The Azure Administrator (AZ-104) certification is for people in charge of overseeing and keeping an eye on Azure services and assets. It includes abilities linked to Azure subscriptions, resource groups, storage accounts, virtual machines, Azure AD, and networking. Azure Administrators make sure that the Azure system is working well and safely.
Azure Solutions Architect (AZ-300) certification, on the other hand, is designed for individuals who are responsible for designing and deploying Azure solutions. It covers skills related to compute, network, storage, and security services in Azure. Solutions Architects are responsible for creating scalable, reliable, and highly available solutions that meet business requirements.
Choosing the right certification path is important because it can help you advance your career in the right direction. The skills and knowledge required for each certification are different, and each certification is targeted toward different job roles and responsibilities. Therefore, it’s important to choose a certification that aligns with your career goals and aspirations. Additionally, obtaining the right certification can help you stand out in a competitive job market and increase your earning potential.
Is it worth getting Azure certified?
Yes, getting Azure certified is definitely worth it. As cloud computing becomes more popular, Microsoft Azure has become one of the top cloud service providers. Azure certifications are highly respected by employers and can show that you know how to work with and deploy Azure solutions.
Obtaining an Azure certification can open up various job opportunities and career advancement paths, including Azure Administrator, Azure Solutions Architect, Cloud Engineer, and DevOps Engineer, among others. These jobs typically come with high salaries and excellent benefits packages. Additionally, Azure certifications can also help you gain credibility and recognition within the industry, as well as increase your earning potential.
Moreover, obtaining an Azure certification can also help you keep up with the latest trends and developments in cloud computing. Azure certifications require individuals to stay up-to-date with the latest tools and technologies, which can help them stay relevant in their field and continue to learn and grow.
Microsoft Exams: AZ-104 vs AZ-300
Throughout the world, Microsoft Azure is well renowned for its role-based certifications. Additionally, Microsoft regularly updates its certifications to reflect the newest developments in technology. The AZ-104 and AZ-300 exams are highly important and are among the top Azure certifications. The Microsoft AZ-104 test assesses the candidate’s aptitude for the role of Azure Administrator. Additionally, this exam gauges candidates’ familiarity with and depth of understanding of fundamental Azure workloads, services, and security.
In contrast, the Microsoft AZ-300 exam assesses your skills in performing technical tasks like setting up and organizing infrastructure, applying workloads and security measures, building and launching applications, ensuring authentication and data security, and enhancing cloud and Azure storage.
Microsoft Azure Administrator: AZ-104 Exam
The Azure Administrator (AZ-104) certification is for people who handle Azure services and resources. It checks your skills in areas like Azure subscriptions, resource groups, storage accounts, virtual machines, Azure AD, and networking. The exam tests if you can manage Azure resources, set up virtual networks, handle storage, and oversee Azure’s computing capabilities.
Important details for the AZ-104 exam
- Firstly, the time duration for the AZ-104 exam is 120 minutes.
- Secondly, for the AZ-104 exam questions, there will be 40-60 questions in the exam.
- The passing score for the exam is 700 (on a scale of 1-1000).
- This exam is available in the English language.
- Lastly, the AZ-104 certification exam fee is $165 USD.
Azure Administrator Associate pathway:
Coming on to the exam requirement.
Knowledge requirement for the exam
The certification requires individuals to have a good understanding of Azure services and resources, as well as experience with Azure administration, Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell, and Azure Portal. Individuals should also be familiar with networking concepts, virtualization technologies, and storage solutions.
The next important part for any exam is the exam course outline. Likewise Microsoft Azure provides exam domains that help you during the preparation with mentioned percentage weightage for every section.
Jobs and roles available for certified Azure Administrators:
Individuals who obtain the Azure Administrator certification can pursue various job roles, such as Azure Administrator, Cloud Administrator, Infrastructure Engineer, and Systems Administrator. These roles typically involve managing and monitoring Azure resources, implementing security and compliance, and troubleshooting Azure solutions.
Benefits of obtaining the certification:
Earning the Azure Administrator certification can boost your career opportunities and potentially increase your income. Azure Administrators are in demand, and this certification can make you more competitive in the job market. Moreover, it showcases your skills in overseeing Azure services, enhancing your reputation and credibility in the industry.
Check out the AZ-104 study guide for better preparation!
Exam Course Outline
Exam course outline plays an important role during the preparation time. As it provides you the topics and sections you need to understand and learn. forms the most important of any examination. However, the Microsoft Azure AZ-104 exam covers five important domains with provided percentage weightage.
