{"id":5004,"date":"2026-08-25T14:37:19","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T14:37:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justfineinfotech.com\/azure-certification-path-levels-qualifications-and-more\/"},"modified":"2026-08-25T14:37:21","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T14:37:21","slug":"azure-certification-path-levels-qualifications-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfineinfotech.com\/fr\/azure-certification-path-levels-qualifications-and-more\/","title":{"rendered":"Azure Certification Path: Levels, Qualifications, and More"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Labor Day starts with $70+ in savings on Coursera Plus. Save 40% for 3 months<\/p>\n<h2>Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Microsoft Azure certification paths follow six different Training Journeys, which are tailored to specific types of industries or professions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>The Azure AI certification path is the Data &amp; AI professionals path, which includes the course Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-901)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>The Azure Cloud certification path has three levels: Cloud IT Pros, Hybrid Cloud IT Pros, and Cloud IT Pros Expert Level<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Azure certification paths help you demonstrate expertise in key skills and tools related to the Azure platform. Explore the Azure certification path, including how it&#8217;s organized and the certifications that you can expect to encounter on it. Afterward, if you want to build foundational knowledge of Azure and prepare for certification, consider enrolling in the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Exam Prep Specialization. Over this three-month course, you\u2019ll have the chance to learn IT fundamentals to help launch a cloud computing career.<\/p>\n<h2>Microsoft Azure certification path options<\/h2>\n<p>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<\/p>\n<p>The specific certification tied to each exam is outlined in more detail in the table below, with the Azure certification paths as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><b>Cloud IT pros<\/b>: AZ 104\u2192AZ 500\u2192AZ 120\u2192AZ 700\u2192AZ 140<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>Hybrid cloud IT pros<\/b>: AZ 800 or AZ 801\u2192AZ 104\u2192AZ 140<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>Cloud IT pros expert level<\/b>: AZ 104\u2192AZ 400\u2192AZ 305<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>Developers<\/b>: AZ 204\u2192AI 102\u2192DP 420\u2192AZ 400<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>Data &amp; AI professionals<\/b>: DP 300\u2192DP 203\u2192DP 100<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>Data analysts<\/b>: PL 300\u2192 DP 500<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Azure certification levels<\/h3>\n<p>Azure certifications are offered in four different levels: fundamentals, associate, expert, and specialty<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>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<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Associatecertifications are designed for professionals who already have some experience or familiarity with Azure<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Expertcertifications are for established professionals who have strong backgrounds in IT and cloud computing, plus experience with Microsoft Azure services and technologies<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Specialtycertifications are designed to demonstrate more niche cloud programming skills and expertise<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you&#8217;re new to Azure, start with a Fundamentals exam related to your career. After that, you can pursue several Associate and Specialty Azure certifications. Finally, show your expertise to current or future employers with Expert-level Azure certifications<\/p>\n<p>Explore the certifications in the table below:<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><strong>Certification<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Level<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>What it&#8217;s best for<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900)<\/td>\n<td>Fundamentals<\/td>\n<td>Demonstrating your AI skills on the cloud and the services Azure can offer in this area<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900)<\/td>\n<td>Fundamentals<\/td>\n<td>Developing a strong foundation in the core concepts of data and data analytics<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)<\/td>\n<td>Fundamentals<\/td>\n<td>Demonstrating your knowledge of cloud concepts, models, and services and showing your expertise in Azure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)<\/td>\n<td>Associate<\/td>\n<td>Building on subject matter expertise managing an organization\u2019s Microsoft Azure environment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Azure AI Engineer Associate (AZ-102)<\/td>\n<td>Associate<\/td>\n<td>Learning to build, manage, and deploy AI solutions within