Looking to advance your career in cloud computing? In this comprehensive guide on the Azure certification path, IT-Exams.Net covers everything you need to know to become an expert in this dynamic field. Learn about the different certification options, exam formats, benefits, and career opportunities associated with the Azure certification path, and get expert tips on how to prepare for and pass the exams.
What Is Microsoft Azure Certification?
Microsoft Azure is a leading cloud provider that has developed unique requirements for earning various certifications. These certificates have also risen to the top of the list of the most valuable qualifications in the IT industry. There are several certification pathways accessible in Azure, depending on the user’s expertise. Microsoft Azure’s use has grown dramatically over the years, creating a high need for skilled experts.
Why Pursue An Azure Certification?
Cloud use is increasing in both the corporate and public sectors. Furthermore, there is a steady flow of new methods, ideas, technologies, and techniques, all aimed to keep cloud technology at the forefront. As a result, people interested in working in cloud-related IT professions must keep up with the never-ending succession of updates and improvements.
Certifications enhance your skill set and give exact proof of your aptitude for open positions to potential employers. A Microsoft Azure certification on your CV is a plus and might be the deciding factor between you and another competing prospect.
About Azure Certification Levels
Microsoft Azure certification is divided into four tiers. They are as follows:
- Fundamentals-level certificates: ideal for non-technical individuals who wish to get started in cloud computing as well as cloud professionals who are just getting started.
- Associate-level certificates: best suited for applicants who have a thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of Azure.
- Expert-level credentials: ideal for those with a solid foundation in the cloud, such as associate-level certification and hands-on experience working with the cloud.
- Specialty certificates include Azure IOT Developer Specialty and Azure for SAP Workloads.
Outside of the categorization system, there are two Azure certification pathways. They are as follows:
- Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate is for security engineers that work with threat management, monitoring, and response.
- Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate is for administrators who manage Identity and Access Management (AIM) with Azure AD.
Fundamentals-Level Certifications
1. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
This is the most appropriate Microsoft Azure certification for newcomers. It’s a great place to start if you’re new to the cloud or Microsoft Azure. This one would be Azure 101 if exam names made more sense.
Requirements: Exam AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals ($99 USD)
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisite requirements
Skills:
- High availability in cloud computing
- Foundational cloud concepts
- Cloud scalability
- Fault tolerance in cloud computing
- Capex vs Opex cloud computing
Ideal for:
Almost everyone. Understanding what the cloud is and isn’t can help new or aspiring developers, IT professionals, and non-technical persons with cloud-related jobs. Anyone who wishes to comprehend the Microsoft Azure environment must have the knowledge required to pass this test.
Why should you get it?
This certification isn’t required for individuals wishing to advance up the Azure ladder, but what you’ll study to acquire it will be a good starting point. If the cloud plays or will play a significant part in your business — and all indications point to it doing so — this test (or the equivalent from AWS) should be required for practically everyone on staff. Speaking cloud can aid those who are not technically savvy. Learning the principles can help managers, marketers, salesmen, and others.
The Azure Fundamentals certification is one of the highest-paying cloud credentials, with cert holders earning an average income of $126,000. But let’s be honest: cloud-loving businesses aren’t going to come knocking on your door just because you have this accreditation. Nonetheless, the fundamentals you’ll master here serve as a basis for cloud comprehension. If you’re an aspiring Azure genius, here is a wonderful place to start before making a full-fledged career transition.
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900)
This is an excellent entry-level certification for aspiring data-focused cloud practitioners.
Requirements: Exam DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals ($99 USD)
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisite requirements
Skills covered:
- Fundamental principles of data
- Structured and unstructured data stored in Azure
- Analyzing data using Azure tools
- Contemporary Techniques for data warehousing
- Importing and handling data
- Creating visual representations of data using Microsoft Power BI
Ideal for:
The Azure Data Fundamentals certification is intended for database administrators and database engineers who are new to dealing with data in the cloud.
3. Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900)
This Microsoft Azure certification for beginners, both technical and non-technical, validates your knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in Azure.
Requirements: Exam AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals ($99 USD)
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisite requirements.
Skills covered:
- Different AI responsibilities and aspects to think about
- Suggestions for incorporating machine learning using Azure
- Utilizing Azure to perform tasks related to computer vision
- Executing Natural Language Processing (NLP) tasks using Azure
- Installing workloads for Conversational AI on Azure
Ideal for:
AI Engineers, Data Scientists, Developers, and Solutions Architects with a basic grasp of AI and machine learning and the Azure services that support them. This certification, like the others in the Azure Fundamentals series, is intended for those with both technical and non-technical backgrounds. That implies data science and software engineering experience aren’t required, but general programming knowledge or experience is.
Associate-Level Certifications
1. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
This is an introduction to Azure administration for IT professionals. This progresses you from understanding a little bit about the cloud to being able to perform cloud things (and maybe get paid for them).
Requirements: Exam AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator ($165 USD)
Prerequisites: There are no official requirements, although candidates should preferably have at least six months of hands-on Azure experience. A fundamental familiarity with cloud computing, Microsoft Azure, PowerShell, the Azure site, and the command-line interface is required.
Skills covered:
- Set up backups for Azure
- Handle resource groups in Microsoft Azure
- Manage your Microsoft Azure subscription
- Establish file storage in Azure
- Launch virtual machines in Azure
- Administer Azure Active Directory
- Apply Azure’s load balancing feature
Ideal for:
IT professionals and administrators who manage cloud infrastructure and maintain track of cloud assets and resources should get this certification. This test is (mistakenly) viewed as an entry-level exam, however, there is a mountain of presumed information you’ll need to know in order to pass and avoid having your AZ handed to you.
Why should you get it?
This is a high-paying Azure certification. It’s a no-brainer if you want to get into the Azure management game. This builds on a fundamental cloud knowledge base and puts theoretical notions into real-world experience, ensuring that Azure apps and services remain operational (and operationally sound). Bonus: This certification (or the Azure Developer Associate certification) is necessary to progress up the Azure skill tree and earn the Azure DevOps Engineer Expert certification.
Having your Azure Administrator Associate certification indicates that you understand the fundamentals of cloud storage, security, networking, and computation. You also understand the fundamentals of PowerShell, Azure’s portal, and the command-line interface.
You will be prepared to advise on, evaluate, manage, and optimize Azure apps and services to help enterprises get the most out of their cloud investments. With a little experience, you might be a good fit for jobs such as Azure Administrator, Systems Administrator, or Database Administrator. From there, some further work and training may launch you into the realm of some of the most sought-after cloud positions (and the six-figure incomes that typically accompany them).
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204)
This certification (an excellent initial step) is Microsoft Azure certification for developers) demonstrates that you understand the fundamentals of creating apps and services for Azure, as well as the abilities required to design, construct, test, and maintain cloud solutions.
Requirements: Exam AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure ($165 USD)
Prerequisites: Azure development is as much about the platform’s services and how you integrate them into your application as it is about syntax and programming languages. As a result, for the AZ-204 test, Microsoft wants applicants to have at least 1-2 years of development and Azure development expertise. They won’t require your supervisor to sign a permission document before you take the test, but you’ll want to have it under your belt (so the exam doesn’t catch you with your trousers down). You must also be familiar with an Azure-supported language, such as C#, PHP, Java, Python, or JavaScript.
Skills covered:
- Utilize Azure Resource Manager (ARM) to deploy resources
- Construct a cluster for Azure Managed Kubernetes Service (AKS)
- Generate Azure app services
- Apply Azure Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
- Set up Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) using Azure
- Create solutions for Azure Cosmos DB
Ideal for:
This certification is intended for developers who wish to demonstrate their Azure expertise. Before taking this test, you’ll need to understand Azure and come up to speed on development. Candidates should have shown programming expertise and be comfortable with the Azure command-line interface, PowerShell, C#, Azure SQL, and the Azure site. Does this describe you? Even though this is an Associate-level certification, many people find this exam particularly difficult. Approach it with patience, and don’t be disappointed or overwhelmed if you don’t do it right the first time.
