In today’s tech world, having an Azure Certification is a big deal. It’s recognized all over the world and can really boost your career. It’s like a golden ticket to get a great job with a well-known company. However, it’s important to choose the right certification and exam that match your interests and what you want to do in your job. As a result, in this post, we will provide you with an overview to assist you in planning your course and selecting the Azure certifications that will ensure you go where you want to go. Before you continue reading the rest of the post, here’s a brief review of the benefits of Azure certification. So, let’s begin.
Reasons to choose Azure Certification
- Firstly, Azure Certification is a great way to learn about cloud computing, which is the fastest-growing and most wanted technology today. The cloud computing industry is expected to get twice as big in the coming years, showing how much people are using it.
- Because of this, Azure certifications, as well as those from other companies like Amazon Web Service (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and IBM Cloud, are really important in the world of cloud computing. If you understand this technology, getting an Azure certification can help you find a good job in the tech industry.
- Lastly, Azure Certification teaches you how to use different cloud services and can help you get a well-paying job at a tech company. There are different types of Azure certifications that can help you learn more about Microsoft’s modern cloud computing system.
Exploring the Azure Certification
Let’s have a look at the various Microsoft Azure certifications available. So far, 10 distinct certificates are available, divided into four levels of experience: Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty. We’ll also go through all of the Azure certifications in detail. You can also read more about: Understand Azure Role-Based Access Control.
1. Azure Fundamentals
At the start of the Azure certification path, there’s the Azure Fundamentals level. You can attempt this certification even if you’re not a tech expert but have a basic understanding of how cloud stuff works.
Exam AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
This exam is like the first step in the Azure certification path, leading to associate and expert levels. It’s an optional step in your Azure learning journey, confirming your basic knowledge and helping you in some ways.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites required for the Microsoft Azure Fundamental exam. However, familiarity and a basic understanding of the cloud services and the Microsoft Azure platform are recommended.
Exam Languages: English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean
Certification Cost: $99 USD
The content includes updates of English version of the exam as of July 31, 2023
- Describe cloud concepts (25–30%)
- Describe Azure architecture and services (35–40%)
- Describe Azure management and governance (30–35%)
2. Azure Administrator Associate
To become an Azure Administrator Associate, you have to pass the Microsoft Azure Administrator exam. Once you pass it, you’ll be certified as a Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate and get a badge to show it.
AZ-103: Microsoft Azure Administrator
Microsoft AZ-103 is retired. A new replacement exam Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) is available.
This exam combines what’s covered in AZ-100 and AZ-101 exams, with more focus on AZ-100 topics. Additionally, passing this exam is a requirement if you want to take the Microsoft Certified Azure DevOps Engineer Expert exam.
Prerequisites: Following are the requirements-
- Know about Azure apps, operating systems, cloud, and storage.
- Have a basic understanding of networking and virtualization.
- Be really good at using PowerShell and the Command Line Interface.
Exam Languages: English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean
Certification Cost: $165 USD
Exam AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator
This exam is perfect if you want to become a Microsoft Azure Administrator. It checks if you can handle tasks like setting up, controlling, and watching over things like identity, storage, virtual networks, computers, and governance in cloud setups.
AZ-104 Exam Prerequisites: Following are the requirements-
- Firstly, at least six months of practical experience in Azure administration.
- Secondly, a formidable understanding of core Azure services, security, governance, and Azure workloads.
- Lastly, hands-on experience with the use of PowerShell, ARM templates, Command Line Interface and Azure Portal.
Exam Languages – English
Registration Cost – $165 USD
Microsoft AZ-104 Exam has been updated in the course outline as on July 28, 2022.
AZ-104 Exam Updated Course Outline
- Manage Azure identities and governance (15—20%)
- Implement and manage storage (15—20%)
- Deploy and manage Azure compute resources (20—25%)
- Configure and manage virtual networking (20—25%)
- Monitor and maintain Azure resources (10—15%)
3. Azure Developer Associate
To become an Azure Developer Associate, you must pass the Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure exam. Once you pass this certification exam, you’ll be recognized as a Microsoft Certified Azure Developer Associate and receive a badge to prove it.
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.
The AZ-203 exam is perfect for Azure developers who create cloud solutions on Azure. It’s also a requirement if you want to take the Microsoft Certified Azure DevOps Engineer Expert exam.
Prerequisites: Following are the requirements-
- First things first, the candidate should have the proficiency to develop services and apps by the implementation of Azure tools and technologies
- After that, the candidate should have at least one year of experience in developing scalable solutions
- Subsequently, the candidate should be skilled in at least one cloud-supported programming language
Exam Languages: English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean
Certification Cost: $165 USD
Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure Beta Exam (AZ-204)
The Microsoft Azure AZ-204 Certification is the newest and standard test for Azure cloud developers. It’s great for cloud developers who work on various parts of building cloud solutions, like designing, building, putting them into action, and looking after them.
