AZ-104 vs AZ-500: which certification should you get?
AZ-500: Microsoft retired this exam on August 31, 2026. Existing holders keep the credential until it expires; Microsoft has not named a direct replacement — check Microsoft Learn before studying.
| Metric | AZ-104 | AZ-500 |
|---|---|---|
| Exam / Program Cost | $165 | $165 |
| Study Hours | ~120h✓ | ~150h |
| Exam Duration | 100 min | 100 min |
| Exam Format | MC + Performance | Multiple Choice |
| Level | Associate | Associate |
| Overall Score | 9/10✓ | 8.7/10 |
| Domain | IT | IT |
| Validity | 1 yrs | 1 yrs |
| Industry Standard | Yes | Yes |
Choose AZ-104 if...
- →IT admins working in Azure environments
- →Windows Server professionals moving to cloud
- →Those in Microsoft-heavy enterprise shops
Choose AZ-500 if...
- →Azure admins adding security specialization
- →Security engineers in Azure-heavy enterprises
- →Cloud engineers targeting security architect roles
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