As the demand for cloud computing continues to rise, Microsoft Azure has emerged as one of the top cloud platforms, offering a wide range of services for businesses of all sizes. The AZ-900 certification is the entry-level certification for Microsoft Azure, and it can help IT professionals kickstart their careers in the cloud computing space. In this article, IT Exams will take a closer look at the AZ 900 salary and what you can expect as an Azure Fundamentals certified professional.
Azure Fundamentals Certification Overview
Microsoft Azure is the company’s most rapidly expanding significant cloud platform. This test covers fundamental Azure cloud principles and is hence a good place to start for those who are new to the Azure universe. AZ-900 is a difficult exam to pass despite being a foundational exam. This exam measures your understanding of cloud principles and Azure administrations. This exam can be prepared for people with both technical and non-technical backgrounds. It will confirm their Azure Cloud services skills and prepare them for the following Azure role-based certifications.
The Azure Fundamentals exam is a critical opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of cloud fundamentals. Azure services, Azure workloads, Azure security and privacy, and Azure pricing and support are all important cloud concepts to grasp. Candidates should be familiar with the fundamental technical artifacts, such as storage, networking, cloud computing, seamless application support, and comprehensive application development, before sitting the exam.
Exam Format
The AZ-900 certification exam is a multiple-choice exam that consists of 40-60 questions. The exam duration is 85 minutes, and the AZ-900 passing score is 700 out of 1000. The exam is available in multiple languages, and you can take it online or at a testing center.
On this website, we provide various AZ 900 practice tests to help users prepare carefully for their coming exam. Let give it a try!
Skills Required
To pass the AZ-900 certification exam, you should have a basic understanding of cloud computing and Azure services. You should be familiar with the following concepts:
- Cloud computing principles
- Azure core services, such as Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Storage, and Azure Virtual Network
- Azure security, privacy, compliance, and trust
- Azure pricing and support
- Azure service level agreements (SLAs)
- Azure resource management
Why AZ-900 Certification is Important?
There are several Azure-900 certification benefits that are worth noting. The Azure Fundamentals certification, or AZ-900, is a great starting point for anyone interested in cloud computing and working with Azure. Here are some reasons why obtaining the AZ-900 certification is important:
Increases Your Fundamental Knowledge
As previously said, this certificate is for those wanting to begin a career in cloud computing, which means that it will help you whether you have prior IT expertise or not. Obtaining AZ-900 certification allows you to improve your fundamental understanding of cloud computing. Furthermore, the Azure fundamental AZ-900 is a fantastic first step before pursuing the associate-level credential.
The Candidate Makes an Informed Decision
Microsoft has two primary areas of specialization: administration, producing solutions, and security technologies, and data and Azure AI. Knowing the fundamentals of Microsoft Azure will help you determine whatever topic most interests you. As a result, you can specialize in it and become a master at it.
Increase Your Pay Scale
The Azure AZ-900 certificate allows you to earn more than your non-certified peers. If you pass this exam, you will be given extra responsibility in your existing position, especially if your company uses cloud computing. Furthermore, if you are just starting out in cloud computing, obtaining this certification will make your path to a high-paying position much easier.
Improve Your Skills
Clearing the Azure A-900 certification exam improves your cloud computing skills, boosting your company’s security because you are familiar with its most recent functions. You must renew your certificate every year in order to stay current with the latest technologies. You are desirable to any organization wanting to recruit a cloud computing developer because of your cloud computing skills.
Unlock Access to an Associate-level Certificate
You can access the associate-level certificate once you have cleared the fundamental certificate. However, before proceeding to the associate-level examination, you should have a firm grasp on your basics, which can be obtained through a fundamentals certificate. After passing the foundational certification, you will be ready to master advanced topics. This certificate, along with the associate-level certificate, lets you qualify for the Azure administrator certificate.
AZ-900 Salary and Job Titles
According to Payscale, the average salary for an Azure Fundamentals certified professional is around $65,000 per year in the United States. However, this salary can range from $47,000 to $102,000 per year, depending on the individual’s experience, skills, and location.
Becoming AZ 900 certified can lead to a variety of job opportunities in the cloud computing industry. Here are some common job titles and their corresponding salaries for AZ-900 certified professionals:
Cloud Solutions Architect
Cloud computing is the internet-based distribution of computing resources such as data storage and applications. A cloud architect is in charge of a company’s cloud computing system. They work with cloud technology to establish cloud adoption plans, cloud application design, and cloud management, monitoring, and maintenance systems.
Cloud architects design, optimize, and support cloud computing solutions for their clients. Clients may include technology research firms, cloud computing corporations, information technology (IT) providers, or IT departments. Cloud architects work with the following components of cloud-based solutions:
- Front-end platforms: The front-end cloud infrastructure encompasses everything with which the client will interact. It is the software that enables users to connect to the cloud.
