Compare Azure certifications
Not sure which Azure exam to take? This table compares level, study time, and exam format, with free practice for each on MS Exam Lab.
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About the Azure track
Azure certifications span everything from clicking through the portal as an admin to designing multi-region architectures. The track follows Microsoft's role-based ladder: Fundamentals (AZ-900) for concepts, Associate certs like AZ-104 for hands-on administration, and Expert certs like AZ-305 for architecture. Most cloud job postings ask for an Azure cert, which makes it the highest-leverage track for career switchers.
| Certification | Level | Study time | Exam format | Practice |
|---|
| AB-900: Copilot and Agent Administration Fundamentals | Fundamentals | 1–2 weeks | ~45 questions, 45 min | Practice free |
| AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals | Fundamentals | 1–2 weeks | ~45 questions, 45 min | Practice free |
| AI-200: Azure AI Cloud Developer Associate | Associate | 4–6 weeks | ~50 questions, 120 min | Practice free |
| AZ-104: Azure Administrator Associate | Associate | 4–6 weeks | ~50 questions, 100 min | Practice free |
| AZ-204: Azure Developer Associate | Associate | 4–6 weeks | ~50 questions, 100 min | Practice free |
| AZ-500: Azure Security Engineer Associate | Associate | 4–6 weeks | ~50 questions, 100 min | Practice free |
| AZ-700: Azure Network Engineer Associate | Associate | 4–6 weeks | ~50 questions, 100 min | Practice free |
| DP-300: Azure Database Administrator Associate | Associate | 4–6 weeks | ~50 questions, 100 min | Practice free |
| DP-800: SQL AI Developer Associate | Associate | 4–6 weeks | ~50 questions, 120 min | Practice free |
| SC-200: Security Operations Analyst Associate | Associate | 4–6 weeks | ~50 questions, 100 min | Practice free |
| SC-300: Identity and Access Administrator Associate | Associate | 4–6 weeks | ~50 questions, 100 min | Practice free |
| AZ-120: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty | Specialty | 4–8 weeks | ~60 questions, 100 min | Practice free |
| AZ-140: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty | Specialty | 4–8 weeks | ~60 questions, 100 min | Practice free |
| DP-420: Azure Cosmos DB Developer Specialty | Specialty | 4–8 weeks | ~60 questions, 100 min | Practice free |
| AI-500: Multi-Agent AI Solutions Expert (beta) | Expert | 8–12 weeks | ~50 questions, 120 min | Practice free |
| AZ-305: Azure Solutions Architect Expert | Expert | 8–12 weeks | ~50 questions, 120 min | Practice free |
| AZ-400: DevOps Engineer Expert | Expert | 8–12 weeks | ~50 questions, 120 min | Practice free |
Frequently asked questions
Which Azure certification should I take first?
Most people start with AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals), a Fundamentals-level cert that builds the base before the more role-specific Azure exams.
What's the difference between AZ-900 and AZ-104?
AZ-900 is Fundamentals-level and proves broad, conceptual knowledge. AZ-104 is Associate-level and proves you can perform real tasks with the product. AZ-900 is a common (not required) on-ramp to AZ-104.
Do I need AZ-900 before AZ-104?
No. Microsoft doesn't require AZ-900 before AZ-104. But if you're new to Azure, starting with AZ-900 makes AZ-104 much easier.
When should I pursue AZ-305?
AZ-305 is Expert-level and aimed at experienced professionals. Earn a relevant Associate cert and get hands-on time first.
Is there free practice for these Azure exams?
Yes. MS Exam Lab offers free, unlimited practice for every Azure certification, weighted to the official skills outline.
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