Certifications · Roadmap

Azure certification path 2027
from AZ-900 to expert

The Azure certification path runs Fundamentals → Associate → Expert. Start with AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals ($99 in the U.S., no expiry), then take a role-based associate exam such as AZ-104 Azure Administrator ($165), AZ-204 (developer) or AZ-500 (security), then an expert certification such as AZ-305 Solutions Architect Expert or AZ-400 DevOps Engineer Expert. Role-based certifications renew free online each year.

By , FounderUpdated 4 min read

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Quick answer: What is the Azure certification path?

  1. Start — AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals ($99).
  2. Admin — AZ-104 Azure Administrator ($165).
  3. Developer — AZ-204 Azure Developer.
  4. Architect — AZ-305 Solutions Architect Expert.
  5. DevOps — AZ-400 DevOps Engineer Expert.

Key takeaways

  • AZ-900 is the entry point: $99 in the U.S., no prerequisites, and fundamentals certifications don't expire.
  • Associate exams such as AZ-104 cost $165 in the U.S.
  • Expert certifications (AZ-305, AZ-400) require an associate certification first.
  • Role-based Microsoft certifications are renewed free online every year.
  • Free Microsoft Learn training covers every exam; Applied Skills credentials are free too.

Azure certification levels explained

What is the Azure certification path? At a glance: Start; Admin; Developer; Architect; DevOps.
At a glance: What is the Azure certification path?
Azure certification levels explained
LevelCertificationExamU.S. fee
FundamentalsAzure FundamentalsAZ-900$991
AssociateAzure AdministratorAZ-104$1652
AssociateAzure DeveloperAZ-204Paid exam
AssociateAzure Security EngineerAZ-500Paid exam
ExpertAzure Solutions Architect ExpertAZ-305 (+ AZ-104)Paid exam
ExpertDevOps Engineer ExpertAZ-400 (+ AZ-104 or AZ-204)Paid exam
Infographic: The Azure path, level by level. U.S. exam fees; prices vary by country. Free training on Microsoft Learn.
The Microsoft Azure certification path from AZ-900 to expert.Image: Science of Apps · © Science of Apps · source

Start here: AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals

AZ-900 covers cloud concepts, Azure architecture and services, and management and governance. It suits beginners, project managers, sales engineers and anyone moving into cloud. Fundamentals certifications don't expire. Microsoft Learn has a free learning path that covers the whole exam.

Azure certification path by role

  • Administrator: AZ-900 → AZ-104 → AZ-305 (architect).
  • Developer: AZ-900 → AZ-204 → AZ-400 (DevOps).
  • Security: AZ-900 → AZ-500 → SC-100 (cybersecurity architect).
  • Data & AI: DP-900 / AI-900 → DP-203 / AI-102.

Renewal and validity

Role-based (associate and expert) certifications are valid for one year and can be renewed free with an online assessment on Microsoft Learn. Fundamentals don't expire3.

Azure vs AWS: which path first?

Choose based on the employers you want: Microsoft-heavy enterprises favour Azure; startups and many tech firms favour AWS. Many cloud engineers hold both. See our AWS certification path.

How to prepare

  1. Complete the free Microsoft Learn path for your exam.
  2. Practice in an Azure free account.
  3. Use Microsoft's free practice assessments.
  4. Book the exam online or at a test centre.

What Azure exams look like

Microsoft exams typically include multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, case studies and sometimes interactive labs. Passing score is 700 on a 1,000-point scale. You can take them online with remote proctoring or at a Pearson VUE test centre, and Microsoft provides free practice assessments on Microsoft Learn.

Science of Apps · free certification tests

Prove it free: the tests that match this guide

Practise each step of the Azure path free (independent of Microsoft). (Disclosure: Science of Apps publishes these tests.)

Inside AZ-104 Azure Administrator

AZ-104 covers identities and governance (Entra ID, RBAC), storage, compute (virtual machines, containers, App Service), virtual networking, and monitoring and backup. It's the most common next step after AZ-900 and the prerequisite for the Solutions Architect Expert certification.

Can you get Azure certification for free?

Microsoft Learn training is free. Exams are paid, but Microsoft occasionally provides free or discounted vouchers through Microsoft Virtual Training Days and student programs, and free Applied Skills credentials prove specific hands-on tasks.

A 6-week AZ-900 study plan

  1. Week 1: cloud concepts (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS; shared responsibility).
  2. Week 2–3: Azure architecture and core services on Microsoft Learn.
  3. Week 4: security, governance, cost management and SLAs.
  4. Week 5: hands-on with an Azure free account.
  5. Week 6: free practice assessment, review weak areas, book the exam.

Azure certification roadmap for 2027

Microsoft regularly retires and updates exams, especially in AI and data. Check the Microsoft Learn credentials page before you start, and favour role-based paths (administrator, developer, security, data, AI) over individual exam numbers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Azure certification path?

Start with AZ-900 Fundamentals, take a role-based associate exam (AZ-104, AZ-204 or AZ-500), then an expert certification such as AZ-305 or AZ-400.

How much does AZ-900 cost?

AZ-900 costs $99 in the U.S.; prices vary by country. Microsoft sometimes offers free vouchers through events.

Do Azure certifications expire?

Fundamentals certifications don't expire. Associate and expert certifications must be renewed annually with a free online assessment.

Which Azure certification is best for beginners?

AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals, followed by AZ-104 Azure Administrator for hands-on cloud roles.

Azure vs AWS: which path first?

Choose based on the employers you want: Microsoft-heavy enterprises favour Azure; startups and many tech firms favour AWS. Many cloud engineers hold both. See our AWS certification path.

Can you get Azure certification for free?

Microsoft Learn training is free. Exams are paid, but Microsoft occasionally provides free or discounted vouchers through Microsoft Virtual Training Days and student programs, and free Applied Skills credentials prove specific hands-on tasks.

Sources

  1. Microsoft Learn: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
  2. Microsoft Learn: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
  3. Microsoft Learn: certification renewal
  4. Microsoft Learn: browse credentials
  5. Science of Apps: free online certifications
  6. Checked November 11, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
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