Last updated: May 6, 2026
AZ-900 and AZ-104 are not interchangeable. AZ-900 is the better first move if you are new to cloud, coming from help desk, or want a low-risk way to understand Azure fundamentals. AZ-104 makes more sense if you already work with systems, identities, virtual machines, networking, or Microsoft infrastructure and want a more hands-on Azure administrator credential.
Quick answer: Start with AZ-900 if you need cloud fundamentals. Choose AZ-104 if you already have practical IT administration experience and want a role-ready Azure credential.
If you are still mapping the bigger picture, start with the Cloud Certifications hub and the IT Certifications hub.
Official Microsoft links
What Microsoft says each certification is for
Microsoft positions AZ-900 as a beginner certification that demonstrates foundational knowledge of cloud concepts, Azure services, and Azure governance. It is a common starting point for people entering Azure.
Microsoft positions AZ-104 as an intermediate administrator certification for people who implement, manage, and monitor Azure environments. The official page expects familiarity with operating systems, networking, servers, virtualization, PowerShell, Azure CLI, Azure portal workflows, and Microsoft Entra ID.
AZ-900 at a glance
- Best for: beginners, help desk staff, career changers, and non-cloud IT professionals
- Exam length: 45 minutes
- Pricing: Microsoft prices the exam by testing region
- Preparation time: usually 2 to 4 weeks for a true beginner with steady study
- Prerequisites: none required
- Main outcome: gives you cloud vocabulary and Azure basics, but does not by itself prove hands-on administration skill
AZ-104 at a glance
- Best for: systems administrators, support professionals moving into cloud, and people already working with Microsoft infrastructure
- Exam length: 100 minutes
- Pricing: Microsoft prices the exam by testing region
- Preparation time: usually 6 to 10 weeks if you already know basic networking, identity, and virtual machines
- Prerequisites: no mandatory prerequisite exam, but real admin experience helps a lot
- Main outcome: stronger resume signal for Azure administration and a better bridge into advanced Azure paths
Which one should you choose first?
Choose AZ-900 first if:
- you have little or no cloud experience
- you are still targeting your first IT role
- you want to compare Azure against AWS or Google Cloud before specializing
- you need a lower-risk starting point before a harder admin exam
Choose AZ-104 first if:
- you already troubleshoot systems, accounts, networking, or servers
- you want to move toward cloud administration rather than general cloud awareness
- you are comfortable practicing in Azure hands-on labs
- you need an Azure credential with more direct job relevance
The smarter beginner path
For most readers on CertifySmarts, the strongest order is:
- Build general IT foundations first if needed
- Take AZ-900 if Azure is still new to you
- Practice in Azure labs and free resources
- Move to AZ-104 once you can manage identities, storage, compute, and virtual networking with confidence
If you are not even sure whether cloud should be your first lane, read Best First IT Certification for Beginners before you commit.
Career outcomes to expect
AZ-900 is usually a conversation starter. It helps you show cloud literacy and can support help desk, junior support, and pre-sales style roles.
AZ-104 is closer to a job-path credential. It is more relevant for cloud support, Azure administration, systems, infrastructure, and Microsoft-heavy internal IT teams.
Final verdict
If you are brand new, start with AZ-900 and treat it as a foundation. If you already have real IT experience and want Azure to become part of your day job, AZ-104 is the more valuable target.
For a broader cloud comparison, read AWS vs Google Cloud: Which Certification Should You Start With?.
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