AZ-900 and AZ-104 represent fundamentals and intermediate levels of Azure certification. AZ-900 validates basic cloud concepts and Azure services knowledge, while AZ-104 tests hands-on Azure administration across compute, networking, storage, and identity.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Microsoft Azure Fundamentals | Microsoft Azure Administrator | |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Microsoft | Microsoft |
| Exam Code | AZ-900 | AZ-104 |
| Level | Entry-level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $165 | $165 |
| Duration | 65 min | 120 min |
| Questions | 40–60 | 40–60 |
| Passing Score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Renewal | No expiration | 1 year (free renewal assessment) |
| Prerequisites | None required; familiarity with technology concepts recommended | None required; six months of hands-on Azure administration experience recommended |
| Avg Salary Range | $60,000–$85,000 | $90,000–$130,000 |
Focus Areas
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Cloud concepts, Azure services, security, privacy, compliance, trust, and Azure pricing and support
Microsoft Azure Administrator
Managing Azure identities and governance, implementing and managing storage, deploying and managing Azure compute resources, configuring and managing virtual networking, and monitoring and maintaining Azure resources
Who Should Get Which?
Get Microsoft Azure Fundamentals if...
IT beginners, non-technical professionals, or anyone who wants to demonstrate basic Azure understanding without hands-on administration skills
Get Microsoft Azure Administrator if...
IT administrators managing Azure environments, system admins transitioning to cloud, or anyone who needs to prove hands-on Azure administration competency
Recommended Order
Skip AZ-900 if you have IT experience and go directly to AZ-104. AZ-900 is a fundamentals exam designed for non-technical audiences. If you have any system administration background, AZ-104 is the right starting point.
Study Tips
AZ-900 can be passed with Microsoft Learn free modules in 1-2 weeks. AZ-104 requires hands-on Azure Portal and CLI practice over 4-8 weeks. Focus AZ-104 study on managing virtual machines, virtual networks, storage accounts, and Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Microsoft Azure Fundamentals and Microsoft Azure Administrator?
AZ-900 and AZ-104 represent fundamentals and intermediate levels of Azure certification. AZ-900 validates basic cloud concepts and Azure services knowledge, while AZ-104 tests hands-on Azure administration across compute, networking, storage, and identity.
Should I get Microsoft Azure Fundamentals or Microsoft Azure Administrator first?
Skip AZ-900 if you have IT experience and go directly to AZ-104. AZ-900 is a fundamentals exam designed for non-technical audiences. If you have any system administration background, AZ-104 is the right starting point.
Who should get Microsoft Azure Fundamentals?
IT beginners, non-technical professionals, or anyone who wants to demonstrate basic Azure understanding without hands-on administration skills
Who should get Microsoft Azure Administrator?
IT administrators managing Azure environments, system admins transitioning to cloud, or anyone who needs to prove hands-on Azure administration competency
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