If you’re looking to build or grow your career in cloud security, you’ve probably come across AZ-900 and AZ-500 certifications. But figuring out which one suits your path can feel a bit overwhelming. Do you start with the fundamentals or dive straight into the more advanced stuff?
Both certifications open doors in the tech world, but they cater to different skill levels and career goals. Whether you’re a beginner dipping your toes into cloud computing or a seasoned professional ready to specialize in Azure security, understanding the differences between these two exams can help you make the right choice.
Let’s break it all down, what these certifications are about, how they compare, and how they can shape your future in cloud security.
Comparison!
| Feature | AZ-900 (Microsoft Azure Fundamentals) | AZ-500 (Microsoft Azure Security Technologies) |
| Purpose | Provides foundational knowledge of Azure services and general cloud concepts. | Focuses on Azure security, including threat protection, identity management, and compliance. |
| Target Audience | Beginners, non-technical individuals, and those exploring cloud computing. | IT professionals specializing in cloud security or managing security tasks in Azure. |
| Exam Difficulty | Basic level, suitable for individuals with no prior cloud knowledge. | Advanced level, requiring technical expertise in Azure security and governance. |
| Prerequisites | None. Open to anyone starting their cloud learning journey. | Hands-on experience with Azure security features and management tools is recommended. |
| Exam Content | Core Azure services, pricing, cloud principles, and general security concepts. | Identity and access management, data and application security, network security, and monitoring. |
| Certification Type | Fundamental-level certification. | Specialist-level certification focused on Azure security technologies. |
| Career Path | Foundation for roles like cloud practitioner or entry-level cloud professional. | Ideal for roles like Azure Security Engineer or Cloud Security Specialist. |
| Ideal for | Understanding basic cloud concepts and gaining foundational knowledge of Azure. | Developing expertise in securing Azure environments and managing cloud security tasks. |
Decoding AZ-900: A Foundation for Cloud Basics
AZ-900, also known as the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals cert, is like your starter kit for stepping into the cloud world. If you’ve heard people throw around terms like “cloud computing,” “virtual machines,” or “storage solutions,” but you’re still scratching your head, AZ-900 is designed to give you clarity.
What’s the Deal with AZ-900?
This cert is for folks who are curious about cloud computing but aren’t ready for hardcore technical certifications. It’s purpose is simple: to help you get familiar with Azure’s core concepts like managing resources, understanding pricing, and even basic security. Microsoft designed AZ-900 to be approachable, making it a good entry point for students, career switchers, or anyone looking to work with Azure but without prior IT experience.
It’s also perfect if you’re in a role that interacts with tech teams. For instance, marketing managers or sales reps working in tech companies can benefit from it. AZ-900 gives you the vocabulary to understand what the tech folks are talking about, so you don’t feel lost in meetings.
Azure Fundamentals: What Does the Exam Focus On?
The AZ-900 exam is all about the what and why of cloud computing. Here’s a quick peek at what’s covered:
- Core Azure concepts – Like, what exactly is Azure, and how does it help businesses?
- Azure services – A little intro to its services, like computing power, databases, networking, and storage.
- Security and compliance basics – Nothing too complicated, just an overview of how Azure handles security.
- Cost management – Understanding how Azure pricing works and how businesses can control their spending.
You don’t need coding or hands-on experience for this one. The focus is more on concepts, which makes it a lot less intimidating for beginners.
Who Should Take AZ-900?
AZ-900 is best for people who are new to cloud technologies. It’s a great pick if:
- You’re exploring IT for the first time and want to figure out if the cloud is your thing.
- You’re in a non-technical role (sales, support, marketing, etc.) but need to understand cloud basics for your job.
- You’re planning to dive into other Azure certs later, like AZ-104 or AZ-500, and need a stepping stone to build confidence.
Think of AZ-900 as your starting point. You’re not expected to walk away as a full cloud infrastructure expert, it’s more about getting comfortable with the ecosystem and understanding the language of Azure. If you’re planning to take this exam, check out our AZ-900 Certification Guide for a detailed breakdown of topics, study resources, and exam tips.
How Hard Is It, Really?
If you’re wondering whether this exam will stress you out, the answer is no. It’s considered one of the easiest Microsoft certs out there. Most people pass it with just a few weeks of prep, using resources like practice tests, free Microsoft Learn modules, or videos.
If you want to test your readiness, AZ-900 exam dumps from Cert Empire offer realistic questions that mirror the actual exam format. It’s approachable for pretty much anyone, whether you’re fresh out of school or switching careers.
Why AZ-900 Matters
Even though it’s an entry-level cert, AZ-900 can still add weight to your resume. Employers see it as proof that you’ve taken the time to learn cloud basics and have a genuine interest in tech. It’s not going to land you a high-level job, but it might get you in the door for entry-level roles or internships.
