Top 12 Azure Certifications to Boost Your Cloud Career in 2025

Nowadays, the demand for cloud expertise is higher than ever, and Azure certifications remain a top choice for employers worldwide. If you know, there are 12 top Azure certifications that offer a unique pathway to mastering Azure’s powerful tools and services.

In this Azure Tutorial, I’ll share my insights into the top Azure certifications, based on industry trends, career opportunities with salary, and FutureScope. Whether you’re looking to upskill, switch careers, or simply validate your expertise, this breakdown will help you choose the best Azure certification to achieve your goals. Let’s dive in!

Why You Should Go for Azure Certification?

Before diving into the best Azure certification, let’s look at why Azure certifications are worth your time and effort:

1. The Growing Power of Cloud Computing

The cloud computing market is growing at an unprecedented rate. In the last few years, it’s estimated that over 80% of enterprises will rely on cloud services for their operations. Microsoft Azure, being one of the top cloud platforms alongside AWS and Google Cloud, powers countless businesses globally. By earning an Azure certification, you can position yourself as a key player in this booming industry.

The global cloud computing market is projected to grow from 480 billion in 2022 to over 1.2 trillion by 2028, with Azure being one of the leading platforms. This growth translates to a surge in demand for skilled cloud professionals.

2. High Demand for Azure Skills

According to last LinkedIn report, Azure skills are among the top 10 most in-demand technical skills globally. With over 100,000 job postings in the U.S. alone requiring Azure expertise, certification can significantly boost your employability.

3. Enterprise Adoption

Azure is used by 95% of Fortune 500 companies, making it one of the most trusted cloud platforms for enterprises.

4. Future-Proof Your Skills

Cloud computing is not just a trend, it’s the foundation of the future. As technologies like AI, machine learning, IoT, and big data continue to evolve, they rely heavily on cloud platforms like Azure. By getting certified, you future-proof your career and ensure your skills remain relevant in a rapidly changing tech landscape.

5. High Earning Potential

Certified Azure professionals are among the highest-paid in the IT industry. According to recent surveys, Azure-certified individuals earn significantly more than their non-certified peers. For example, an Azure Solutions Architect can earn an average salary of $150,000 or more annually, depending on experience and location.

Understanding the Levels of Azure Certification

Azure certifications are categorized into tiers to accommodate levels of expertise and career phases:

1. Foundational: Geared towards beginners seeking to grasp the fundamentals of Azure.
2. Associate: Tailored for professionals with some experience focusing on specific job roles.
3. Expert: Designed for seasoned professionals aiming to excel in Azure skills.
4. Specialty: Intended for individuals looking to specialize in areas within Azure.

Top Azure Certifications 

Azure Certifications explore with different Levels:

1. Fundamental Azure Certifications
2. Associate Azure Certifications
3. Expert Azure Certifications

Fundamental Azure Certifications

The Azure certification journey begins with Fundamental certifications. They cover fundamental cloud ideas and Azure services and are intended for beginners. This level is perfect for people who are unfamiliar with cloud computing or want to learn the fundamentals of Azure.

1. AZ-900: Azure Fundamental Certification

This certification is for those new to Azure or cloud services who don't have a technical background.

• Covered Skills: Fundamental cloud concepts and Azure services, such as basic Azure services, security, privacy, compliance, and trust, as well as pricing and support for Azure.
• Requirements: There are no prerequisites, however, having some general IT expertise or understanding is helpful.
• Price: US $99/ INR 8,314

Career Opportunities:

• Cloud Support Specialist (15%)
• IT Support Technician (20%)
• Sales/Business Development (10%)
• Entry-Level Cloud Roles (55%)

Future Scope:

As cloud adoption grows, foundational knowledge of Azure will become a prerequisite for many roles. Ideal for non-technical professionals transitioning into cloud careers.

Industry Insights:

Over 500,000 professionals have earned this certification globally. Azure Fundamentals is often a stepping stone to more advanced certifications.

Salary Insight:

Below Salary insight can show you how much you can earn after this Azure certification:

2. AI-900: Azure AI Fundamentals Certification

This certification is for anyone interested in leveraging Azure services to grasp AI and machine learning ideas, regardless of their background in technology.

