Choosing the right cloud certification can be confusing, especially when two exams seem similar. If you’re looking at AZ-204 and AZ-900, you might be wondering which one suits your goals better.
The AZ-900 (Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals) is an entry-level exam that helps you understand cloud concepts, while the AZ-204 (Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure) is designed for those who want to dive into cloud development. But does that mean AZ-204 is always the better choice? Not necessarily!
In this guide, we’ll compare AZ-204 vs AZ-900 based on career impact, skills learned, job roles, salary potential, and exam difficulty. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which certification aligns with your aspirations. Let’s get started!
| Criteria | AZ-204 (Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure) | AZ-900 (Microsoft Azure Fundamentals) |
| Target Audience | Cloud developers, software engineers, and IT professionals who develop Azure applications. | Beginners, business professionals, and those new to cloud computing. |
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate to Advanced | Entry-Level |
| Prerequisites | Basic knowledge of Azure, programming experience, and familiarity with cloud development. | No prerequisites; designed for beginners. |
| Exam Cost | $165 USD | $99 USD |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Number of Questions | 40-60 questions | 30-50 questions |
| Exam Topics | Azure compute solutions, storage, security, monitoring, and API integration. | Cloud concepts, Azure pricing, security, and compliance, Azure administrator associate |
| Certification Validity | 1 year | 1 year |
| Ideal For | Developers looking to specialize in Azure-based applications. | Anyone wanting to understand Azure fundamentals before pursuing higher-level certifications. |
| Renewal | Annual renewal required via a free assessment. | Annual renewal required via a free assessment. |
AZ-204 vs AZ-900: Which Microsoft Azure Certification Makes More Sense for You?
A lot of people get stuck between AZ-204 and AZ-900, unsure which one to take. Maybe you’re trying to boost your career, switch to a cloud-related job, or just figure out how Azure works. But do you really need both exams? Or is one enough?
The biggest mistake people make is assuming these exams are stepping stones, that you take AZ-900 first, then move on to AZ-204. That’s not exactly true. AZ-900 and AZ-204 serve completely different audiences.
Here’s the core difference:
- AZ-900 is a fundamentals exam. It’s for people who want a high-level understanding of cloud computing and Azure services, but without getting into deep technical stuff.
- AZ-204 is a developer-focused exam. It’s for people who write code, build applications, and deploy cloud-based solutions on Azure.
If you work in IT, sales, project management, or any non-technical role and just want basic Azure knowledge, AZ-900 is all you need. But if you’re aiming for a technical job in cloud development, you’ll have to go for AZ-204 because AZ-900 won’t prove you have the skills to build Azure solutions.
That’s the short version. Now, let’s break this down in extreme detail so you can be 100% sure about your decision.
For a detailed breakdown of this cert, including domains, exam format, and how to pass it, check out our AZ-204 Certification Guide.
AZ-204 vs AZ-900: What Exactly Are These Certifications?
AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals – What’s It All About?
Microsoft designed AZ-900 as a beginner-friendly exam. It’s not a technical certification, it won’t teach you to build anything, write code, or configure Azure environments. Instead, it focuses on understanding what Azure is and how businesses use it. Want a complete breakdown of topics, tips, and who this exam is for? Read full AZ-900 Certification Guide.
What Do You Learn in AZ-900?
- Basic cloud concepts → What is cloud computing? How does it work? What are SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS?
- Azure services overview → Virtual Machines, Storage, Networking, Security, AI/ML, and other core services.
- Azure pricing and support → How does Microsoft charge for Azure services? What’s the cost structure?
- Cloud security and compliance → Understanding security principles but without configuring anything.
Who Should Take AZ-900?
- Absolute beginners who want to learn cloud basics.
- Non-technical professionals (sales, marketing, HR, project managers) working in cloud-related businesses.
- IT professionals exploring cloud careers but not ready for technical exams.
- Students or job seekers who want an entry-level cert for their resume.
How Hard Is AZ-900?
AZ-900 is one of the easiest Microsoft certs. If you have basic IT knowledge, you can probably pass it with a few days of study. Even if you’re completely new, 1-2 weeks of focused study should be enough.
AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure – What’s Inside?
AZ-204 is a serious technical exam. It’s designed for developers who build, test, and deploy applications on Azure. Unlike AZ-900, this exam requires hands-on experience with Azure services, APIs, and development frameworks.
For a detailed breakdown of this cert, including domains, exam format, and how to pass it. Check out AZ-204 Certification Guide.
What Do You Learn in AZ-204?
- Developing Azure Compute Solutions → Working with Virtual Machines, Containers, and Azure Functions.
- Storage Management → Using Azure Blob Storage, Cosmos DB, and SQL Databases.
- Integrating Azure Services → Connecting Azure applications using APIs, Event Grid, and Logic Apps.
- Security and Identity Management → Implementing authentication and securing cloud applications.
- Monitoring and Troubleshooting → Using Azure Monitor, logging, and application diagnostics.
Who Should Take AZ-204?
- Developers and programmers who want to specialize in cloud-based applications.
- Software engineers looking to transition into cloud development.
- IT professionals who already work with Azure and want to validate their technical skills.
- Anyone aiming for an Azure Developer job and needing an official certification.
How Hard Is AZ-204?
AZ-204 is much harder than AZ-900. It’s not just about knowing Azure, it’s about building and deploying real solutions. If you don’t have programming experience, this exam will be difficult. Even experienced developers usually take 1-3 months to prepare.
AZ-204 vs AZ-900: Which Exam Is Harder?
| Exam | Difficulty Level | Time Needed to Prepare | Technical Knowledge Needed? |
| AZ-900 | Easy | 1-2 weeks | No |
| AZ-204 | Hard | 1-3 months | Yes, programming required |
AZ-900 is mostly theoretical. If you watch a few video courses, do some practice tests, and read Microsoft’s documentation, you’ll be fine.
AZ-204 is hands-on. You need to practice coding, setting up cloud solutions, and working with Azure services in real projects. If you don’t already have cloud experience, it will take time to learn.
Do You Need Both AZ-204 and AZ-900?
Can You Skip AZ-900 If You’re Taking AZ-204?
Yes! AZ-900 is not a prerequisite for AZ-204. You don’t need to take AZ-900 first. If you already know cloud basics, you can go straight to AZ-204.
Should You Take AZ-900 Before AZ-204?
Only if you’re completely new to Azure. AZ-900 is a good warm-up, but it’s not required. If you already understand cloud concepts, you can skip it.
When Does It Make Sense to Take Both?
- If you’re transitioning from a non-technical role to development, starting with AZ-900 might help you understand Azure before jumping into AZ-204.
- If you’re in IT support or admin roles and want to explore cloud development, AZ-900 can be a stepping stone.
- If you just want an easy resume booster before tackling a harder exam, AZ-900 is quick to earn.
But if you’re a developer aiming for cloud roles, AZ-204 is the only one that truly matters.
The Skills You’ll Gain: What You Actually Learn from Each Exam
Choosing between AZ-204 and AZ-900 isn’t just about difficulty, it’s about what you actually learn. These exams don’t overlap much, so the skills they teach are completely different. Let’s break them down.
AZ-900: How Deep Does It Go into Cloud Fundamentals?
AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) is the most basic Microsoft Azure exam. It’s designed to give you a high-level understanding of cloud concepts, Azure services, Azure administration, and how cloud computing works in a business setting.
Key Skills You’ll Learn from AZ-900
- Cloud Basics
- What cloud computing is, why companies use it, and how Azure fits in.
- The difference between IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service), PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service), and SaaS (Software-as-a-Service).
- Public, private, and hybrid cloud models.
- Core Azure Services Overview
- Virtual Machines, Networking, Storage, Databases, and Security.
- How companies use Azure for web hosting, data storage, and scaling applications.
- No hands-on work—just understanding what these services do.
- Azure Pricing and Cost Management
- Pay-as-you-go vs reserved instances.
- Azure’s free tier, pricing calculator, and cost-saving strategies.
- How businesses optimize cloud expenses.
- Azure Security and Compliance
- Understanding Azure Security Center, Firewalls, and Identity Management.
