Professional Scrum Master I vs Azure Administrator
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
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 →Microsoft
Azure Administrator
AZ-104
Validates skills in managing Azure identities, storage, compute, virtual networks, and monitoring in enterprise environments.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Professional Scrum Master I | Azure Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $200 USD | ✓$165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$9,000/yr | ✓+$15,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 60 min | 100 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 1 years |
| Issued by | Scrum.org | Microsoft |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
Professional Scrum Master I — Prerequisites
None required
Azure Administrator — Prerequisites
AZ-900 recommended, 6 months Azure administration experience
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
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
Best Professional Scrum Master I courses
Best Azure Administrator courses
Frequently asked questions
Is Professional Scrum Master I harder than Azure Administrator?
Azure Administrator is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — Professional Scrum Master I or Azure Administrator?
Professional Scrum Master I has an average salary uplift of +$9,000/yr, while Azure Administrator has +$15,000/yr. Azure Administrator has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Professional Scrum Master I or Azure Administrator?
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.