Choosing between AZ-104 (Azure Administrator) and AZ-500 (Azure Security Engineer) can be confusing, especially if you’re looking to build a career in cloud solutions security. Both certifications are valuable, but they serve different purposes.
If you’re leaning towards security, does that mean AZ-500 is the right choice? Or should you start with AZ-104 first? What about difficulty level, job opportunities, and salary differences?
This guide explores the key facts you need to make the best decision for your career.
AZ-104 vs AZ-500: Complete Comparison Table
| Feature | AZ-104 (Microsoft Azure Administrator) | AZ-500 (Microsoft Azure Security Technologies) |
| Exam Level | Associate (Intermediate) | Associate to Expert (Advanced) |
| Intended Audience | IT professionals, Azure administrators, system engineers | Security engineers, cybersecurity professionals, cloud security analysts |
| Exam Cost | $165 USD (varies by location) | $165 USD (varies by location) |
| Prerequisites | Basic experience with Azure (recommended) | Strong understanding of Azure security (recommended) |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Number of Questions | 40–60 questions | 40–60 questions |
| Question Format | Multiple-choice, case studies, drag-and-drop, and scenarios | Multiple-choice, case studies, drag-and-drop, scenarios |
| Passing Score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Topics Covered | Azure identity & governance, storage, networking, compute, security, monitoring, and backup | Identity & access management, platform protection, data security, security operations |
| Hands-on Experience Needed? | Yes, recommended to have practical Azure experience | Yes, strong hands-on security experience is recommended |
| Who Should Take It? | Those who manage Azure services, including virtual machines, networking, and security | Those responsible for securing Azure environments and ensuring compliance |
| Certification Validity | 1 year (renewable) | 1 year (renewable) |
| Renewal Requirement | Free renewal assessment each year | Free renewal assessment each year |
| Career Opportunities | Azure Administrator, Cloud services Engineer, IT Operations, System Administrator | Security Engineer, Cloud Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Specialist |
| Best Preparation Resources | Microsoft Learn, Hands-on Labs, Practice Tests, Exam Dumps | Microsoft Learn, Security Labs, Practice Tests, Microsoft Defender Labs |
| Exam Registration | Via Microsoft or Pearson VUE | Via Microsoft or Pearson VUE |
What to Expect from the AZ-104 Exam
The AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator certification is designed for IT professionals responsible for managing Azure environments. If you want a full breakdown of the exam format, skills required, and preparation tips, check out our AZ-104 Certification Guide. It is one of the most popular Azure certifications and serves as a foundation for cloud administration roles.
Expect a practical, hands-on exam that tests your ability to configure, monitor, and manage various Azure services. Unlike theoretical exams, AZ-104 focuses on real-world scenarios, requiring knowledge of Azure portal, PowerShell, and CLI.
What This Certification Covers
AZ-104 validates skills required for day-to-day cloud administration data management. The exam assesses knowledge across five core areas, each covering essential Azure services and management tasks.
Core Areas of Focus
- Managing Azure Identities and Governance
- Configuring Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)
- Managing RBAC (Role-Based Access Control)
- Implementing Azure policies & compliance settings
- Implementing and Managing Storage
- Managing storage accounts, containers, and file shares
- Configuring Blob, Table, and Queue storage
- Implementing backup and recovery solutions
- Deploying and Managing Compute Resources
- Creating and configuring Azure Virtual Machines (VMs)
- Implementing Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
- Managing App Services and Azure Functions
- Configuring and Managing Virtual Networking
- Setting up Azure Virtual Networks (VNets)
- Implementing Network Security Groups (NSGs) and firewalls
- Managing DNS, VPNs, and ExpressRoute
- Monitoring and Backing Up Azure Resources
- Configuring Azure Monitor and Log Analytics
- Managing alerts, diagnostics, and cost optimization
- Implementing disaster recovery and backup solutions
Expect questions based on real-world scenarios requiring practical problem-solving skills. The exam tests hands-on knowledge, not just theoretical understanding.
Who Should Take This Exam?
AZ-104 is designed for IT professionals responsible for managing Azure services in a corporate environment. The certification is ideal for:
- Cloud Administrators & Engineers working with Azure infrastructure
- System Administrators transitioning from on-premises to cloud management
- Network & Storage Engineers managing cloud-based workloads
- DevOps Professionals who deploy and maintain Azure environments
- IT Professionals looking to build expertise in Microsoft Azure
If your job involves deploying, managing, and securing Azure services, AZ-104 is a valuable certification to prove your skills.
