How much are Azure certifications?

Certification Landscape

Microsoft Azure certifications follow a role-based model. Each credential maps to everyday jobs such as administrator, developer, or architect. Four levels exist. Fundamentals validates basic cloud literacy. Associate confirms hands-on skills for a single role. Expert proves broad design ability. Specialty highlights deep knowledge in a niche. A candidate can start at any level, though moving from beginner to expert often brings the best learning path. Each badge requires at least one proctored exam delivered through Microsoft’s authorized testing providers, primarily Pearson VUE, including online proctoring. Exam prices are set globally but adjusted by local currency and taxes. Understanding that price list is the first step in planning a training budget.

Exam Fee Structure

Microsoft lists two standard exam prices in United States dollars. Fundamentals exams cost $99 each. Most other Azure exams cost $165 each. Sales tax applies in some regions. Outside the United States, prices vary by country and currency, but the two-tier structure remains consistent. Payment is due when scheduling. Credit cards, debit cards, and some digital payment methods are accepted. Vouchers from employers, academic programs, or Microsoft promotions may cover the fee. Rescheduling more than 24 hours before the appointment is typically free, while canceling or missing an exam inside that window forfeits the full fee.

Fundamentals Level

The Fundamentals tier contains four Azure exams.
• AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals
• AI-900: Azure AI Fundamentals
• DP-900: Azure Data Fundamentals
• SC-900: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals

Fundamentals Level

Each test costs $99. A candidate needs to pass only one exam to earn the corresponding certification. There are no formal prerequisites. Most Fundamentals exams contain about 40–60 questions and take roughly 45 minutes to complete, though the exam appointment is booked for 60 minutes to allow for check-in and surveys. At $99, Fundamentals certifications offer a low-risk way to validate basic cloud knowledge or to become familiar with Microsoft’s online testing experience before pursuing higher-level credentials.

Self-paced learning on Microsoft Learn is free. Microsoft also runs virtual “Fundamentals Training Days” led by certified trainers that frequently include a free exam voucher. Commercial video courses often start around $40. Instructor-led Fundamentals classes from Microsoft partners commonly range from $395 to $795 for a full-day session. As a result, a motivated learner can often complete a Fundamentals certification with little or no cost beyond the exam itself.

Associate Level

Associate certifications focus on day-to-day operational responsibilities. Each credential typically requires passing one exam at the $165 rate. The current Associate-level Azure certifications include:
• AZ-104 Azure Administrator Associate
• AZ-204 Azure Developer Associate
• AZ-500 Azure Security Engineer Associate
• AZ-600 Azure Stack Hub Operator Associate
• AZ-700 Azure Network Engineer Associate
• DP-100 Azure Data Scientist Associate
• DP-203 Azure Data Engineer Associate
• DP-300 Azure Database Administrator Associate
• AI-102 Azure AI Engineer Associate
• SC-200 Security Operations Analyst Associate
• SC-300 Identity and Access Administrator Associate
• SC-400 Information Protection Administrator Associate

Because each exam costs $165, the direct exam cost for one Associate credential is $165. A retake doubles that amount. Many candidates also purchase a practice test for about $120 or a study guide near $50. Instructor-led courses often last three to five days and are priced between $1,295 and $2,395. Adding travel and lodging can increase total spend by another $1,000. Using free Microsoft Learn paths and peer study groups can keep costs close to the base exam price.

Expert Level

Expert certifications demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and govern complex Azure solutions. There are two active Azure Expert credentials.

Azure Solutions Architect Expert now requires passing one exam, AZ-305, at a cost of $165. Microsoft strongly recommends significant hands-on experience and knowledge of administration concepts, and many candidates complete AZ-104 first for skill development, though it is not a formal requirement. Taking both exams brings the total exam spend to $330.

Azure DevOps Engineer Expert requires passing AZ-400 plus holding at least one qualifying Associate certification, such as Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) or Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204). The minimum exam cost is $330. Failed attempts increase the total. Practice tests and instructor-led training are priced similarly to Associate-level options, making the total cost to reach Expert status typically range from $500 to $3,000 depending on preparation style.

Specialty Credentials

Specialty certifications validate deep expertise in narrow technical areas. Each requires passing one exam at the $165 rate. Current Azure specialty options include:
• AZ-120 Planning and Administering SAP on Azure
• AZ-140 Configuring and Operating Azure Virtual Desktop
• AZ-220 Microsoft Azure IoT Developer
• DP-420 Designing and Implementing Cloud-Native Applications Using Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB
• DP-500 Designing and Implementing Enterprise-Scale Analytics Solutions

Because specialty exams cover advanced scenarios, many candidates enroll in multi-day workshops. These courses commonly range from $1,495 to $2,995. Hands-on labs may require an Azure subscription. A small pay-as-you-go lab environment often stays under $30, though extensive use of larger virtual machines can increase costs. With one exam, one instructor-led course, and modest lab usage, total expenses often land near $2,200.

