Microsoft Azure certification path
Microsoft Azure certification path
The Microsoft Azure certification path offers a structured approach for IT professionals and cloud enthusiasts to gain expertise in various Azure services and solutions. This guide will categorize the Microsoft Azure certifications into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, providing essential details such as exam format, prerequisites, passing score, duration, and cost.
Beginner Level Microsoft Azure Certifications path
1. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Certification Name: Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Overview
This Microsoft Azure certification is ideal for individuals new to Azure or cloud computing in general. It provides a foundational understanding of cloud concepts, Azure services, pricing, and support.
Exam Details
Exam Code: AZ-900
Exam Format: Multiple-choice, drag and drop, fill-in-the-blank
Passing Score: 700/1000
Duration: 45 minutes
Cost: $99 USD
Prerequisites
None: This certification does not require any prior experience, although a basic understanding of cloud concepts is helpful.
Who Should Pursue
Individuals looking to start a career in cloud technology.
Business stakeholders who want to understand Azure's potential.
Benefits
Provides foundational knowledge of Azure and cloud concepts.
Prepares for more advanced Azure certifications.
Industry recognition for cloud computing knowledge.
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals
Certification Name: Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals
Overview
This Microsoft Azure certification is designed for individuals interested in learning the basics of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) on Azure. It suitable for anyone exploring AI workloads without deep technical expertise.
Exam Details
Exam Code: AI-900
Exam Format: Multiple-choice, case studies, drag-and-drop
Passing Score: 700/1000
Duration: 60 minutes
Cost: $99 USD
Prerequisites
None: No prior experience in AI or Azure is required, but a general interest in AI technologies is beneficial.
Who Should Pursue
Beginners interested in AI and cloud technology.
Business professionals exploring AI solutions.
Benefits
Provides foundational AI knowledge.
Offers a stepping stone to advanced AI certifications.
Recognized credential for understanding AI applications in Azure.
3. Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals
Certification Name: Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals
Overview
This Microsoft Azure certification targets individuals who want to learn the basics of data management and analytics on Azure. It perfect for those looking to get started with data solutions without deep technical experience.
Exam Details
Exam Code: DP-900
Exam Format: Multiple-choice, interactive questions, case studies
Passing Score: 700/1000
Duration: 60 minutes
Cost: $99 USD
Prerequisites
None: Basic understanding of relational and non-relational data concepts is advantageous but not required.
Who Should Pursue
Beginners in data analytics and cloud computing.
Business analysts exploring Azure's data capabilities.
Benefits
Provides foundational knowledge of data services.
Validates skills in managing data on Azure.
Intermediate Level Microsoft Azure Certifications path--Associate-level Microsoft Azure certification path
1. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
Certification Name: Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
Overview
This Microsoft Azure certification is aimed at professionals managing cloud services that span storage, security, networking, and compute cloud capabilities.
Exam Details
Exam Code: AZ-104
Exam Format: Multiple-choice, scenario-based, performance-based
Passing Score: 700/1000
Duration: 120 minutes
Cost: $165 USD
Prerequisites
Experience: At least 6 months of hands-on experience administering Azure environments.
Knowledge: Familiarity with core Azure services and management tools.
Who Should Pursue
IT professionals responsible for managing Azure resources.
System administrators transitioning to cloud environments.
Benefits
Validates skills in managing Azure environments.
Opens career opportunities as Azure Administrators or Cloud Engineers.
Enhances knowledge of cloud resource management.
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
Certification Name: Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
Overview
The Azure Developer Associate certification targets professionals involved in designing, building, testing, and maintaining cloud applications on Azure.
Exam Details
Exam Code: AZ-204
Exam Format: Multiple-choice, coding scenarios, and case studies
Passing Score: 700/1000
Duration: 120 minutes
Cost: $165 USD
Prerequisites
Experience: 1-2 years of professional development experience.
Knowledge: Familiarity with Azure SDKs, APIs, and development tools.
Who Should Pursue
Developers building cloud-native applications.
Software engineers aiming to enhance Azure development skills.
Benefits
Validates cloud development expertise.
Prepares professionals for roles like Azure Developer or Cloud Engineer.
Recognized credential for cloud-native application development.
3. Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate
Certification Name: Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate
Overview
This certification is designed for security professionals responsible for managing identity and access, protecting data, and managing security operations.
Exam Details
Exam Code: AZ-500
Exam Format: Multiple-choice, scenario-based, and practical tasks
Passing Score: 700/1000
Duration: 120 minutes
Cost: $165 USD
Prerequisites
Experience: Hands-on experience with Azure security solutions.
Knowledge: Familiarity with security protocols, Azure AD, and RBAC.