What Skills Are Required to Pass?
To pass AZ-104, you need hands-on experience with Azure services. The exam is not purely theoretical, so practical knowledge of Azure administration is essential.
Essential Skills for AZ-104:
- Azure AD & Identity Management: Configuring users, groups, and roles
- Storage Management: Working with Blob, Table, and Queue storage
- Compute Administration: Deploying and managing VMs and containers
- Networking & Security: Configuring VNets, NSGs, and VPNs
- Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Using Azure Monitor, Alerts, and Log Analytics
Microsoft recommends 6 months of hands-on Azure experience before taking the exam, but even experienced IT pros need preparation.
How Hard Is the AZ-104 Exam?
The AZ-104 exam is considered moderately difficult, especially for those new to Azure. While it is easier than expert-level certifications like AZ-305 (Solutions Architect), it still requires a strong understanding of Azure administration.
Many candidates set up an Azure free-tier account to practice real-world scenarios before attempting the exam. To get an edge in your preparation, high-quality AZ-104 Exam Dumps from Cert Empire provide real-world questions that align with the latest exam format.
Understanding the Level of Difficulty
- Not an entry-level exam – requires prior Azure or IT admin experience
- Covers multiple Azure services – broad scope means a lot of material to study
- Scenario-based questions – practical knowledge is tested, not just theory
- Time management is critical – some questions require multi-step solutions
The difficulty largely depends on your prior cloud technology and experience. IT professionals with sysadmin or networking backgrounds may find some topics easier, while those new to cloud computing may need more preparation.
How Long It Takes to Prepare
Preparation time varies based on experience level:
- Experienced Azure Admins: 2-4 weeks
- IT Pros with Cloud Experience: 4-8 weeks
- Beginners with No Cloud Experience: 8-12 weeks
Using Microsoft Learn, practice exams, and hands-on labs significantly improves success rates. The more hands-on experience you have, the easier the exam will be.
What to Expect from the AZ-500 Exam
The AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies certification is designed for IT professionals focused on securing Azure environments. AZ-500 goes deep into identity management, threat protection, compliance, and governance unlike general cloud administration exams.
Expect a highly technical, security-focused exam that tests your ability to secure Azure workloads. To dive deeper into key security topics, hands-on labs, and study strategies, explore our AZ-500 Certification Guide. This isn’t just about configuring basic security settings, it covers defense-in-depth strategies, attack mitigation, and compliance enforcement.
If your goal is to work in cloud security, SOC (Security Operations Center), or risk management, AZ-500 is one of the best certifications to prove your expertise.
What This Certification Covers
AZ-500 focuses entirely on Azure security, ensuring candidates can protect cloud workloads from cyber threats. The exam is divided into four core areas, covering both preventive and reactive security measures for cloud platforms.
Core Areas of Focus
- Managing Identity and Access in Azure
- Configuring Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)
- Managing conditional access, MFA, and identity protection
- Implementing Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
- Implementing Platform Protection
- Configuring firewalls, NSGs, and security rules
- Managing DDoS protection and endpoint security
- Securing VMs, containers, and networks
- Securing Data and Applications
- Implementing encryption, key management, and secure storage
- Configuring Azure security policies and compliance settings
- Managing application security and access controls
- Managing Security Operations
- Using Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Azure Sentinel
- Configuring SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) solutions
- Monitoring security threats and responding to incidents
Unlike exams like AZ-104, which focus on general Azure administration, AZ-500 is all about security. Expect in-depth scenarios on attack detection, incident response, and policy enforcement.
Who Should Take This Exam?
AZ-500 is designed for professionals working in cloud security, risk management, and compliance. It is ideal for:
- Security Engineers & Architects securing Azure environments
- SOC Analysts & Incident Responders dealing with cyber threats
- Cloud Administrators looking to specialize in security
- Penetration Testers & Ethical Hackers assessing Azure vulnerabilities
- Compliance & Risk Management Professionals enforcing security policies
If your job involves protecting cloud resources, AZ-500 is one of the best certifications to validate your cloud skills with.
Key Skills Needed to Pass
AZ-500 is a technical, hands-on exam, requiring a strong understanding of Azure security concepts. The exam is not theoretical—you need practical experience configuring security tools and responding to security incidents.