Azure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203)<\/td>\n<td>Associate<\/td>\n<td>Storing and using datasets for analysis and managing data pipelines and data stores<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900)<\/td>\n<td>Associate<\/td>\n<td>Working with data in the cloud<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Azure Data Scientist Associate (DP-100)<\/td>\n<td>Associate<\/td>\n<td>Exploring data science and using Azure Machine Learning and Azure Databricks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300)<\/td>\n<td>Associate<\/td>\n<td>Managing the operational aspects of data platform solutions built with Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Azure Data Services<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204)<\/td>\n<td>Associate<\/td>\n<td>Building on your cloud developer experience and learning about developing Azure computing and storage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Azure Enterprise Data Analyst Associate (DP-500)<\/td>\n<td>Associate<\/td>\n<td>Building expertise in data analytics solutions, including how to design, create, and deploy them<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700)<\/td>\n<td>Associate<\/td>\n<td>Validating your knowledge and skills in Azure network solutions planning, implementation, and maintenance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)<\/td>\n<td>Associate<\/td>\n<td>Planning and implementing cloud-based management and security; building on your experience in code, security operations processes, cloud capabilities, and Azure services<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Azure Stack Hub Operator Associate (AZ-600)<\/td>\n<td>Associate<\/td>\n<td>Enhancing your skills in providing platform as a service (PaaS) and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) using Azure Stack Hub<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400)<\/td>\n<td>Expert<\/td>\n<td>Building on your experience as an infrastructure administrator or developer, with expertise in DevOps, Azure administration, or development<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)<\/td>\n<td>Expert<\/td>\n<td>Building on your expertise in designing cloud and hybrid solutions that run on Microsoft Azure, as well as your advanced experience and knowledge in IT operations, Azure administration, Azure development, and DevOps processes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Azure Specialty Certifications:<\/h3>\n<p>\u2022 Azure Cosmos DB Developer Specialty (DP-420)<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty (AZ-140)<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty (AZ-120)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/justfineinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/purple-hash-pattern.svg_-14.png\" alt=\"\"><\/p>\n<h2>Which Azure certification should I earn first?<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s recommended to start with one of the Azure Fundamentals certifications\u2014either AI 901, 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.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;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&#8217;ll earn a certification for your study while prepping to pass the AI-900 exam<\/p>\n<h2>Is an Azure certification worth it?<\/h2>\n<p>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<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019ll have knowledge of Azure\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<h3>Job roles and salaries<\/h3>\n<p>Once you\u2019ve gained certification, you have the opportunity to apply for different cloud computing jobs. Some of these roles and their median total salaries are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Cloud developer, who is responsible for building, testing, and managing cloud systems. The median total pay for this role is $132,000 [1]<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Cloud systems engineer, who works as part of a larger team managing a company\u2019s cloud network and systems. The median total pay for this role is $158,000 [2]<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Cloud consultant, who evaluates cloud structures and makes recommendations for improvement. The median total pay for this role is $190,000[3]<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Cloud architect, who builds cloud infrastructure based on a business\u2019s unique needs. The median total pay for this role is $202,000 [4]<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of August 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/justfineinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Career_Spotlight__-CAREER-_-_UX_Design__1_.jpg\" alt=\"[Video thumbnail] Career Spotlight Cloud Architect\"><\/p>\n<h2>Prepare for Azure certification on Coursera<\/h2>\n<p>Discover fresh insights into your career or learn about trends in your industry by subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat! Then, learn more about IT certifications with our free re<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><b>Watch on YouTube:<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wVXqEOUleWE&amp;feature=youtu.be\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">3 Generative Models Explained