Module 1: Manage Azure identities and governance (20-25%)
1.1 Manage Microsoft Entra users and groups
- Create users and groups (Microsoft Documentation: Add or delete users using Azure Active Directory)
- Manage user and group properties
- Manage licenses in Microsoft Entra ID
- Manage external users
- Configure self-service password reset (SSPR) (Microsoft Documentation: Tutorial: Enable users to unlock their account or reset passwords using Azure Active Directory self-service password reset)
1.2 Manage access to Azure resources
- Manage built-in Azure roles
- Assign roles at different scopes
- Interpret access assignments
1.3 Manage Azure subscriptions and governance
- Implementing and managing Azure policy (Microsoft Documentation: Create and manage policies to enforce compliance)
- Configuring resource locks (Microsoft Documentation: Lock resources to prevent unexpected changes)
- Apply and manage tags on resources (Microsoft Documentation: Use tags to organize your Azure resources and management hierarchy)
- Managing resource groups (Microsoft Documentation: Move resources to a new resource group or subscription)
- Managing subscriptions (Microsoft Documentation: Organize and manage multiple Azure subscriptions)
- Manage costs by using alerts, budgets, and Azure Advisor recommendations (Microsoft Documentation: Use cost alerts to monitor usage and spending)
- Configuring management groups (Microsoft Documentation: Create management groups for resource organization and management)
Module 2: Implement and manage storage (15-20%)
2.1 Configure access to storage
- Configure Azure Storage firewalls and virtual networks
- Create and use shared access signature (SAS) tokens
- Configure stored access policies
- Manage access keys (Microsoft Documentation: Manage storage account access keys)
- Configure identity-based access for Azure Files
2.2 Configure and manage storage accounts
- Create and configure storage accounts
- Configure Azure Storage redundancy (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Storage redundancy)
- Configure object replication (Microsoft Documentation: Configure object replication for block blobs)
- Configure storage account encryption
- Manage data by using Azure Storage Explorer and AzCopy (Microsoft Documentation: Get started with AzCopy)
2.3 Configure Azure files and Azure blob storage
- Create and configure a file share in Azure Storage (Microsoft Documentation: Create an Azure file share)
- Create and configure a container in Blob Storage
- Configure storage tiers (Microsoft Documentation: Hot, Cool, and Archive access tiers for blob data)
- Configure snapshots and soft delete for Azure Files
- Configure blob lifecycle management (Microsoft Documentation: Configure a lifecycle management policy)
- Configure blob versioning
Module 3: Deploy and manage Azure compute resources (20-25%)
3.1 Automate deployment of resources by using Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates or Bicep files
- Interpret an Azure Resource Manager template or a Bicep file
- Modify an existing Azure Resource Manager template
- Modify an existing Bicep file
- Deploy resources by using an Azure Resource Manager template or a Bicep file
- Export a deployment as an Azure Resource Manager template or convert an Azure Resource Manager template to a Bicep file
3.2 Create and configure Virtual Machines
- Create a Virtual Machine (Microsoft Documentation: Create a Windows virtual machine)
- Configure Azure Disk Encryption (Microsoft Documentation: Create and encrypt a Windows virtual machine with the Azure portal)
- Move a virtual machine to another resource group, subscription, or region (Microsoft Documentation: Move a Windows VM to another Azure subscription or resource group)
- Manage virtual machines sizes (Microsoft Documentation: Sizes for virtual machines in Azure)
- Add virtual machines disks
- Deploy virtual machines to availability zones and availability sets
- Deploy and configure an Azure Virtual Machines scale sets (Microsoft Documentation: Create a virtual machine scale set in the Azure portal)
3.3 Provision and manage containers in the Azure portal
- Create and manage an Azure container registry
- Provision a container by using Azure Container Instances
- Provision a container by using Azure Container Apps
- Manage sizing and scaling for containers, including Azure Container Instances and Azure Container Apps
3.4 Create and configure Azure App Service
- Provision an App Service plan
- Configure scaling for an App Service plan
- Create an App Service (Microsoft Documentation: App Service overview)
- Configure certificates and Transport Layer Security (TLS) for an App Service
- Map an existing custom DNS name to an App Service
- Configure a backup for an App Service (Microsoft Documentation: Back up and restore your app in Azure App Service)
- Configuring networking settings for an App Service (Microsoft Documentation: Configuring the Network)
- Configure deployment slots for an App Service
Module 4: Implement and manage virtual networking (15–20%)