Essential Skills for AZ-500:
- Identity & Access Management: Managing Azure AD, MFA, PIM, and identity protection
- Threat Protection: Implementing firewalls, DDoS protection, and endpoint security
- Encryption & Data Security: Managing keys, certificates, and secure storage
- Incident Response & Monitoring: Using Azure Sentinel and Microsoft Defender for Cloud
- Security Compliance & Governance: Enforcing security policies and managing compliance requirements
AZ-500 is best suited for IT professionals with security experience. If you’re new to security, expect a steep learning curve, especially with SIEM, Azure Defender, and compliance frameworks.
How Hard Is the AZ-500 Exam?
Security certifications are typically more challenging than general IT or cloud certifications, and AZ-500 is no exception. Many candidates find this exam difficult because it requires deep knowledge of Azure security tools, attack mitigation techniques, and compliance policies.
Why Security Exams Are Inherently More Challenging
- Security is a specialized field – The exam requires more than just Azure knowledge; you need to understand cybersecurity principles, incident response, and compliance regulations.
- Practical hands-on scenarios – Many questions involve real-world security threats, requiring you to think like an attacker or security analyst.
- Wide range of topics – AZ-500 covers identity, networking, encryption, governance, and monitoring, making it broader than many expect.
- Constantly evolving – Microsoft regularly updates security tools and best practices, making it crucial to stay current with the latest security trends.
Many candidates underestimate how deep the exam goes into security operations. If you want to ensure you’re fully prepared, AZ-500 Exam Dumps from Cert Empire can help you practice real-world security scenarios before your test. Without hands-on experience, the concepts can be difficult to grasp.
How Long It Takes to Prepare
Preparation time depends on your experience level with Azure security:
- Experienced Security Engineers & SOC Analysts: 3-5 weeks
- Cloud Administrators with Some Security Knowledge: 6-8 weeks
- IT Professionals New to Security: 8-12 weeks
Microsoft recommends hands-on practice in an Azure environment before taking the exam. Just reading documentation is not enough, you must configure firewalls, cloud infrastructure, core data concepts, cloud security skills, identity protection, encryption, and SIEM tools to fully understand the material.
Comparing Azure Certifications: AZ-104 and AZ-500
AZ-104 and AZ-500 are Microsoft Azure certifications but serve different purposes. AZ-104 is designed for Azure administrators, while AZ-500 is aimed at security professionals who secure cloud environments. Understanding how these exams differ in format, difficulty, and long-term value is crucial when deciding which one to pursue.
Exam Format: How Do These Tests Differ?
AZ-104 and AZ-500 follow a similar structure in terms of format, but the types of questions and focus areas vary significantly.
Number of Questions
- Both exams typically have 40-60 questions, but the exact number varies.
- The mix of question types makes them more than just multiple-choice tests.
Types of Questions
- Multiple Choice: Standard questions with single or multiple correct answers.
- Drag and Drop: Matching concepts, steps, or configurations.
- Case Studies: Real-world business scenarios where you must apply knowledge.
- Performance-Based Tasks: Hands-on lab simulations testing real Azure configurations.
AZ-500 has more scenario-based security questions that test decision-making skills under security threats, while AZ-104 is more configuration-heavy with straightforward administrative tasks.
Time Limit and Scoring System
- Both exams allow 120 minutes to complete all questions.
- The passing score for both is 700 out of 1000.
- Scoring is not linear, meaning some questions are weighted more heavily than others.
AZ-500’s security-focused questions often require deeper analysis, making time management more challenging.
Exam Coverage: Which One Is More Technical?
AZ-104 and AZ-500 both require technical knowledge, but the focus areas differ significantly.
AZ-104 Focuses on Cloud Administration
- Managing virtual networks, storage, and compute resources
- Configuring identity and access management (basic Azure AD and RBAC)
- Monitoring and optimizing cloud performance
- Basic security solutions configurations (firewalls, role permissions)
AZ-104 is broad but not deeply technical, it covers many aspects of Azure but doesn’t go into extreme depth.
AZ-500 Goes Deeper Into Security Policies, Risk Mitigation, and Compliance
- Identity security and access control (Azure AD, PIM, conditional access, MFA)
- Advanced network security (firewalls, NSGs, DDoS protection, VPN security)
- Threat detection and response (Microsoft Sentinel, Defender for Cloud, SIEM, SOAR)
- Encryption, key management, and data security (BitLocker, Azure Key Vault, TLS/SSL)
- Regulatory compliance (Azure policies, governance, logging, audit tracking)
AZ-500 is more specialized and highly technical, maintaining cloud applications requiring deep knowledge of cybersecurity principles and cloud security best practices.
Hands-On Experience vs. Conceptual Understanding
- AZ-104 requires practical experience in configuring Azure infrastructure.