Microsoft AZ-204 Exam Prerequisites: Following are the requirements-
- You should really know your skills when it comes to Azure SDKs, APIs, data storage, app security, debugging, monitoring, setting up computers and containers, data links, watching over things, and making things run smoothly.
- Secondly, At least one to two years of hands-on experience in professional development.
- After that, Practical experience in working on the Microsoft Azure platform.
- In addition, Knowledge of at least one programming language supported by Azure.
Exam languages – English
Registration Cost – $165 USD
Microsoft AZ-204 Exam course outline content was updated on April 19, 2022.
The updated Microsoft AZ-204 course outline includes:
- Develop Azure compute solutions (25-30%)
- Develop for Azure storage (15-20%)
- Implement Azure security (20-25%)
- Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize Azure solutions (15-20%)
- Connect to and consume Azure services and third-party services (15-20%)
4. Azure AI Engineer Associate
The Azure AI Engineer Associate certification is the latest in the Azure certification path. The growing demand for AI and machine learning experts is a big reason why this certification is important. It’s a good fit for IT professionals who want to become Azure AI Engineers.
AI-100: Designing and Implementing an Azure AI Solution
Microsoft AI-100 exam is getting retired on June 30, 2021. A new replacement exam Designing and Implementing a Microsoft Azure AI Solution Beta (AI-102) is available.
The AI-100 exam is befitting for candidates who aspire to become a Microsoft Azure AI professionals. Candidates could clear only one exam to achieve the credential of an “Azure AI Engineer Associate.”
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for the certification exam.
Exam Languages: English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean.
Certification Cost: $165 USD
5. Azure Data Scientist Associate
The new Azure Data Scientist Associate track in the Azure certification path is a great chance for people who want to build a career. Azure data scientists use their skills in data science and machine learning to set up and oversee machine learning tasks on Azure.
DP-100: Designing and Implementing a Data Science Solution on Azure
DP-100 exam is best suitable for the role of Azure Data Scientist Associate. There have been some recent changes in the DP-100 exam. The skills measured document on Microsoft Azure’s official website provides a clear idea regarding the updated exam format.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites required for the DP-100 exam.
Exam Languages: Korean, English, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese.
Certification Cost: $165 USD
6. Azure Security Engineer Associate
Azure Security Engineer is the next newest role which has been added in the role-based Azure certification path. Once you become certified as a Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer, you will receive a badge of Azure Security Engineer.
Microsoft Azure Security Technologies (AZ-500)
Microsoft has recently launched its AZ-500: Azure Security Technologies exam. The exam is mainly intended for Azure security engineers. You don’t need to pass any other certification to be eligible for the AZ-500 exam but it is recommended to pass AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam.
Prerequisites: AZ-500 prerequistes include:
- Firstly, Familiarity with the implementation of security controls on the Microsoft Azure platform
- In addition, In-depth knowledge of virtualization, cloud N-tier architecture, Amazon Kubernetes Service, and networking
- Moreover, being able to find and fix weaknesses in systems using different security tools, and putting security solutions in place to keep networks, apps, and data safe.
- Lastly, Expertise in scripting and automation, identity and access management, and maintaining security status
Exam Languages – English, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, and Korean
Certification Cost – $165 USD
AZ-500 Exam update in the course outline as on August 2, 2022.
AZ-500 Exam Topics
- Manage identity and access (30-35%)
- Implement platform protection (15-20%)
- Manage security operations (25-30%)
- Secure data and applications (25-30%)
7. Azure Data Engineer Associate
The Azure Data Engineer Associate is one of the latest additions in the existing Azure certifications path. The certification is best suitable for individuals who aspire to pursue the role of Azure Data Engineers. Azure data engineers specialize in the design and implementation of data management, monitoring, security, and privacy.
DP-200: Implementing an Azure Data Solution
Microsoft DP-200 exam is getting retired on June 30, 2021. A new replacement exam Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure Beta (DP-203) is available.
This exam is befitting for Microsoft azure data engineers. The DP-200 certification exam is one out of the two exams for Azure Data Engineer Associate certification. It serves as a supporting examination for the other examination, i.e., DP-201 in the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate exam.
Prerequisites: Following are the requirements-
- Firstly, the ability to implement data solutions using Azure services.
- Secondly, no previous Azure certification is needed.
