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.
Explore Cloud Computing courses and programs on edX
Compare flexible online cloud computing learning options from universities and industry partners on edX. Use this as training alongside the credential path discussed in this guide.
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.