Renewal Policy

Associate, Expert, and Specialty Azure certifications expire after one year. Renewal is free and completed online through Microsoft Learn. Starting six months before expiration, Microsoft provides access to a renewal assessment that is open book, untimed, and can be retaken if necessary. Passing extends the certification for another year from the original expiration date. Fundamentals certifications do not expire and do not require renewal. Because renewals carry no fee, the primary cost is the time needed to review updated material, which Microsoft estimates at two to four hours.

Training Course Prices

Training options generally fall into three categories.

1. Self-paced. Microsoft Learn offers free modular lessons, guided labs, and knowledge checks. Subscription platforms such as Pluralsight, LinkedIn Learning, and Coursera start around $29 per month and can be canceled at any time.

2. Instructor-led virtual. Authorized partners provide live online courses. A one- or two-day Fundamentals class may cost around $395, while a five-day architect or DevOps boot camp can exceed $2,495. Exam vouchers are usually sold separately.

3. Instructor-led classroom. In-person courses with hands-on labs typically range from $1,995 to $3,495, excluding travel. Meals and lodging can add roughly $200 per day, increasing total costs quickly.

Budgeting for training up front helps avoid surprises when certification deadlines approach.

Bundles and Discounts

Microsoft and its partners frequently offer cost-saving options. Common examples include:

• Exam Replay, which provides a retake for roughly 20 percent more than the price of a single exam.
• Exam and practice test bundles from providers such as MeasureUp, often discounted compared to buying separately.
• Student discounts, which offer eligible students up to 50 percent off exam fees.
• Partner vouchers provided to employees of Microsoft partner organizations.
• Microsoft Cloud Skills Challenge promotions that award free exam vouchers after completing selected Learn modules.

Monitoring these programs can significantly reduce certification costs.

Hidden and Soft Costs

Exam fees represent only part of the investment. Additional considerations include:

• Time away from work for study or training.
• Azure lab usage, which can add $20–$60 per month for personal subscriptions.
• Retake waiting periods, with a 24-hour delay after the first failure and 14 days after subsequent failures.
• Ongoing skill maintenance, as Azure services evolve continuously.
• Career alignment, since earning a certification outside one’s role may reduce return on investment.

Evaluating these factors helps avoid unnecessary expense.

Budgeting For Teams

Organizations certifying multiple employees benefit from structured planning.

1. Map job roles to relevant certifications.
2. Group learners to qualify for volume discounts.
3. Use Microsoft Enterprise Skills Initiative benefits where eligible.
4. Track certification progress and renewal dates centrally.
5. Mix self-paced and instructor-led formats based on role seniority.

Aligning certification plans with project roadmaps spreads costs and avoids last-minute spending.

Measuring Return

Cloud salaries continue to rise. Industry surveys consistently show that Azure certifications correlate with higher compensation, though results vary by role and region. Administrator and engineer roles often see meaningful salary or rate increases after certification, while architects and DevOps professionals may see larger gains.

A simple break-even approach helps evaluate value:

1. Add all direct costs, including exams, training, and labs.
2. Estimate expected compensation or productivity improvement.
3. Divide total cost by expected gain to estimate payback time.

Many professionals recover certification costs within a year.

Spending Control Tips

• Set a regular study schedule to avoid last-minute training expenses.
• Use Microsoft Learn sandboxes before running paid Azure resources.
• Practice with Cloud Shell and free tools where possible.
• Share study resources within teams or study groups.
• Watch for regional events and community vouchers.
• Plan retakes strategically if scores are close to passing.

Sample Cost Table

The table below outlines common certification paths using U.S. pricing with no discounts.

These examples can be adjusted to match individual or team plans.

Key Takeaways

1. Microsoft uses two main exam price tiers: $99 and $165 in the U.S.
2. Training and lab costs often exceed exam fees.
3. Fundamentals certifications do not expire; higher-level certifications renew annually for free.
4. Discounts, vouchers, and promotions can substantially reduce costs.
5. With proper planning, most professionals see a positive return within a year.

Price alone should not drive certification decisions. Align credentials with career goals, choose efficient training methods, and track total costs to maximize long-term value.