- Back-end platforms: The hardware and software components of a cloud system such as data storage, servers, virtual machines, hypervisors, and network devices are referred to as back-end cloud infrastructure.
- Cloud-based data delivery models: Cloud computing service providers often offer IT capabilities to enterprises through one of three basic models: Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), or Platform as a Service (PaaS).
Average annual salary: $125,000
Cloud Consultant
Cloud consultants educate businesses on the many cloud computing services available, allowing them to make more informed decisions that enhance operations. Cloud consultants are well-versed in the technical elements of cloud-based systems and play important communicative roles. They are in charge of communicating the benefits of cloud services to individual businesses in a way that non-technical corporate representatives may comprehend.
Depending on the scale of your technology firm or IT department, you may also be in charge of developing and deploying some, or all, of the cloud-based apps you discuss with clients.
A cloud consultant’s individual responsibilities include the following:
- Communicating with businesses to assess their cloud service requirements and to answer any cloud-related questions.
- Looking into cloud-based solutions that businesses could be interested in.
- Collaborating with cloud developers, administrators, and IT teams to develop cloud-based apps that meet the demands of clients.
- Developing cloud-based apps that clients may require, generally after assisting clients in the development of those applications.
- Integrating cloud-based applications into a client’s network after they have been created.
- Setting up client networks to support any new cloud services.
- Educating client staff on how to use any new cloud-based applications.
- Instructing clients on any modifications to their existing cloud-based solutions.
Average annual salary: $94,000
Cloud Administrator
A cloud administrator is responsible for the upkeep and performance of a company’s cloud structures. You will help the client install their cloud services while collaborating with cloud engineers and other cloud management workers to guarantee that networks remain operational.
A suitable college degree, as well as years of experience in IT or cloud computing domains, are sometimes required for the post of cloud administrator. Furthermore, some businesses need cloud administrators to have a master’s degree.
A cloud administrator’s individual responsibilities may include:
- Managing all facets of a company’s cloud-based program, including user access rights.
- Configuring cloud-based applications to meet the standards and demands of a business.
- Training staff on the proper use of cloud-based apps.
- Controlling cloud application access to guarantee that all firm personnel has proper access to resources.
- Safeguarding cloud-based apps against data breaches and cybersecurity threats.
- Protocols for cloud-based application security are being updated.
- Identifying and resolving problems with cloud-based apps.
- Communicating with employees or executives at a corporation to identify new corporate demands and adjust existing cloud architecture to meet them.
Average annual salary: $85,000
Cloud Developer
Developers are people who design and build applications or platforms such as software or web systems. They are known as software or web developers in this context. Cloud developer is similar in that they create and build products, but the difference is that they do so on virtual systems and clouds.
In recent years, the “cloud” has grown in importance. Not only for individual users but also for businesses. People are storing music in the cloud, we’re hosting websites in the cloud, and we are preserving images in the cloud; therefore, more cloud professionals are needed, and the number of employees is only going to grow.
A Cloud Developer’s primary tasks may include:
- Creating and deploying cloud infrastructures.
- Advising on cloud architectures that are currently available.
- Monitoring and upkeep.
- Workflowing and processing development.
- Raising the solutions for document integration.
- Utilizing performance indicators to capture services.
- Staff should be trained in the new standards and processes.
Average annual salary: $96,000
Cloud Security Specialist
A Cloud Security Specialist is a person who specializes in cloud computing system security and the protection of sensitive data stored in the cloud. A cloud security specialist may work for a cloud security provider, an enterprise company, or a security organization, and is in charge of preventing common security threats as well as establishing security controls and technologies to secure cloud platforms and services in the following ways:
- Assessing current infrastructure and identifying potential hazards.
- Creating and deploying cloud security services and controls.
- Monitoring cloud systems for risks.
- Contributing to incident reaction and recovery.
Average annual salary: $109,000
Factors that Affect AZ 900 Salary
Several factors can affect an Azure Fundamentals certified professional’s salary, including:
Location
Location plays a significant role in determining the salary of an AZ-900 certified professional. The cost of living varies from one place to another, and this directly affects the salary offered to IT professionals. In the United States, the highest salaries for AZ-900 certified professionals are in San Francisco, California, with an average salary of $100,000 per year. Other cities with high salaries for AZ-900 certified professionals include New York, Seattle, and Chicago.
Experience
Experience is a crucial factor in determining the salary of an AZ-900 certified professional. Entry-level positions such as Cloud Engineer or Cloud Administrator typically require less experience and pay less than higher-level positions such as Cloud Architect or Cloud Consultant. As you gain experience and advance in your career, your salary can increase.
Industry
The industry in which an AZ-900-certified professional work also affects their salary. For example, IT professionals working in the healthcare industry tend to earn more than those in the retail or education industry. This is because some industries are more dependent on cloud computing services than others.
