Azure Cloud Administrator Program. Run Azure, then secure it.
Expert-led instruction
Why this path
From cloud basics to running and securing Azure
AZ-900 gives you the cloud and Azure basics. AZ-104 is the cert for people who run Azure day to day. SC-500 teaches you to secure Azure, hybrid and AI workloads. It replaced AZ-500, which Microsoft retired on August 31, 2026.
Foundations
AZ-900 covers cloud concepts, Azure architecture and services, and management and governance.
Daily admin work
AZ-104 covers identities and governance, storage, compute, virtual networking, and monitoring and backup.
Security
SC-500 is Microsoft's Cloud and AI Security Engineer cert. It replaced AZ-500, which Microsoft retired August 31, 2026.
Sources: Microsoft Learn certification and exam pages, checked October 2026.
Pathway map
Your three steps to Azure Cloud Administrator
Take the full program or start at the step that fits what you already know. Each course also stands on its own.
Step 1: Learn cloud and Azure basics
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
You understand cloud concepts and Azure. Core services, architecture, pricing and support basics, and management and governance tools.
Roles it opensIT support, junior cloud administrator, technical sales
The examNot published by Microsoft questions, 45 minutes
Passing score700 of 1,000
Step 2: Run Azure day to day
Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
You can manage an Azure environment. Identities and governance, storage, compute, virtual networks, and monitoring and backup.
Roles it opensAzure administrator, cloud administrator, systems administrator
The examNot published by Microsoft questions, 100 minutes
Passing score700 of 1,000
Step 3: Secure Azure and AI workloads
Microsoft Cloud and AI Security Engineer Associate (SC-500)
You can secure Microsoft cloud and AI workloads, from identity and access to data protection and security operations.
Roles it opensCloud security engineer, Azure security engineer, security administrator
The examNot published by Microsoft questions, 100 minutes
Passing score700 of 1,000
Exam facts
The three exams at a glance
| Cert | Exam code | Questions | Time | Passing score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AZ-900 | AZ-900 | Not published by Microsoft | 45 minutes | 700 of 1,000 |
| AZ-104 | AZ-104 | Not published by Microsoft | 100 minutes | 700 of 1,000 |
| SC-500 | SC-500 | Not published by Microsoft | 100 minutes | 700 of 1,000 |
Figures from Microsoft Learn, October 2026. Microsoft doesn't publish question counts. AZ-104 and SC-500 can run 120 minutes when labs are included. Microsoft retired AZ-500 on August 31, 2026, and SC-500 is the security step in its place. Confirm on Microsoft Learn before you schedule.
Career outcomes
Roles this pathway prepares you for
Azure administrator
Cloud administrator
Cloud security engineer
Systems administrator
Funding
Using military education benefits?
Accumentum is an Army CA and Air Force COOL Approved Vendor. Tell us your branch and we'll show you what applies to each step.
Tell us where you are and we'll map out your pathway
Where to start, how long it should take you and whether funding applies. You'll hear back from a real person, usually within one business day. Prefer email? info@accumentum.net
Thanks, it's in.
We'll reach out shortly with your Azure Cloud Administrator plan. Want to skip ahead? You can register now.
Go to RegistrationFAQ
Questions people ask before they start
Do I need Azure experience before I start?
No. AZ-900 is built for people new to cloud. If you already work in Azure, you can start at AZ-104.
What happened to AZ-500?
Microsoft retired the AZ-500 Azure Security Engineer exam on August 31, 2026. Its replacement is SC-500, Microsoft Cloud and AI Security Engineer Associate, so that's the third step here.
Do Microsoft certs expire?
Associate certs like AZ-104 and SC-500 renew each year through a free online assessment on Microsoft Learn. AZ-900 doesn't expire.
Do these certs count for DoD 8140?
Ask us. Microsoft certs map to some DoD work roles, and we'll check your billet before we recommend a step.
Can I use military education benefits?
Yes. Accumentum is an Army CA and Air Force COOL Approved Vendor. Tell us your branch and we'll walk you through what applies to each course in the pathway.
How long does the whole pathway take?
It depends on your background and test dates. An advisor will map each step to your schedule and work hours.
Ready to run Azure?
Tell us where you're starting and we'll build the schedule with you.
Microsoft and Azure are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.