Azure Developer vs Azure DevOps Engineer
Compare Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) and DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400) certifications.
Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204)
Microsoft
Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400)
Microsoft
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) | Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Microsoft | Microsoft |
| Difficulty Level | Associate | Expert |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes | 150 minutes |
| Exam Cost | $165 USD | $165 USD |
| Exam Format | 40-60 questions + labs | 40-60 questions + labs |
| Prerequisites | 1-2 years development experience | AZ-104 or AZ-204 |
| Validity Period | 1 year (renewal) | 1 year (renewal) |
| Ideal For | Developers building apps on Azure | DevOps engineers automating Azure deployments |
| Salary Range | $115,000 - $160,000 | $135,000 - $180,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) Focus Areas
- Azure Functions
- App Service
- Cosmos DB
- Azure AD
- Storage
Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400) Focus Areas
- Azure Pipelines
- GitHub Actions
- IaC
- Monitoring
- Security
Our Recommendation
Developer builds apps; DevOps automates delivery. AZ-204 can lead to AZ-400.
Choose Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204)
Choose AZ-204 if you primarily write application code.
Choose Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400)
Choose AZ-400 if you focus on CI/CD and infrastructure automation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) or Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400)?
Developer builds apps; DevOps automates delivery. AZ-204 can lead to AZ-400.
What are the salary differences between Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204)?
Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) typically offers salaries around $115,000 - $160,000, while Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400) offers $135,000 - $180,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose AZ-204 if you primarily write application code. Choose AZ-400 if you focus on CI/CD and infrastructure automation.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
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