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Skip to content Certification roadmap · Updated October 2026 Azure Certification Roadmap The certification levels, the right exam order for admin, developer, security, DevOps, data, AI and architect careers, the 2026 exam changes, validity and renewal. This Azure Certification Roadmap guide keeps it simple.
✍️ Azure Trainings trainers ⏱ 4 min read 📅 Updated 11 October 2026
⚡ Short answer Start with a Fundamentals exam (AZ-900, or DP-900 for data), take the Associate certification for your role (e.g. AZ-104 for administrators, DP-700 for data engineers), then move to an Expert certification (AZ-305 architect, AZ-400 DevOps) for senior roles. Microsoft updated many exams in 2026, so always confirm the current exam code on Microsoft Learn before booking.
Why certify Why Azure certifications matter 🏅 Proof of skills Employers recognise Microsoft certifications.
📄 Better shortlisting Many job descriptions mention them.
🧭 Structured learning Each exam gives you a clear study plan.
🔁 Stay current Most must be renewed every year.
Levels Azure certification levels Level 1 Never expire
Fundamentals Level 2 1 year, free renewal
Associate Level 3 Needs an Associate
Expert Extra Niche areas
Specialty Step 1 · Fundamentals Start with Azure Fundamentals ☁️ AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals Cloud concepts and core Azure services.
For everyone 📊 DP-900 Data Fundamentals Data concepts for data careers.
For data careers 🛡️ SC-900 Security Fundamentals Security, compliance and identity basics.
For security careers 🤖 Azure AI Fundamentals AI basics — the exam code changed from AI-900 to AI-901 in 2026.
For AI careers Step 2 · Choose your path Certification roadmap by career ↔️ Swipe the table sideways Career Associate Next / Expert Administrator AZ-104 Azure Administrator AZ-700 networking or AZ-305 architect Developer Current Azure developer associate (AZ-204 retired July 2026; replacement reported as AI-200) AZ-400 DevOps Security Security engineer associate (AZ-500 retired Aug 2026; replacement reported as SC-500) SC-100 Cybersecurity Architect DevOps AZ-104 or developer associate AZ-400 DevOps Engineer Expert Data engineer DP-700 Fabric Data Engineer (DP-203 retired March 2025) DP-600 Fabric Analytics Engineer Database admin DP-300 Azure Database Administrator — AI / data science New AI exams replaced AI-102 and DP-100 in 2026 (reported as AI-103 and AI-300) — Architect AZ-104 (required) AZ-305 Solutions Architect Expert
Exam codes marked “reported” are based on public announcements — always confirm current codes and status on Microsoft Learn .
🧭 Not sure which path fits your career goal? Our trainers help you plan your exams in a free demo.
Book a free demo What’s new Azure exam changes in 2026 🆕 Key changes to know • DP-203 retired (31 March 2025) — DP-700 is the data engineering exam
• AZ-204 retired (July 2026) — new developer exam focused on cloud and AI apps
• AZ-500 retired (August 2026) — new cloud and AI security exam
• AI-102 and DP-100 replaced by new AI-focused exams
• AI-900 became AI-901
⚡ Short answer Microsoft updates exams often. Confirm the exam code, status and study guide on Microsoft Learn every time.
Validity How long certifications last and how to renew 📆 Validity Fundamentals: never expire Associate: 1 year Expert: 1 year Specialty: 1 year
🔁 Renewal • Renew free with an online assessment on Microsoft Learn
• You can renew up to six months before expiry
• Expired? You must pass the exam again (if still offered)
• Retired exam: valid until expiry, but can’t be renewed
Prepare well Tips for your certification journey • Choose a path based on the job you want, not the easiest exam
• Use free Microsoft Learn paths and official practice assessments
• Practise hands-on with a free Azure account
• Read the official study guide for each exam
• Pair every certification with a project you can explain
✕ Using exam dumps — they break Microsoft’s rules
✕ Booking an exam that has been retired or replaced
✕ Collecting certificates without hands-on skills
Plan your exams with us See our , and , or join our .
AZ-400 guide Quick recap Key takeaways: Azure Certification Roadmap • Azure Certification Roadmap is easier to learn when you follow the steps in this guide in order.
• Practise every part of Azure Certification Roadmap in a real Azure subscription, not only in theory.
• Most interview questions on Azure Certification Roadmap check whether you can explain a real example you built.
• Come back to this Azure Certification Roadmap guide when Azure releases new features — we keep it updated.
• Our trainers teach Azure Certification Roadmap with live labs, reviewed projects and mock interviews.
Still wondering? Frequently asked questions about Azure Certification Roadmap AZ-900 for general cloud basics, or DP-900 if you want a data career.
DP-700: Microsoft Certified Fabric Data Engineer Associate.
Role-based certifications are valid for one year and can be renewed for free. Fundamentals don’t expire.
Yes. The Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification requires AZ-104 plus AZ-305.
No. They are optional but helpful for beginners.
You can learn Azure Certification Roadmap in our live classroom batches near JNTU/KPHB or in live online batches with Azure Trainings. Book a free demo class to see how we teach before you join.
Yes. This Azure Certification Roadmap guide is reviewed by our trainers and was last updated in October 2026.
🎓 Written by the Azure Trainings training team Based on what we teach in our batches and see in real projects. Last updated 11 October 2026. Spotted something outdated? Tell us on WhatsApp .
Plan your path Get certified the right way with a trainer
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