Choosing between AZ-204 and AZ-500 can be a challenge, especially if you’re trying to align your certification path with long-term career goals in cloud infrastructure, especially if you’re aiming to become microsoft certified Azure. While both exams are part of Microsoft’s Azure certifications, they focus on two very different areas: application development and cloud security.
If you’re unsure which exam makes more sense based on your experience, your future plans, or current job market trends, this guide will walk you through the key differences required to become Microsoft certified.
By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what each exam covers, who it’s meant for, how difficult it really is, and which one can give you the most value depending on where you’re headed in cloud, including aspects of data processing .
Comparison
| Feature | AZ-204 (Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure) | AZ-500 (Microsoft Azure Security Technologies) |
| Full Name | Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure | Microsoft Azure Security Technologies |
| Prerequisites | Basic programming and Azure knowledge | Experience with Azure security, identity management, and governance |
| Exam Code | AZ-204 | AZ-500 |
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Topics Covered | Azure development, app services, cloud storage, security, monitoring | Azure security, identity and access management, threat protection, data security |
| Number of Exams | 1 | 1 |
| Career Level | Associate-level | Advanced-level |
| Job Roles | Azure Developer, Cloud Engineer, Software Engineer | Azure Security Engineer Associate, Security Analyst, Cloud Security Architect, Azure Developer Associate, Azure Data Scientist Associate |
| Validity | 1 year | 1 year |
| Cost | Approx. $165 | Approx. $165 |
Stuck Between AZ-204 and AZ-500? Let’s Untangle That.
If you’ve been eyeing Azure certs and keep bouncing between AZ-204 and AZ-500, you’re not the only one. It’s a classic cloud concepts dilemma, dev vs security. Both exams look shiny on paper, both are from Microsoft, both promise cool job titles after, and yeah, both sound kinda intimidating at first glance.
Let’s just say this straight: AZ-204 is all about building things in Azure, and AZ-500 is about locking them down. That’s the simplest way to frame it. But obviously, there’s more to the story.
The thing is, Azure’s gotten huge. It’s not just for big enterprises anymore, startups, mid-sized teams, even freelancers are getting in on the Azure game. And with that growth comes two main needs: people who create cloud-native apps, and people who secure those apps.
That’s exactly where AZ-204 and AZ-500 come into play with core data concepts.
You are probably wondering: which one’s better for my career? Which one’s harder? Which one leads to more money? Do I need both? Or should I just flip a coin and pick?
Let’s not do the coin toss. Let’s break this down properly.
Cloud Security vs Development Certs: How Different Are They in Real Practice?
Alright, let’s stop pretending like these two certs are similar just ’cause they both say “Azure.” They’re not. The difference is night and day once you dig into them.
AZ-204 leans heavy on dev skills. You’ll need to know your way around APIs, Azure Functions, containers, event-based systems, and how to plug all that into Azure data fundamentals and services like Cosmos DB, Key Vault, and Service Bus.
You’re mostly in VS Code, working with .NET, Python, Node, or Java. You’ll be deploying stuff, handling CI/CD flows, wiring up auth, and troubleshooting when your app breaks in production.
AZ-500 is a whole other animal. It dives deep into identity and access, network security, threat detection, encryption standards, azure data services and compliance topics. Think Azure AD, RBAC, NSGs, Defender for Cloud, Sentinel.
You’re less about “building” and more about setting up guardrails, making sure bad actors don’t get in, and sensitive data doesn’t leak out.
In simple terms:
- AZ-204 = Build stuff.
- AZ-500 = Protect stuff.
And yes, both are technical, just like the azure administrator associate cert . Don’t assume AZ-500 is less technical just ‘cause it’s not about code. You’ll need to understand logs, firewalls, endpoint hardening, role assignments, data storage, and policies. You’ll probably live inside Azure Portal, PowerShell, and CLI more than anything else.
AZ-204 vs AZ-500 Difficulty: Which One Will Push You Harder?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: which exam makes you sweat more?
Short answer: depends where you’re coming from.
If you’re a dev, AZ-204 might feel natural. You’re already used to building apps, thinking in code, and shipping features. So you’ll probably sail through the exam prep, minus a few Azure quirks.
But if you’re not a dev? AZ-204 can feel rough. Like, really rough. It expects you to already be good with REST, auth flows, event-driven models, containers, and CI/CD stuff. It’s not beginner-friendly.