- AZ-500 demands deep security knowledge and the ability to respond to threat scenarios.
If you’re hands-on with Azure daily, AZ-104 might feel easier. If you already have security experience, AZ-500 will align better with your skills.
Which Exam Is Harder? What’s the Prep Timeline?
Both exams require preparation, but AZ-500 is generally considered more difficult due to the depth of security knowledge required.
How the Difficulty Levels Compare
- AZ-104: Requires a good grasp of Azure administration but doesn’t go into extreme depth.
- AZ-500: Covers complex security scenarios, making it harder for those without security experience.
- AZ-500 has a higher failure rate because security topics require in-depth knowledge of Azure’s security tools and governance frameworks.
Can You Take AZ-500 Without AZ-104?
Yes, you can take AZ-500 without AZ-104, but it depends on your background:
- If you’re already a security professional, you can skip AZ-104 and go straight for AZ-500.
- If you’re new to Azure, taking AZ-104 first can help you understand the platform before diving into security.
Career Path: Which Certification Opens More Doors?
Both AZ-104 and AZ-500 can boost your career, but they open doors to different roles. AZ-104 is ideal for those wanting to manage and maintain Azure environments, while AZ-500 is for professionals looking to secure Azure workloads.
Cloud administration roles are always in demand, but security-focused roles often have higher salaries and stronger job growth due to the increasing focus on cybersecurity.
Salary Comparison: Who Earns More?
Average Salary for Azure Administrators vs. Azure Security Engineers
- Azure Administrator (AZ-104)
- Entry-level: $70,000–$90,000 per year
- Mid-level: $90,000–$110,000 per year
- Senior-level: $110,000–$140,000 per year
- Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500)
- Entry-level: $85,000–$105,000 per year
- Mid-level: $110,000–$135,000 per year
- Senior-level: $140,000–$180,000 per year
Security engineers earn more on average because cybersecurity skills are highly valued across industries. While cloud administrators have solid earning potential, security specialists command higher salaries due to the demand for cybersecurity expertise.
Salary Potential After Getting Certified
Getting certified can increase your earning potential by proving your skills to employers.
- AZ-104 can boost salaries by 10-20% for IT admins transitioning to cloud roles.
- AZ-500 can increase salaries by 20-30%, especially for those moving into dedicated security engineering roles.
Real-World Earning Potential Based on Experience
Your salary depends on experience, location, and company size.
- Cloud administrators in small to mid-sized companies may cap out around $120K unless they move into cloud architecture.
- Security engineers can easily exceed $150K, especially if they specialize in threat detection, penetration testing, or compliance management.
In terms of long-term earning potential, AZ-500 is the better choice because security roles are more specialized and harder to fill, driving salaries higher.
Job Roles You Can Get with AZ-104 vs. AZ-500
Each certification leads to different job titles with distinct career paths.
AZ-104: Cloud Administrator, Systems Engineer, IT Support, Cloud Consultant
- Cloud Administrator – Configuring and managing Azure infrastructure
- Systems Engineer – Handling cloud-based IT operations
- IT Support Specialist – Assisting users with cloud-based services
- Cloud Consultant – Advising businesses on Azure deployments
AZ-104 is best for professionals who deploy, manage, and optimize cloud resources.
AZ-500: Security Engineer, Cloud Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Specialist
- Azure Security Engineer – Securing cloud environments and responding to security threats
- Cloud Security Analyst – Monitoring, detecting, and mitigating security risks
- Cybersecurity Specialist – Focusing on threat intelligence, compliance, and risk management
- SOC Analyst – Working in a security operations center to prevent cyberattacks
AZ-500 leads to higher-paying, security-focused roles, which are in high demand.
Which One Has More Industry Demand?
Cloud administration and security roles are both growing, but cybersecurity jobs are growing faster due to the increasing number of cyber threats.
Cloud Management vs. Security Specialization
- Cloud administrators are needed to deploy and maintain Azure services, making AZ-104 a solid choice for IT professionals.
- Security engineers protect critical cloud workloads, making AZ-500 more specialized and harder to fill.
Cloud computing skills and software development will always be valuable, but cybersecurity skills are becoming a top priority for companies facing increasing cyber threats.
Prerequisites: Can You Take These Exams Without Prior Experience?
Both AZ-104 and AZ-500 are associate-level certifications, meaning there are no formal prerequisites. However, the difficulty varies depending on your background.
Do You Need AZ-104 Before AZ-500?
