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
Validates skills in managing Azure identities, storage, compute, virtual networks, and monitoring in enterprise environments.
Full guide →Professional Scrum Master I vs Azure Administrator
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | Professional Scrum Master I | Azure Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $200 USD | ✓$165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$9,000/yr | ✓+$15,000/yr |
| Passing score | 85/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 60 min | 100 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 1 years |
| Issued by | Scrum.org | Microsoft |
| Difficulty |
Professional Scrum Master I
None required
Azure Administrator
AZ-900 recommended, 6 months Azure administration experience
- 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
- 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
Professional Scrum Master I and Azure Administrator lead to entirely different careers — project management vs cloud computing. 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 Professional Scrum Master I courses
Best Azure Administrator courses
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.
Can I get both Professional Scrum Master I and Azure Administrator?
Yes — many professionals hold both. Professional Scrum Master I and Azure Administrator complement each other, covering project management and cloud computing respectively. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — Professional Scrum Master I or Azure Administrator?
Both are worth it in 2026. Professional Scrum Master I offers a +$9,000/yr average salary uplift; Azure Administrator offers +$15,000/yr. Azure Administrator has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.