Azure Certification Path: Levels, Qualifications, Costs

Cloud computing information technology roles are key to storing data, supporting everyday business processes, and protecting sensitive information, which means they are in high demand across many different industries. Some employers may require them, but many cloud professionals earn IT and cloud certifications to stay competitive and build foundational knowledge of emerging technologies in the field. In the following article, you can examine the learning path for cloud computing pros who specialize in the Azure platform.

Azure is among the top three most popular cloud computing platforms worldwide. If you're interested in breaking into the field by starting down your own certification path, enroll in Microsoft's beginner-friendly online Cloud Support Associate Professional Certificate program. In as little as four months, you can master Azure Cloud fundamentals to prepare for success in an entry-level role.

What are Azure certifications?

Azure certifications are industry-recognized certifications that demonstrate expertise in key skills and tools related to the Azure platform, such as Azure Portal and Azure Cosmos DB. Azure certifications are tailored to specific roles and experience levels, ranging from early career roles like Azure Developer Associate to more advanced specializations like Azure IoT Developer Specialty. This structure makes it easy to choose certifications that align with your career goals.

Azure certification levels

Azure certifications are offered in four different levels: fundamentals, associate, expert, and specialty.

• Fundamental certifications are for professionals who have just started out in IT or are looking to transition into the industry. They focus on building foundational knowledge about Azure functions and technologies.

• Associate certifications are designed for professionals who already have some experience or familiarity with Azure.

• Expert certifications are for established professionals who have strong backgrounds in IT and cloud computing, plus experience with Microsoft Azure services and technologies.

• Specialty certifications are designed to demonstrate more niche cloud programming skills and expertise.

Azure certification paths

Microsoft Azure organizes its different certifications into Training Journeys, which are tailored to specific types of industries or professions. Each of these six different Training Journeys has a recommended set of certifications to take. Each exam helps to build skills and further advance your knowledge base in your chosen role. The specific certification tied to each exam is outlined in more detail in the table below, with the Azure certification paths as follows:

• Cloud IT pros: AZ 104→AZ 500→AZ 120→AZ 700→AZ 140

• Hybrid cloud IT pros: AZ 800 or AZ 801→AZ 104→AZ 140

• Cloud IT pros expert level: AZ 104→AZ 400→AZ 305

• Developers: AZ 204→AI 102→DP 420→AZ 400

• Data & AI professionals: DP 300→DP 203→DP 100

• Data analysts: PL 300→ DP 500

Which Azure certification should I earn first?

It’s recommended to start with one of the Azure Fundamentals certifications—either AI 900, AZ 900, SC 900, or DP 900, especially if you are new to the cloud computing field or want to move into cloud computing from another industry. Fundamentals certifications are also good ways to become familiar with the certification process before spending time and money on more advanced certifications. Choose an Azure Fundamentals certification that best matches your background or the field you want to move into.

If you're new to the field but you want to pursue in-demand AI skills, consider enrolling in the Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals AI-900 Exam Prep Specialization on Coursera. You'll earn a certification for your study while prepping to pass the AI-900 exam.

Azure certifications

The current Azure certifications are as follows:

Is an Azure certification worth it?

Azure certification provides you with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the expectations of the IT field you are interested in pursuing as a career. Certification is also helpful for further developing skills and advancing your knowledge as you pursue more expert or senior roles.

Azure is one of the most popular cloud platforms used by businesses across the world, so gaining certification in Azure helps to make you competitive in a high-demand job market, since you’ll have knowledge of Azure’s different components and features. Businesses look for candidates who have the expertise needed to be successful members of their IT team, and Azure certification helps to demonstrate these skills with industry-recognized certifications.

Job roles and salaries

Once you’ve gained certification, you have the opportunity to apply for different cloud computing jobs. Some of these roles and their average salaries are:

• Cloud developer, who is responsible for building, testing, and managing cloud systems. The average annual salary for this role is $100,375, with the opportunity for additional pay [1].

• Cloud systems engineer, who works as part of a larger team managing a company’s cloud network and systems. The average annual salary for this role is $100,787, with the opportunity for additional pay [2].

• Cloud consultant, who evaluates cloud structures and makes recommendations for improvement. The average annual salary for this role is $134,753, with the opportunity for additional pay [3].

• Cloud architect, who builds cloud infrastructure based on a business’s unique needs. The average annual salary for this role is $149,164, with the opportunity for additional pay [4].

Take the next step in your Azure career with Coursera

Sharpen your cloud computing skills to launch your IT career with the Microsoft Cloud Support Associate Professional Certificate. In this course series, you'll gain key skills to succeed in an entry-level role such as data backup, cloud computing, and mobile device management.

Or, start preparing to pass your first Azure certification exam while also gaining in-demand AI skills through the Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals AI-900 Exam Prep Specialization.