In the previous article, we have discussed the different AWS Certifications path. In this article, we will give you an overview of the top and most in-demand Azure certifications today.

Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)

Purpose

The AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification exam is intended for individuals who want to have a foundational knowledge when venturing into the cloud. Although the AZ-900 test is the easiest to acquire among all the Azure certification exams, you still need to learn and properly understand the concepts of cloud computing, and know the basics of the Azure services.

Knowledge

You should be able to understand the various concepts in cloud computing, such as benefits, economies of scale, deployment models, and types of cloud services. Azure’s core services on compute, storage, network, security, and database are also an important part of the exam. Having an Azure account will help you better understand the concepts written in the documentation. The exam itself contains different types of questions (multiple-choice, statement, drag and drop, hotspot, and dropdown) to test your knowledge on these services.

Exam Details: The exam consists of 30-40 questions, has a time limit of 90 minutes, and a passing score of 700 out of 1000.

Cost: 99 USD

Associate

Azure also offers role-based learning paths. To get certified in the associate level, you need to pass the exam with a score of at least 700 within 210 minutes.

Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)

Purpose

You can start your journey as an Azure administrator through this certification path. Since this is designed for candidates who want to implement, manage, and monitor an organization’s cloud infrastructure, having this certification under your belt will help improve your capabilities in maintaining Azure solutions. If your responsibility is to handle operational management then this exam will help you validate your knowledge and skills in governing multiple Azure environments.

Knowledge

The main focus of this exam is to have a strong understanding of Azure core services, workloads, security, and governance. You must also have hands-on experience using the Azure portal, CLI, PowerShell, and Resource Manager templates. Configuring and managing a virtual network, storage, and backups are also one of the skills needed before taking this exam.

Exam Details: The exam consists of 50-60 questions, has a time limit of 210 minutes, and a passing score of 700 out of 1000.

Cost: 165 USD

Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204)

Purpose

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer is designed for individuals who want to design, build, test, and maintain cloud applications and services on Azure. If your role requires you to develop and deploy cloud solutions then this should be the next exam in your lineup. This exam, together with the administrator associate certification, will measure your preparedness for the Expert level of the Azure DevOps Engineering learning path.

Knowledge

You must have a strong understanding of Azure SDKs, data storage options, data connections, APIs, app authentication and authorization, compute, container deployment, debugging, and performance tuning. Be sure to have hands-on experience in implementing solutions before sitting in the official exam. Previous experience in software development can help you understand the concepts quickly.

Exam Details: The exam consists of 50-60 questions, has a time limit of 210 minutes, and a passing score of 700 out of 1000.

Cost: 165 USD

Expert

Becoming a certified expert in Azure entails passing two certification exams. 

• To become an Azure Solutions Architect Expert, you’ll need to pass both Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies and Microsoft Azure Architect Design exams. 
• To become an Azure DevOps Engineer Expert, you’ll need to pass either the Azure Developer or Azure Administrator Associate exam before taking the Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions exam

You have to finish the test with a score above 700.

Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-104 and AZ-305)

Purpose

This certification path is suited for people who already have in-depth knowledge in implementing design solutions in Azure, including compute, network, storage, monitoring, and security. If you are an IT professional who advises stakeholders and translates business requirements to meet your customer’s needs then you are an ideal candidate for this exam. An expert-level certification allows you to demonstrate and validate your capabilities in handling a secure, scalable, and reliable cloud solution.

Knowledge

In order for you to obtain this expert-level certification, you must pass both Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate certification (AZ-104) and Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions (AZ-305) examination. Familiarization of different Azure services is not enough to pass this exam. You should also have advanced experience and knowledge of IT operations, such as networking, virtualization, security and identity, business continuity, disaster recovery, data platform, budgeting, and governance. This exam will measure your ability in designing, implementing, and managing Azure infrastructure and security solutions.

Exam Details: The exam consists of 50-60 questions, has a time limit of 220 minutes, and a passing score of 700 out of 1000.

Cost: 165 USD for Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate certification (AZ-104), 165 USD for Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions (AZ-305)

Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-104/AZ-204 and AZ-400)

Purpose

A DevOps Engineer focuses on the development and operational environment of your organization. They oversee processes and use technologies to deliver business value on an ongoing basis. By taking the Azure DevOps Engineer Expert certification exam, you understand the lifecycle of software development and the various automation tools that you can use in the Azure portal. It will also help you validate your skills to your peers and future employers. 

Knowledge

Passing either the Azure Developer or Azure Administrator Associate exam is required prior to taking the DevOps exam and earning this certification. This exam validates your knowledge in designing and implementing strategies, collaboration in code, infrastructure, source control, security, compliance, continuous integration, testing, delivery, monitoring, and feedback. Having a previous background in both Azure administration and development will be an advantage in preparation for this exam.

Exam Details: The exam consists of 50-60 questions, has a time limit of 220 minutes, and a passing score of 700 out of 1000.

Cost: 165 USD for Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions (AZ-400)

On the next part of our cloud certifications path series, we will talk about the Google Cloud Certifications that you can take.

This article is part of our free Journey to Cloud: A Beginner’s Guide eBook. Click here to get a free copy.

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