Exam Languages: English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
Certification Cost: $165 USD
DP-201: Designing an Azure Data Solution
Microsoft DP-201 exam is getting retired on June 30, 2021. A new replacement exam Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure Beta (DP-203) is available.
The DP-201 exam is one step in becoming an Azure Data Engineer Associate in the new certification path. To get the Azure Data Engineer Associate certification, you need to pass both the DP-200 and DP-201 exams.
Prerequisites: Following are the requirements-
- Firstly, the ability to design solutions using Azure services.
- Secondly, there is no requirement for prior certification.
Exam Languages: English, Simplified Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.
Certification cost: $165 USD
8. Azure Architect for SAP Workloads
The introduction of the Azure Architect with SAP Workloads track in the Azure certification path is great for people aiming to grow in their careers. Azure Architects dealing with SAP work focus on applying industry standards to ensure SAP solutions function effectively over the long term.
Planning and Administering Microsoft Azure for SAP Workloads (AZ-120)
The Microsoft Azure AZ-120 certification exam is designed for architects and engineers who understand the SAP Landscape Certification Process and industry standards for long-term SAP solution operations. Passing the Microsoft AZ-120 exam is the only thing you need to do to earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty certification.
Microsoft AZ-120 Exam Prerequisites: Following are the requirements-
- Firstly, in-depth experience and knowledge of SAP applications, SAP NetWeaver, S/4HANA, SAP HANA, OS Servers for SAP applications and databases, and SAP BW.
- Secondly, candidates should also have fluency in Azure Portal, virtualization, ARM templates, cloud infrastructure, operating systems, storage structures, disaster recovery design, networking, data protection concepts, and high availability design.
- Thirdly, an Azure Architect or Azure Administrator certification is highly recommended alongside Linux and SAP HANA certifications
Exam Languages – English, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese
Registration Cost – $165 USD
Microsoft AZ-120 Exam course outline content was updated on July 28, 2022.
The updated Microsoft AZ-120 course outline include:
- Migrate SAP workloads to Azure (25–30%)
- Design and implement an infrastructure to support SAP workloads on Azure (25–30%)
- Design and implement high availability and disaster recovery (HA/DR) (20–25%)
- Maintain SAP workloads on Azure (15–20%)
9. Azure IoT Developer
Azure IoT developer is the latest role in Microsoft Azure certifications. It’s a great career choice for IoT developers who handle the coding and setup needed for IoT solutions in the cloud and at the edge. They also take care of physical devices from start to finish.
Microsoft Azure IoT Developer Beta Exam (AZ-220)
This exam is for those who want to be Azure IoT Developers. An Azure IoT Developer’s job involves setting up IoT solutions and doing the coding for the cloud and edge parts of these solutions.
Microsoft AZ-220 Exam Prerequisites: Following are the requirements-
- Firstly, detailed knowledge of the implementation of Azure services for developing an IoT solution.
- After that, Ability to recognize Azure IoT service configuration settings in the code part of an IoT solution.
- Moreover, Skills for performing particular IoT coding tasks in at least one programming language supported by Azure such as Python, C#, C or Node.
Exam Languages – English
Registration Cost – $165 USD
Microsoft AZ-220 Exam has updates in the course outline as on July 28, 2022.
The updated Microsoft Azure IoT Developer AZ-220 exam course outline includes the following topics:
Microsoft AZ-220 Exam Course Outline
- Set up the Azure IoT Hub solution infrastructure (10-15%)
- Provision and manage devices (15-20%)
- Implement IoT Edge (15-20%)
- Implement business integration (5-10%)
- Process and manage data (15-20%)
- Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize IoT solutions (5-10%)
- Implement security (5-10%)
10. Azure Solution Architect Expert
In the new Azure certification path for the Azure Solution Architect Expert role, you have to pass two exams: Exam AZ-300: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies and Exam AZ-301: Microsoft Azure Architect Design. Once you pass both of these certification exams, you’ll be recognized as a Microsoft Certified Azure Solution Architect Expert and get a badge to show it.
Microsoft AZ-300 exam is retired. A new replacement exam Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies (AZ-303) is available.
Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies (AZ-300)
This certification falls under the Azure Solutions Architect Expert role in the new role-based Azure certifications path. The candidate has to pass the AZ-300 exam first to become an Azure Solutions Architect Expert. The exam provides knowledge in architecting solutions that are reliable and secure.
Prerequisites: Following are the requirements-
- Firstly, you should have knowledge of security, identity, data management, and IT operations.
- Secondly, one year of experience is also required for this certification.
- Thirdly, you should also have knowledge of DevOps, Azure development, and Azure administration.