Who Should Pursue
Security professionals focused on Azure environments.
IT administrators specializing in cloud security.
Benefits
Validates skills in securing Azure environments.
Prepares individuals for roles like Azure Security Engineer or Cloud Security Specialist.
Enhances ability to implement comprehensive security strategies.
4. Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700)
Overview: Validates skills in technical infrastructure, designing and implementing Azure networking solutions.
Exam Details:
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-select
Duration: 150 minutes
Cost: $165
Prerequisites: None, but familiarity with Azure is recommended.
Who Should Pursue: Network engineers and IT professionals.
Benefits: Prepares candidates for roles in Azure networking.
5. Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate
Certification Name: Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate
Overview
This Microsoft Azure certification focuses on professionals responsible for designing and implementing data solutions using Azure Data Lake, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Stream Analytics, and other related technologies.
Exam Details
Exam Code: DP-203
Exam Format: Multiple-choice, scenario-based, and interactive tasks
Passing Score: 700/1000
Duration: 120 minutes
Cost: $165 USD
Prerequisites
Experience: Experience with data processing and storage solutions.
Knowledge: Proficiency in data engineering concepts, Azure data services, and SQL.
Who Should Pursue
Data engineers working with Azure data solutions.
IT professionals specializing in data architecture and analytics.
Benefits
Validates skills in data engineering and Azure services.
Prepares for roles like Azure Data Engineer or Cloud Data Architect.
Enhances ability to design and implement robust data solutions.
6. Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate
Certification Name: Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate
Overview
This Microsoft Azure certification is tailored for individuals responsible for managing and optimizing Azure database solutions, focusing on performance, security, and scalability.
Exam Details
Exam Code: DP-300
Exam Format: Multiple-choice, practical scenarios, and interactive tasks
Passing Score: 700/1000
Duration: 120 minutes
Cost: $165 USD
Prerequisites
Experience: Experience with database management and Azure SQL services.
Knowledge: Familiarity with SQL Server and Azure database offerings.
Who Should Pursue
Database administrators managing Azure environments.
IT professionals specializing in database optimization and security.
Benefits
Validates expertise in Azure database management.
Prepares for roles like Azure Database Administrator or SQL Database Engineer.
Recognized credential for managing and optimizing database solutions.
7. Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
Overview
The Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate certification validates the skills required to manage Windows Server workloads in both on-premises and hybrid cloud environments.
Exam Details
Exams Required:AZ-800: Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure
AZ-801: Configuring Windows Server Hybrid Advanced Services
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-select
Duration: 150 minutes for each exam
Cost: Approximately $165 per exam (varies by region)
Prerequisites
While there are no formal prerequisites, familiarity with Windows Server and Azure services is beneficial.
Who Should Pursue
IT professionals, System administrators, Network administrators, and engineers looking to enhance their skills in hybrid solutions.
Benefit: It demonstrates proficiency in managing and implementing hybrid solutions, which employers highly value.
Job role: Administrator, Identity and Access Administrator, Information Protection and Compliance Administrator, Network Engineer, Security Engineer, Support Engineer, Technology Manager
Required exams: AZ-800 AZ-801
8. Azure Data Scientist Associate (DP-100)
Overview: Validates skills in building and deploying machine learning models on Azure.
Exam Details:
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-select
Duration: 150 minutes
Cost: $165
Prerequisites: None, but familiarity with data science concepts is recommended.
Who Should Pursue: Data scientists and machine learning engineers.
Benefits: you will be certified as an expertise in data science and machine learning.
Expert Level Microsoft Azure Certifications
1. Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Certification Name: Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Overview
The Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is designed for architects who design solutions that span various cloud services, including computing, network, storage, and security.
Exam Details
Exam Codes: AZ-305 (Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions)
Exam Format: Case studies, multiple-choice, and scenario-based questions
Passing Score: 700/1000
Duration: 120 minutes
Cost: $165 USD
Prerequisites
Experience: Extensive experience in IT operations, including networking, virtualization, identity, security, business continuity, and disaster recovery.
Knowledge: Strong understanding of Azure services, DevOps processes, and architecture patterns.
Who Should Pursue
Solutions architects responsible for designing Azure solutions.
Senior IT professionals transitioning to architectural roles.
Benefits
Recognized expertise in Azure architecture.
Prepares individuals for roles like Azure Solutions Architect or Cloud Architect.
Enhances ability to design scalable and secure cloud solutions.
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
Certification Name: Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
Overview
The Azure DevOps Engineer Expert certification is aimed at professionals responsible for designing and implementing DevOps practices using Azure technologies.