In short, AZ-900 isn’t just about passing a test, it’s about opening up the first chapter of your cloud journey. Whether you’re aiming for a career in IT or just want to feel less clueless about cloud tech, this cert is a solid starting point.
AZ-500: The Shield for Cloud Security Experts
If AZ-900 is the beginner’s guide to Azure, then AZ-500 is where the real action starts for those diving into cloud security. Known as the Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate cert, this one is crafted specifically for professionals who want to take on the challenges of securing Azure environments.
What Does AZ-500 Bring to the Table for Cloud Security Pros?
AZ-500 is built for people who eat, sleep, and breathe cloud security. It’s less about learning concepts of security controls and more about putting them into action. You’ll need to know how to secure identities, manage security operations, implement network protections, and respond to security threats in real-time.
Here’s a closer look at what AZ-500 covers:
- Identity and Access Management (IAM): Mastering Azure Active Directory (AD), configuring multi-factor authentication (MFA), and managing roles and permissions.
- Platform Protection: Learning how to set up firewalls, secure virtual networks, and configure endpoint protections.
- Security Operations: Using Azure tools like Security Center, Sentinel, and Log Analytics to monitor and respond to threats.
- Data and Application Security: Understanding encryption, securing data at rest and in transit, and managing keys with Azure Key Vault.
Why AZ-500 Focuses on Securing Azure Environments
Microsoft Azure is one of the most popular cloud platforms globally, but with great popularity comes great responsibility. Businesses using cloud solutions on Azure are constantly at risk of security breaches, and AZ-500 is all about preparing professionals to tackle those challenges head-on.
This cert’s focus is on making sure you can:
- Prevent breaches by implementing strong security measures like conditional access and virtual network isolation.
- Detect and respond to threats using Azure’s advanced monitoring tools.
- Minimize impact by configuring proper backup and recovery strategies.
If you’re planning to specialize in cloud security, our AZ-500 Certification Guide covers everything you need to know about exam objectives, preparation strategies, and real-world applications.
In short, it’s about keeping the bad guys out and ensuring Azure cloud and hybrid environments that are as secure as possible.
Who Should Go for AZ-500?
Unlike AZ-900, AZ-500 is not for beginners. It’s aimed at intermediate to advanced professionals who are already familiar with Azure and want to specialize in security. Here’s the typical AZ-500 audience:
- IT Security Engineers looking to gain advanced cloud security skills.
- System Administrators transitioning into cloud security roles.
- Cloud Architects who need to ensure the environments they design are bulletproof.
- Security Analysts working in incident response and threat detection.
This cert is ideal for those who already know their way around Azure. If you’ve passed exams like AZ-104 (Azure Administrator) or have hands-on experience with Azure, you’re in a good position to tackle AZ-500.
How Tough Is AZ-500?
Let’s not sugarcoat it, AZ-500 isn’t a walk in the park. The exam goes deep into technical details and expects you to be comfortable with setting up and managing Azure security solutions. You’ll need to know things like:
- How to configure a web application firewall.
- How to troubleshoot Azure role-based access control (RBAC) issues.
- The best ways to integrate Azure AD with third-party identity solutions.
For prep, hands-on labs and practice tests are your best friends. You’ll also want to explore Microsoft Learn modules and sandbox environments to practice configurations.
AZ-500 isn’t just about understanding security, it demands hands-on expertise with Azure’s security tools, compliance frameworks, and threat protection measures.
One of the best ways to reinforce your knowledge is through high-quality practice tests. Cert Empire provides trusted exam materials to help you get familiar with real exam scenarios and question formats.
To ensure you’re fully prepared, check out AZ-500 exam dumps from Cert Empire, they contain actual exam-style questions that help reinforce your knowledge.
Why AZ-500 Is a Game-Changer for Cloud Security Careers
This cert is a stepping stone to some of the most sought-after roles in the industry, like Cloud Security Engineer or Security Operations Specialist. Businesses are desperate for professionals who can secure their Azure environments against threats, and having AZ-500 on your resume is a big green flag for employers.
For professionals serious about security, it’s a must-have.
How Do AZ-900 and AZ-500 Measure Up?
When deciding between AZ-900 and AZ-500, it’s not just about what they teach—it’s also about how these exams are structured, the prep time needed, and the cost involved. Let’s break it all down.
Differences in Exam Structure and Format
The structure and style of these exams are tailored to their audience. Here’s what you can expect:
- AZ-900:
The exam is straightforward, with a mix of multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop scenarios, and some basic case studies. The questions lean more toward concepts and less toward technical implementation. Testing environments are beginner-friendly, often giving test-takers a chance to adjust without overwhelming them.- Time to complete: 85 minutes
- Passing score: 700/1000
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate, especially for those familiar with basic cloud concepts.
