Azure Certification Path 2025: Complete Guide for Beginners to Expert

Introduction

Microsoft Azure offers a comprehensive certification program with clear progression paths. Whether you're starting your cloud journey or advancing to expert level, this guide maps out your options.

Azure Certification Levels

Fundamentals (Entry Level)

• AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals
• AI-900: Azure AI Fundamentals
• DP-900: Azure Data Fundamentals
• SC-900: Security, Compliance, Identity Fundamentals

Associate Level

• AZ-104: Azure Administrator
• AZ-204: Azure Developer
• AZ-500: Azure Security Engineer
• AZ-700: Azure Network Engineer
• DP-203: Azure Data Engineer

Expert Level

• AZ-305: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• AZ-400: DevOps Engineer Expert

Recommended Paths by Role

Cloud Administrator Path

• AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals)
• AZ-104 (Azure Administrator)
• AZ-500 (Security Engineer) or AZ-305 (Solutions Architect)

Developer Path

• AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals)
• AZ-204 (Azure Developer)
• AZ-400 (DevOps Engineer)

Security Professional Path

• SC-900 (Security Fundamentals)
• AZ-500 (Azure Security Engineer)
• SC-100 (Cybersecurity Architect)

Data Engineer Path

• DP-900 (Data Fundamentals)
• DP-203 (Data Engineer)
• DP-100 (Data Scientist) or DP-420 (Cosmos DB)

Starting Point: AZ-900

Most people should start with AZ-900 because:

• Builds foundational knowledge
• Low cost and difficulty
• Required understanding for other exams
• Counts toward Microsoft credentials

AZ-900 Exam Details:

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Questions: 40-60
• Passing: 700/1000
• Cost: $99

Career Impact

Azure certifications significantly impact hiring:

• 67% of hiring managers prefer certified candidates
• Average salary increase of 15-20% post-certification
• Azure Architects earn $150,000+ on average

Study Resources

Free Resources:

• Microsoft Learn (official, comprehensive)
• Azure Free Account (12 months + $200 credit)
• Microsoft documentation

Paid Resources:

• Pluralsight (Azure-focused paths)
• A Cloud Guru (video courses)
• BetaStudy (practice questions)

Tips for Success

• Use Microsoft Learn: Free, official, and aligned to exams
• Hands-on practice: Azure free tier is generous
• Schedule your exam: Creates accountability
• Join study groups: Azure community is supportive
• Practice questions: Test your knowledge gaps

Conclusion

Azure certifications provide clear career progression. Start with fundamentals, choose a path aligned with your goals, and consistently build your skills. The investment in certification pays dividends throughout your cloud career.