I'm currently a second-year student and a newbie looking to advance my knowledge in cloud and IT. I've just finished the AZ-104 certification, and I'm curious about which certification I should tackle next to enhance my skills and employability.
4 Answers
It's great to see you progressing! Honestly, before diving into more certifications, gaining some practical experience can be incredibly beneficial. Consider volunteering with charities or non-profit organizations to build your real-world skills. It’s a great way to learn while also making a difference.
What kind of role are you aiming for after school? While experience does matter, certifications can still validate your knowledge. For roles focusing on infrastructure or development, I suggest looking into AZ-700, AZ-204, AZ-305, or AZ-400. Don't forget about the new Applied Skills certifications that offer theoretical knowledge paired with hands-on labs to reinforce what you learn! Check out this link for more info: learn.microsoft.com/sv-se/credentials/applied-skills/
People often debate this, but having a grasp of modern AI isn't a bad idea. Certs like AI-900 are increasingly valuable, so consider adding that to your lineup.
Awesome job on getting AZ-104! If you're looking for architect-level skills, AZ-305 would be a great next step. If security interests you, AZ-500 is also a strong option. Both of these certifications build on what you've learned in AZ-104. I highly recommend getting some hands-on practice in the Azure portal and doing mock tests to boost your confidence before the next exam.

What about AZ-500? Will certifications like the ones you mentioned help me land interviews? I'm thinking of pursuing AZ-500, AZ-305, AI-900, and AI-102. Any advice on the order to take them or tips for high-paying entry-level Azure jobs?