I currently work as an Azure infrastructure administrator and want to move into a DevOps role. I'm considering studying AZ-104, Python, Linux, networking, Terraform, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, and other DevOps tools, but the list feels overwhelming. Since I already have hands-on Azure infrastructure and portal experience, should I pursue AZ-104, or would my time be better spent strengthening practical Azure knowledge and building DevOps skills? For anyone who has made a similar transition, how did you structure your learning, which tools did you prioritize first, and is AZ-104 worthwhile if you already work with Azure administration?
1 Answer
Practical experience is probably more valuable than studying every topic separately for a certification. Build a project that combines several skills—for example, deploy an application using Azure Functions or App Services, containers, infrastructure as code, monitoring, and high availability or disaster recovery. That gives you a clearer learning path and something concrete to discuss in interviews. I’d only prioritize AZ-104 if your employer requires it or you need the credential; otherwise, use that study time to deepen your Azure knowledge and practice Terraform, Linux, scripting, containers, and CI/CD.
That makes sense. So I should understand the certification topics, but avoid spending too much time memorizing broad exam material if it doesn’t add practical value. My background is mainly desktop support and troubleshooting Windows issues, plus some React experience, and I’m currently learning Python.