4.1 Configure and manage virtual networks in Azure
- Create and configure virtual networks and subnets (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Virtual Network)
- Create and configure virtual network peering (Microsoft Documentation: Virtual network peering)
- Configure public IP addresses
- Configure user-defined network routes (Microsoft Documentation: Virtual network traffic routing)
- Troubleshoot network connectivity
4.2 Configure secure access to virtual networks
- Create and configure network security groups (NSGs) and application security groups (ASGs) (Microsoft Documentation: Network security groups)
- Evaluate effective security rules in NSGs (Microsoft Documentation: Effective security rules view in Azure Network Watcher)
- Implement Azure Bastion (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Bastion)
- Configure service endpoints for Azure platform as a service (PaaS)
- Configure private endpoints for Azure PaaS(Microsoft Documentation: private endpoint)
4.3 Configure name resolution and load balancing
- Configure Azure DNS
- Configure an internal or public load balancer (Microsoft Documentation: Create an internal load balancer)
- Troubleshoot load balancing (Microsoft Documentation: Troubleshoot Azure Load Balancer)
Module 5: Monitor and Maintain Azure resources (10-15%)
5.1 Monitor resources in Azure
- Interpret metrics in Azure Monitor (Microsoft Documentation: Metrics in Azure Monitor)
- Configure log settings in Azure Monitor (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Monitor Logs overview)
- Query and analyze logs in Azure Monitor(Microsoft Documentation: Get started with log queries in Azure Monitor)
- Set up alert rules, action groups, and alert processing rules in Azure Monitor (Microsoft Documentation: Create, view, and manage metric alerts using Azure Monitor)
- Configure and interpret monitoring of virtual machines, storage accounts, and networks by using Azure Monitor Insights (Microsoft Documentation: VM insights)
- Use Azure Network Watcher and Connection Monitor
5.2 Implement backup and recovery
- Create a Recovery Services vault (Microsoft Documentation: Create and configure a Recovery Services vault)
- Create Azure backup vault (Microsoft Documentation: Backup vaults overview)
- Create and configure backup policy
- Perform backup and restore operations by using Azure Backup (Microsoft Documentation: restore Azure VM data in Azure portal)
- Configure Azure Site Recovery for Azure resources (Microsoft Documentation: Azure to Azure disaster recovery architecture)
- Perform failover to a secondary region by using Site Recovery (Microsoft Documentation: Failover Azure VMs to a secondary region)
- Configure and interpret reports and alerts for backups (Microsoft Documentation: Configure Azure Backup reports)
In the next section we will talk about our next exam, the AZ-300 exam.
Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies: AZ-300
The Azure Solutions Architect (AZ-300) certification is designed for individuals who are responsible for designing and deploying Azure solutions. It covers skills related to compute, network, storage, and security services in Azure. The certification exam measures an individual’s ability to design and deploy solutions that meet business requirements, implement security and compliance, and optimize Azure solutions.
Important details for the AZ-300 exam
- Firstly, the time duration for the AZ-300 exam is 150 minutes.
- Secondly, there will be 40-60 questions in the exam.
- The passing score for the exam is 700 (on a scale of 1-1000).
- Also, the exam is available in English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), and Korean language.
- Lastly, the exam will cost you $165 USD.
Azure Solution Architect Expert pathway:
Knowledge requirement for the exam
To get this certification, you need to know Azure really well and have experience creating Azure solutions. You should also understand networking, virtualization, and storage.
Jobs and roles available for certified Azure Solutions Architects:
Individuals who obtain the Azure Solutions Architect certification can pursue various job roles, such as Azure Solutions Architect, Cloud Architect, Infrastructure Architect, and Enterprise Architect. These roles typically involve designing and deploying Azure solutions, implementing security and compliance, and optimizing Azure solutions.
Benefits of obtaining the certification:
Getting the Azure Solutions Architect certification can boost your career and potentially increase your income. Solutions Architects are sought after, and this certification can set you apart in a competitive job market. Moreover, it showcases your skills in creating and implementing Azure solutions, enhancing your reputation and credibility in the industry.
Exam Course Outline
AZ-300 exam course outline will provide you with a brief about the important areas and sections. However, this exam has five important domains that will help you during your exam preparation.
