Currently, certifications related to cloud computing are crucial in the IT field. As cloud technology grows fast, more and more people are getting interested in it. In this context, Microsoft came up with the AZ-103 certification. This certification checks if you’re good at handling cloud services like an administrator. It looks into the advanced skills of those working as Microsoft Azure Administrators. But the main question many have is: How to succeed in getting the AZ-103 certification?
Microsoft AZ-103 is retired. A new replacement exam Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) is available.
Therefore, in this blog, we’ll go through all the details of the AZ-103 certification exam, including how to prepare and what resources to use. But, before we dive into that, let’s take a quick look at Microsoft certifications to understand why they matter.
Overview of Microsoft Certification
As you’re aware, Microsoft is a major player on a global scale. Attaining a Microsoft certification is a noteworthy accomplishment. Furthermore, having a Microsoft certification adds more worth compared to not having one. To understand Microsoft’s significance better, take a look at the following points:
- Microsoft offers a wide range of certifications tailored to individual needs. Most importantly, upon successfully passing any certification exam, you earn a valuable certificate.
- These certifications boost your resume and can be advantageous when seeking employment. Importantly, they can act as a form of experience during job interviews.
- Especially in the IT field, those aiming for professional-level certifications often prioritize Microsoft due to its reputation.
Now, let’s discuss the exam basic exam details of AZ-103.
Understanding AZ-103 Exam
Microsoft AZ-103 is meant for individuals who can handle tasks like overseeing cloud services such as storage, security, networking, and cloud computing capabilities. Additionally, this certification exam focuses on key aspects like how Microsoft Azure Cloud platform fits together and the security it offers. Let’s explore the Azure 103 exam in more detail.
Basic Knowledge Requirement for the Exam
The AZ-103 exam will evaluate your abilities and what you know about handling subscriptions and resources on Microsoft Azure. Additionally, you need to be skilled in setting up and looking after virtual machines (VMs) and Networks. Plus, it’s crucial to have a strong grasp of the IT lifecycle’s services.
Prerequisites for AZ-103 Exam
In the Microsoft AZ-103 Exam, candidates need to manage different cloud services. It’s not very tough to cover all these areas, so you’re likely to do well on the AZ-103 exam. Additionally, there are some basic things you should know, like:
- Good knowledge and experience with Azure Portal, ARM templates, operating systems, virtualization, cloud infrastructure, storage structures, and networking.
- Being skilled in using PowerShell and the Command Line Interface is also essential.
Exam Structure: AZ-103
Before you begin preparing for the exam, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental structure and how the exam is set up. This basic information is really helpful while you’re getting ready. To start with, let’s talk about the different types of questions in the exam.
- Exam Question Format: Microsoft always brings in different types of questions and testing methods. But, they don’t give away the exact questions for any exam. To help with this, they share a list of possible question types that could come up during the exam.
Additionally, you might come across the case study exam style. This format involves tricky situations that mimic real tasks professionals handle. In these scenarios, you might find questions based on the situations. These questions aim to see if you can pick out important details to solve a problem and then think it through to make smart choices.
- Exam Duration: For the AZ-103 exam, you will get 150 minutes.
- Number of Questions: In this, you will get 40-60 questions.
- Passing Score: For passing this exam you have to score 700 (on a scale of 1-1000)
Responsibilities of the Azure Administrator
As an Azure Administrator, you should be skilled and knowledgeable about the basics of Azure System Administration. Especially for the exam, understanding the key tasks is important to improve your AZ-103 knowledge. The role of a Microsoft Azure Administrator involves:
Configuring Networks
As an Azure Administrator, you need to understand the required networking tasks that include,
- Firstly, deploying and configuring Virtual Networks.
- Then, managing public and private IP addresses for VMs and other Azure resources.
Monitoring Resources and Log Analytics
You should learn the use of log analytics and should have a basic understanding of performing tasks like:
- Firstly, using log analytics to write a simple query.
- Then, understanding the data schema with operations that includes filtering, sorting, and grouping results.
- After that, applying the time range and creating charts.
Computing
The Azure Administrator is often identified in running Virtual Machines in the cloud. Some of the VM Administrative tasks include,
- Firstly, deploying VMs into Virtual Networks.
- Then, configuring VM for optimum cost, performance, and security.
- Lastly, backing up virtual machines and providing failover recovery.
Implementing and Managing Storage
Microsoft Azure offers Administrators virtually unlimited storage capacity. It’s up to the administrators to utilize Microsoft’s tools for the Cloud Computing Model. Within this, the main tasks are:
- Firstly, securing data against unauthorized access.
- Then, backing up data and making it efficient to restore when required.
