Cloud computing appears to have progressed significantly in the world of information technology. As a result, when it comes to honing your talents, Microsoft Azure is the clear winner. So, in this post, we’ll go through the reasons why Microsoft Azure certification is worthwhile, as well as the many forms of certification and which one is suitable for you. However, before you begin your voyage, let me give you a little overview.
Microsoft Azure: An Introduction
Microsoft Azure is like a toolbox in the cloud. It offers lots of tools and services to help build, run, and manage things like apps and software. It started in 2010 and has become really popular for cloud computing.
Azure offers a comprehensive set of cloud-based services that can be used for creating and deploying web, mobile, and enterprise applications, as well as storing and analyzing data. Some of the key services offered by Azure include:
- Virtual Machines:
- Imagine having your own computers in the cloud. With this service, you can make and control virtual machines, like having your own computer in the cloud world.
- App Services: This service offers a platform for creating, deploying, and scaling web, mobile, and API applications.
- Storage: Azure offers various storage services, including Blob storage, File storage, and Queue storage, which can be used to store and manage data in the cloud.
- Analytics: Azure offers various tools for understanding data, like Azure Stream Analytics, Azure Data Factory, and Azure Machine Learning. These tools help process and analyze lots of information instantly.
- Networking: In Azure, you can access networking services like Virtual Network, Load Balancer, and Traffic Manager. These help in setting up and controlling networks in the cloud.
- Security: Azure also provides security services like Azure Active Directory, Key Vault, and Security Center. These services are designed to protect your applications and data stored in the cloud.
Is Microsoft Azure Certification worth it?
Whether a Microsoft Azure certification is worth it or not depends on your individual career goals, job market, and experience level. However, in general, a Microsoft Azure certification can be beneficial in several ways:
- Career Advancement: Microsoft Azure is widely known as a top cloud platform globally. Getting certified in this field can show your skills and make you more attractive to potential employers.
- Increased Earning Potential: Certified professionals in Microsoft Azure can command higher salaries and have better job prospects than those without a certification.
- Hands-On Experience:
- Getting ready for and participating in Microsoft Azure certification exams involves practical experience with the platform. This can help you develop useful skills and knowledge that you can use in your job.
- Validation of Skills: A Microsoft Azure certification verifies your expertise in the platform and demonstrates that you have a strong understanding of its features and capabilities.
- Networking Opportunities: Microsoft Azure certifications bring you into a community of certified professionals, providing opportunities to network and collaborate with others in your field.
Exploring Azure Certification
One of the most in-demand certifications now is Microsoft Azure. Those that supply companies with a baseline standard to measure employee applicants receive certification. Furthermore, the certification not only provides you with job opportunities, but it also gives you a better understanding of Microsoft. We’ll go through a few of the online certification programs offered by Microsoft Azure Fundamentals.
1. AZ-103: Microsoft Azure Administrator
Microsoft AZ-103 is retired. A new replacement exam Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) is available.
To start with, the AZ-103 exam suits the Azure Administrator position well. Those taking this exam should possess a strong grasp of every service throughout the entire IT lifecycle. Furthermore, they should be capable of managing requests for infrastructure services, applications, and environments.
2. AZ-203: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure
Microsoft AZ-203 is retired. A new replacement exam Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure (AZ-204) is available.
Following that, the AZ-203 exam is targeted at those aiming for the Azure Developer position. Individuals planning to take this exam should have a good understanding of creating and constructing cloud solutions, such as applications.
3. AZ-300: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies
Microsoft AZ-300 exam is retired. A new replacement exam Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies (AZ-303) is available.
Moreover, the AZ-300 exam is designed for those pursuing the Azure Architect role. Individuals taking this exam are Azure Solution Architects responsible for guiding stakeholders and transforming business needs into secure solutions.
4. AZ-301: Microsoft Azure Architect Design
Microsoft AZ-301 exam is retired. A new replacement exam Microsoft Azure Architect Design (AZ-304) is available.