Why should you get it?
For developers who have worked with Microsoft before, Azure may feel more obvious, and the connectors available in Microsoft-based business systems may ease development.
You’re an Azure developer capable of creating and constructing cloud-native apps from start to finish, from design to deployment to testing and maintenance.
Demonstrating your ability to create with Azure is another feather in your cloud crown. (Stylish!) The more platforms you can build, the more you can differentiate yourself from the competitors.
3. Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300)
Requirements: Exam DP-300: Administering Relational Databases on Microsoft Azure ($165 USD)
Prerequisites: According to Microsoft, anyone interested in this certification should comprehend all of the principles taught in the DP-900 Exam for the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals certification.
Skills covered:
- Design and execute resources for a data platform
- Establish a safe and protected setting
- Ensure continuous operation and prepare for unforeseen disasters
- Enhance the efficiency of operational resources and query performance
- Automate tasks Manage administration using T-SQL.
Ideal for:
Database administrators and data management professionals who maintain relational databases created using SQL Server and Microsoft Azure Data Services on-premises and in the cloud.
Why should you get it?
You’re enthralled by the prospect of overseeing the security, availability, and optimization of contemporary relational database solutions.
It implies you can build and manage cloud-native and hybrid data platform solutions using Azure services and SQL Server.
You can be trusted to handle and operate sophisticated relational database solutions on a daily basis. You’ll most likely collaborate with Azure Data Engineers to oversee the functioning of data platform solutions — and utilize your T-SQL skills to perform admin administration.
5. Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)
Requirements: Exam AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies ($165 USD)
Prerequisites: Officially, none, but strong scripting and automation skills, as well as experience with networking, virtualization, and cloud computing, are required for the test.
Skills covered:
- Set up Azure Log Analytics
- Oversee security alerts on Azure
- Protect cloud infrastructure
- Utilize Azure Privileged Identity Management.
Ideal for:
This certification is for security engineers that create, configure, and deploy Azure security tools and controls.
Why should you get it?
Cloud security is a highly valued talent. As more firms conduct mission-critical things in the cloud, those who can ensure those things remain secure will see their stock (and compensation) skyrocket.
You have the security knowledge to keep data in the cloud safe and to maintain the security of cloud and hybrid settings. You also have the expertise to educate people – the lovably inescapable weak points in cybersecurity — on security best practices.
Cloud security is synonymous with job security. These positions pay well and pay even better after a few years of experience. Whatever crazy breakthroughs emerge in the future, you can be confident that security will remain a primary concern.
6. Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate (DP-100)
Requirements: Exam DP-100: Designing and Implementing a Data Science Solution on Azure ($165 USD)
Prerequisites: There are none, however, test-takers have a background in computer science, math, and statistics.
Skills covered:
- Set up Azure resources to facilitate machine learning.
- Learn how to recognize data imbalances in the cloud.
- Assess the performance of cloud-based models and take into account any limitations of the cloud environment.
- Gain an understanding of the principles behind the ethical and responsible implementation of machine learning.
Ideal for:
This is for present and prospective data scientists who wish to work with data on Azure.
Why should you get it?
5G and the Internet of Things (a fantastic band name that you are welcome to use) entail more data flowing back and forth from more sources. The statistics concerning data growth that is often bandied about are mind-boggling, but it’s apparent that occupations managing data and making sense of it will be in high demand for the foreseeable future.
You can spit out findings after drinking from the data firehose. This certification verifies that you understand how to utilize machine learning to train, test, and deploy models in Azure to create business-helping solutions. You can utilize tools for language processing, machine vision, and predictive analytics, and you can assist colleagues and executives visualize data.
7. Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203)
Requirements: Exam DP-203: Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure ($165 USD)
Prerequisites: There are none, but when it comes to testing, you’ll need to be familiar with almost every data-related Azure service.
Skills covered:
- Utilize relational storage solutions
- Employ non-relational data storage solutions
- Handle dynamic data masking
- Create Azure batch processing solutions
Ideal for:
This certification is intended for data engineers who are in charge of data solutions that employ Azure services.
Why should you get it?
You’re a data-obsessed engineer who wants to work behind the scenes, supporting the systems that keep data secure and move it rapidly. You enjoy the notion of constantly monitoring compliance requirements and determining bottlenecks and a data retention policy.
A plethora of data-related solutions may be implemented, designed, monitored, and optimized. You are competent in utilizing and developing data storage and processing systems, as well as ensuring data security. You can do it all across a slew of Azure services.
8. Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102)
Requirements: Exam AI-102: Designing and Implementing a Microsoft Azure AI Solution ($165 USD)
Prerequisites: There are none, however, if you come from a non-technical background, you’ll need to study Python and software development as well as data science, arithmetic, and machine learning.
Skills covered:
- Determine what needs to be automated in the cloud
- Create a process for developing artificial intelligence applications
- Combine robots with Azure add-ons
Ideal for:
Engineers who understand the intricacies of AI and wish to demonstrate their abilities using Azure’s extensive array of AI technologies.
Why should you get it?
AI has swiftly progressed from science fiction to a highly sought-after skill set. This certification demonstrates that you’re ahead of the curve and prepared for a long, prosperous career (even after our robotic overlords have replaced all food with a flavorless life-sustaining sludge). You’ll design and manage AI solutions that use natural language processing, speech recognition, computer vision, bots, and agents.
9. Microsoft Certified: Azure Stack Hub Operator Associate (AZ-600)
Requirements: Exam AZ-600: Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack Hub ($165 USD)
Prerequisites: You must have extensive expertise in managing and running Azure Stack Hub environments.
Skills covered:
- Strong grasp of Azure
- Familiarity with virtualization, networking, and identity management
- Understanding of Azure Stack Hub’s role in DevOps and hybrid development mode
Ideal for:
This certificate is for Azure administrators and Azure Stack Hub operators that utilize Azure Stack Hub to deliver cloud services to users/customers in your own data center. You are in charge of planning, deploying, packaging, updating, and maintaining the Azure Stack Hub infrastructure. You will also be responsible for providing hybrid cloud resources and desired services, as well as managing infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS).
Why should you get it?
Not every firm wants (or can afford) to go all-in on the public cloud. This demonstrates your ability to balance flexibility and control by delivering Azure’s creative, agile capabilities to on-premises systems.
10. Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700)
Requirements: Exam AZ-700: Designing and Implementing Microsoft Azure Networking Solutions ($165 USD)
Prerequisites: I highly recommend passing AZ-104 before ever considering attempting AZ-700. (For additional information on the AZ-700, see this episode of Azure This Week.)
Skills covered:
- Plan and maintain hybrid networks
- Establish and operate fundamental network infrastructure
- Establish and operate routing
- Monitor and safeguard networks • Establish private access to Azure services
Ideal for:
Have you mastered the art of networking? Because this test contains a significant quantity of networking information. Candidates for this test should have substantial networking experience and knowledge, as well as subject matter competence in developing, deploying, and supporting Azure networking systems.
Why should you get it?
This certification validates your ability to suggest, plan, and execute Azure networking solutions — as well as manage those solutions for performance, reliability, scalability, and security.
11. Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate (AZ-800 + AZ-801)
Requirements: Exam AZ-800: Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure and Exam AZ-801: Configuring Windows Server Hybrid Advanced Services ($165 USD each)
Prerequisites: You should have substantial expertise dealing with Windows Server and have likely completed the AZ-104 Azure Administrator exam.