• Covered Skills: These include computer vision, natural language processing, conversational AI, Azure AI services, and fundamental AI and machine learning principles.
• Requirements: While not necessary, familiarity with client-server apps and fundamental cloud principles is advantageous.
• Price: US $99/ INR 8,314

Career Opportunities:

• AI Engineer (30%)
• Data Analyst (20%)
• Business Intelligence Specialist (15%)
• Entry-Level AI Roles (35%)

Future Scope:

AI and machine learning are among the fastest-growing fields, with a projected 40% growth in AI jobs by 2025. Azure AI services are widely used in industries like healthcare, finance, and retail.

Industry Insights:

Azure AI certifications have seen a 50% increase in demand over the past two years.

Salary Insight:

Below Salary insight can show you how much you can earn after this Azure certification:

Boost your career with our Azure AI Engineer Certification Training and master AI skills and stay ahead in the tech world!  Get certified today!

3. DP-900: Azure Data Fundamentals Certification

This certification is for people in both technical and non-technical jobs who are starting to work with data in the cloud.

• Covered Skills: Relational and non-relational data on Azure, and workloads related to analytics are covered.
• Requirements: Although not necessary, familiarity with cloud systems and data principles is suggested.
• Price: around $99US / INR 8,314

Career Opportunities:

• Data Analyst (25%)
• Database Administrator (20%)
• Business Intelligence Specialist (15%)
• Entry-Level Data Roles (40%)

Future Scope:

Data-driven decision-making is critical for businesses, driving demand for data professionals. Azure data services like Synapse Analytics and Cosmos DB are gaining traction.

Industry Insights:

The global big data market is expected to reach $103 billion by 2027, creating opportunities for Azure data professionals.

Salary Insight:

Below Salary insight can show you how much you can earn after this Azure certification:

Associate Azure Certifications

Associate certifications are intended for people who have some prior knowledge of cloud services. They go deeper into particular positions such as Security Engineer, Developer, or Azure Administrator. These certifications usually entail more advanced concepts than the fundamental level and call for a foundational understanding of Azure.

Required certifications:

4. AZ-104: Azure Administrator Associate Certification

This AZ-104 Certification is for people with experience in Azure administration who oversee cloud services including networking, storage, and computing.

• Covered Skills: Managing Azure identities, storage, computing, virtual networks, and governance in a cloud context are among the skills covered.
• Requirements: Six months of practical Azure administration experience, along with a solid understanding of Azure workloads, security, and governance.
• Price: $165/ 13,857 INR

Career Opportunities:

• Azure Administrator (40%)
• Systems Administrator (25%)
• IT Support Engineer (20%)
• DevOps Engineer (15%)

Future Scope:

Azure Administrators are essential for managing cloud infrastructure, with a 20% year-over-year growth in demand.

Industry Insights:

The AZ-104 certification has a pass rate of 65%, reflecting its challenging yet rewarding nature.

Salary Insight:

Below Salary insight can show you how much you can earn after this Azure certification:

Take your cloud career to the next level, Enroll in our Azure Administrator Certification Training today and become a certified expert!

5. AZ-204: Azure Developer Associate Certification

This certification is suitable for Skilled developers with prior Azure experience.

• Covered Skills: Designing, developing, testing, and supporting cloud services and apps on Azure are among the skills covered.
• Requirements: A minimum of one year's experience in professional development and familiarity with Azure.
• Price: $165 USD/ 13,857 INR

Career Opportunities:

• Cloud Developer (50%)
• Application Developer (30%)
• DevOps Engineer (20%)

Future Scope:

Cloud-native application development is a top priority for enterprises, driving demand for Azure Developers.

Industry Insights:

Azure Developer roles are among the fastest-growing jobs, with a 20% year-over-year increase in demand.

Salary Insight:

Below Salary insight can show you how much you can earn after this Azure certification:

Boost your cloud career with the Azure Developer Certification Course! Gain in-demand skills, earn your certification, and unlock new opportunities. Enroll now and take the next step in your tech journey

6. AZ-500: Azure Security Engineer Associate Certification

This certification is intended for IT professionals with a focus on security and compliance.

