Azure Administrator vs Professional Scrum Master I
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 →Scrum.org
Professional Scrum Master I
PSM I
Validates knowledge of the Scrum framework and ability to apply it in real-world agile environments as a Scrum Master.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Azure Administrator | Professional Scrum Master I |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$165 USD | $200 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$15,000/yr | +$9,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 100 min | 60 min |
| Renewal period | Every 1 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Scrum.org |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
Azure Administrator — Prerequisites
AZ-900 recommended, 6 months Azure administration experience
Professional Scrum Master I — 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 Professional Scrum Master I if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$9,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Scrum.org
Best Azure Administrator courses
Best Professional Scrum Master I courses
Frequently asked questions
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.