness
- Sales or consulting professionals
- Anyone wanting a low-pressure first certification
It gives confidence and foundational vocabulary before advanced certifications.
Who Should Choose AZ-104?
AZ-104 is best for:
- System administrators
- IT support professionals
- Network engineers
- Cloud beginners with technical experience
- Professionals seeking Azure admin roles
- Candidates wanting stronger career impact
If your goal is a hands-on technical cloud job, AZ-104 often carries more direct hiring value.
Career Value Comparison
AZ-900 demonstrates awareness and initiative. It is useful for resumes, interviews, and foundational credibility.
AZ-104 demonstrates operational Azure capability. Employers often view it as stronger evidence of practical cloud administration skills.
If hiring managers must choose between the two for a technical role, AZ-104 usually has greater weight.
Can You Skip AZ-900?
Yes, many candidates skip AZ-900 and go directly to AZ-104, especially if they already have experience in:
- Windows Server
- Networking
- IT support
- Virtualization
- Linux administration
- General cloud concepts
However, complete beginners may benefit from AZ-900 first because it makes AZ-104 easier to understand.
Best Certification Path for Beginners
A smart path for many learners is:
- Start with AZ-900 to understand cloud fundamentals
- Gain hands-on Azure practice
- Move to AZ-104 for administration skills
- Advance into Security, Networking, DevOps, or Architecture paths
This creates both theoretical and practical strength.
Study Time Comparison
Typical preparation time:
AZ-900: 1 to 3 weeks for beginners
AZ-104: 6 to 10 weeks depending on experience
AZ-104 usually requires labs and portal practice, not only reading.
Cost vs Return on Investment
AZ-900 offers quick entry and foundational recognition.
AZ-104 usually offers stronger long-term ROI because it aligns more directly with cloud administration jobs and technical promotions.
Final Recommendation
Choose AZ-900 if you are new to cloud computing, want an easy starting point, or need Azure knowledge for non-technical roles.
Choose AZ-104 if you want a real technical Azure career, already understand IT basics, or want a certification with stronger practical value.
For many beginners, starting with AZ-900 and progressing to AZ-104 is the most balanced route.
People Also Ask
Should I skip AZ-900 and go directly to AZ-104?
Yes, if you already have basic cloud knowledge, you can skip AZ-900.
Is AZ-104 hard to pass?
It requires hands-on practice and understanding of Azure services.
Is AZ-900 worth it?
Yes, especially for beginners and non-technical professionals.
Which certification gets you a job?
AZ-104 is more job-oriented and practical.
Can beginners pass AZ-104?
Yes, but it requires dedicated study and practice.
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Conclusion
The choice between AZ-104 vs AZ-900 depends on your experience level and career goals.
Final Takeaways
AZ-900 → Best for beginners and basic understanding
AZ-104 → Best for hands-on skills and job readiness
Following both creates a strong cloud foundation
Career Insight
In 2026, professionals with practical cloud skills and certifications will have a strong advantage in the job market.
Want to Get Certified in Azure?
Get trained by MCT (Microsoft Certified Trainer) on:
| Course Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| AZ-900T00-A | Introduction to Cloud Infrastructure |
| AZ-104T00-A | Microsoft Azure Administrator |
Expert-Led Training
Hands-On Labs
Real-World Scenarios
Certification Guidance
Email us: trainings@debugdeploy.com
WhatsApp us for quick assistance
Start your Azure certification journey today and grow your cloud career with confidence!