• Covered Skills: Implementing security policies, upholding posture, spotting vulnerabilities, and making use of a range of security technologies are among the skills covered.
• Requirements: Strong programming, security, and Azure service abilities are prerequisites.
• Price: $165 USD/ 13,857 INR

Career Opportunities:

• Cloud Security Engineer (40%)
• Cybersecurity Specialist (30%)
• IT Security Administrator (20%)
• Compliance Officer (10%)

Future Scope:

Cybersecurity is a top concern for businesses, with a projected 35% growth in security roles by 2025.

Industry Insights:

Certifications in Azure Security have seen a 50% increase in demand over the past two years.

Salary Insight:

Below Salary insight can show you how much you can earn after this Azure certification:

7. DP-100: Azure Data Scientist Associate Certification

This certification is designed for experts and data scientists who use Azure to develop and execute machine learning applications.

• Covered Skills: Developing and executing machine learning and data science applications on Azure is one of the covered skills.
• Requirements: Experience with Azure Machine Learning and data science is required.
• Price: $165/ 13,857 INR

Career Opportunities:

• Data Scientist (50%)
• Machine Learning Engineer (30%)
• AI Specialist (20%)

Future Scope:

Data science and machine learning are critical for innovation, with a projected 30% growth in data science roles by 2025.

Industry Insights:

Azure Machine Learning is widely used for building and deploying AI models.

Salary Insight:

Below Salary insight can show you how much you can earn after this Azure certification:

8. DP-203: Azure Data Engineer Associate Certification

This certification is suitable for Data engineers with an emphasis on Azure data solutions.

• Covered Skills: creating and implementing data solutions for processing, storage, and security; monitoring and optimizing data.
• Requirements: familiarity with Azure data services and data processing languages like Python and SQL.
• Price: $165 USD/ 13,857 INR

Career Opportunities:

• Azure Data Engineer (50%)
• Big Data Specialist (30%)
• Cloud Data Architect (20%)

Future Scope:

Data engineering is essential for managing and processing large datasets, with a 25% year-over-year growth in demand.

Industry Insights:

Azure Synapse Analytics and Data Lake are key tools for data engineers.

Salary Insight:

Below Salary insight can show you how much you can earn after this Azure certification:

9. DP-300: Azure Database Administrator Associate Certification

Database administrators and data professionals are the target audience for the given certification.

• Covered Skills: Azure relational database management, including availability, performance, and security.
• Requirements: Prior knowledge of Azure SQL and database fundamentals is required.
• Price: $165 USD/ 13,857 INR

Career Opportunities:

• Database Administrator (60%)
• Data Analyst (20%)
• Cloud Database Specialist (20%)

Future Scope:

Database management is critical for businesses, with a 15% growth in database roles by 2025.

Industry Insights:

Azure SQL Database and Cosmos DB are widely used for database management.

Salary Insight:

Below Salary insight can show you how much you can earn after this Azure certification:

10. PL-300: Power BI Data Analyst Associate Certification

This certification is designed for data analysts who use Power BI for both data visualization and analysis.

• Covered skills: It include data preparation, modeling, visualization, and Power BI analysis.
• Requirements: Experience analyzing both relational and non-relational data from a variety of data sources is required.
• Price:$165 USD / 13,857 INR

Career Opportunities:

• Data Analyst (50%)
• Business Intelligence Specialist (30%)
• Reporting Analyst (20%)

Future Scope:

Business intelligence is essential for data-driven decision-making, with a 20% growth in BI roles by 2025.

Industry Insights:

Power BI is one of the most popular tools for data visualization and analytics.

Salary Insight:

Below Salary insight can show you how much you can earn after this Azure certification:

Expert Azure Certifications

The highest level of Azure qualifications are expert certificates. These certifications, which are aimed at experienced professionals, require a thorough understanding of Azure architecture and services. They are appropriate for those with a great deal of experience who have specialized in fields such as Azure DevOps Engineering or Azure Solutions Architecture

.

Required certifications:

11. AZ-305: Specialist in Azure Solutions Architecture Certification

These certifications are for Azure infrastructure solution-focused solution architects and engineers.

• Covered skills: Designing solutions that run on Azure, including aspects like computing, network, storage, and security.
• Requirements: Advanced familiarity with networking, virtualization, identification, security, business continuity, disaster recovery, data platforms, and governance are prerequisites.
• Price: $165 USD/ 13,857 INR

Career Opportunities:

• Cloud Architect (50%)
• Solutions Architect (30%)
• IT Consultant (20%)

Future Scope:

Cloud architecture is critical for designing scalable and secure solutions, with a 25% growth in architect roles by 2025.