This test is intended for individuals aiming for the Azure Architect position. Furthermore, those taking the exam are Azure Solution Architects who offer guidance to stakeholders and convert business needs into secure solutions.
5. AZ-400: Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions
This AZ-400 exam is designed for those pursuing the Azure DevOps Engineer role. Individuals taking this exam are DevOps experts responsible for integrating people, processes, and technologies to consistently provide valuable products and services that fulfill user requirements and business goals.
6. AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies
This AZ-500 exam is for the Azure Security Engineer role. Candidates for this exam are Microsoft Azure security engineers who implement security controls, maintain the security posture and manage identity.
Must Read: How to prepare for AZ-500 Exam?
7. AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
AZ-900 exam is a perfect fit for candidates looking to demonstrate foundational level knowledge of cloud services and how those services are provided with Microsoft Azure. Candidates who successfully pass this exam will earn the Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals certification.
8. Exam 70-487: Developing Microsoft Azure and Web Services
Further, the 70-487 exam is a perfect match for developers with a minimum of three to five years of experience developing Web Services, including one or more years developing Web API and Azure solutions.
9. Exam 70-537: Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack Hub
Microsoft 70-537 exam is retired. A new replacement exam Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack Hub Beta (AZ-600) is available.
Finally, the 70-537 exam is ideal for service administrators and infrastructure administrators who employ Microsoft Azure Stack Hub to offer cloud services to users or clients directly from their own datacenter. Those taking this exam must possess substantial expertise in managing and operating Azure Stack Hub environments.
Which Microsoft Certification is right for you?
If you want to take your very step first in learning about cloud services, then AZ-900 is definitely the best place to start with. This exam is a stepping stone for other associate and expert level Azure certifications. Further, you can take this exam even if you don’t have a technical background but have a basic knowledge of the cloud concepts. Let’s dwell deeper and collect exam related information.
Topics covered under AZ-900 Exam
- Describe cloud concepts (25–30%)
- Describe Azure architecture and services (35–40%)
- Describe Azure management and governance (30–35%)
For complete study guide: AZ-900 Exam tutorial
Important Note: The content of the AZ-900 exam is updated on July 31, 2023.
Intended Audience
- People who want to gain an understanding of Azure fundamentals
- People who want to validate their basic knowledge of cloud services or solutions
Exam Overview:
- Format: Multiple choice questions, case study, short answers, etc.
- Exam Duration: 85 minutes
- Exam Cost: $99 USD
- Languages: English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), and Korean
- Scoring: 700 or more points
How long does it take to qualify AZ-900 Exam?
The AZ-900 exam, or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam, is meant for those who are beginners to Azure and wish to confirm their basic understanding of cloud computing ideas and Azure services. The exam contains 40-60 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 85 minutes. The duration needed to get ready for and pass the AZ-900 exam can differ based on factors like the person’s prior familiarity and experience with cloud computing and Azure, their studying methods, and the resources they utilize for preparation.
Some individuals may require several weeks or even months of study and practice to feel confident in their understanding of the exam topics and pass the exam. Others who are already familiar with cloud computing concepts and Azure may be able to pass the exam with less preparation time.
In general, it is recommended that individuals dedicate at least 20-30 hours of study time to prepare for the AZ-900 exam, and this can be spread out over several weeks or months as needed.
Terms to get familiar with for the Azure Certifications:
Here is a glossary of commonly used terms in Microsoft Azure certification exams:
- Azure: Microsoft’s cloud computing platform that offers various services, including compute, storage, networking, and analytics.
- Virtual Machine (VM): A Virtual Machine (VM) is a software version of a physical computer, running an operating system and software.
- Cloud Service: A collection of related resources in Azure that work together to provide a solution.
- Resource Group: A logical container for resources deployed to Azure.
- Blob Storage: A type of storage in Azure used for storing large amounts of unstructured data, such as images or video.
- Load Balancer: A networking service that distributes incoming traffic across multiple virtual machines.
- Virtual Network (VNet): A network of virtual machines in Azure that can communicate with each other.