Skills covered:
- Administer Active Directory Domain Services
- Control Windows servers in hybrid environments
- Handle virtual machines and containers in Azure
- Execute and manage on-premises and hybrid networking infrastructure
- Protect Windows Server in on-premises and hybrid infrastructures
- Implement and manage Windows Server’s high availability and disaster recovery
- Transfer servers and workloads
- Supervise and fix Windows Server environments
Ideal for:
This new certification is intended for experienced Windows Server administrators who configure and manage core and advanced Windows Server workloads and services utilizing on-premises, hybrid, and cloud technologies, as well as those who connect Windows Server systems with Azure services. One thing is certain: it’s a massive curriculum, and pitching it at the associate level rather than the expert level may be a touch ambitious. Only time will tell. For additional information, see our article on the AZ-800 and AZ-801.
Why should you get it?
Many enterprises today operate in a hybrid world, and this new certification recognizes the expertise of Windows Server administrators who make the most of these situations.
Expert-Level Certifications
1. Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
This certification demonstrates that you are a member of the Azure elite. You have the demonstrated expertise in computing, network, storage, and security required to masterfully create Azure-based systems.
Requirements: Exam AZ-305: Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions, which replaces Exam AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies and Exam AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Design on March 31, 2022 ($165 USD each)
Prerequisites: Before attempting to take on this massive certification and its hard test, you must first complete test AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator. More information about the AZ-305 may be found on this page.
Skills covered:
- Azure Active Directory management
- Azure cloud migration strategy
- Serverless computing configuration with Azure
- Integration of on-premises infrastructure with Azure
- Configuration of Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
Ideal for:
This is for experienced IT and DevOps professionals with prior Azure administration and development expertise. An effective solutions architect is a day-walker who seamlessly collaborates with cutting-edge technology as well as good old-fashioned humans. They are capable of doing technical duties such as app development, cloud infrastructure configuration, and continuity planning. But they’re equally eager to talk cloud with coworkers, assisting in the pairing of teams with solutions and acting as a compelling cloud evangelist to convince cloud skeptics.
Why should you get it?
You’ll contribute tech brains to your organization’s strategy and maybe position yourself for strategic leadership positions in the future.
You are well-versed in cloud infrastructure, security, storage, data platforms, workload needs, application building and deployment, and other topics.
2. Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400)
Requirements: Exam AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions ($165 USD)
Prerequisites: Before attempting the DevOps Engineer Expert certification, you must first have the Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate certification.
Skills covered:
- Develop instrumentation and SRE plans
- Establish security and compliance measures
- Handle source control
- Set up continuous integration
- Plan for Mobile DevOps using Azure
- Manage cloud hosting infrastructure
- Gather feedback on Azure cloud
Ideal for:
This is for the engineer who is a coder, a people person, and a pro-level cat wrangler all rolled into one. You’re well-versed in Agile development principles and are comfortable with Azure administration and development (and perhaps a specialist in one or both).
Why should you get it?
You want a high-paying DevOps job that is focused on a strategy without being entirely detached from the fulfillment of day-to-day tasks.
You’re an Azure DevOps expert who can manage the trinity of people, processes, and technology to develop solutions that match user demands and company objectives.
You have a unique combination of hard technical and soft people talents that will propel you forward. Your efforts will most likely center on removing friction from delivery, establishing automation and scalability, and streamlining communication and procedures. You will work with development teams to deliver code and arrange release schedules.
Specialty Certifications
1. Microsoft Certified: Azure IoT Developer Specialty (AZ-220)
The Azure IoT Developer Specialty certification is the first cloud IoT developer certification from the top three cloud providers, stating that you can build the Azure services that comprise an IoT solution.
Requirements: Exam AZ-220: Microsoft Azure IoT Developer ($165 USD)
Prerequisites: There are no formal qualifications, however, you must grasp the intricacies of IoT solutions and be proficient in at least one Azure-supported language, such as C#, Node, C, or Python.