No, you don’t need AZ-104 before taking AZ-500, but your experience level will determine whether skipping it is a good idea.
- If you already have security experience, you can take AZ-500 directly without AZ-104.
- If you’re new to Azure, AZ-104 provides a solid foundation before tackling security topics in AZ-500.
- If you work in IT security but lack cloud experience, learning AZ-104 topics (even without taking the exam) can help.
Many professionals take AZ-104 first to understand Azure’s core services before moving into security with AZ-500.
Recommended Skills Before Attempting Each Exam
Each exam requires specific technical knowledge.
For AZ-104, you should have:
- Basic knowledge of Azure services like virtual machines, storage, and networking
- Experience with Azure Active Directory and role-based access control (RBAC)
- Familiarity with PowerShell, CLI, and Azure Portal for resource management
For AZ-500, you should have:
- Experience with security controls and compliance frameworks
- Knowledge of identity and access management (IAM), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and conditional access
- Hands-on experience with firewalls, encryption, SIEM tools, and incident response
Best Learning Paths for Different Experience Levels
| Experience Level | Learning Path |
| Beginner (No Azure Experience) | Start with AZ-104 → Gain hands-on experience → Then attempt AZ-500 |
| Cloud Admin with Basic Azure Knowledge | Take AZ-104 first or study security fundamentals before AZ-500 |
| IT Security Professional | Skip AZ-104 and go straight to AZ-500, but ensure familiarity with Azure |
| Experienced Azure Engineer | Take AZ-500 if security is your focus, otherwise continue to AZ-305 (Architect) |
Your background determines the best approach, but hands-on practice is essential for both exams.
Renewal & Keeping Your Certification Valid
Microsoft certifications do not last forever—they must be renewed periodically to stay valid.
Microsoft’s Renewal Requirements for AZ-104 and AZ-500
- Both certifications expire after one year.
- Microsoft offers free online renewal exams through its certification dashboard.
- The renewal exam must be completed before the expiration date, or the certification becomes invalid.
Is Recertification the Same for Both?
Yes, the renewal process is the same for AZ-104 and AZ-500. However, AZ-500 updates more frequently because security technologies evolve faster. Expect to refresh your knowledge regularly on new security features, threat protection tools managing security controls, and compliance policies.
How Often You Need to Update Your Skills
- AZ-104: Expect minor updates on Azure infrastructure, storage, and networking changes.
- AZ-500: Requires staying updated on security advancements, attack trends, and compliance updates.
Since security threats evolve rapidly, AZ-500 renewal exams are often more challenging than AZ-104 updates.
Choosing the Right Exam: Final Thoughts
AZ-104 and AZ-500 serve different purposes, AZ-104 is for cloud administrators, while AZ-500 is for security professionals. Both certifications can boost your career, but AZ-500 typically offers higher salaries and greater job demand due to the increasing focus on cybersecurity.
If you want to manage Azure environments, AZ-104 is a great entry point. If you’re looking to specialize in security, AZ-500 is the better choice. Many professionals start with AZ-104 and move to AZ-500 to gain both administration and security expertise.
Preparation is key to whichever path you choose. To maximize your chances of passing, get access to Cert Empire exam dumps for AZ-104 and AZ-500. Featuring high-quality questions.
FAQs
Is AZ-104 required before taking AZ-500?
No, AZ-104 is not a prerequisite for AZ-500, but having Azure administration knowledge helps with security concepts.
Which certification is better for a cybersecurity career?
AZ-500 is the better choice since it focuses entirely on cloud security, identity protection, and threat management.
How much does an Azure Security Engineer make compared to an Azure Administrator?
Azure Security Engineers typically earn $20K–$40K more than Azure Administrators due to the high demand for cybersecurity expertise.
How long does it take to prepare for AZ-104 vs. AZ-500?
AZ-104 takes 4-8 weeks for most candidates, while AZ-500 requires 6-12 weeks, especially for those without security experience.
Can I take AZ-500 without prior security experience?
Yes, but it will be challenging. It’s recommended to have basic cybersecurity knowledge before attempting the exam.
Is AZ-500 harder than AZ-104?
Yes, AZ-500 is generally harder as it covers advanced security topics, compliance, and real-world threat scenarios.
Which one is better for long-term career growth?
AZ-500 has higher earning potential and more opportunities in cybersecurity, which continues to be a top priority for businesses.
Do both certifications require renewal?
Yes, both must be renewed every year through Microsoft’s free online renewal assessment.
Last Updated on by Team CE
