The AZ-104 certification, officially known as the Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate, is a crucial milestone for IT professionals seeking to establish cloud computing expertise. It validates skills related to Azure administration, including resource management, networking, security, and storage. However, after achieving this certification, many professionals wonder what their next step should be.
Advancing beyond AZ-104 requires a strategic approach, whether you aim to specialize in security, architecture, DevOps, or networking. Enrolling in Azure training in Noida can help you gain hands-on experience and prepare for higher-level certifications. This guide will walk you through the best options after AZ-104 to help you make an informed decision.
Why AZ-104 is a Strong Foundation?
AZ-104 is an intermediate-level certification designed for professionals in roles such as:
- Azure Administrator
- Cloud Engineer
- Systems Administrator
- IT Support Engineer
The certification covers essential Azure functionalities, including:
- Managing identities and governance
- Implementing and managing storage solutions
- Configuring and managing virtual networks
- Securing and monitoring Azure resources
- Managing compute resources such as virtual machines
Once you have cleared the AZ-104 exam, you have a solid foundation in Azure. The next step depends on whether you want to focus on cloud security, DevOps, architecture, or data engineering.
What Comes After AZ-104? Your Certification Options
1. AZ-305 – Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
For professionals interested in designing and implementing Azure-based solutions, the AZ-305 certification is the next logical step.
Who should pursue it: Those aiming for roles in Azure architecture, cloud solutions design, and enterprise cloud management.
Key topics covered:
- Designing governance and security solutions
- Implementing identity and access management strategies
- Creating scalable and resilient cloud infrastructure
- Designing data storage solutions
This certification is ideal for individuals seeking Azure Solutions Architects or Senior Cloud Engineers roles.
2. AZ-500 – Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate
With increasing cyber threats, organizations need security experts who can safeguard cloud environments. The AZ-500 certification is best for those looking to specialize in Azure security.
Who should pursue it: IT professionals focusing on network security, identity protection, and compliance in Azure.
Key topics covered:
- Managing identity and access
- Securing Azure workloads and applications
- Implementing security operations and threat detection
- Managing governance and regulatory compliance
This certification is ideal for roles such as Security Engineer, Cloud Security Analyst, and Cybersecurity Consultant.
3. AZ-400 – Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert
For those interested in automation, continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD), and cloud-based development, the AZ-400 certification is an excellent choice.
Who should pursue it: IT professionals with experience in development and operations, particularly those working in DevOps environments.
Key topics covered:
- Designing DevOps strategies
- Implementing CI/CD pipelines
- Infrastructure as code (IaC)
- Security and compliance in DevOps
This certification is suited for professionals looking to become DevOps Engineers, Site Reliability Engineers (SREs), or Cloud Automation Engineers.
4. Other Advanced Azure Certifications to Consider
Apart from the above, professionals can also specialize further in:
- AI and Machine Learning: AI-102 (Azure AI Engineer Associate)
- Data Engineering: DP-203 (Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure)
- Networking Specialization: AZ-700 (Azure Network Engineer Associate)
Choosing the right certification depends on whether you want to focus on cloud security, architecture, data engineering, or DevOps.
Why Enroll in Azure Training in Noida?
Advancing your Azure career requires structured learning and hands-on experience. Enrolling in Azure training in Noida can help you gain the practical skills necessary to clear advanced certifications.
TrainingX, a leading IT training institute, offers:
- Expert-led courses designed by industry professionals
- Hands-on lab sessions to simulate real-world Azure scenarios
- Mock exams and interview preparation for certification success
- Career guidance and job assistance for Azure-related roles
If you are looking to build a solid foundation in Azure administration, TrainingX offers expert-led AZ-104 training in Noida to help you gain hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Path After AZ-104
Earning the AZ-104 certification is an important step in your cloud computing journey, but the next move depends on your career aspirations. Whether you want to become an Azure Solutions Architect, Security Engineer, DevOps Expert, or Data Engineer, choosing the right Azure certification can open new career opportunities.
For those seeking expert guidance, TrainingX in Noida offers comprehensive Azure training programs to help professionals advance their skills and secure high-paying jobs in cloud computing.Looking to advance beyond AZ-104? Enroll in Azure training in Noida with TrainingX today!