- Azure Active Directory (AAD): A cloud-based identity and access management service used for authenticating and authorizing users.
- Azure Functions: Azure Functions is a serverless service letting developers run code in response to triggers.
- Azure DevOps: Azure DevOps is a set of tools for developing, testing, and deploying applications in Azure.
- Azure SQL Database: Azure SQL Database is a managed relational database service on Azure.
- Azure App Service: Azure App Service lets developers build and deploy web and mobile apps.
- Azure Site Recovery: A disaster recovery service in Azure that replicates virtual machines and data to a secondary location.
- Azure Cosmos DB: Azure Cosmos DB is a globally distributed database service.
- Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS): A managed Kubernetes service in Azure used for deploying and managing containerized applications.
Using the Right Learning Resources
It’s time to start studying when you’ve learned everything there is to know about the test. Obtaining certification for your knowledge and talents boosts your self-esteem and establishes your reputation. However, the most pressing concern is where to go for a reliable source. As a result, below is a list of learning resources that will assist you in your studies.
Must Read: How to pass Microsoft AZ-900 Exam?
Learning Source 1: Microsoft Learning Platform
The primary and most important learning resource should be the Microsoft learning platform. Therefore, make sure to visit the official Microsoft website. When preparing for the AZ-900 exam, it’s best to begin by accessing the most reliable source for accurate exam details. You can easily locate the AZ-900 page on their website to gather all the necessary information about the exam.
Learning Source 2: Microsoft Documentation
After that, you may continue on to Microsoft documentation to learn about the principles of Microsoft Azure. Aside from that, you’ll learn about the various sizes of Azure services. This allows you to keep your eyes on the clock while learning a great deal about Azure technologies from professionals.
Learning Source 3: Instructor Led Training
Consider yourself fortunate since Microsoft offers instructor-led training, which consists of online learning and training sessions guided by specialists. This training could not be more beneficial to individuals who just have a few minutes to spare in between their other responsibilities. Furthermore, these are completely on-demand classrooms where you may schedule lessons and study at your own speed.
Learning Source 4: Books are your Best Friends!
Moreover, an essential part of preparing for certification is using books. In simple terms, while getting ready for the exam, questions might create stress or linger in your mind. But you can overcome this worry by reading many books. Over the years, there have been numerous excellent books available that can assist you in studying for the AZ-900 exam. Therefore, we suggest searching for reliable sources of AZ-900 exam books.
- Firstly, refer Microsoft Azure For Beginners by Adney Ainsley
- Secondly, you must refer Microsoft Azure Ultimate Beginners Guide by Kennan Bismar
- Also, refer Microsoft Azure Tutorial for Beginners by Dennis Hutten
- Lastly, refer Beginner’s Guide to Microsoft Azure
Learning Source 5: Join Forums or Study Group
During your exam preparation, online forums and study groups can be helpful. So, as you’re getting ready for the test, you can consider joining online forums or study groups. However, it’s your choice whether you want to participate in them or not. Study groups provide a way to stay connected with others who are in a similar situation. You can also ask questions about any topics you find challenging.
Learning Source 6: Practice Tests
When preparing for exams, we know how important practice tests are. These tests help you assess your knowledge and skills. In simple words, they help you see what you’re good at and where you need improvement. Here’s a tip: use practice exams after you’ve covered all the topics. Make sure to choose reliable practice papers since they can come from various sources. Let’s Start Practicing Now!
Expert’s Corner
In summary, getting certified in Microsoft Azure is highly valuable and beneficial in many ways. A career centered around Microsoft Azure will only get stronger over time. Whether you want to enhance your attractiveness as a job candidate or progress in your career, this certification can have a significant impact.
To become certified and successfully land a job, you not only need to learn how to configure, manage, and secure Azure cloud environments, but you also need practical hands-on experience. Moreover, Microsoft Preparatory Sites offers mock tests and practice papers to test your skills, for passing the Azure certification exam.
Enrich your profile with advanced learning skills and expert tutorials on Microsoft Azure AZ-900. Prepare and become a Microsoft Certified Now!