- AZ-500:
AZ-500, on the other hand, steps up the complexity. This exam includes scenario-based questions, multi-step configurations, and practical problem-solving tasks. You’ll need to think like a security engineer, working through situations that require applied knowledge and hands-on expertise.- Time to complete: 120 minutes
- Passing score: 700/1000
- Difficulty level: Moderate to high, with a heavy focus on technical details and real-world problem-solving.
If you’re someone who enjoys theoretical machine learning, AZ-900 will feel manageable. But if you’re ready to dive into configuring and securing Azure environments, AZ-500’s practical approach might suit you better.
Comparing What’s Covered in Each Exam
The biggest distinction between AZ-900 and AZ-500 lies in their scope and depth:
- AZ-900 Topics:
- Foundational Cloud concepts like scalability, elasticity, and disaster recovery.
- Azure core services: Virtual machines, storage, databases, and more.
- Basic security and compliance concepts.
- Understanding Azure pricing and cost optimization.
- AZ-900 sticks to the fundamentals. It’s about building familiarity with Azure, making it perfect for beginners.
- AZ-500 Topics:
- Advanced security techniques for Azure workloads and implement security controls.
- Configuring identity solutions like Azure AD and RBAC.
- Securing virtual networks and implementing firewalls.
- Monitoring and responding to threats using Azure Security Center and Sentinel.
- Protecting data with encryption and secure key management.
- With AZ-500, the focus is more technical and hands-on. It’s designed for professionals who already know Azure and are ready to specialize in keeping environments secure.
In short, AZ-900 is about “what Azure can do,” while AZ-500 is about “how to secure it.”
Preparation Time and Study Commitment
The amount of time you’ll need to prep depends on your skills needed existing knowledge:
- AZ-900:
For beginners, 2-4 weeks of part-time study is typically enough. If you’re already familiar with cloud basics, you might get away with just a week of focused study.
Suggested resources include:- Microsoft Learn modules (free and beginner-friendly).
- AZ-900 practice tests to get a feel for the question style.
- Short online courses from platforms like Udemy or Coursera.
- AZ-500:
Preparing for AZ-500 requires more effort. Most candidates spend 6-8 weeks studying, with a mix of theory and hands-on practice in Azure environments.
Best resources for AZ-500 prep:- Hands-on labs (practice setting up firewalls, configuring RBAC, etc.).
- Azure documentation for in-depth technical reading.
- Practice exams to gauge your readiness and identify weak spots.
- Videos or bootcamps focused on Azure security.
AZ-500 demands more commitment because it’s not just about understanding concepts; you’ll need to apply them. A sandbox environment to practice configurations is almost a must.
Cost Factor for Azure Certifications
Pricing can be a deciding factor, especially if you’re working with a limited budget:
- AZ-900:
- Exam fee: $99 (USD)
- Renewal: Not required, this cert doesn’t expire.
- AZ-900 is affordable and accessible, making it a great choice for students or entry-level professionals.
- AZ-500:
- Exam fee: $165 (USD)
- Renewal: Required every year to maintain certification.
- AZ-500 is pricier and comes with recurring renewal costs. But the investment often pays off, given its focus on high-demand skills in cloud security.
Career Implications of AZ-900 vs AZ-500
When it comes to shaping your cloud career, certifications like AZ-900 and AZ-500 hold significant value, but their impact varies based on your role, experience, and ambitions. Let’s unpack how these certs influence your earning potential, job and virtual networking opportunities, and industry demand.
What Salary Packages Can You Expect?
The role, industry, and your level of experience influence salaries tied to certifications. Here’s how AZ-900 and AZ-500 compare:
- AZ-900 Salary Trends:
Entry-level roles tied to AZ-900 certifications typically earn around $50,000 to $70,000 per year in most markets. These roles often include support functions like Cloud Administrator Assistants, IT Support Specialists, or Technical Sales Representatives.
While the salary may not seem high, AZ-900 is more of a stepping stone than a career-defining cert. It’s valuable for newcomers trying to break into the cloud domain and can lay the foundation for higher-paying roles down the road. - AZ-500 Salary Trends:
AZ-500-certified professionals are in a completely different league. Roles like Cloud Security Engineers or Security Analysts earn anywhere from $90,000 to $140,000 annually, depending on location and experience. Advanced positions like Security Architects often break the $150,000 mark, especially in regions with high demand for Azure expertise.
The AZ-500 cert also impacts salary growth over time. As you gain experience and specialize further, your earning potential significantly increases compared to those without specialized certifications.