in Azure<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><b>Explore a career path:<\/b>Azure Learning Roadmap: From Beginner to Expert<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><b>Read a Career Chat issue:<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/ready-tech-career-how-choose-between-cloud-support-coursera-de5re\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ready for a Tech Career? How to Choose Between IT and Cloud Support<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Accelerate your career growth with a Coursera Plus <a href=\"https:\/\/justfineinfotech.com\/a-look-back-at-consumer-subscription-stocks-q2-earnings-coursera-nysecour-vs-the-rest-of-the-pack\/\" title=\"A Look Back at Consumer Subscription Stocks\u2019 Q2 Earnings: Coursera (NYSE:COUR) Vs The Rest Of The Pack\">subscription<\/a>. When you enroll in either the monthly or annual option, you\u2019ll get access to over 10,000 courses<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/justfineinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Coursera_Plus_White_Logo-5.png\" alt=\"cplus logo\"><br \/>\n<h3>Break down barriers to learning with big savings<\/h3>\n<p>Get Coursera Plus<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/justfineinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/NAMER_MainCampaign_CannedCollection-480x350-6.png\" alt=\"\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Article sources<\/h2>\n<p>1.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Glassdoor. \u201cCloud Developer Salary, https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/cloud-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,15.htm.\u201d Accessed August 16, 2026<\/p>\n<h2>Keep reading<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>How to Get IT Certifications in 5 Steps<br \/>\nMarch 14, 2026<\/li>\n<li>Cloud Computing Salary: Your 2026 Guide<br \/>\nNovember 1, 2025<\/li>\n<li>What&#8217;s the Difference Between AWS vs. Azure vs. <a href=\"https:\/\/justfineinfotech.com\/google-answers-if-some-sites-can-ignore-geo-and-just-focus-on-seo\/\" title=\"Google Answers If Some Sites Can Ignore GEO And Just Focus On SEO\">Google<\/a> Cloud?<br \/>\nFebruary 27, 2026<\/li>\n<li>Microsoft Azure Fundamentals\u2014Is It Worth It?<br \/>\nJune 20, 2026<\/li>\n<li>9 Azure DevOps Interview Questions + How to Prepare<br \/>\nApril 18, 2026<\/li>\n<li>Azure Synapse: An Introduction to Data Warehousing and Big Data Analytics<br \/>\nAugust 14, 2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Updated on Aug 22, 2026<br \/>\nWritten by:<\/p>\n<h3>Coursera Staff<\/h3>\n<p>Editorial Team<\/p>\n<p>Coursera\u2019s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact<\/p>\n<p>This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals<\/p>\n<div style=\"clear:both;margin:30px 0 15px 0\">\n<p>\n    <strong>Related:<\/strong><br \/>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/yoursite.com\/automation-training-benin\/\" title=\"Digital Automation Training Benin: 5 Winning Skills Employers Demand in 2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n      Digital Automation Training Benin: 5 Winning Skills Employers Demand in 2026<br \/>\n    <\/a>\n  <\/p>\n<p>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/yoursite.com\/automation-africa\/\" title=\"WhatsApp Marketing Automation Africa: 6 Dangerous Mistakes Brands Make in Nigeria\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n      WhatsApp Marketing Automation Africa: 6 Dangerous Mistakes Brands Make in Nigeria<br \/>\n    <\/a>\n  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;margin:30px 0;padding:25px;background:#f8f9fc;border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:8px;text-align:center\">\n<h3>Want to learn this practically?<\/h3>\n<p>Join <strong>Justfine Infotech<\/strong> and build real digital skills in AI, automation, web development, digital marketing, office productivity, e-commerce, freelancing and <a href=\"https:\/\/justfineinfotech.com\/uae-stops-600000-cyberattacks-daily-cybersecurity-chief-reveals-3-biggest-threats\/\" title=\"UAE stops 600,000 cyberattacks daily: Cybersecurity chief reveals 3 biggest threats\">cybersecurity<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Available Programmes:<\/strong><br \/>\n  6 Weeks Certificate \u2022 3 Months Professional Certificate \u2022 6 Months Diploma \u2022 Full Professional Diploma<\/p>\n<p><strong>WhatsApp:<\/strong><br \/>\n  +229 01 57 57 99 15<br \/>\n  +229 01 66 68 11 60<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?phone=2348132690270&amp;text=Hello\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Enroll Now<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"ani-source\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coursera.org\/articles\/azure-certification-path\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">www.coursera.org<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Microsoft Azure certification paths follow six different Training Journeys, which are tailored to specific types of industries or professions<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5010,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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