Industry Insights:

Azure Solutions Architects earn an average salary of $150,000 per year.

Salary Insight:

Below Salary insight can show you how much you can earn after this Azure certification:

12. AZ-400: Microsoft DevOps Engineer Expert Certification

For Experts in Azure DevOps positions with an emphasis on Azure.

• Covered skills: Using technology, people, and processes to consistently produce useful goods and services.
• Requirements: Minimum requirements include having experience in at least one of these domains and being familiar with Azure development and administration.
• Price: $165 US/ 13,857 INR

Career Opportunities:

• Azure DevOps Engineer (50%)
• Cloud Engineer (30%)
• Release Manager (20%)

Future Scope:

Azure DevOps practices are essential for continuous integration and delivery, with a 30% growth in DevOps roles by 2025. Hence Consider our Azure DevOps Course to secure your cloud career and make a mark in the cloud industry.

Industry Insights:

Azure DevOps is widely used for CI/CD pipelines and automation.

Salary Insight:

Below Salary insight can show you how much you can earn after this Azure certification:

Advantages of Obtaining an Azure Certification for Advancing Your Career

• 1. Expanded Knowledge and Skills: With Azure certification, you can acquire insights into core concepts such as Azure services and industry best practices.
• 2. Industry Acknowledgment: Certifications hold recognition enhancing your credibility.
• 3. Improved Job Prospects: Certified experts are highly sought after leading to career opportunities.
• 4. Increased Earning Potential: Certifications can pave the way for salaries and advanced positions.
• 5. Professional Development: Continuous learning through certifications aids, in staying of the technological advancements.

Comparison of all Azure Certifications in 2025

The table below compares all of the various Azure certifications to help you choose the right one.

Tips to Pick the Right Azure Certification

When selecting the right Azure certification for yourself it's important to consider factors such as your skills, career goals, and areas of interest.

1. Rebrush Your Current Skill Level and Experience

• Beginner: Start with foundational certifications like Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900).
• Intermediate: For some Azure experience, go for associate-level certifications like Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) or Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204).
• Advanced: If you have extensive experience, expert-level certifications like Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) or Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400) are recommended.

2. Define Your Career Goals

• Administration: Choose Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) for managing Azure environments.
• Development: If you aim to develop cloud apps, pick Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204).
• Architecture: For designing Azure solutions, go for Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305).
• DevOps: Integrate development and operations with Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400).

3. Consider Your Current Job Role or Desired Position

• IT Administrators: Certifications like AZ-104 for managing Azure resources are ideal.
• Developers: Opt for AZ-204 to build and deploy Azure apps.
• Architects: Pick AZ-305 to design comprehensive Azure solutions.
• Security Professionals: Consider Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) for specialization.

4. Evaluate Prerequisites and Required Knowledge

• Ensure you meet the prerequisites for the certification. For example, Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) may require an associate-level certification like AZ-104.

5. Research Industry Demand and Job Market Trends

• Check platforms like LinkedIn and job boards to understand which certifications are in high demand.

6. Align with Your Interests and Strengths

• Pick certifications that match your passion and strengths. For example, developers should consider AZ-204 if they enjoy coding.

7. Consider the Certification Path and Future Opportunities

• Look at the certification path to understand how one certification leads to another. For example, AZ-900 → AZ-104 → AZ-305.

8. Evaluate the Time and Resources Required

• Assess the time, effort, and financial investment needed to prepare for the certification.

9. Leverage Official Microsoft Resources

• Utilize Microsoft's official certification resources like study guides, learning modules, and practice exams.

10. Seek Advice from Professionals and Communities

• Join Azure communities or LinkedIn groups to gain insights and recommendations from other professionals.

11. Plan for Recertification and Continuing Education

• Microsoft certifications may require renewal, so choose certifications aligned with your long-term career plans.

12. Take Practice Exams and Assess Readiness

• Use practice tests to evaluate your knowledge and readiness for the exam. Identify areas that need more study.