AZ-500, on the other hand, feels more structured. Most folks say it’s easier to follow, even if it’s dense. But that doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park. There’s lots of memorization, ports, services, encryption types, policies. You’ve gotta wrap your head around how Azure secures resources, and why.
One thing folks don’t tell you? AZ-500 has more “select all that apply” questions, which suck if you’re guessing. That alone makes it trickier under pressure.
If you hate coding, go AZ-500.
If security bores you to tears, go AZ-204.
If both sound fun, maybe you’re that rare unicorn who’ll end up doing both.
Who Typically Takes AZ-204? And What Do They Do After That?
You’ll usually find devs, software engineers, and full-stack folks going for AZ-204. Sometimes junior devs who wanna level up, sometimes senior devs wanting more Azure on their résumé. It’s also a pretty solid choice if you’re moving from traditional dev work into the cloud-native space.
Once you pass AZ-204, you’re kinda positioned as the “Azure Developer”, someone who can build, deploy, and maintain cloud-based apps. For a complete breakdown of the AZ-204 path, tools you’ll use, and prep timeline, check out the AZ-204 Certification Guide.
The roles you see tied to this cert usually say stuff like:
- Azure Developer
- Cloud Application Engineer
- Cloud Solutions Developer
- Software Engineer (with Azure skills)
- .NET Developer (Azure-focused)
But here’s the real benefit of AZ-204, it sets you up nicely for AZ-400 (DevOps) or AZ-305 (Architect), if you plan on going higher later as part of your Microsoft certifications. Plus, devs with Azure skills get noticed more by recruiters. Even if you’re not super experienced, showing you can work with Azure services is a solid edge.
Pay-wise? You’ll see average salaries around $95K to $120K, depending on your region and company size. If you add in some experience with GitHub Actions, Terraform, or Bicep, you’re probably looking even better.
And What About AZ-500? Who’s It Really For?
AZ-500 is mostly taken by folks already in IT or infra roles, think sysadmins, security analysts, cloud engineers, or IT ops folks who are moving deeper into Azure. Want a full overview of what AZ-500 covers, who it suits best, and how to prepare? Dive into the AZ-500 Certification Guide.
This cert tells employers, “I know how to keep Azure environments safe.” It’s not entry-level, but it’s also not deep dive. It hits that sweet spot of broad but solid knowledge around cloud security.
People going for AZ-500 usually land in roles like Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
- Azure Security Engineer
- Cloud Security Analyst
- Infrastructure Security Specialist
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Staff
- Cloud Governance Admin
If you’ve worked with on-prem security or AWS security, AZ-500 makes a nice transition. It doesn’t ask for much dev work, but you’ll need to be okay with scripting, logs, and dashboards.
Average salaries? Around $110K to $130K, depending on how deep you go and what region you’re in. Add Sentinel, Purview, or compliance expertise to the mix, and you’re gold.
Can You Actually Use AZ-204 and AZ-500 Together?
Short answer: yeah, you can. And if you do it right, it’s kind of a power move.
The way cloud jobs are evolving, there’s a growing need for people who get both sides, how stuff is built and how it’s secured. That whole DevSecOps buzzword? This is where it starts to make sense. Companies are realizing that having one team build an app and another try to bolt on security later… well, it’s messy.
So if you’re someone who understands how to design a secure app from day one, that’s huge.
You might be:
- A dev who knows how to set up access controls and protect secrets
- A security engineer who can read code and spot insecure patterns
- A solutions architect who’s not clueless about what the dev and security teams are both yelling about
No rule says you’ve gotta do one before the other, but if you’re planning a long game, you could do AZ-204 first (learn the tech), then AZ-500 (learn how to lock it down). Or vice versa if you’re already in security and want to break into app-side stuff.
It’s not super common, but hybrid pros with both certs? Recruiters love ‘em. You’ll find these kinds of skills listed on senior roles like:
- Cloud Security Architect
- DevSecOps Engineer
- Principal Cloud Engineer
So yeah, if you’ve got the time and energy, going for both can pay off.
Picking Based on Your Background: Dev, IT Pro, or Career Switcher?
If you’re already in the industry, picking the right exam is easier. But if you’re pivoting, or just starting out, it gets confusing real fast. Here’s a simple, no-nonsense way to think about it.
If you’re a dev or software engineer:
You’ll vibe with AZ-204. You already know how to write code, and you’re probably using Git, APIs, and maybe some container stuff. Azure just becomes your new playground.
