Cloud computing isn’t just the future. It’s already shaping how companies operate today. Microsoft Azure is one of the leading cloud platforms, and getting certified in it can open doors to solid career opportunities.
But if you are just getting started, you will quickly run into a common question… Should I take AZ-900 or AZ-104 first? AZ-900 Vs AZ-104?
They sound similar but they are quite different. Let’s see all about AZ-900 vs AZ-104.
What Is the AZ-900 Certification?
AZ-900 is officially called Microsoft Azure Fundamentals. It’s designed for people who are new to cloud computing and want to understand what Azure is, what it can do, and why it matters.
It’s not a technical exam. You don’t need to know how to deploy virtual machines or configure firewalls. Instead, the AZ-900 focuses on:
- Basic cloud concepts (like IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Core Azure services (compute, storage, networking)
- Security and compliance basics
- Pricing models and support options
- General benefits of cloud computing
This exam is ideal if you have never worked with cloud technologies before or if you are in a non-technical role but want to understand Azure. Many salespeople, business analysts, students and even managers take AZ-900 to get comfortable with cloud terminology.
What Is the AZ-104 Certification?
AZ-104 is called Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate. This is a much more technical certification. It’s built for people who are already familiar with the basics of Azure and want to manage Azure resources in a real-world setting.
The exam covers:
- Managing Azure identities and governance
- Implementing and managing storage
- Deploying and managing virtual machines
- Configuring virtual networking
- Monitoring Azure resources
To succeed in AZ-104, you need hands-on experience. You should already know how to use the Azure portal and work with tools like Azure CLI or PowerShell. Microsoft recommends at least six months of Azure experience before attempting this exam.
If you are exploring your options, check out these top IT career paths to see where Azure certifications can take you.
Should You Take AZ-900 Before AZ-104?
If you are new to cloud computing, then yes… AZ-900 is the right place to start. It’s concise, affordable, and introduces you to all the key concepts without requiring hands-on experience.
If you are already working in IT or have used Azure before, you might be able to skip AZ-900 and go straight to AZ-104. Just make sure you are comfortable with Azure basics first.
Who Should Take AZ-900?
This certification is ideal for:
- Beginners with no cloud experience
- Career changers entering IT
- Students exploring cloud fundamentals
- Professionals in non-technical roles who work with technical teams
- Anyone preparing for more advanced Azure exams and wanting a solid base
AZ-900 is especially useful if you are not sure yet whether you want to pursue a technical role. It gives you a high-level view of how Azure works and what the cloud can do.
Who Should Take AZ-104?
This certification is better for:
- IT professionals with some Azure experience
- System administrators who want to move to the cloud
- Network engineers, support techs, or helpdesk staff expanding into cloud administration
- Anyone aiming to become an Azure Administrator or prepare for advanced certifications like AZ-305 or AZ-500
If you are serious about working in cloud infrastructure and managing Azure resources day-to-day, AZ-104 is the certification that proves your skills.
Is AZ-104 More Difficult Than AZ-900?
In the battle of AZ-900 Vs AZ-104, AZ-900 focuses on understanding terms and concepts. You can pass it with good study habits and a bit of reading.
AZ-104 needs more time, practice, and technical knowledge. You will need to be familiar with deploying and managing services in a live Azure environment.
If you are new to Azure, jumping into AZ-104 without preparation can be overwhelming.
AZ-900 Vs AZ-104: Which Certification Helps You Get a Job?
Both certifications can help, but in different ways.
AZ-900 is a strong resume booster if you are applying for:
- Entry-level IT roles
- Sales or consulting roles in tech companies
- Internships or apprenticeships in cloud-focused teams
AZ-104, on the other hand, is often needed for:
- Cloud Administrator roles
- Azure Support Engineers
- IT Infrastructure roles with a cloud focus
- DevOps roles (as a starting point)
If your goal is to land a job where you will be managing Azure services, AZ-104 is far more powerful.
And if salary is a key factor in your decision, you will want to see which Azure certifications are the highest paying in 2026. Some of them might surprise you.
How Long Should You Study for Each Exam?
For AZ-900, most people can prepare in 2–3 weeks. But it depends on how much time you put in daily. The content is straightforward, and Microsoft Learn offers free learning paths.
AZ-104 takes longer. On average, learners spend 6–8 weeks preparing if they are new to Azure. You will need to do hands-on labs and practice using Azure services.
A free Azure trial account is a great way to get this experience.
Study Tips for AZ-900 Vs AZ-104
For AZ-900:
- Use Microsoft Learn’s free modules
- Watch beginner-friendly YouTube videos
- Take practice tests to get familiar with the question style
- Focus on understanding concepts
For AZ-104:
- Spend time in the Azure portal doing real tasks
- Follow lab-based tutorials from Microsoft Learn
- Use practice exams that explain each answer
- Review documentation when needed, especially for networking, storage, and VM topics
Many candidates also use updated practice dumps from trusted sources like Cert Mage for AZ-104 where the questions are more scenario-based.
Finally: Which One Should You Choose?
- If you are just starting out and want to learn the basics, take AZ-900.
- If you are already in IT and want to get hands-on with Azure, go for AZ-104.
- If you are unsure, start with AZ-900 and build your way up. It’s never a wasted effort.
- AZ-900 Vs AZ-104, no matter what, both opens paths.
Cert Mage is one place where many Azure learners find updated exam dumps and realistic practice questions, especially useful for tackling the AZ-104 exam with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take AZ-900 before AZ-104?
No, it’s not required. But if you are new to cloud computing, AZ-900 can help you build a strong foundation before tackling the more technical AZ-104.
Can I get a job with just the AZ-900 certification?
AZ-900 can help boost your resume for entry-level or non-technical roles in IT. However, for hands-on cloud jobs, companies usually look for certifications like AZ-104 or higher.
Is AZ-104 too hard for beginners?
Yes, if you have no prior experience with Azure or IT infrastructure, AZ-104 can be tough. It’s recommended to start with AZ-900 and gain some hands-on practice before moving on.
How long are the certifications valid?
Both AZ-900 and AZ-104 are valid for one year. You can renew them online for free through Microsoft’s renewal program before they expire.
Are practice tests really helpful?
Yes. Practice tests help you get used to the format, check your knowledge gaps, and build confidence. Cert Mage offers realistic practice dumps, especially valuable for AZ-104’s complex questions.
What happens if I fail the exam?
You can retake the exam. Microsoft allows you to retake it after 24 hours for the first retake, and after that, there’s a longer waiting period. You will need to pay the exam fee again.