Deploy and configure infrastructure
- Firstly, analyzing resource consumption and utilization
- Creating storage accounts
- Then, configuring a VM for Linux and Windows
- Automating deploying VMs
- After that, creating connectivity between virtual networks
- Implementing solutions that use virtual machines (VM)
Workloads and Security
- Migrating servers to Azure
- Then, configuring serverless computing
- After that, implementing application load balancing
- Integrating on-premises networking with Azure virtual networking
- Lastly, Implementing multi-factor authentication
Creating and deploying apps
- Firstly, creating web apps by using PaaS
- Then, designing and developing apps that run in containers
Implementing authentication and secure data
- Firstly, implementing authentication
- Then, Implementing secure data solutions
Developing for the cloud and for Azure storage
- Firstly, configuring a message-based integration architecture
- Then, developing for auto-scaling
- Developing solutions that use Cosmos DB storage
- Further, developing solutions that use a relational database
AZ-104 and AZ-300: Comparison
Every candidate who applies or prepares for any certification exam has an aim in mind to crack the exam and get a good payscale job. That is to say, it is important to know about the market value of the exam you are applying for. Likewise AZ-104 and AZ-300, both have their own importance and value in the industry. So, let’s know about.
Key differences in skills and knowledge required:
- AZ-104 certification requires individuals to have a good understanding of Azure services and resources, experience with Azure administration, Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell, and Azure Portal, as well as familiarity with networking concepts, virtualization technologies, and storage solutions.
- To pass AZ-300 certification, you need to know a lot about Azure services, deploy Azure solutions, and understand networking, virtualization, and storage. It also involves security, optimizing Azure, and identity and security design.
Job roles and responsibilities of Azure Administrators and Azure Solutions Architects:
- Azure Administrator: Azure Administrators are responsible for managing and monitoring Azure services and resources. Their job roles typically involve managing Azure resources, configuring and managing virtual networks, implementing and managing storage, and deploying and managing Azure compute resources. They also need to ensure that Azure solutions are secure and compliant with regulations.
- Azure Solutions Architect: Azure Solutions Architects are responsible for designing and deploying Azure solutions that meet business requirements. Their job roles typically involve designing and deploying Azure solutions, implementing security and compliance, optimizing Azure solutions, and designing for identity and security. They also need to ensure that Azure solutions are scalable, available, and fault-tolerant.
Salary and job outlook for certified Azure Administrators and Azure Solutions Architects:
- Azure Administrator: An Azure Administrator earns an average salary of $85,000 to $130,000 per year. The job outlook is good, with a projected 5% job growth from 2020 to 2030.
- Azure Solutions Architect: An Azure Solutions Architect earns an average salary of $130,000 to $180,000 per year. The job outlook is also promising, with a projected 4% job growth from 2020 to 2030.
How to Decide Which Certification is Right for You?
Here are some factors to consider when deciding which Azure certification is right for you:
A. Assessment of your skills and experience:
Consider your level of experience with Azure services and resources. If you have experience with Azure administration and management, the AZ-104 certification may be a good fit for you. If you have experience with designing and deploying Azure solutions, the AZ-300 certification may be more suitable.
B. Career goals and aspirations:
Consider your long-term career goals and aspirations. If you are interested in a career in cloud administration and management, the AZ-104 certification may be more appropriate. If you are interested in a career in cloud architecture and design, the AZ-300 certification may be a better fit.
C. Industry demand and job opportunities:
Consider the current and future demand for Azure skills and job opportunities in your industry. Research job postings to see which certification is preferred or required for the positions you are interested in. According to Microsoft, both certifications are in high demand, but there may be more job opportunities for Azure Administrators.
D. Personal preferences and learning style:
Consider your personal preferences and learning style. If you prefer hands-on experience and learning by doing, the AZ-104 certification may be more suitable. If you prefer a more strategic and design-focused approach, the AZ-300 certification may be more appealing.
Final Words
In conclusion, Azure certifications can offer numerous benefits, such as increased job opportunities, career advancement, and higher salaries. However, it’s important to choose the right certification based on your skills, experience, career goals, and personal preferences.
If you are interested in cloud administration and management, the Azure Administrator (AZ-104) certification can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage and monitor Azure services and resources. On the other hand, if you are interested in cloud architecture and design, the Azure Solutions Architect (AZ-300) certification can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to design and deploy Azure solutions that meet business requirements.
Ultimately, the decision of which certification to pursue should be based on a careful evaluation of your skills, experience, career goals, and personal preferences. You may also want to consider seeking guidance from professionals in the field and seeking out study resources to prepare for the certification exams.
In summary, getting an Azure certification is a smart career move. It sets you apart in a tough job market and helps you move up in your chosen field.
Learn and upgrade your AZ-104 skills. Become a Certified Azure Administrator Associate Now!
