How to prepare for the Microsoft Azure AZ-800 exam?

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Microsoft Azure AZ-800 exam

Preparing for the Exam AZ-800: Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure is all about understanding and getting familiar with the concepts of Azure Hybrid Benefit. Where the Azure hybrid benefit service is a valuable feature that allows you to migrate your on-premises Windows Server and SQL Server licenses with active Software Assurance or subscriptions to Azure. When you combine Azure Hybrid Benefit, reservation savings, and extended security updates, you can save up to 85%* on normal pay-as-you-go pricing and reach the lowest total cost of ownership.

But, how to start preparing for the Microsoft AZ-800 exam to get into the Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure. To help in this, we have prepared this guide to cover all the essential areas of the exam including the updated course objectives, training methods, and practice tests for passing the AZ-800 exam.

Guide to pass the Microsoft Azure AZ-800 exam

Microsoft AZ-800: Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure exam is designed for candidates with skills for administering core Windows Server workloads using on-premises, hybrid, and cloud technologies. These professionals have the ability for applying and managing on-premises and hybrid solutions, such as identity, management, compute, networking, and storage. They also know how to use administrative tools and technologies including Windows Admin Center, PowerShell, Azure Arc, and IaaS virtual machine management. Further, this exam needs significant knowledge of Windows Server operating systems.

Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate

However, talking about the certifications, passing this exam will take you one step closer to becoming Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate. Yes, the AZ-800 exam works as a prerequisite for this certification. Therefore to become Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate, you have to pass:

  • AZ-800: Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure
  • AZ-801: Configuring Windows Server Hybrid Advanced Services
Microsoft Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate: Roles and Responsibilities

The Microsoft Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate is responsible for executing tasks like:

  • Firstly, configuring and managing Windows Server on-premises, hybrid, and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) platform workloads.
  • Secondly, managing Windows Server in on-premises networks and merging Windows Server systems with Azure services.
  • Thirdly, controlling and maintaining Windows Server IaaS workloads in Azure, in addition to migrating and deploying workloads to Azure. 
  • Lastly, collaborating with,
    • Azure administrators
    • Enterprise architects
    • Microsoft 365 administrators
    • Network engineers.

Further, earning the Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate certification will you get into the top job roles such as:

  • Administrator
  • Identity And Access Administrator
  • Information Protection Administrator
  • Network Engineer
  • Security Engineer
  • Support Engineer
  • Technology Manager
Microsoft AZ-800 Exam Format

Microsoft Azure AZ-800 exam validates your skills for executing various tasks like:

  • Firstly, Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) deployment and management in on-premises and cloud settings
  • Secondly, in a hybrid environment, managing Windows Servers and workloads.
  • Thirdly, managing virtual machines and containers
  • Then, applying and controlling an on-premises and hybrid networking infrastructure
  • Lastly, managing storage and file services.

However, the exam will have 40-60 questions for which the minimum passing score is 700. The exam can be taken in the English language and is available at the cost of $165 USD*.

Step 1. Getting familiar with the exam objectives

This is an important component of your preparation. Every examination has topics that are highly significant. It’s also important to go through each section to have a better knowledge of the subject. The Microsoft AZ-800 exam has various subjects, each having sections and subsections. Let’s have a look at them.

Topic 1: Deploy and manage Azure Directory Domain Services (AD DS) in on-premises and cloud environments (30–35%)

Deploy and manage AD DS domain controllers

Configure and manage multi-site, multi-domain, and multi-forest environments

Create and manage AD DS security principals

Implement and manage hybrid identities

  • Integrate Microsoft Entra ID, AD DS and Microsoft Entra Domain Services
  • implement Microsoft Entra Connect 
  • manage Microsoft Entra Connect Synchronization 
  • implement Microsoft Entra Connect cloud sync
  • manage Microsoft Entra Domain Services
  • managing Microsoft Entra Connect Health
  • manage authentication in on-premises and hybrid environments (MicrosoftDocumentation: Microsoft 365 integration with on-premises environments)
  • configure and manage AD DS passwords (MicrosoftDocumentation: Password and account lockout policies)

Manage Windows Server by using domain-based Group Policies

Topic 2: Manage Windows Servers and workloads in a hybrid environment (10–15%)

Manage Windows Servers in a hybrid environment

Manage Windows Servers and workloads by using Azure services

az-800 practice exam
Topic 3: Manage virtual machines and containers (15–20%)

Manage Hyper-V and guest virtual machines

Create and manage containers

Manage Azure Virtual Machines that run Windows Server

Topic 4: Implement and manage an on-premises and hybrid networking infrastructure (15–20%)

Implement on-premises and hybrid name resolution

Manage IP addressing in on-premises and hybrid scenarios

Implement on-premises and hybrid network connectivity

Topic 5: Manage storage and file services (15–20%)

Configure and manage Azure File Sync

Configure and manage Windows Server file shares

Configure Windows Server storage

Step 2. Exploring Microsoft Study Resources

Microsoft offers a variety of resources to assist applicants in studying for the AZ-800 exam. This includes the following:

– Microsoft Learning Path

Microsoft provides new methods for grasping the topics. That is, Microsoft offers a range of study paths for each examination, each of which covers the exam’s subjects in modules. These include all relevant data as well as useful reference links for every topic. Furthermore, you may acquire in-depth information on test subjects by using the sections provided with a bonus quiz at the end of each module to help you prepare for the exam.