- How compliance works (GDPR, ISO, HIPAA, etc.).
- Encryption, backups, and disaster recovery basics.
How Deep Is AZ-900?
Not very deep. AZ-900 gives you theoretical knowledge of Azure’s services but no practical skills. You don’t need to know how to configure anything—just understand what it does.
If you’re in sales, marketing, project management, or IT support, this is enough to speak the language of cloud computing. But if you want technical skills, AZ-900 won’t be enough.
AZ-204: What Development and Coding Skills Does It Teach?
Now, AZ-204 (Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure) is a developer certification—meaning it’s all about building and deploying applications on Azure. Unlike AZ-900, this exam is hands-on, and it expects you to know programming.
Key Skills You’ll Learn from AZ-204
- Building and Deploying Applications on Azure
- Setting up Virtual Machines, Containers (Docker/Kubernetes), and App Services.
- Deploying cloud applications using CI/CD pipelines with Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions.
- Automating deployments using ARM Templates and Bicep.
- Working with Azure Storage and Databases
- Using Azure Blob Storage to store unstructured data (images, videos, logs).
- Managing Cosmos DB (NoSQL) and Azure SQL Database for cloud applications.
- Implementing data encryption, replication, and backup strategies.
- Azure Identity and Security for Applications
- Using Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) to handle user authentication.
- Implementing OAuth, OpenID Connect, and Managed Identities.
- Securing APIs and apps using Azure Key Vault and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC).
- Developing Serverless Applications
- Creating Azure Functions for event-driven applications.
- Using Azure Logic Apps to automate workflows without writing a full backend.
- Connecting Event Grid and Service Bus for messaging between cloud apps.
- Monitoring and Troubleshooting Applications
- Setting up Application Insights and Azure Monitor to track performance.
- Configuring log analytics and alerts to detect issues.
- Debugging slow APIs, memory leaks, and bottlenecks in Azure-hosted apps.
If you want a structured prep plan with proven strategies, follow our AZ-204 exam tips and techniques for the best results.
How Deep Is AZ-204?
Very deep. AZ-204 is all about hands-on work you can’t pass this exam just by reading. You need to set up Azure services, write code, test applications, and fix real problems.
If you’re not comfortable coding, this exam will be hard. But if you want to be a cloud developer, these are the skills companies want.
Which One Gives You an Edge in Cloud Job Roles?
AZ-900: Where It Helps
AZ-900 alone won’t get you a technical job. It’s mainly useful for:
- IT support roles → If you work in IT but don’t need to build applications, you can be azure developer associate or azure administrator associate.
- Cloud sales & consulting → If you need to explain Azure to clients but won’t configure it.
- Project management → If you manage Azure projects but don’t touch the technical side.
If you just want basic cloud knowledge to boost your resume, AZ-900 is enough.
AZ-204: Where It Helps
AZ-204 is valuable if you want to work hands-on with Azure. This cert helps you land jobs like:
- Cloud Developer → Writing, deploying, and maintaining Azure applications.
- Software Engineer (Cloud-focused) → Building cloud-native applications.
- DevOps Engineer → Automating and managing cloud environments.
- Cloud Solutions Architect (Entry-Level) → Designing cloud applications.
If you want to work as a developer, build cloud applications, or automate deployments, AZ-204 is essential.
Which One Is Better for Salary Growth?
| Certification | Typical Job Titles | Salary Impact |
| AZ-900 | IT Support, Business Analyst, Sales Engineer | Low (entry-level boost) |
| AZ-204 | Cloud Developer, DevOps Engineer, Software Engineer | High (technical skills = higher pay) |
AZ-204 directly impacts salary because it proves you can build and deploy applications. AZ-900, on the other hand, is more of a general knowledge cert—it won’t get you a high-paying job on its own.
Job Roles and Career Impact: AZ-204 vs AZ-900 Career Paths
If you’re thinking about getting AZ-900 or AZ-204, you’re probably wondering: “Will this certification help me get a job?” or “Which one will boost my career more?” The answer depends on what kind of work you want to do.
Let’s break it down:
What Jobs Can You Land with Just AZ-900?