Job Role
The job role is another factor that affects the salary of an AZ-900 certified professional. Different job roles require different skills and levels of expertise, and this affects the salary offered. For example, Cloud Engineers and Cloud Administrators may earn less than Cloud Architects or Cloud Consultants.
Employer
The employer of an AZ-900 certified professional can also affect their salary. Large companies and corporations tend to offer higher salaries and better benefits than small businesses or startups. This is because they have more resources and can afford to pay their employees more.
Additional Certifications
Having additional certifications in cloud computing or related fields can increase the salary of an AZ-900-certified professional. Employers value employees who have a broad range of skills and certifications and are willing to pay more for them.
In conclusion, various factors affect the salary of an AZ-900 certified professional, including location, experience, industry, job role, employer, and additional certifications. It’s essential to consider these factors when pursuing an AZ-900 certification and when negotiating your salary with potential employers.
AZ 900 Salary vs. Other Certifications
When it comes to the salaries of cloud computing professionals, AZ-900 certification is just one piece of the puzzle. Other certifications can also impact salary levels, and it’s important to understand how they compare. Here is a comparison of AZ 900 certification salary levels with some other popular Azure Cloud Certification salary:
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification is one of the most popular cloud computing certifications. According to Payscale, the average salary for an AWS Solutions Architect is around $119,000 per year, which is slightly higher than the Azure fundamentals salary – $94,000 per year.
Read more >> AZ-900 vs DP-900: Which Certification Should You Choose
Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
The Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect certification is another popular certification in the cloud computing industry. According to Payscale, the average salary for a Google Cloud Architect is around $138,000 per year, which is significantly higher than the average AZ-900 salary.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is a higher-level certification than AZ-900, focused on designing and implementing solutions on the Azure platform. According to Payscale, the average salary for an Azure Solutions Architect is around $130,000 per year, which is significantly higher than the average AZ 900 certification salary.
CompTIA Cloud+ Certification
The CompTIA Cloud+ certification is a vendor-neutral certification that covers a range of cloud computing topics. According to Payscale, the average salary for a Cloud+ certified professional is around $85,000 per year, which is similar to the average AZ-900 salary.
Preparation Strategy for AZ-900 Exam
The Microsoft learning route is one of the most effective approaches to pass the AZ-900 test. Microsoft provides a set of free online learning modules for mastering AZ-900 principles. It is recommended that you read the Microsoft documentation on AZ-900 and Azure Fundamentals. Microsoft Events offer free instructor-led training. It is recommended that you attend the instructor-led course to learn more about the Fundamentals of Azure. To provide collective learning, various study groups and forums will be beneficial. Aspirants can also use physical books and e-books to better understand the AZ-900 principles. You can practice exam questions on IT Exam’s AZ 900 practice tests platform for hands-on experience writing the exam.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about AZ-900 certification and salaries:
Is AZ-900 hard to pass?
At first appearance, the AZ-900 test appears to be one of the simplest IT certifications available, but that does not imply it’s not difficult. It is still an IT exam, and most of them are challenging.
How many times can you fail AZ-900?
If a candidate fails the exam on the first try, he or she must wait 24 hours before retaking it. Second, if he or she fails on the second attempt, they must wait 14 days before retaking the exam. An applicant is allowed a maximum of five retakes per year.
How to pass AZ-900 fast?
Taking practice examinations is an excellent technique to prepare for the real exam. Microsoft provides official AZ-900 practice tests. These practice examinations are available for purchase on the Microsoft website. Join a Study Group: Participating in a study group is a terrific way to keep motivated while also learning from others.
Can I take AZ-900 from home?
You can take the exam at home or in a testing center. Please keep in mind that all tests are proctored, and you must meet these conditions before taking the exam.
Which Azure certification gives the highest salary?
AZ-305 Azure Solutions Architect Expert is a Microsoft Certified Professional. This Microsoft Azure salary is one of the highest-paying, according to the Global Knowledge 2021 IT Skills and Salary Survey. The Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) certification is at the expert level.
What Number Of Azure Certifications Should You Obtain?
The amount of certifications required for an Azure position is determined by your objectives. Certifications are just one way to get started in the cloud, but they can help – and deliver a decent return on investment. (In North America, persons with six or more credentials earn $13,000 more than those with only one, according to Global Knowledge.)
Conclusion
According to Gartner, the worldwide cloud service sector will increase AZ 900 salary at an exponential rate by 2023. Furthermore, Microsoft Azure has a significant market capitalization in cloud services. In terms of technical skills, credibility, and compensation, becoming an Azure Certified expert can help you enhance your professional career. Azure has also collaborated with Upwork to identify and promote Azure-certified freelancers, making it easier for organizations to locate particular specialists.
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