Azure AZ-104 vs AZ-900: Skip Fundamentals or Start There?
Azure AZ-104 vs AZ-900 — which Azure cert should you get first? Compare difficulty, career value, and the best path for your experience level.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Azure Administrator (AZ-104) | Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Code | AZ-104 | AZ-900 |
| Vendor | N/A | N/A |
| Questions | N/A | N/A |
| Duration | N/A | N/A |
| Passing Score | N/A | N/A |
| Exam Cost | N/A | N/A |
| Avg Prep Time | N/A | N/A |
| Pass Rate (CertlyAI) | N/A | N/A |
| Avg Salary | N/A | N/A |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Azure Administrator (AZ-104) if:
- •You work primarily with this technologies
- •Your employer uses or plans to adopt this platform
- •You want to specialize in this ecosystem
Choose Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) if:
- •You work primarily with this technologies
- •Your employer uses or plans to adopt this platform
- •You want to specialize in this ecosystem
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is harder, Azure Administrator (AZ-104) or Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)?▾
Difficulty depends on your background. Azure Administrator (AZ-104) focuses on its ecosystem, while Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) covers its platform. Both require dedicated study — typically 30-30 days of preparation.
Can I get both Azure Administrator (AZ-104) and Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)?▾
Absolutely. Many professionals hold multiple cloud or industry certifications. Having both demonstrates broader expertise and can increase your marketability. Start with the one most relevant to your current role, then pursue the other.
Which certification pays more?▾
Salary varies by region, experience, and role. On CertlyAI, Azure Administrator (AZ-104) holders report an average salary of N/A while Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) holders report N/A. Your actual compensation depends on many factors beyond certification.
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