The truth is, AZ-900 alone won’t get you a high-paying cloud job. It’s an entry-level certification that proves you understand basic cloud concepts and Azure services, but it doesn’t show technical or hands-on skills.
So, who actually benefits from AZ-900?
- IT Support & Helpdesk Roles
- If you’re working in IT support and want to expand into cloud-related support, AZ-900 is a good starting point.
- Job Titles: IT Support Specialist, Helpdesk Technician, Technical Support Engineer.
- Salary Impact: Minimal increase—it may help you qualify for better IT support roles, but won’t boost your salary significantly.
- Business & Sales Roles in Tech
- If you work in sales, consulting, or project management, AZ-900 helps you understand cloud services without needing technical skills.
- Job Titles: Cloud Sales Engineer, IT Project Manager, Business Analyst, Azure Consultant (Entry-Level).
- Salary Impact: Depends on the company—tech sales jobs often pay well, and AZ-900 can help if you’re dealing with Azure-based products.
- Students & Career Switchers
- If you’re a student, fresh graduate, or switching careers, AZ-900 is a great resume booster to show employers you know cloud fundamentals.
- But you’ll need more than AZ-900 to land a technical job—it’s just a starting point.
Limitations of AZ-900 for Job Growth
- No hands-on experience → Employers won’t trust you to set up or manage cloud services.
- No coding or development skills → Can’t help you become a developer or engineer.
- Won’t get you a high-salary tech job → AZ-900 is more about knowledge, not practical expertise.
If you already work in tech and just need cloud literacy, AZ-900 can be helpful. But if you’re looking to break into technical roles, AZ-900 alone isn’t enough—you’ll need a deeper cert like AZ-204.
Does AZ-204 Guarantee Better Career Opportunities?
Now, AZ-204 is a completely different story. Unlike AZ-900, this certification proves you can develop, deploy, and manage applications in Azure. It’s an actual technical certification, and companies hiring cloud developers, DevOps engineers, and software engineers look for AZ-204 as a qualification.
What Jobs Can You Get with AZ-204?
- Azure Developer
- If you want to build applications for the cloud, AZ-204 is a direct path to an Azure Developer role.
- Job Titles: Azure Developer, Cloud Engineer, Cloud Application Developer.
- Salary Impact: Significant—these roles typically pay between $90K–$130K+ per year.
- Cloud Solutions Engineer / Software Engineer
- If you already have software development experience (C#, Python, JavaScript, etc.), AZ-204 can help you transition into cloud-based development.
- Job Titles: Software Engineer (Cloud), Cloud Solutions Engineer, Cloud Consultant.
- Salary Impact: High—depending on experience, $80K–$140K+ per year.
- DevOps & Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) Roles
- If you learn CI/CD pipelines, automation, and infrastructure as code (IaC) along with AZ-204, you can move into DevOps engineering.
- Job Titles: DevOps Engineer, SRE, Cloud Automation Engineer.
- Salary Impact: Very high—DevOps engineers often make $110K–$160K+ per year.
- Cloud Architect (Long-Term Path)
- AZ-204 can be a stepping stone to becoming a Cloud Architect—someone who designs large-scale cloud solutions.
- But for this, you’ll need additional experience and certifications like AZ-305 (Azure Solutions Architect Expert).
- Salary Impact: Huge—Cloud Architects often earn $130K–$180K per year.
Why AZ-204 Has More Career Value Than AZ-900
| Certification | Job Readiness | Hands-On Skills? | Salary Growth |
| AZ-900 | Basic knowledge, not enough for tech roles | No | Low |
| AZ-204 | Directly prepares you for development and cloud jobs | Yes | High |
AZ-204 isn’t just a certification—it’s proof that you can write code, deploy cloud apps, and solve real-world problems. That’s why employers value it much more than AZ-900.
To see how AZ-204 certification shapes real-world careers and salary trends, explore our guide on AZ-204 job roles and career trends.
Can You Switch from a Non-Technical Role to Development with AZ-204?
This is a big question. What if you don’t have a programming background? Can AZ-204 help you break into cloud development?
