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# Preparing for Your Next Certification Could Start with Your Visual Studio Subscription

**[Visual Studio Blog](https://daily.dev/sources/vs)** · 4 min read · 0 upvotes · 0 comments

## Summary

Eligible Visual Studio Subscriptions already include many learning resources to help you prepare for your next certification. Eligible subscribers get access to Cloud Academy and Pluralsight courses, learning paths, and hands-on labs. Some resources are aligned to exams like AI-103 for Azure AI Apps and Agents Developer, AZ-104 for Azure Administrator Associate, and AZ-305 for Azure Solutions Architect Expert. If a subscription includes Azure monthly credits, they can be used for hands-on practice in a development environment.

## Full article

daily.dev links to this article rather than hosting it. Read it at the original source: <https://devblogs.microsoft.com/visualstudio/preparing-for-your-next-certification-could-start-with-your-visual-studio-subscription>

## Questions this post answers

### What exam do I need to pass to become a Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate?

The AZ-104 exam is required for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification. Preparing for it builds practical knowledge of virtual networks, storage, compute resources, and identity management. Cloud Academy and Pluralsight offer AZ-104-aligned training, and this training is included in eligible Visual Studio Subscriptions.

_Developers mapping out certification prep can track Azure learning resources alongside daily.dev._

### Do I need another certification before I can become an Azure Solutions Architect Expert?

Yes, you must first earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification before pursuing the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert credential, which requires passing the AZ-305 exam. That exam covers designing Azure solutions for infrastructure, security, data storage, and business continuity.

_Those planning a certification path can follow Azure credential requirements on daily.dev._

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