Best Azure Certifications for Beginners
AZ-900 is the most common Azure fundamentals starting point. SC-900 fits learners focused on Microsoft security/identity, and AI-901 is now the current Azure AI Fundamentals exam after AI-900 retired.
Pick the platform first. Then choose the credential level.
AZ-900 is the most common Azure fundamentals starting point. SC-900 fits learners focused on Microsoft security/identity, and AI-901 is now the current Azure AI Fundamentals exam after AI-900 retired.
Cloud credentials worth comparing first
AZ-900
Cloud + Azure basics.
SC-900
Security, compliance, identity.
AI-901
AI concepts + Azure AI implementation.
Credential requirements and pricing can change. Check the official issuer before registering.
How to compare beginner cloud credentials
| Question | Why it matters | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| Which cloud appears in target jobs? | Employer relevance beats generic popularity. | Choose that ecosystem first. |
| Do you need fundamentals? | Some learners can go directly to associate level. | Skip redundant exams if knowledge is already there. |
| Can you build projects? | Hands-on proof makes the credential more credible. | Use labs and free tiers. |
| Is the exam current? | Cloud vendors retire and replace exams frequently. | Verify the live issuer page. |
Best Azure Certifications for Beginners questions
Is AZ-900 still worth taking?
Yes when you need Azure fundamentals. It remains a common starting point, but it is not mandatory before every role-based Azure credential.
What replaced AI-900?
Microsoft retired AI-900 on June 30, 2026 and replaced it with AI-901 for Azure AI Fundamentals.
Is AI-901 harder than AI-900?
AI-901 has more technical expectations, including familiarity with Python syntax, Azure resources and implementation-oriented AI concepts.
Should beginners take SC-900 or AZ-900 first?
AZ-900 is the broader Azure foundation. SC-900 is more focused on security, compliance and identity. Choose based on your intended role.
Do Azure fundamentals certifications expire?
Microsoft fundamentals certifications have different lifecycle rules from role-based credentials. Check the live credential page for current policies.
What should come after AZ-900?
Move toward a role-specific certification or practical Azure work rather than simply collecting more fundamentals badges.
Build depth in one cloud before adding another.
Use the cloud roadmaps to move from fundamentals into a role-based path.