> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://contrxl.gitbook.io/contrxl/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://contrxl.gitbook.io/contrxl/systems-administration/microsoft/az-900/2.-architecture/2.1-core-architectural-components/2.1.3-get-started-with-azure-accounts.md).

# 2.1.3 Get Started with Azure Accounts

### Azure Accounts

To get started, you need an Azure subscription. After you've created an Azure account, you can create additional subscriptions at any time. For example, you could use a single Azure account but have subscriptions for development, marketing, sales and so on. This looks like:

<figure><img src="/files/x82HzncXBrkqBi1Euo9e" alt=""><figcaption><p>Azure account hierarchy</p></figcaption></figure>

An Azure account can be made at no cost and upgraded when desired. The Azure free account includes:

* Access to popular Azure products for 12 months.
* A credit for the first 30 days.
* Access to 25 products that are always free.

The Azure free account can be made [here](https://azure.microsoft.com/free).

### The Azure Free Student Account

* Free access to certain services for 12 months.
* A credit for 12 months.
* Free access to certain developer tools.

The Azure free credit account can be made [here](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/free/students/).