Short Answer: Yes, But It’s Not Easy
If you’re coming from a non-technical job (sales, admin, business analysis, support, etc.), AZ-204 alone won’t be enough—you’ll need to learn to code first.
How to Transition to a Cloud Developer Role with AZ-204
- Learn a Programming Language (C#, Python, JavaScript)
- AZ-204 expects you to write and debug cloud applications. If you don’t know any programming, start with Python or C#.
- You don’t need to be an expert, but you should know variables, loops, functions, and API calls.
- Get Hands-On with Azure Services
- Don’t just study theory—actually use Azure. Deploy virtual machines, set up storage, test out Functions and Logic Apps.
- Microsoft’s free Azure sandbox is a great place to start.
- Build Small Projects
- Set up a simple web app in Azure App Services.
- Write a script to upload files to Azure Blob Storage.
- Create an Azure Function that sends emails when an event happens.
- Take AZ-204 After You’re Comfortable with Cloud Development
- If you try to take AZ-204 without hands-on experience, it will be overwhelming.
- Once you’ve built a few cloud-based projects, you’ll be ready to pass the exam and apply for jobs.
Is It Worth Switching to Cloud Development?
Absolutely. Cloud development is one of the fastest-growing fields, and salaries for Azure developers, DevOps engineers, and cloud architects are some of the highest in IT.
AZ-900 won’t help you make this switch. AZ-204 will—but only if you also learn coding and cloud fundamentals first.
Salary Expectations: Does AZ-204 Pay More than AZ-900?
One of the biggest questions when choosing a certification is: “Will this actually increase my salary?” Let’s get straight to the point—AZ-204 leads to higher-paying jobs than AZ-900. But let’s break it down properly.
How AZ-204 and AZ-900 Certifications Impact Your Salary
Not all certifications have the same impact on salary. Some certs open doors to high-paying roles, while others just make you more competitive in your current job.
| Certification | Average Salary Impact | Job Roles It Helps With | Is It Enough for a High-Paying Job? |
| AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) | Low | Entry-level IT, Sales, Business Analysts, Project Managers | No |
| AZ-204 (Azure Developer Associate) | High | Cloud Developer, DevOps Engineer, Software Engineer | Yes |
AZ-900 Salary Impact: Will It Increase Your Earnings?
Let’s be honest: AZ-900 alone won’t significantly increase your salary. It’s a foundational cert that proves you understand cloud basics, but it doesn’t show any hands-on technical skills. Employers don’t pay extra just for cloud knowledge—they pay for actual cloud development, deployment, and troubleshooting skills.
Who Benefits from AZ-900 in Terms of Salary?
- IT Support or Helpdesk Professionals
- If you work in IT support, technical troubleshooting, or system administration, AZ-900 can slightly boost your salary by making you more cloud-aware.
- Salary Impact: $50K–$75K per year, depending on location and experience.
- Sales & Consulting Professionals
- If you work in cloud sales, pre-sales consulting, or IT project management, AZ-900 helps you talk about cloud solutions—which could lead to promotions or better job offers.
- Salary Impact: $60K–$90K per year, depending on experience and commission-based roles.
- Beginner IT Professionals & Students
- If you have no experience in cloud or IT, AZ-900 can make your resume stand out, but it won’t land you a high-paying job on its own.
- Salary Impact: $40K–$60K per year (entry-level jobs).
AZ-204 Salary Impact: How Much Can You Earn?
AZ-204 is a game-changer when it comes to salary. Unlike AZ-900, it’s a technical certification, proving you can build, deploy, and maintain cloud applications in Azure. This means employers value it much more—especially for cloud development and DevOps roles.
What Salary Can You Expect with AZ-204?
| Job Role | Typical Salary Range (USD) |
| Azure Developer | $90K–$130K |
| Cloud Engineer | $85K–$140K |
| Software Engineer (Cloud-focused) | $80K–$140K |
| DevOps Engineer | $100K–$160K |
| Cloud Architect (with more experience) | $130K–$180K |
Why Does AZ-204 Lead to Higher Salaries?
- It’s a hands-on cert → Unlike AZ-900, AZ-204 proves real technical skills that companies need.