Implementing Security and Protecting Identities
The security stakes are high in the Azure public cloud because the business stores its proprietary data on other infrastructure. Also, these skills which include,
- Firstly, encrypting data in transmitting and in use.
- Then, reducing the attack surface of all your Azure resources.
Complete Preparation Guide for AZ-103 Exam
When it comes to getting ready for the exam, Microsoft offers plenty of advantages. They provide access to different resources that really aid in your preparation. It’s widely understood that having good resources and material increases your chances of passing the exam. In this regard, Microsoft has learning path resources available for the AZ-103 exam.
These include,
Learning Platform of Microsoft
All the important info about the exam can be found on the Microsoft website. To get the details you need, just visit the AZ-103 page. This is where you’ll find the exam structure and study materials to prepare.
Microsoft Documentation
Microsoft offers documentation to help you grasp the basics of Azure. It’s a great way to learn about various Azure services and get familiar with new technologies in the Azure world.
Instructor-Led Training
Instructor-led training is available for classroom sessions whenever you want them. This means that if you can’t attend a class at a specific time, you can schedule it when it suits you.
Study Groups and Books for References
Being part of study groups is valuable because you connect with others who are getting ready for the same exam. It’s a place to ask questions about topics or talk about any challenges you’re facing. Plus, people in these groups often assist with any doubts you have about the AZ-103 exam. Speaking of helpful resources for this exam, the following book is recommended:
- Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam Ref AZ-103 book by Michael Washam, Jonathan Tuliani, Scott Hoag.
Are you ready to crack the Microsoft Az-103 exam?
You can definitely succeed in this exam. But remember, passing a Microsoft exam isn’t just about learning the theory of cloud service concepts. It also involves two crucial factors: a solid plan and practice. Also, clearing this exam can lead to exciting new opportunities and pave the way for advanced certifications. So, let’s dive into it.
Now, we will cover the exam essentials that include points and useful information, which can be helpful during the preparations.
Exam Essentials
Mastering the Azure Concepts
When you’re getting ready for an exam, the first basic step is to really understand what you’re studying. It’s crucial to get a grip on what the exam is about and then gradually delve into the main concepts. Microsoft is here to assist with this by giving you a list of important topics along with their weightage in percentages. The AZ-103 exam covers the following subjects:
Managing Azure subscriptions and resources
In this, you will learn about,
- Firstly, the process of analyzing resource utilization and consumption.
- Then, understanding and managing role-based access control (RBAC).
Implementing and managing storage
With 15-20 % of weightage, this exam will cover the sections that include,
- Firstly, the process of configuring Azure Files and understanding the process of importing and exporting data to Azure.
- Then, learning the process of implementing Azure backup.
Deploying and managing virtual machines (VMs)
In this, you get to learn about,
- Firstly, understanding the process of creating and configuring virtual machines for Windows and Linux.
- Then, managing the Azure Virtual Machine.
- Lastly, learning and managing the virtual machine backups.
Configuring and managing virtual networks
This includes the following sections,
- Firstly, understanding the process of creating connectivity between virtual networks.
- Secondly, the process of managing and implementing virtual networking.
- Then, learning about configuring name resolutions.
- After that, understanding the concepts of monitoring and troubleshooting virtual networking.
Managing identities
In this topic, you will learn about,
- Firstly, about managing Azure Active Directory (AD).
- Then, understanding the process of managing Azure AD Objects.
- After that, learning how to implement and managing hybrid identities and multi-factor authentication.
These topics are really crucial for the exam. To put it simply, if you grasp the concepts and sections mentioned above, passing the exam will be quite manageable. So, go through them carefully and if needed, take help from the study materials. In the next section, we’ll delve into more information about studying for the exam.
Use Practice test
Microsoft certification exams cover all the fundamental ideas and knowledge of Azure cloud services. However, just knowing the exam content isn’t sufficient. To excel, practice is key – solve as many questions as you can. To support this, you can turn to different certification training providers. They offer unique study material and a bunch of practice questions. Additionally, they guide you through the training and beyond. Some top websites for Azure Certification are Edureka, TestPrepTraining, Simplilearn, and more.
Summing up
If you aim to progress in your career with a determined attitude, the Microsoft AZ-103 certification holds the answer. This certification doesn’t just improve your skills, it also gives you valuable recognition across the globe. But remember, it demands effort and hard work to succeed. Make sure you grasp everything attentively and evaluate yourself with practice tests. Certifications can lead to a stable and promising profession. So, get ready for the exam and give it your best shot! Best of luck!
Learn and enhance your Microsoft AZ-103 skills. Become a Certified Microsoft Azure Administrator Now!
