A clear roadmap through Azure certifications — from Fundamentals to Administrator to Architect, DevOps, Identity, Security, and Data. Every path is hands-on: real Azure resources, real projects, auto-committed to your own GitHub repo as you go.
7 cert paths · $29–$79 each · Project 1 always free
Start with Fundamentals, build core admin skills, then branch toward architecture, DevOps, identity, security, or data based on your role.
Start here if you're new to Azure or cloud computing in general. Covers core cloud concepts, Azure services, pricing, and compliance — no prerequisites.
The most common next step. Hands-on administration: identity, storage, compute, networking, and monitoring. HandsOnCert's most popular path.
Then branch based on your role
For those moving into architecture roles. Design identity, governance, monitoring, business continuity, and infrastructure solutions at scale.
For those focused on CI/CD and automation. Design and implement DevOps practices using Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, and infrastructure as code.
For those focused on identity and security. Design and implement identity solutions using Microsoft Entra ID, including access governance and authentication.
Gateway-tier certs covering security/compliance and data fundamentals — useful alongside or instead of AZ-900 depending on your focus.
New Azure certs we're building hands-on paths for as soon as objectives and exams are finalized.
Every Azure path auto-commits your evidence — RBAC configs, network topologies, deployment templates — straight to your own GitHub repo.
No simulators. Every project uses the actual Azure portal and CLI — the same tools tested on the exam and used on the job.
Each Azure path has a Cert Buddy trained on that exam's objectives — for debugging labs and understanding concepts, not just copy-paste.
Precise terminology for Azure billing — deallocate vs stop, when a resource needs deleting — so a break doesn't become a surprise bill.
Every Azure cert path includes a full PDF lab guide with step-by-step instructions and an exam quick-reference section.
$29–$79 per cert, once. Or get All-Access to all 21 cert paths — every Azure path included — for $199.
What order should I take Azure certifications in?
Start with AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) if you're new to cloud concepts — it's a $29 gateway cert with no prerequisites. Then move to AZ-104 (Azure Administrator Associate), the most common next step. From there, branch based on your goal: AZ-305 for solutions architecture, AZ-400 for DevOps, or SC-300 for identity and access management.
Which Azure certification is best for beginners?
AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) is designed for beginners with no technical prerequisites. It covers core cloud concepts, Azure services, pricing, and compliance. HandsOnCert's AZ-900 path is $29 with 3 hands-on projects.
Do I need AZ-900 before AZ-104?
AZ-900 is not a hard prerequisite for AZ-104, but it's recommended if you're new to Azure. If you already have hands-on cloud experience, you can go directly to AZ-104, which is the more practical, hands-on administrator certification.
What's the difference between AZ-104 and AZ-305?
AZ-104 (Azure Administrator Associate) focuses on day-to-day operations: managing identities, storage, compute, and networking. AZ-305 (Solutions Architect Expert) focuses on designing solutions — choosing the right services, architecture patterns, and governance for business requirements. AZ-104 is typically taken first.
Is SC-300 worth taking alongside AZ-104?
SC-300 (Identity and Access Administrator) is a specialization in Microsoft Entra ID — useful if your role involves identity, access governance, or security. It pairs well with AZ-104 for administrators, but isn't required for general Azure administration.
What is SC-500 and when will it be available?
SC-500 (Microsoft Cloud and AI Security Engineer Associate) is a new certification covering cloud and AI security, replacing AZ-500 which retires August 31, 2026. SC-500 entered beta in May 2026 with general availability expected July 2026. HandsOnCert will add an SC-500 hands-on path once it reaches general availability.
Project 1 of any Azure path is free — no credit card required. See exactly how the GitHub auto-commit works before you pay anything.
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