Job Opportunities Tailored to Each Certification
Each certification opens doors to specific job roles, but they cater to vastly different audiences:
- AZ-900 Job Opportunities:
This certification is aimed at beginners, so the roles it qualifies you for are typically entry-level or non-technical. Here are some common ones:- Cloud Support Associate
- Technical Sales Specialist
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Junior Cloud Administrator
- Employers value AZ-900 for demonstrating foundational knowledge, making it ideal for roles where understanding cloud basics is enough to contribute meaningfully.
- AZ-500 Job Opportunities:
AZ-500 positions you as a specialist in cloud security. These are high-demand, high-responsibility roles that include:- Cloud Security Engineer
- Security Operations Analyst
- Incident Response Specialist
- Azure Security Architect
- The cert shows that you can protect critical Azure environments, monitor threats, and configure secure networks, skills that are increasingly essential in today’s cyber-focused world.
Industry Growth Metrics: Which Certification Holds More Weight?
The demand for cloud professionals is skyrocketing across industries, but the weight of each cert varies:
- AZ-900 Demand:
AZ-900 remains a popular entry point for those exploring cloud technologies, especially in small to medium-sized businesses where in-depth expertise isn’t required. Its demand is stable across industries like education, small-scale IT firms, and startups.
However, because AZ-900 is a generalist certification, it doesn’t carry as much weight in specialized fields like cybersecurity or large-scale enterprise IT. - AZ-500 Demand:
The demand for AZ-500-certified professionals is surging. Industries like finance, healthcare, and government agencies are actively seeking experts to secure their Azure environments against cyber threats.
With businesses migrating more sensitive workloads to the cloud, AZ-500 holders are among the most sought-after professionals. Their ability to secure data and systems makes them indispensable in industries dealing with compliance and regulation.
Which Certification Offers Better Job Market Demand?
- Regions Favoring AZ-500:
Countries and regions with a strong focus on cybersecurity like the US, UK, Australia, and parts of Europe see high demand for AZ-500-certified professionals. Large enterprises, cloud service providers, and government agencies are the biggest employers. - Regions Favoring AZ-900:
AZ-900 is valued globally as an introductory cert, but its demand is higher in regions or companies where cloud adoption is still in early stages. Small businesses and tech startups often look for candidates with this certification to support basic cloud needs.
What You Need to Get Started
Prerequisites for AZ-900 and AZ-500
- AZ-900:
The beauty of AZ-900 is its simplicity, there are no prerequisites. It’s designed for complete beginners, so you don’t need prior IT experience. That said, having a basic understanding of general IT concepts or cloud computing can make it easier to grasp the material. - AZ-500:
For AZ-500, the story is different. This certification is aimed at professionals with prior Azure experience and some security principles knowledge. Ideally, you should:- Be familiar with Azure services and how they work.
- Understand basic security concepts like firewalls and encryption.
- Have hands-on experience managing Azure workloads (though it’s not mandatory, it’s highly recommended).
- Myth: You don’t need to pass AZ-900 before taking AZ-500. While AZ-900 is helpful for beginners, it’s not a required stepping stone.
Renewal Requirements for Both Certifications
- AZ-900:
Good news for AZ-900 holders, this cert doesn’t expire. Once you pass the exam, you’re certified for life. - AZ-500:
AZ-500, being a more advanced cert, requires renewal every year. Microsoft offers free renewal exams that test your knowledge of the latest Azure security updates. Staying certified is crucial, as cloud security tools and techniques evolve rapidly.
Continuous Learning Paths Post-Certification
After earning AZ-900 or AZ-500, there are clear paths for growth:
- AZ-900 holders can move on to AZ-104 (Azure Administrator) or AI-900 if they’re exploring AI on Azure.
- AZ-500 holders can pursue advanced certifications like SC-200 (Microsoft Security Operations Analyst) or even delve into architecture roles with Azure Solutions Architect Expert certs.
Final Thoughts!
Both AZ-900 and AZ-500 serve different purposes, and choosing the right one depends on where you are in your career. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to specialize in cloud security, these certs can help you climb the ladder in a cloud-first world
FAQs
Do I need to pass AZ-900 before taking AZ-500?
No, AZ-900 is not a prerequisite for AZ-500. Both exams are independent, but AZ-900 can help beginners build foundational knowledge.
Which exam is harder: AZ-900 or AZ-500?
AZ-500 is much harder due to its technical depth and hands-on requirements, while AZ-900 is beginner-friendly and focuses on basic concepts.
Can AZ-900 help me land a job in cloud security?
AZ-900 alone may not qualify you for cloud security controls roles, but it’s a good starting point for entry-level cloud careers or further certifications.
Is AZ-500 worth it without prior Azure experience?
It’s not ideal for beginners without Azure experience. Starting with AZ-900 or AZ-104 is a better option before attempting AZ-500.
Last Updated on by Team CE