What you’ll love:
- Writing logic in Azure Functions
- Automating stuff with ARM templates or Bicep
- Hooking up apps to databases and identity services
What might suck:
- You’ll need to learn some infra basics (VNet, auth flows, permissions)
If you’re an IT pro, sysadmin, or already in infra:
AZ-500 feels like a better fit. You’ve probably worked with firewalls, identity management, security tools, or compliance standards. Azure compute solutions just give you more toys to play with.
What you’ll love:
- Role-based access control (RBAC)
- Identity protection via Azure AD
- Hardening networks and VMs
- Optimize Azure solutions
What might suck:
- If you’ve never touched scripting or automation, expect a learning curve
If you’re switching careers:
Honestly, neither cert is “beginner” friendly. But if you’ve gotta choose, think about this:
- Do you want to build apps? Go AZ-204.
- Do you want to protect data and systems? Go AZ-500.
Either way, expect to do some heavy lifting in prep for Azure architecture and Azure infrastructure.
AZ-204 vs AZ-500 Job Roles: Which One Has a Broader Scope?
Let’s line things up a bit, side by side, not like a boring chart, but how it really plays out in the field.
AZ-204 opens up more creative, product-facing work. You’re building features, writing logic, testing APIs, designing how the user interacts with your app. If you like making stuff that people see and use, that’s your lane.
AZ-500 leans more behind-the-scenes. You’re making sure no one’s accessing stuff they shouldn’t, spotting anomalies, hardening identities, and tightening network holes.
If you’re more analytical or like puzzles, this might be your jam.
Some crossover roles are starting to pop up, especially in:
- FinTech
- HealthTech
- Gov cloud contracts
These orgs want folks who understand how to build AND secure critical systems. But for most job roles, the divide’s still pretty clear.
Broadly speaking:
- AZ-204 = broader tech stack exposure, more paths into DevOps, Architecture, or Backend Engineering.
- AZ-500 = broader security exposure, more paths into Compliance, SOC roles, Governance, or CISO track.
Learning Paths, Resources, and How Long It’ll Take You
Let’s be honest, both certs require serious prep. Don’t trust any blog that says “pass in a week.” That’s fake hustle culture. If you’re serious about preparation, Cert Empire provides curated dumps that reflect the structure and style of current Microsoft exams. No fluff, just clarity.
AZ-204 Prep:
If you’ve got dev experience, you might need 6–8 weeks of focused study. Without experience? Could be 3–4 months. You’ll want to get familiar with:
- Azure App Services
- Azure Functions
- Blob storage
- Cosmos DB
- Event Grid / Service Bus
- Managed Identity
- DevOps workflows
If you want to speed things up and focus on exam-style questions, you can practice with AZ-204 exam dumps from Cert Empire, updated specifically for the 2025 version.
AZ-500 Prep:
For someone with IT/security background, 6–8 weeks is also doable. If you’re new to cloud or security concepts, aim for 10–12 weeks. Key areas:
- Azure AD + Conditional Access
- Network Security Groups (NSGs)
- Azure Defender & Sentinel
- Role assignments and policies
- Log analytics
Need focused practice on security scenarios? The AZ-500 exam dumps from Cert Empire offer real exam-style question sets built around Microsoft’s official blueprint
Where to Study:
- Microsoft Learn: Free and underrated. Really good modules.
- Whizlabs / Udemy: Good for exam-style practice. Some of it’s dry but helpful.
- CloudSkills.io: If you want a deeper devops/security perspective.
Avoid cramming in cloud computing. Azure services change often, so aim to actually understand what you’re learning, not just memorize the answer patterns.
Certs Are Cool, But What Do Employers Really Want?
Here’s the spicy bit most blogs won’t tell you.
Certs alone won’t get you the job. You could have AZ-204, AZ-500, even AZ-305, and still lose out to someone with real hands-on experience.
Hiring managers don’t just want paper. They want to see that you can build real apps, lock down environments, automate stuff, or solve real security incidents.
But certs do help you get past HR filters. They’re great if:
- You’re trying to break into Azure
- You’re moving roles internally
- You need proof you’re learning on your own
- You’re freelancing or consulting and need to stand out
Think of certs as door openers. Once you’re in the room, your actual skills take over.
Perfect, let’s power through the rest of it. Here’s the final set of sections, still following your tone, structure, and NLP-friendly style guidelines:
Is One Certification More “Future-Proof” Than the Other?
Let’s get real for a sec—tech doesn’t sit still. Azure keeps changing, job roles keep shifting, and what feels relevant now might be basic next year. So yeah, future-proofing your skill set matters.
