Best Azure Certifications (AZ-900, AZ-104, AZ-204) and Their Benefits - NareshIT

 Your Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Cloud Career on Microsoft Azure +  Key Questions Answered

In today’s competitive IT world, Microsoft Azure has emerged as a leader in cloud computing, trusted by enterprises across the globe. As companies rapidly adopt Azure, the demand for certified professionals is rising like never before. Whether you're a student, a fresher, or a working professional looking to upgrade your skill set, earning an Azure certification can be a game-changer for your career.

But with so many certification paths available, where should you begin?

In this article, we’ll focus on the three most sought-after Azure certifications:

  •  AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals

  •  AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator

  • AZ-204: Microsoft Azure Developer

We’ll explore what each certification offers, who it’s for, and how it can benefit your career in cloud computing.




Why Choose Microsoft Azure?

Before diving into the certifications, let’s address why Azure is worth your time:

  • Microsoft Azure holds 23% of the global cloud market share

  • Over 95% of Fortune 500 companies use Azure

  • Azure has 200+ cloud products and services

  • There are 1M+ job openings globally for Azure-skilled professionals

Whether you’re aiming for roles like Cloud Engineer, DevOps Engineer, or Azure Developer, Microsoft certifications give you an industry-recognized edge.

 1. AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals

 Who Should Take It?

This is perfect for beginners — students, non-IT professionals, or anyone new to cloud computing. No coding experience required.

 What You’ll Learn:

  • Cloud concepts and Azure architecture

  • Core services: compute, networking, storage

  • Azure pricing, SLAs, and lifecycle

  • Identity, security, and compliance basics

 Key Benefits:

  • Builds your cloud foundation

  • Helps in understanding Azure’s ecosystem

  • Boosts your resume for entry-level jobs

  • Prepares you for advanced certifications

Think of AZ-900 as your launchpad into the world of Azure.

 2. AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator

 Who Should Take It?

Ideal for IT professionals who want to manage Azure resources and services. If you have basic knowledge of networking or Windows/Linux systems, this one’s for you.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Managing Azure subscriptions

  • Configuring VMs, storage, and networks

  • Implementing identities and governance

  • Monitoring and backup operations

Key Benefits:

  • Qualifies you for Azure Admin roles

  • Deepens your knowledge of core services

  • Great for those moving into DevOps or cloud operations

  • Often a prerequisite for senior roles

If you’re into infrastructure, monitoring, and deployments — AZ-104 is your go-to.

3. AZ-204: Microsoft Azure Developer

 Who Should Take It?

Designed for developers and programmers who want to build and deploy apps on Azure. A background in C#, JavaScript, or Python is recommended.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Developing Azure compute solutions

  • Working with Azure Functions & App Services

  • Integrating Azure APIs, Cosmos DB, queues

  • Securing, monitoring, and debugging apps

 Key Benefits:

  • Equips you to become an Azure developer

  • Valuable for full-stack and backend developers

  • Helps in transitioning to cloud-native app development

  • Increases demand for high-paying dev roles

If you love building apps, this certification connects your code with the cloud.

Career Benefits of Azure Certifications

✅ Higher salaries: Certified Azure professionals earn up to 25–40% more
✅ Job-ready skills: Learn hands-on tools like VMs, APIs, Azure CLI, DevOps pipelines
✅ Credibility: Microsoft certifications are globally trusted by employers
✅ Opportunities: Opens doors in IT, finance, healthcare, government, and startups
✅ Growth: Learn once, build many — from on-prem to hybrid to multi-cloud solutions


Certification Level Best For Avg. Salary (India)           Avg. Salary (Global)
AZ-900 Beginner           Students, Non-IT, Freshers                  ₹3.5–5 LPA      $40,000–$60,000
AZ-104 Intermediate SysAdmins, IT Pros ₹6–9 LPA      $70,000–$100,000
AZ-204 Intermediate Developers, Full Stack ₹8–12 LPA      $90,000–$120,000


Important Questions & Answers on Azure Certifications

1️⃣ Is AZ-900 mandatory before taking other certifications?

Answer:
No, AZ-900 is not mandatory, but it’s highly recommended for beginners to understand the basics of Azure before moving on to more technical exams like AZ-104 or AZ-204.

2️⃣ How long does it take to prepare for each exam?

Answer:

  • AZ-900: 1–2 weeks (for beginners)

  • AZ-104: 4–6 weeks with practice labs

  • AZ-204: 5–8 weeks if you're comfortable coding

3️⃣ Are Microsoft Azure certifications worth it?

Answer:
Absolutely! They’re recognized globally, enhance your technical credibility, and open the door to high-demand roles in cloud computing and DevOps.

4️⃣ What are the exam costs?

Answer:

  • AZ-900: $99

  • AZ-104: $165

  • AZ-204: $165
    (Discounts available for students and bundled training offers)

5️⃣ Can I take Azure certification exams online?

Answer:
Yes! Microsoft lets you take exams online with a proctor. All you need is a webcam, a clean workspace, and stable internet.

Final Thoughts

In today’s digital-first world, cloud certification is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. Whether you're just stepping into IT or transitioning your career, AZ-900, AZ-104, and AZ-204 are excellent ways to learn, validate, and grow your skills on Microsoft Azure.

If you’re ready to boost your career, gain recognition, and land your dream cloud job, now’s the time to start your Azure certification journey.

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