Exam Languages: English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean
Certification Cost: $165 USD
Microsoft Azure Architect Design (AZ-301)
Microsoft AZ-301 exam is retired. A new replacement exam Microsoft Azure Architect Design (AZ-304) is available.
This certification also falls under the Azure Solutions Architect Expert role in the new role-based Azure certifications path. Once you pass your AZ-300 exam, you are required to pass the AZ-301 exam to become an Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
Prerequisites: One should pass the AZ-300 exam.
Exam Languages: English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean
Certification Cost: $165 USD
Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies Exam (AZ-303)
The exam checks if candidates can give advice to important people and turn business needs into solutions that are really secure, reliable, and can grow as needed.
Microsoft AZ-303 Exam Prerequisites: Following are the requirements-
- Firstly, Detailed knowledge and comprehensive experience in IT operations such as virtualization, business continuity, networking, identity, data platform, governance, disaster recovery, and budgeting.
- Secondly, High-level expertise in Azure administration.
- Thirdly, Hands-on experience in DevOps processes and Azure development processes.
Exam Languages – English
Registration Cost – $165 USD
Microsoft AZ-303 Exam has updates in the course outline as on January 27, 2021.
The updated Microsoft AZ-303 exam topics include:
Microsoft Azure Architect Design Beta Exam (AZ-304)
Candidates for this exam will have to prove their expertise in providing recommendations to stakeholders and translation of business requirements into highly secure, reliable, and scalable solutions.
Microsoft Azure AZ-304 Exam Prerequisites: Following are the requirements-
- Firstly, Expertise in skills for Azure administration.
- Secondly, Practical experience in Azure development processes and DevOps processes.
- Lastly, In-depth knowledge and experience regarding IT operations such as networking, identity, governance, security, virtualization, disaster recovery, budgeting, and business continuity.
Exam Languages – English
Registration Cost – $165 USD
Microsoft AZ-304 Exam has updates in the course outline as on January 27, 2021.
The updated Microsoft AZ-304 exam topics include:
- Design monitoring (10-15%)
- Design identity and security (25-30%)
- Design data storage (15-20%)
- Design business continuity (10-15%)
- Design infrastructure (25-30%)
Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
If you already have the Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate badge, you can become an Azure DevOps Engineer Expert. Whether you’re the Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate, you have to pass the Exam AZ-400: Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions to become an Azure DevOps Engineer.
Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions (AZ-400)
This certification exam falls under the Azure DevOps Engineer Expert role. After receiving the badge of Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate, one needs to pass the Microsoft AZ-400 exam to become an Azure DevOps Engineer Expert.
Prerequisites: Following are the requirements–
- Firstly, familiarity with both the Azure development and Azure administration and expertise in at least one of these areas
- Secondly, the ability to design and implement DevOps practices for infrastructure as code, version control, configuration management, compliance, release, build, and testing with the use of Azure technologies.
- Thirdly, Proficiency in Agile practices
Exam Languages – English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean
Certification Cost – $165 USD
AZ-400 Exam updates in the course outline as on July 13, 2022.
The AZ-400 exam topics include:
- Configure processes and communications (10—15%)
- Design and implement source control (15—20%)
- Design and implement build and release pipelines (40—45%)
- Develop a security and compliance plan (10—15%)
- Implement an instrumentation strategy (10—15%)
Microsoft Azure Certification Learning Path
Once you go through each and every pertinent detail about the exam, it becomes important to arm yourself with the right learning resources.
There are various learning paths that Microsoft provides to help you during the certifications. This includes,
- Firstly, the Microsoft Learning Platform: It is the leading learning resource to get the right information about the exam. And, you can easily have access to these on Microsoft Azure Certification page and there you can select the certification you want the information about.
- Next is, Microsoft Documentation: This will help you explain the fundamentals of Azure. Moreover, you will get to know the different scales of different Azure services.
- After that, Instructor-Led Training: This is basically online learning and training sessions by certified expert instructors. Moreover, these are on-demand classrooms where you can arrange the classes according to your convenience and then study.
- Lastly, Joining the study groups: This will be beneficial while preparing for the exam. As the study groups will help you stay connected with the people in the same field. Moreover, you can share your doubts and queries in that group.
Final Words
To conclude, the need for Azure certifications is prominently evident due to the increasing expanse of Azure services. Furthermore, this demand is going to increase in the near future. If you aspire to make a career in the cloud field, then Azure certifications could be definitely where you need to be.
The above article portrays a list of Azure certifications along with their respective tracks which can make your task easier and the decision process efficient. Remember, the ultimate key to success in the exams is the right guidance, training, and support. Therefore, make sure you give or preparatory guide a detailed look to ensure a bright career for yourself!
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