How Much Do Azure Certification Exams Cost in 2026?

In the United States, associate and expert exams such as AZ-104 and AZ-305 typically cost US$165, and AZ-900 is commonly US$99. Everywhere else, Microsoft prices each exam by the country or region where it is proctored, and taxes may apply, so the only reliable figure is the one on the exam page for your location.

The fee is the visible part. Retakes, the absence of refunds and the free renewal change the real cost more than most people expect.

The exam fees

Microsoft's own wording is that associate and expert exams "typically cost US$165 but are priced according to currency values in specific countries and regions." Prices change without notice and do not include taxes.

The costs people forget

• No refunds for failing. Microsoft does not refund exams you do not pass or appointments you miss.
• Retakes are paid. You can retake 24 hours after a first fail, then you wait 14 days between each later attempt, with at most five attempts per exam in 12 months.
• Renewal is free. AZ-104 and AZ-305 expire every 12 months but renew at no cost through an online assessment. AZ-900 never expires. Details in do Azure certifications expire.

For the full AZ-900, AZ-104, AZ-305 path in the United States, that is about US$429 if you pass each exam the first time, and every failed attempt adds the full fee again. Passing first time is by far the biggest saving available.

Ways to pay less

• Academic pricing. Available in most countries and regions except India and China. Set your profile to Student and verify your status before you register. If you pay first and verify later, Microsoft will not refund the difference. Verification lasts 12 months.
• Certiport for students and educators. The AZ-900 page offers scheduling through Certiport for students and educators, often through a school testing center.
• Exam Replay. A Pearson VUE package with one exam voucher plus one retake of the same exam, both used within 12 months. Useful insurance if you are unsure, but you can only book the retake after failing the first attempt.
• Your employer. Exam page pricing excludes promotional offers and reduced pricing for Microsoft partner program members, so if you work at a Microsoft partner, ask whether vouchers are available.

What preparation costs

A lot of strong preparation is free: the Microsoft Learn learning paths, the free Practice Assessment for each of these exams, and the Exam Sandbox. Beyond that, the useful question is what lowers your odds of paying for a retake.

Set one failed AZ-104 attempt at US$165 against the cost of practice. Our practice exams are a one-time payment of under US$15 per exam, with lifetime access, a 7-day refund policy, and a free 20-question sample you can take before paying anything. Whatever you use, pick something that tells you which domain is weak, because that is what prevents the retake. We compare the options in the best Azure practice exams.

Bottom line

US$99 for AZ-900 and US$165 for AZ-104 or AZ-305 in the United States, regional prices elsewhere, no refunds for a fail, paid retakes, free renewals. Check academic pricing before registering if you are a student, and spend your preparation on whatever makes a first-time pass most likely.