Deciding on AZ-900 vs AZ-104 is usually the first challenge people face when starting in cloud computing. As UK employers increase hiring for remote and hybrid cloud computing positions, it is essential to understand that the right path of Azure certification for beginners can save you months of misdirected study time. If you’re making a complete career switch or enhancing your current IT desk job, then knowing how to start will determine how fast you’ll progress.
AZ-900 vs AZ-104: What’s the Real Difference?
Identifying the difference between AZ-900 and AZ-104 is all about high theory versus practicality in the real world.
When comparing Azure Fundamentals vs Azure Administrator exams, it is evident that each test covers different areas.
- AZ-900 Focus: Covers fundamental cloud models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), basic security, cost models, and service level agreement tiers using regular multiple-choice questions.
- AZ-104 Focus: Consists of hands-on configuration of Entra ID, routing of virtual networks, setting up storage accounts, and configuring virtual machine scale sets.
- Target Audience: AZ-900 targets project managers, sales professionals, and those looking for a career change, while AZ-104 is aimed at system administrators and cloud engineers.
For a wider view of certification approaches, check out Your Blueprint to Achieving Azure Certification Success.
Quick Comparison: AZ-900 vs AZ-104 at a Glance
Comparing specs side by side helps clarify which exam best matches your experience level when starting.
| Feature | AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) | AZ-104 (Azure Administrator) |
| Skill Level | Beginner / Foundational | Intermediate / Associate |
| Prerequisites | None | Recommended: AZ-900 + hands-on experience |
| Exam Format | 40–60 Questions (Multiple choice/drag-and-drop) | 40–60 Questions + Case Studies / Hands-on Labs |
| Exam Cost | ~£69 GBP ($99 USD) | ~£113 GBP ($165 USD) |
| Pass Mark | 700 / 1000 | 700 / 1000 |
| Ideal Candidate | Total beginners, sales, project managers | SysAdmins, support engineers, cloud admins |
What Is AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals)?
AZ-900 is an easy starting point for people who want to start their Azure certification journey.
Important points about the AZ-900 exam are:
- Core Scope: Teaches basic cloud concepts, important architecture, security for identities, and tools for managing resources.
- Preparation Time: Involves roughly 2-4 weeks of study without any need for coding or lab preparation.
- Career Impact: It shows that the AZ-900 certification can help you get a job because it proves you understand cloud concepts, even though it’s not a full technical qualification on its own.
What Is AZ-104 (Azure Administrator)?
Technical skills in configuration, monitoring, and management of enterprise Azure deployments are confirmed through AZ-104.
The following are some of the critical elements of AZ-104 certification:
- Practical Skill Verification: Shows skill in handling online networks, cloud storage, rules for managing resources, and user accounts.
- Industry Standing: UK employers really want qualified Cloud Support Engineers and Systems Administrators.
- Next Steps: Acts as a key prerequisite for advanced qualifications like AZ-305.
Is AZ-900 Enough to Get a Job?
Asking if AZ-900 is enough to get a job in a technical engineering capacity yields a direct answer: it rarely suffices on its own.
Think about how companies view these credentials during candidate selection:
- Non-Technical Roles: AZ-900 is generally adequate for recruiters, technical account managers, and business analysts requiring familiarity with the technical language.
- Technical Roles: When selecting between Azure Fundamentals and Azure Administrator, hiring managers will look for AZ-104 or lab equivalents for administrators.
- Strategic Value: View AZ-900 as the first step towards achieving technical proficiency.
Which Azure Certification Should I Take First?
Determining which Azure certification to take first depends on your starting technical proficiency and immediate career targets.
Select your starting point based on these profiles:
- Complete Beginners: Start your Azure certification path for beginners with AZ-900 to get comfortable with the basics of cloud terms and architecture.
- Experienced IT Pros: Don’t do AZ-900 and jump straight to AZ-104 if you have a background in networking, systems administration, or PowerShell.
- Recommended Sequence: Progression flows from AZ-900 → hands-on lab practice → AZ-104 → Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions (AZ-305). Hybrid administrators should also review Administering Windows Server Hybrid (AZ-800).
Career Path: From AZ-900 to AZ-104 and Beyond
A structured Azure certification path for beginners ensures a successful career in the technology industry in the UK.
Career advantages include the following:
- Salary Potential: Professionals holding an Azure Administrator certification in the UK get better starting salaries (£35,000-£50,000 and higher) than uncertified help desk professionals.
- Market Demand: UK companies prefer candidates who have associate certifications proving hands-on experience.
- Advanced Growth: Finishing the AZ-104 course is the first step towards higher-level architecture jobs with the AZ-305 course.
Azure Administrator Certification in the UK
Securing an Azure Administrator certification UK qualification through Impact IT Training delivers structured, accredited learning tailored to modern employment demands.
Our training programs offer:
- Flexible Learning: Courses led by an instructor that follow Microsoft’s official material.
- Practical Labs: Real experience that helps turn book learning into skills you can use for a job.
- Expert Guidance: Personalized recommendations for deciding between basic training and direct certification for administrators.
Speak to Our Azure Training Team →
Conclusion
Beginning your journey in cloud computing requires that you match your existing skill set with the correct test. Although the AZ-900 course develops cloud computing vocabulary, gaining the AZ-104 credential is what will bring value to the market and increase your earnings and career prospects in the UK technology industry.
FAQs
Is AZ-900 enough to get a job in Azure/cloud computing?
Rarely for technical roles, but it helps secure non-technical positions like IT project management, sales, or business analysis.
Do I need to pass AZ-900 before AZ-104?
No. AZ-900 is not a prerequisite, meaning you can take AZ-104 directly if you have hands-on experience.
How long does it take to prepare for AZ-104?
It typically takes 8 to 12 weeks of focused study, including substantial hands-on lab practice.
What jobs can I get with AZ-104 certification?
Cloud Support Engineer, Azure Administrator, Infrastructure Specialist, Systems Administrator, and Cloud Operations Analyst.
Is AZ-900 a technical exam?
No. It tests foundational cloud concepts, core architecture, and billing models without requiring coding or environment deployment.
What's next after AZ-104?
The most common progression is AZ-305 (Azure Solutions Architect Expert) or specialist credentials like DevOps (AZ-400).
