Azure Administrator vs Azure Fundamentals
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Microsoft
Azure Administrator
AZ-104
Validates skills in managing Azure identities, storage, compute, virtual networks, and monitoring in enterprise environments.
Full guide →Microsoft
Azure Fundamentals
AZ-900
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Azure Administrator | Azure Fundamentals |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $165 USD | $165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$15,000/yr | +$6,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 100 min | 65 min |
| Renewal period | Every 1 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Microsoft |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
Azure Administrator — Prerequisites
AZ-900 recommended, 6 months Azure administration experience
Azure Fundamentals — Prerequisites
None required
Get Azure Administrator if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$15,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Microsoft
Get Azure Fundamentals if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$6,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Microsoft
Best Azure Administrator courses
Best Azure Fundamentals courses
Frequently asked questions
Is Azure Administrator harder than Azure Fundamentals?
Azure Administrator is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — Azure Administrator or Azure Fundamentals?
Azure Administrator has an average salary uplift of +$15,000/yr, while Azure Fundamentals has +$6,000/yr. Azure Administrator has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Administrator or Azure Fundamentals?
Azure Fundamentals is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Azure Administrator.