Exam Details
Exam Code: AZ-400
Exam Format: Multiple-choice, case studies, and practical tasks
Passing Score: 700/1000
Duration: 150 minutes
Cost: $165 USD
Prerequisites
Experience: Experience with Azure DevOps and development processes.
Knowledge: Proficiency in Agile practices, version control, and CI/CD pipelines.
Who Should Pursue
DevOps engineers and practitioners implementing DevOps solutions on Azure.
IT professionals are focusing on automation and cloud operations.
Benefits
Validates skills in DevOps practices and Azure technologies.
Prepares for roles like Azure DevOps Engineer or Cloud Operations Manager.
Enhances ability to implement DevOps solutions efficiently.
Specialty-level Microsoft Azure certifications path
Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty (AZ-120)
Overview: Validates skills in implementing SAP workloads on Azure.
Exam Details:
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-select
Duration: 150 minutes
Cost: $165
Prerequisites:
None, but familiarity with Azure and SAP is recommended.
Who Should Pursue: IT professionals working with SAP solutions.
Benefits: Prepares candidates for specialized SAP roles in Azure.
Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty (AZ-140)
Overview: Validates skills in designing and implementing Azure Virtual Desktop solutions.
Exam Details:
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-select
Duration: 150 minutes
Cost: $165
Prerequisites:
None, but familiarity with Azure is recommended.
Who Should Pursue: IT professionals managing virtual desktop environments.
Benefits: Enhances skills in virtual desktop management.
Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102)
Overview: Validates skills in designing and implementing AI solutions on Azure.
Exam Details:
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-select
Duration: 150 minutes
Cost: $165
Prerequisites:
None, but familiarity with Azure AI services is recommended.
Who Should Pursue: AI developers and data scientists.
Benefits: Enhances skills in AI development and implementation
Azure Cosmos DB Developer Specialty (DP-420)
Overview: Validates skills in designing and developing solutions using Azure Cosmos DB.
Exam Details:
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-select
Duration: 150 minutes
Cost: $165
Prerequisites: None, but familiarity with Azure is recommended.
Who Should Pursue: Developers working with NoSQL databases.
Benefits: Prepares candidates for specialized roles in database development.
Azure Enterprise Data Analyst Associate (DP-500)
Overview: Validates skills in analyzing data and visualizing insights using Azure data services.
Exam Details:
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-select
Duration: 150 minutes
Cost: $165
Prerequisites:
None, but familiarity with data analysis is recommended.
Who Should Pursue: Data analysts and business intelligence professionals.
Benefits: Prepares candidates for roles in data analysis and reporting.
These certifications provide a structured path for individuals looking to advance their skills and careers in cloud computing with Microsoft Azure. Each certification targets specific roles and expertise, making it easier for professionals to choose the right certification based on their career goals.
Take the next step towards your professional goals in Architecting Microsoft Azure 70-535
Don't hesitate to talk with our course advisor right now
Receive a call
Contact NowMake a call
+1-732-338-7323Latest blogs on technology to explore
What Does a Cybersecurity Analyst Do? 2025
Discover the vital role of a Cybersecurity Analyst in 2025, protecting organizations from evolving cyber threats through monitoring, threat assessment, and incident response. Learn about career paths, key skills, certifications, and why now is the be
Artificial intelligence in healthcare: Medical and Diagnosis field
Artificial intelligence in healthcare: Medical and Diagnosis field
iOS 18.5 Is Here: 7 Reasons You Should Update Right Now
In this blog, we shall discuss Apple releases iOS 18.5 with new features and bug fixes
iOS 18.4.1 Update: Why Now is the Perfect Time to Master iPhone App Development
Discover how Apple’s iOS 18.4.1 update (April 2025) enhances security and stability—and why mastering iPhone app development now is key to building future-ready apps.
What is network security Monitoring? A complete guide
In the digital world, we have been using the cloud to store our confidential data to register our details; it can be forms, applications, or product purchasing platforms like e-commerce sites. Though digital platforms have various advantages, one pri
How to Handle Complex and Challenging Projects with Management Skills
Discover actionable strategies and essential management skills to effectively navigate the intricacies of challenging projects. From strategic planning to adaptive problem-solving, learn how to lead your team and achieve exceptional outcomes in compl
What are the 5 phases of project management?
A streamlined approach to ensure project success by breaking it into five essential stages: Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing. Each phase builds on the other, guiding the team from concept to completion with clear
About Microsoft Job Openings and Certification Pathway to Explore Job Vacancies
Explore exciting Microsoft job openings across the USA in fields like software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and more. Enhance your career with specialized certifications and land top roles at Microsoft with Sulekha's expert courses.
Courses you may be intrested to learn