Now, here’s where the conversation about AZ-204 vs AZ-500 gets interesting.
AZ-204 rides on the wave of app modernization and cloud architecture . Cloud-native apps, microservices, serverless workflows, they’re all booming. Companies are rebuilding their old stuff to work better on the cloud, and they need devs who get Azure’s tools. If you’re into creating things that run at scale and adapt fast, this cert stays hot for a while.
But hold up, AZ-500’s not going anywhere either. In fact, with all the compliance laws tightening, companies are being forced to take security way more seriously for their cloud services . Breaches are expensive. Ransomware is a nightmare.
And let’s not forget: devs can build apps, but if someone walks right through the front door because access policies were sloppy? Game over.
Security spend is going up, not down. Cloud security pros are now seen as business-critical hires, not just “the security guy who says no to everything.” So AZ-500? It’s in a good place too.
Future-proof choice? Honestly… both hold up.
But if you’re playing the long game:
- AZ-204 gives you flexibility into roles like DevOps, Architecture, and even AI/ML Dev tracks.
- AZ-500 feeds into Cybersecurity, Governance, SOC leadership, or CISO routes.
Pick based on what you actually enjoy doing, like pursuing microsoft certified azure data . That’ll keep you relevant longer than chasing “trendy” roles.
Thinking About Long-Term Career Growth? Here’s What to Keep in Mind
This ain’t just about passing one test. It’s about building a path that actually goes somewhere.
If you’re starting with AZ-204, your path might look like:
- AZ-204 → AZ-400 (DevOps) → AZ-305 (Architect)
- Maybe you add GitHub, Terraform, or Kubernetes certs along the way
- Could even jump into AI certs if you’re going that direction
If you’re starting with AZ-500, the roadmap often goes:
- AZ-500 → SC-200 (Security Ops) → SC-100 (Cybersecurity Architect)
- You might branch out into compliance-heavy certs or even CISM/CISSP if you’re aiming big
What’s cool is, both paths let you specialize later. Azure’s certs aren’t stuck in silos. You can stack ‘em smartly depending on your interests.
Example:
- Want to be a DevSecOps lead? Stack AZ-204 + AZ-500 + AZ-400
- Eyeing a Solutions Architect role? AZ-204 + AZ-305 + maybe some GCP/AWS certs for contrast
- Thinking Security Architect? AZ-500 + SC-100 + Defender training
Long story short, whatever path you choose, treat the cert as a checkpoint, not the finish line.
Final Take: Choose the Certification That Moves Your Career Forward
Here’s the truth: there’s no single best exam between AZ-204 and AZ-500.
They’re built for different brains. Different strengths. Different interests.
Pick AZ-204 if you:
- Love building things
- Don’t mind debugging or writing code
- Want to work on product features, backend systems, or cloud-native tools
Pick AZ-500 if you:
- Prefer securing systems
- Like thinking through policies and risks
- Want to work with logs, rules, roles, and infra
Still torn? Try out Microsoft Learn’s modules for both and see what feels better. Or skim through YouTube walkthroughs of sample questions. Trust your gut. You’ll feel it when one of them clicks.
Either way, you’re investing in your future. These certs don’t just teach tech, they build confidence, too. And that’s worth way more than the paper they come on.
FAQs
Is AZ-500 harder than AZ-204?
Not always. If you’re a dev, AZ-204 will feel easier. If you’re from IT or security, AZ-500 might be smoother. Difficulty depends more on your background than the content itself.
Which cert pays more: AZ-204 or AZ-500?
They’re close, but AZ-500 can edge out a bit higher because security roles are in high demand. That said, a senior AZ-204-certified dev might out-earn a junior security engineer. So, context matters.
Can I take AZ-500 without AZ-204?
Totally. They’re not linked in any mandatory order. But if you’re new to Azure, AZ-104 (admin cert) might help before AZ-500.
Is AZ-204 required before moving to DevOps or Architect roles?
Not officially, but it helps. DevOps (AZ-400) assumes you know how to build apps and automate things. AZ-204 is a natural entry point.
What skills should I have before AZ-500?
Be comfortable with Azure Portal, networking basics, access controls, logs, and PowerShell or CLI. You don’t need to be a coder, but you need to be hands-on.
Are there any overlapping topics in AZ-204 and AZ-500 related to data science ?
Some. Things like identity, key vault, and app security show up in both, but with very different depth and intent. AZ-204 skims security from a dev angle. AZ-500 goes deep into securing at scale.
Last Updated on by Team CE