– Microsoft Documentation

Microsoft documentation aids in the comprehension and familiarisation of topics. You will learn about the many ways to administer basic Windows Server workloads utilizing on-premises, hybrid, and cloud technologies for the Microsoft AZ-800 exam. You’ll also improve your skills in using and administering on-premises and hybrid systems including identity, management, computing, networking, and storage. You may also use the Azure Hybrid documentation to learn more about the service.

– Microsoft Instructor-led Training

Microsoft provides courses in the form of Instructor-led Training. This training offers short-term courses covering all the relevant concepts, modules, details, and tests that will lead you towards passing the exam. And, the major benefit of this instructor-led training is that you can study on your own time, at your own speed, and in your own place, you just have to choose a classic classroom training scenario.

– Online Study Groups

Candidates can benefit from online study groups while studying for exams. Joining study groups, in other words, will allow you to keep in touch with experts and professionals who are already on this route. You may also use this group to discuss your test-related question or concern, as well as take the AZ-800 exam study notes. Furthermore, these groups will help you gain confidence by talking and connecting with those professionals who have already passed the AZ-800 exam. This will help you get clarity about what you have to do next to earn your dream job role.

– Assess yourself using Practice tests

It is important to take practice examinations in order to improve your preparation. You will learn about your weak and strong areas by testing yourself with Microsoft AZ-800 practice exams. Furthermore, you will be able to enhance your answering abilities, which will allow you to save a significant amount of time during the exam. However, taking the AZ-800 exam practice tests after completing a whole topic is the wise way to go. This can also help you revise effectively. So, go online and look for the greatest practice exam tests to prepare for the Microsoft AZ-800 certification exam.

Why learn Azure Hybrid Benefit?

The Azure Hybrid Benefit is a licensed benefit that helps you in saving the cost of operating your workloads over the cloud. It works by allowing you to utilize your Windows Server and SQL Server licenses that are Software Assurance-enabled on-premises on Azure. This benefit now extends to RedHat and SUSE Linux subscriptions as well.

However, let’s understand the concept of Azure hybrid in SQL Server, Window Server, and Linux.

1. SQL Server
  • Firstly, use Azure Hybrid Benefit to save money on both Windows Server and SQL Server workloads.
  • Secondly, in the platform as a service (PaaS) settings, you can use current SQL Server licenses.
  • Thirdly, apply to the SQL Server 1 to 4 vCPUs exchange: You receive 4 vCPUs of SQL Managed Instance or Azure SQL Database general purpose and Hyperscale tiers or 4 vCPUs of SQL Server Standard Edition on Azure VMs for every 1 core of SQL Server Enterprise Edition.
  • Then, with Azure Dedicated Host, you can fulfill compliance needs with unlimited virtualization.
  • Lastly, get 180 days of on-premises and Azure dual-use rights.
2. Windows Server

In this, using Azure you can:

  • Firstly, assign Windows Server licenses in the cloud.
  • Secondly, get 180 days of on-premises and cloud dual-use rights.
  • Thirdly, get the most out of your Windows Server licences while saving up to 40%* on virtual machines with Azure Hybrid Benefit.
  • Lastly, hav access to each Datacenter or Standard edition with two-processor license or bundle of 16-core licenses includes two instances of up to 8 cores or one instance of up to 16 cores.
    • Datacenter edition licenses enable on-premises and Azure usage at the same time. 
    • Standard edition licences may be used on-premises or on Azure. However, you’ll get 180 days of concurrent use rights while switching servers.
3. Linux

On Azure, you can use your current on-premises Red Hat or SUSE software subscriptions. You can only do the following on Azure:

  • Firstly, pay exclusively for the charges of your VM infrastructure. Moreover, your existing subscription already covers the software charge, which applies to all Azure Marketplace Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server pay-as-you-go images.
  • Secondly, save time by avoiding production redeployment with seamless post-deployment conversions.
  • Thirdly, automatic image maintenance, updates, and patches can help you save money in the long run.
  • Moreover, take advantage of the Azure Portal and CLI’s seamless user interface integration, as well as scalable batch conversions.
  • Lastly, with just one ticket, you can get the cloud’s only co-located technical assistance from Azure, Red Hat, and SUSE.

Final Words

To begin in a stepwise manner, the details of the Microsoft AZ-800 test, as well as the main study guide, have been discussed above. This examination will put your knowledge, competence, and collaborative abilities to the test. As a result, in order to increase your preparation, you must focus on all of the essential areas. Take the time to create a study plan and pattern based on the material you’ve been provided, and then begin the preparation process step by step. Also, we have gone through the Azure hybrid service by learning about some of its areas. So, don’t forget to review by taking practice exams and evaluations. Just take the test and pass it!

Microsoft AZ-800 Exam practice tests
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