Microsoft Azure remains one of the most widely used cloud platforms, making Azure certifications a popular choice for learners entering cloud computing. Among Microsoft's most recognized Azure certifications, AZ-900 and AZ-104 are often the first options candidates consider.

Many beginners are unsure where to start. Some people recommend beginning with AZ-900, while others suggest going directly to AZ-104. The best path depends on your current knowledge, technical experience, and long-term career goals.

Understanding what each certification teaches can help you choose the most effective Azure learning path.

Why Azure Certifications Matter

Cloud computing continues to play a major role in modern business operations. Organizations use Azure for infrastructure, storage, networking, security, analytics, artificial intelligence, and application hosting. Because Azure skills remain in demand, certifications can help learners build knowledge in a structured way. They also provide a clear roadmap for understanding cloud concepts and practical Azure administration tasks.

However, choosing the correct starting point can save significant time and reduce frustration during preparation.

Understanding AZ-900

AZ-900, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, is Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification.

The certification introduces learners to:

• Cloud computing concepts

• Azure services

• Azure architecture basics

• Pricing and cost management

• Security concepts

• Compliance and governance

AZ-900 is designed for people with little or no Azure experience. The exam focuses on understanding concepts rather than performing technical administration tasks.

Candidates learn what Azure services do, why organizations use them, and how cloud environments operate. Because of this broad approach, AZ-900 is often considered the easiest Azure certification.

Understanding AZ-104

AZ-104, Microsoft Azure Administrator, is a role-based certification focused on practical administration skills.

The certification covers:

• Identity management

• Virtual networking

• Storage administration

• Virtual machines

• Resource management

• Monitoring and governance

• Security implementation

• Azure operational tasks

AZ-104 expects candidates to understand how Azure services work in real environments. Rather than simply recognizing a service name, candidates must understand how to configure, manage, secure, and troubleshoot resources.

This makes AZ-104 significantly more technical than AZ-900.

Comparing the Learning Experience

The learning experience differs considerably between the two certifications.

AZ-900 teaches understanding.

AZ-104 teaches application.

This distinction is important because many beginners underestimate the difference between learning concepts and managing cloud resources.

For a better understanding, check out Cert Empire’s YouTube tutorial: ⬇️

The Ideal Path for Complete Beginners

For people who are completely new to cloud computing, AZ-900 is usually the best starting point. The certification introduces Azure terminology, cloud models, pricing concepts, security principles, and service categories without overwhelming technical complexity. Many beginners struggle when they attempt advanced certifications before understanding basic cloud concepts. Starting with AZ-900 helps build confidence and creates a stronger foundation for future learning.
After completing AZ-900, candidates often find Azure administration topics much easier because they already understand the purpose of the services involved.

When It Makes Sense to Skip AZ-900

Not everyone needs AZ-900.

Some professionals already have experience with:

• Networking

• System administration

• Virtualization

• Cloud platforms

• Microsoft technologies

These learners may already understand many of the concepts covered in AZ-900.

In such cases, it may be reasonable to move directly into AZ-104 preparation while reviewing Azure fundamentals independently. The decision depends on how comfortable you are with cloud terminology and Azure services.

Building Azure Skills Beyond Exams

A certification path should not focus only on passing exams. Azure skills grow through practice. Create an Azure environment and explore the platform. Build virtual machines, configure storage accounts, create resource groups, and experiment with networking features.

Hands-on learning helps transform theory into understanding. This is especially important for AZ-104 because many objectives involve practical administration tasks. Candidates who spend time inside Azure often find certification preparation much easier.

A Beginner-Friendly Azure Learning Roadmap

A structured roadmap can simplify the learning process.

Stage 1: Learn Cloud Fundamentals

Understand cloud computing concepts, service models, pricing, governance, and Azure architecture basics.

Stage 2: Complete AZ-900 Preparation

Study Azure Fundamentals and become comfortable with Azure terminology and service categories.

Stage 3: Explore Azure Practically

Create resources, deploy services, and learn basic Azure navigation.

Stage 4: Begin AZ-104 Preparation

Study identity management, networking, storage, governance, monitoring, and administration tasks.

Stage 5: Develop Real Administrative Skills

Use labs and practical exercises to strengthen operational knowledge.

Following this progression creates a smoother learning experience for most beginners.

Common Mistakes New Azure Learners Make

One common mistake is rushing into administrator-level topics without understanding cloud fundamentals. Another mistake is relying entirely on reading material without using Azure directly.

Some learners also focus only on memorization. Azure certifications reward understanding and practical thinking rather than simple recall. Taking time to build foundational knowledge often saves effort later.

How Practice Questions Fit Into the Learning Process

Practice questions should support learning rather than replace it. Begin by studying the official objectives and understanding the concepts. Then use practice questions to identify weak areas and measure progress.

Resources such as www.certempire.com can be used as additional revision tools after candidates have developed a solid understanding of Azure services and administration concepts. The most effective preparation combines learning, hands-on practice, and targeted review.

Which Learning Path Is Best?

For most beginners, the best Azure learning path is:

AZ-900 → Azure Practice → AZ-104

This sequence creates a strong foundation, reduces confusion, and makes administrator-level concepts easier to understand. Experienced IT professionals may be able to move directly into AZ-104, but complete beginners often benefit from learning cloud fundamentals first. The goal is not to earn certifications as quickly as possible. The goal is to build Azure knowledge that can support real-world career growth.
A simplified explanation is also available in a recent Facebook update shared by Cert Empire.

FAQs

Should beginners start with AZ-900 or AZ-104?

Most beginners should start with AZ-900 because it introduces cloud concepts and Azure services. This foundation often makes later administrator-level learning significantly easier.

Is AZ-104 difficult for beginners?

AZ-104 can be challenging for complete beginners because it focuses on practical administration tasks, networking, storage management, security, and Azure resource management.

Can I skip AZ-900 and take AZ-104 directly?

Yes, you can skip AZ-900. However, candidates without cloud experience often benefit from learning Azure fundamentals before studying administrator-level topics.

Does AZ-900 help with AZ-104 preparation?

Yes, AZ-900 introduces many Azure concepts that appear throughout AZ-104. Understanding these concepts can improve comprehension and reduce learning difficulties.

What should I do after AZ-104?

After AZ-104, candidates often pursue specialized Azure certifications in architecture, security, data, AI, DevOps, or cloud engineering based on career goals.

Don’t miss this: AZ-104 vs AZ-900: What You Will Learn in Each Azure Exam