Skills covered:
- Establish and secure IoT infrastructure
- Manage IoT devices
- Deploy and configure IoT Edge device
- Process and administer data for IoT solutions
- Optimize and diagnose issues in IoT solutions
Ideal for:
This certification is intended for Azure-fluent developers who want to move into IoT or IoT developers who want to move into Azure.
Why should you get it?
You’re an Azure-savvy developer who can put together the Azure services that make up an IoT solution, such as data analysis, processing, data storage, and PaaS alternatives.
You’ll collaborate with data engineers and others to guarantee business integration as you develop solutions to manage, monitor, and process IoT-related data.
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty (AZ-120)
Requirements: Exam AZ-120: Planning and Administering Microsoft Azure for SAP Workloads ($165 USD)
Prerequisites: It is not required, but “strongly recommended” that you have an Azure Administrator or Azure Architect certification, as well as SAP HANA and Linux certifications.
Skills covered:
- Transfer SAP workloads to Azure
- Create Azure solutions that cater to SAP workloads
- Develop and launch Azure for SAP workloads
- Verify infrastructure for SAP workloads
- Enhance the performance of Azure SAP architecture
Ideal for:
This certification is intended for administrators, architects, and engineers responsible for transferring SAP products to the cloud. Expect to see additional specialty certifications focusing on the challenges of migrating on-premises solutions to Azure in the future.
Why should you get it?
Given the number of enterprises that rely on SAP, this certification should make you an MVP to many employers who would benefit from switching to SAP S/4HANA and SAP Cloud Platform on Azure.
3. Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty (AZ-140)
Requirements: Exam AZ-140: Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop ($165 USD)
Prerequisites: Candidates for this certification, according to Microsoft, “must have expert Azure administration skills.”
Ideal for:
If you’re an administrator with hands-on expertise designing, deploying, and maintaining virtual desktops and remote apps on Microsoft Azure, you might be a suitable candidate for this certification. You are familiar with on-premises virtual desktop infrastructure technologies as they pertain to migration to Azure Virtual Desktop and can utilize the Azure portal and Azure Resource Manager templates with ease. You’ll get extra points if you’ve worked with automation utilizing PowerShell and the Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI).
4. Microsoft Certified: Azure Cosmos DB Developer Specialty (DP-420)
Requirements: Exam DP-420: Designing and Implementing Cloud-Native Applications Using Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB ($165 USD)
Prerequisites: You must have extensive knowledge and expertise in designing Azure apps and dealing with Azure Cosmos DB.
Skills covered:
- Utilize non-relational data models with Azure Cosmos DB Core API
- Create partitioning strategies for design and configuration
- Manage scaling, sizing, connectivity options, and data access for all APIs
- Use developer-specific features like multi-document loading, session consistency, pagination, and stored procedures
- Implement replication strategies, multi-region writes, and consistency models
- Integrate with other Azure services
- Optimize performance, monitor, secure, and backup/restore operations.
Ideal for:
This certification is for applicants who have experience creating, deploying, and monitoring cloud-native data storage and management applications. Data models and data distribution can be designed and implemented, data can be loaded into an Azure Cosmos DB database, the solution can be integrated with other Azure services, and the solution can be optimized for security, availability, resilience, and performance.
Why should you get it?
This new certification (which will be available in late 2021) is an important step for developers who want to demonstrate their competence in supporting their organization’s business goals with contemporary cloud apps and Azure Cosmos DB.
5. Microsoft Certified: Azure Support Engineer for Connectivity Specialty (AZ-720)
Requirements: Exam AZ-720: Troubleshooting Microsoft Azure Connectivity ($165 USD)
Prerequisites: This test takes the AZ-700: Designing and Implementing Microsoft Azure Networking Solutions exam and adds the ability to break and fix things.
