Azure Administrator
Validates skills in managing Azure identities, storage, compute, virtual networks, and monitoring in enterprise environments.
Full guide →Professional Scrum Master I
Validates knowledge of the Scrum framework and ability to apply it in real-world agile environments as a Scrum Master.
Full guide →Azure Administrator vs Professional Scrum Master I
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | Azure Administrator | Professional Scrum Master I |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$165 USD | $200 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$15,000/yr | +$9,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 85/1000 |
| Exam duration | 100 min | 60 min |
| Renewal period | Every 1 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Scrum.org |
| Difficulty |
Azure Administrator
AZ-900 recommended, 6 months Azure administration experience
Professional Scrum Master I
None required
- You have hands-on cloud experience and want to move into engineering or architecture
- You want a potential +$15,000/yr salary uplift
- Your role involves managing cloud identity, storage, networking, and compute day-to-day
- You're new to project management or switching careers from another field
- You want a potential +$9,000/yr salary uplift
- You work in agile teams and want to formalise Scrum Master skills
Azure Administrator and Professional Scrum Master I lead to entirely different careers — cloud computing vs project management. The right choice depends on which field aligns with your current job or target role. If you want both eventually, start with Professional Scrum Master I — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best Azure Administrator courses
Best Professional Scrum Master I courses
Is Azure Administrator harder than Professional Scrum Master I?
Azure Administrator is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — Azure Administrator or Professional Scrum Master I?
Azure Administrator has an average salary uplift of +$15,000/yr, while Professional Scrum Master I has +$9,000/yr. Azure Administrator has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Administrator or Professional Scrum Master I?
Professional Scrum Master I is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Azure Administrator.
Can I get both Azure Administrator and Professional Scrum Master I?
Yes — many professionals hold both. Azure Administrator and Professional Scrum Master I complement each other, covering cloud computing and project management respectively. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — Azure Administrator or Professional Scrum Master I?
Both are worth it in 2026. Azure Administrator offers a +$15,000/yr average salary uplift; Professional Scrum Master I offers +$9,000/yr. Azure Administrator has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.