What is the difference between MS 900 and AZ-900?

Microsoft offers several entry-level certification paths for IT professionals, with MS-900 and AZ-900 being two popular choices. While both serve as foundational certifications, they focus on different aspects of Microsoft's technology ecosystem. Here's what makes each certification unique and how to pick which one might be right for your career path.

The Fundamentals of Each Certification

The AZ-900 certification, known as the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, centers on cloud computing concepts and Microsoft Azure services. This certification helps professionals grasp the basics of cloud services, how they work, and their business value. The exam checks knowledge of cloud concepts, core Azure services, and important aspects like security, privacy, pricing, and support.

The MS-900 certification, or Microsoft 365 Fundamentals, focuses on the Microsoft 365 suite of tools and services. This certification shows mastery of the basic concepts of Microsoft 365, such as cloud services, security features, compliance, and pricing models. It's perfect for those who want to work with Microsoft's productivity and collaboration tools.

Key Content and Focus Areas

The AZ-900 exam puts a strong emphasis on cloud computing principles and Azure-specific services. You'll need to know concepts like high availability, scalability, elasticity, and the different types of cloud models (public, private, and hybrid). The exam also tests Azure's main services such as virtual machines, storage solutions, and networking capabilities. About 20-25% of the exam focuses on cloud concepts, while security and pricing each make up roughly 25-30% of the content.

MS-900 zeroes in on Microsoft's productivity and collaboration tools. You'll need to know about services like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint Online, Exchange Online, and OneDrive for Business. The exam also checks security and compliance features specific to Microsoft 365, along with licensing options and support services. The content splits evenly across cloud concepts, Microsoft 365 services, security features, and pricing models.

Target Audience and Career Paths

AZ-900 is ideal for professionals who want to start a career in cloud computing or need to work with Azure services. This fits roles like cloud administrators, developers, solutions architects, and IT managers who need to understand cloud capabilities. Even non-technical professionals in sales or marketing who work with cloud products can benefit from this certification.

MS-900 speaks to individuals who work with Microsoft's productivity and collaboration tools. This certification suits business analysts, project managers, technical consultants, and IT professionals who manage or support Microsoft 365 services. It's also valuable for administrators and support staff who help users with Microsoft 365 applications.

Making the Right Choice

When picking between these certifications, look at your career goals and current role. If you're interested in cloud infrastructure, development, or IT operations, AZ-900 might be the better choice. The certification can open doors to more advanced Azure certifications and cloud computing roles.

If your work revolves around Microsoft 365 applications or you support users who use them, MS-900 would be more relevant. This certification can lead to roles in productivity software administration, digital workplace management, or collaboration tools support. It also builds a foundation for more advanced Microsoft 365 certifications.

Both exams need similar preparation effort. They each contain 40-60 multiple-choice questions and allow 60 minutes for completion. The passing score for both is 700 out of 1000 points. Microsoft provides free online training materials, practice tests, and documentation to help candidates prepare for either exam.

Your organization's technology stack should shape your decision. If your company heavily uses Azure services, the AZ-900 certification might bring more immediate value. On the flip side, if your organization relies on Microsoft 365 for daily operations, the MS-900 certification could be more beneficial.

Keep in mind these certifications aren't mutually exclusive. Many IT professionals hold both certifications to show their broad knowledge of Microsoft's technology offerings. This combination can make you more versatile and valuable to employers who use both Azure and Microsoft 365 services.