Skills covered:
- Addressing business continuity issues related to backup and recovery
- Identifying and resolving problems with hybrid and cloud connectivity, such as VNet, DNS, VPNs, and Azure ExpressRoute
- Troubleshooting PaaS issues
- Fixing authentication and control problems in hybrid and cloud environments
- Network troubleshooting including NSGs, Azure Firewall, latency, routing, traffic control, and load balancing
- Diagnosing and fixing VM connectivity issues
Ideal for:
This certification is intended for support engineers who have subject matter knowledge in resolving networking and connection issues in Azure using advanced troubleshooting methods. Candidates must be able to troubleshoot hybrid settings and diagnose and uncover the core causes of complex issues using a range of techniques and technologies.
Where Should You Start On Azure Certification Path?
As of 2022, Microsoft provides 12 role-based Azure certificates, three foundational certs, and a quartet of “specialty” certifications centered on IoT, SAP, Azure VDI (Azure Virtual Desktop), and Cosmos DB. There is also a selection of Azure-related certifications.
Where should you start?
Here are three scenarios that may help you decide where to start.
- “I’m new to technology.” “I know almost nothing about this ‘cloud’ you’re referring to.”
You can learn to cloud if you’re the sort of person who counts “Microsoft Word” as familiarity with technology on your résumé. If you want to start your cloud career, an entry-level certification will provide you with the vocabulary and understanding you need to properly analyze where you want to go next. The AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals certification is your first stop on the Azure road. The cloud might be frightening, but what you study to obtain this certification will break it down in a way that even a complete newbie can grasp — particularly with the basic training. - “I’m brand new to technology. “I know almost nothing about this ‘cloud’ you speak of.”
You can learn to cloud if you are the sort of person who counts “Microsoft Word” as familiarity with technology on your résumé. If you’re just beginning to start, an entry-level certification will provide you with the vocabulary and understanding you need to properly analyze where you want to go next. The AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals certification is your first stop on the Azure roadmap. The cloud might be frightening, but what you study to obtain this certification will break it down in a way that even a complete novice will comprehend – especially if you have the proper instruction. - “I know a little bit about the cloud.”
Perhaps you have some IT experience. Perhaps you’ve experimented with AWS, GCP, or Azure. Do you think you’re ready to dive in? Apply the brakes. You should definitely begin with the Azure Fundamentals certification as well. In the best-case scenario, it will be a breeze for you. However, no matter how far you advance in Azure, this certification will provide the groundwork for future success. The Azure Administrator Associate certification is the next step up the ladder, and it may be a major challenge. Before tackling it, you’ll need to have completed the Fundamentals certification and have a lot of hands-on experience with Azure. - “I work in the cloud, I know Azure, and I’m looking to advance.”
The majority of Microsoft Azure certifications are role-based. Do you see a job title that you have or would want to have? That is your certification. Of course, such certificates aren’t necessarily completely aligned with what every business could expect of someone with that designation. Check job ads for the name of the certification you’re interested in and see whether the role and duties sound appealing.
How Do You Prepare for New Microsoft Azure Certifications?
As many techniques to prepare for new certifications exist as there are certifications! Here are some possible approaches you might take. You should use the strategies that are most effective for you.
- Examine the many Microsoft Learning Paths, including the Azure certification path.
- Train with teachers, which you may do through online courses such as Simplilearn.
- Look for an online learning partner.
- Look for communities that provide test and Azure certification route help.
FAQs
Final Words
In conclusion, the Azure certification path is an excellent option for individuals seeking to establish themselves as experts in cloud computing. With a range of certifications available, the path caters to professionals at all levels of expertise, offering a roadmap for success in this rapidly growing field. By earning an Azure certification, you can unlock new career opportunities and increase your earning potential, while demonstrating your proficiency in the latest cloud technologies and practices. With the guidance provided in our guide, you can chart a course for success on the Azure certification path and take your career in cloud computing to new heights.
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