Example Certification Paths Based on Roles

Preparing for Azure Certification through Scholarhat

Microsoft Azure certifications are highly sought after as the market for cloud computing technology expands. Cloud computing is one of the industries that is growing the fastest, and more companies are looking for certified Azure administrators, solution architects, developers, and security engineers. Azure Certification (Az-104) training course leads to learning Azure and thus the learner can achieve the badge.

During this Azure training, the learner will be following the Azure certifications path to learn the configuration of numerous services such as Virtual Machines and Networking, Azure Application Services, Scripting and Automation, Azure Active Directory, and Managing Azure Storage.

Microsoft Azure Online Training Objectives

Participants of this Microsoft Azure Online Training course will have the following skills after completing this course:

• Configure and deploy virtual machines
• Manage virtual machine workloads, networks, disks, and storage
• Configure and deploy virtual machines through scripts.
• Configure, deploy, and manage application services.
• Manage Azure storage offerings - blobs, Azure files, and recovery services.
• Integrate Azure Active Directory.
• Implement recovery services.
• Monitoring Azure services on Azure.
• Prepare you for the Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104 Exam)

Pre-requisites

There are no specific prerequisites for participating in this Microsoft Azure Training course. Anyone interested in taking this course should be familiar with computers and programming

Who can Join?

This training molds to learn Azure and achieve the Azure certification. IT professionals who wish to work in cloud computing and become Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Specialists should take this course. The ideal candidates for this Azure course are:

• IT Administrators
• Network Engineers/Server Engineers
• IT Professionals/Application Developers
• DevOps Engineers

Tools/SDK/IDE

• Azure Portal, Azure SDK, Azure CLI, VS Code

What Jobs Can You Get with Azure Certification?

Earning an Azure certification provides a plethora of job prospects in the IT industry. Below, we list various significant employment roles for which Azure-certified workers are well-suited, focusing on their primary duties and the abilities required.

1. Cloud Architect

• What they do: They develop and implement an organization's cloud computing strategy, which includes cloud adoption plans, application design, and management.
• Skills required: Required skills include expertise in Azure infrastructure and services, cloud solution architecture, and cloud security.

Yes, Cloud Architect is a secure career profile to go with, If you want to know How to Become an Azure Cloud Architect you can do our Azure Solution Architect Certification Training which will be worth it.

2. DevOps Engineer

• What they do: DevOps engineers collaborate with development and operations to optimize software development, deployment, and maintenance.
• Skills required: It includes Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, automation scripts, and cloud service administration.

Here, The DevOps Engineer also has a good salary spectrum profile, That's why we have available blogs on the DevOps Roadmap, Salary, skills, and DevOps top certification.

3. Solution Architect

• What they do: Create and deploy sophisticated solutions to fulfill company needs.
• Skills required: A thorough understanding of Azure services, solution design principles, and architectural best practices.

If you are looking forward to making a career as a Solution Architect then consider our Azure Solution Architect Course and make a smart move.

4. Azure Administrator

• What they do: What they do is manage and configure cloud services such as networking, storage, security, and computation.
• Skills required: Required skills include knowledge of Azure administration, PowerShell, Azure CLI, and cloud architecture.

Read More: How to Become a Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator.

5. Security Engineer

• What they do: Protect cloud apps and data from attackers.
• Skills required: Skills required include cloud security, identity management, threat mitigation, and experience with Azure security technologies.

6. Data Engineer

• What they do: They design and deploy data management, monitoring, security, and privacy solutions using the entire Azure data stack.
• Skills required: It includes familiarity with Azure data storage technologies, data processing, and data security standards.

Read More: How to Become an Azure Data Engineer

7. AI Engineer

• What they do: Use AI and machine learning to build intelligent solutions that enhance business processes.
• Skills required: Proficiency in Azure AI services, machine learning models, and cognitive services integration.

The future is calling for AI engineers, Soon AI engineering will be one of the great and secure career profiles. So if you are also willing to make a career in it consider our optimistic Artificial Intelligence Course and make your future.

Conclusion

We have learned various types of Azure certifications you can do. Because, In cloud computing, Microsoft Azure certification holds value for IT professionals. Also, it gives you an edge, in the competitive job market. Selecting the right certification and committing to learning can grow your data management skills and propel your career forward in 2025 and, beyond. You can also consider our Microsoft Azure Certification Course for a better understanding of Azure. To become an Azure developer or cloud developer just go with our listed Roadmaps and make it happen.

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