Fundamentals
Level 1 · no prereqsEntry-point exams for newcomers to Azure, AI, or data on the Microsoft cloud. Never expire.
Azure Certification Practice Exams
Expert
Level 3 · seniorTop-tier credentials for designing enterprise Azure architectures and DevOps systems.
Associate
Level 2 · ~1 year exp.Job-ready credentials across admin, dev, security, networking, AI, and data roles.
Specialty
Deep expertiseNiche domain: NoSQL development on Azure Cosmos DB.
Brand new to cloud
Start with AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals. No prerequisites, ~2–3 weeks of prep, never expires. Builds Azure vocabulary and a mental map of the core services. Not job-qualifying on its own — signals you're ramping up.
Some IT background, going for your first Azure job
Skip Fundamentals. Microsoft requires no prerequisites for Associate-tier exams. Pick the Associate that matches your target role and go straight in:
- AZ-104 Azure Administrator — VMs, storage, networking, Entra ID identity. The default first Associate for ops/infra careers.
- AZ-204 Azure Developer — App Service, Functions, Cosmos DB, containers, Service Bus, Event Grid. The default first Associate for application developers.
Specialized role you want to validate
Same tier as AZ-104 / AZ-204. Pick the Associate that matches your discipline:
- AZ-500 Security Engineer — identity, network security, Defender for Cloud, Sentinel. Note: this exam retires August 31, 2026 — Microsoft has not yet announced a replacement.
- AZ-700 Network Engineer — VNets, hybrid connectivity, ExpressRoute, Front Door, application gateways.
- AI-102 AI Engineer — Azure AI services, AI Search, Azure OpenAI. Note: this exam retires June 30, 2026.
- DP-100 Data Scientist — Azure Machine Learning, MLflow, Azure AI Foundry. Note: this certification retires June 1, 2026 with no replacement announced.
- DP-300 Database Administrator — Azure SQL platform management, performance, HA/DR.
Senior, designing systems at scale
Expert tier. Scenario-heavy, case-study based, much harder. These are the credentials most strongly tied to senior-level Azure pay.
- AZ-305 Solutions Architect Expert — design identity, governance, data, business continuity, and infrastructure for Azure-based solutions.
- AZ-400 DevOps Engineer Expert — combine people, process, and technologies to deliver continuously. CI/CD, IaC, observability at scale.
Niche specialty
Deep technical credential. Specialty holders typically earn at the Expert tier; the credential adds vertical depth for consulting or NoSQL-heavy roles.
- DP-420 Cosmos DB Developer — design and implement cloud-native applications on Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL.
2026 changes to plan around
Microsoft has announced four scheduled retirements / replacements affecting Azure exams this year. If you're already studying one of these, finish before the retirement date — credentials earned before retirement remain valid and renew normally.
- DP-100 — retires June 1, 2026. No replacement announced.
- AI-900 — retires June 30, 2026, replaced by AI-901.
- AI-102 — retires June 30, 2026.
- AZ-500 — retires August 31, 2026.
How renewal works (one of Azure's strongest perks)
Once you earn an Associate, Expert, or Specialty credential it's valid for one year, then renews via a free, unproctored, open-book assessment on Microsoft Learn. You get a six-month renewal window before expiration and unlimited attempts. Fundamentals certifications never expire. There is no fee for renewal, in contrast to AWS and GCP which require exam-based recertification (and full exam fees) every 2–3 years.
Why Azure skills matter
Azure is the second-largest cloud platform by market share and the standard choice in Microsoft-centric enterprises — deeply integrated with Entra ID (Azure AD), Microsoft 365, Defender, and Windows Server / Active Directory. Azure depth opens the largest pool of hybrid-cloud and enterprise-modernization work; the credentials are the universal trust signal for contract and consulting engagements in that space.
Which Azure certification should I start with?
If you're brand new to cloud, start with Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900). No prerequisites, 2–3 weeks of prep. If you already have IT experience and want a role-qualifying credential, skip Fundamentals and go straight to Azure Administrator (AZ-104) for ops/infra or Azure Developer (AZ-204) for application development. Microsoft does not require AZ-900 as a prerequisite for any role-based exam.
How long does it take to prepare for Azure certifications?
Fundamentals (AZ-900, AI-900, DP-900): 2–3 weeks. Associate level (AZ-104, AZ-204, AZ-500, AZ-700, AI-102, DP-100, DP-300): 6–8 weeks. Expert level (AZ-305, AZ-400): 10–14 weeks. Specialty (DP-420): 6–10 weeks depending on Cosmos DB experience. Assumes 1–2 hours of daily study with hands-on practice in the Azure portal.
How does Microsoft certification renewal work?
Role-based (Associate and Expert) and Specialty certifications are valid for one year and renew via a free online assessment on Microsoft Learn — unproctored, open book, and as many attempts as you need within the six-month renewal window before expiration. Fundamentals certifications (AZ-900, AI-900, DP-900) do not expire. There is no fee to renew.
Are AI-900, AI-102, DP-100, and AZ-500 changing in 2026?
Yes — Microsoft has announced four scheduled changes in 2026:
- DP-100 (Azure Data Scientist Associate) retires on June 1, 2026 and will not be replaced.
- AI-900 retires on June 30, 2026 and is replaced by AI-901.
- AI-102 (Azure AI Engineer Associate) retires on June 30, 2026.
- AZ-500 (Azure Security Engineer Associate) retires on August 31, 2026.
Are these practice exams really free?
Yes. Each exam page offers 10 free practice questions with detailed explanations. No credit card required. For full-length practice exams with 1,000+ questions per certification, we offer paid premium courses.
What do Azure certification exams cost?
Microsoft Learn states pricing is based on the country or region where the exam is proctored. In the United States, Fundamentals exams (AZ-900, AI-900, DP-900) are typically $99 USD and role-based / Specialty / Expert exams are typically $165 USD. Confirm the exact price for your country at checkout in Pearson VUE before scheduling.
Do I need AZ-900 before taking associate-level exams?
No. Microsoft lists no prerequisites for Associate, Expert, or Specialty Azure certifications. AZ-900 is recommended if you're new to cloud but skipped if you already have hands-on Azure experience.
Which Azure certification commands the highest salary?
Expert-tier certifications — Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) and Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400) — are most strongly correlated with senior-level pay in published salary surveys. Associate certifications like AZ-104 and AZ-204 tend to drive volume of opportunities rather than top compensation. Reported figures vary by source and region; treat any single dollar amount as directional.
Is hands-on Azure experience required to pass?
Fundamentals exams can be passed with study alone. Associate and Expert exams test scenario-based application of services — Microsoft recommends 6 months to 1+ year of hands-on Azure experience. The free Azure account ($200 credit for new accounts plus an always-free service tier) covers most lab activities.
Can I take Azure exams online from home?
Yes. All Azure certification exams are available through Pearson VUE online proctoring. You'll need a webcam, microphone, stable internet, and a quiet private room. Renewal assessments on Microsoft Learn are unproctored and open book — no Pearson VUE session needed.