- Cloud developers are in high demand → Businesses are shifting everything to the cloud, and they need people who can build and deploy applications.
- You can negotiate a better salary → If you’re already working in IT, adding AZ-204 to your resume can push you into higher-paying roles.
Comparing Salaries for Cloud Developers vs Cloud Administrators
Some people wonder: “Should I go for a Cloud Developer role (AZ-204) or a Cloud Administrator role?” Let’s compare.
| Job Role | Certifications That Help | Typical Salary Range |
| Cloud Developer | AZ-204, AZ-400 (DevOps) | $90K–$140K |
| Cloud Administrator | AZ-104 (Azure Admin) | $70K–$110K |
Key Differences
- Cloud Developers (AZ-204) get paid more because they build and deploy applications, which directly impact a company’s products.
- Cloud Administrators (AZ-104) manage existing cloud environments, but they don’t develop applications—which is why their salaries are lower.
- If you’re good at coding, AZ-204 is the better choice because it has more growth potential than an admin role.
Does AZ-900 Alone Increase Your Earning Potential?
Short answer: Not much.
AZ-900 can help you get an entry-level job, but it won’t be a major factor in getting a higher salary. Employers see AZ-900 as a basic cloud knowledge cert, not a technical skill cert.
Who Actually Gets a Salary Boost from AZ-900?
- If you work in cloud sales, consulting, or project management, AZ-900 could help you negotiate a raise because it proves you understand Azure.
- If you’re in IT support or system administration, AZ-900 might help you move into a cloud-related role, but it won’t make a huge salary difference.
Who Won’t Get a Salary Boost from AZ-900?
- If you’re trying to become a cloud developer, engineer, or architect, AZ-900 won’t help much—you need a technical cert like AZ-204.
- If you’re already in a technical role, AZ-900 alone won’t justify a higher salary—it’s too basic.
Exam Format, Costs, and Study Effort: What to Expect
When deciding between AZ-204 and AZ-900, it’s not just about career impact—you also need to know what you’re signing up for. Each exam has different costs, formats, and preparation requirements. Let’s break everything down so you know exactly what to expect.
AZ-204 vs AZ-900 Exam Fees and Cost Differences
Microsoft charges different fees for these two exams:
| Exam | Cost (USD) | Cost (INR) | Cost (EUR) | Cost (GBP) |
| AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) | $99 | ₹3696 | €82 | £69 |
| AZ-204 (Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure) | $165 | ₹6200 | €142 | £113 |
Why Is AZ-204 More Expensive?
- AZ-204 is a technical certification that proves real development skills, so it costs more.
- AZ-900 is an entry-level fundamentals exam, meant to introduce Azure concepts, so it’s cheaper.
Pro Tip: If you’re a student, Microsoft sometimes offers discounted exam vouchers or even free exams under special learning programs. Check Microsoft Learn for promotions.
Exam Format, Number of Questions, and Passing Scores
| Exam | Number of Questions | Question Types | Time Limit | Passing Score |
| AZ-900 | 30-40 | Multiple choice, drag & drop, scenario-based | 60 minutes | 700 / 1000 |
| AZ-204 | 40-60 | Multiple choice, drag & drop, case studies, hands-on scenarios | 120 minutes | 700 / 1000 |
AZ-900 Exam Format (Easy & Straightforward)
- Mostly multiple-choice questions (choose the correct answer, select multiple correct answers).
- Some drag-and-drop questions (match services to use cases, etc.).
- Scenario-based questions (what Azure service would you use in this situation?).
- No coding, no hands-on testing, just theory and concepts.
AZ-900 is simple and can be completed in under an hour. Most people finish early and still pass comfortably if they’ve studied.
AZ-204 Exam Format (More Challenging & Technical)
- More questions than AZ-900 (40-60 questions).
- Hands-on scenario-based questions (e.g., “You need to implement authentication for an Azure function. What service should you use?”).
- Some case study questions (you’ll be given a real-world problem, and you must choose the best solution).
- May include coding-related questions (not actual coding, but understanding cloud development concepts).
AZ-204 is much harder and requires real-world experience with Azure services. If you try to pass it without hands-on practice, it will be extremely difficult.
How Much Time Should You Invest in Preparing for Each?
This depends on your background. Some people can pass AZ-900 in a weekend, while AZ-204 can take months.
| Exam | Study Time (Beginner) | Study Time (Experienced IT Professional) | Study Time (Developer with Cloud Experience) |
| AZ-900 | 1-2 weeks | 5-7 days | 1-3 days |
| AZ-204 | 1-3 months | 4-6 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
AZ-900: How Long Should You Study?
- If you’re new to Azure → 1-2 weeks of study should be enough. Watch Microsoft Learn videos, take practice tests, and you’re good to go.
- If you already know cloud basics → You can pass in a few days with minimal study.
- If you work in IT but are new to Azure → You might need a week of study to learn Azure’s terminology and services.
Want to pass AZ-900 fast? AZ-900 Exam Dumps by Cert Empire are perfect for quick, focused prep with verified practice questions.
Bottom Line: AZ-900 is low effort, and even complete beginners can pass with just a few days of studying.
AZ-204: How Long Should You Study?
- If you’re new to cloud development → Expect 1-3 months of solid preparation.
- If you have programming experience but no Azure knowledge → 4-6 weeks should be enough.
- If you’re already using Azure as a developer → You can prepare in 2-4 weeks.
Need targeted practice before exam day? AZ-204 Exam Dumps by Cert Empire offer real-world questions aligned with the latest syllabus.
Bottom Line: AZ-204 requires a lot more effort than AZ-900. You’ll need hands-on labs, coding experience, and real-world Azure knowledge.
Final Verdict: What to Expect from These Exams
| Category | AZ-900 (Easy, Non-Technical) | AZ-204 (Challenging, Developer-Focused) |
| Cost | $99 | $165 |
| Number of Questions | 30-40 | 40-60 |
| Passing Score | 700 / 1000 | 700 / 1000 |
| Exam Duration | 60 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Study Time (Beginner) | 1-2 weeks | 1-3 months |
| Study Time (Experienced IT/Developer) | 3-7 days | 2-6 weeks |
| Hands-on Practice Required? | No | Yes |
| Job Impact | Low (good for IT support, sales, PMs) | High (leads to Azure Developer roles) |
Final Thoughts
Choosing between AZ-204 and AZ-900 comes down to what you want to achieve. If you’re looking for a basic understanding of Azure, AZ-900 is a good starting point, but it won’t help you land a technical job. On the other hand, if you’re serious about cloud development and engineering roles, AZ-204 is the better investment, as it proves hands-on skills that employers look for.
If you’re new to both coding and cloud, it might make sense to start with AZ-900, then move on to AZ-204. But if you already have programming experience, AZ-204 is the certification that truly makes a difference. The time and effort required for each exam are very different, but so are the career opportunities they unlock.
Think about your current skills, career goals, and how much effort you’re willing to put in. Whether you want a simple introduction to cloud computing or a high-paying Azure developer job, making the right choice now can set you up for long-term success.
No matter which certification path you choose, make sure you’re using trusted materials. Cert Empire is a reliable source for accurate, up-to-date study resources.
FAQs
Is AZ-204 better than AZ-900?
AZ-204 is more advanced and valuable for technical roles since it proves cloud development skills. AZ-900 is just a basic introduction to Azure concepts.
Can a beginner take AZ-204 without AZ-900?
Yes, but only if they already have programming knowledge. If you’re new to both coding and cloud, start with AZ-900 before attempting AZ-204.
How long does it take to prepare for AZ-204 vs AZ-900?
AZ-900 takes 1-2 weeks for most beginners, while AZ-204 requires 1-3 months depending on experience with cloud development.
Does AZ-900 help in getting a job?
Not on its own. AZ-900 is good for IT support, sales, or project management, but technical jobs require hands-on certifications like AZ-204.
Which exam is more valuable for cloud computing careers?
AZ-204 is far more valuable since it leads to cloud developer roles. AZ-900 is only useful for understanding Azure basics, not for hands-on cloud jobs.
Last Updated on by Team CE
