Training & Certification / Microsoft

Azure Certification

The certification confirms that the candidate knows the computing process, storage, security, and networking services offered by Microsoft Azure.

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Cloud computing is one of the fastest-growing technology in this modern era. Becoming a Microsoft Azure certified professional is the most demanding certification path in the cloud market. 

Microsoft has announced some changes in its Azure role-based certifications such as Azure Administrator, Azure Solution Architect, Azure, Developer, Azure AI Engineer, and also announced three new certifications. Two of the certifications are fundamental paths: Azure AI Fundamentals (beta) Exam AI-900 and Azure Data Fundamentals (beta) Exam DP-900. And the other certification is an associate path: Azure Database Administrator (beta) Exam DP-300.

Microsoft now has 12 Microsoft Azure certifications with 14 exams, which are organized into three levels: Fundamental, Associate, and Expert. These certifications purely focus on building knowledge and skills related to market job roles. This revolution was made with the engagement of the community after identifying the job requirements.

Microsoft also announced two new fundamental level certifications, Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals (beta) Exam AI-900 and Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals Exam DP-900.

Azure Fundamentals (AZ 900 exam) is the foundational level exam in the new Azure certifications path. This exam is intended for those who want to demonstrate their basic knowledge of cloud services with Microsoft Azure. Even if you are from a non-technical background but if you have some basic understanding of the concepts of cloud, you can take this certification exam. You can check your preparation level with the AZ 900 practice test but before that we recommend you to try Free AZ 900 practice test.

Exam AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals

This exam is considered as the first step in the associate level and expert level Azure certifications path. Although it’s an optional step, validating your foundational knowledge will benefit you to some extent. Also, it’s not mandatory but AZ 900 exam can be considered as the entry-point for all other associate and expert level Azure certifications.

Let’s have a look at the details of the Azure AZ-900 exam.

Prerequisites: There are no particular prerequisites for the Microsoft Azure Fundamental exam but one should be familiar and have a basic understanding of the cloud services and the Microsoft Azure platform.

As per the new updates, one needs to pass only one certification exam i.e. Exam AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator to become Azure Administrator Associate. After passing the certification exam for AZ-104, you will become a Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate and receive a badge of Azure Administrator Associate. 

Exam AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator is the latest version of Microsoft Azure Administrator AZ-103 exam. The AZ-103 exam has been expired on August 31, 2020; is no longer available. 

AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator

The AZ-104 certification exam is the ideal Azure certification for the role of Microsoft Azure Administrator. AZ-104 is the updated version of the existing exam for the Microsoft Azure Administrator exam (AZ-103). The exam tests the capabilities of candidates in implementation, management, and monitoring of identity, storage, virtual networks, compute, and governance in cloud environments.

Prerequisites

The important prerequisites for the AZ-104 exam are as follows.

  • At least six months of practical experience in Azure administration.
  • Formidable understanding of core Azure services, security, governance, and Azure workloads.
  • Hands-on experience with the use of PowerShell, ARM templates, Command Line Interface, and Azure Portal.

For the Azure Developer Associate role,  you need to pass only one certification Exam AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure.  After passing the certification exam for AZ-204, you will become Microsoft Certified Azure Developer Associate and will receive a badge of Azure Developer Associate. 

Exam AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure is the latest version of Microsoft Azure Developer AZ-203 exam. AZ-203 exam has been expired on May 31, 2020; is no longer available. 

Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure Beta Exam (AZ-204)

The AZ-204 Azure Certification is in the beta stage and is the new standard exam for Azure cloud developers. This certification is ideal for cloud developers involved in different phases of development, such as designing, building, deploying, and maintaining cloud solutions. 

Prerequisites

The important prerequisites for the AZ-204 exam are as follows,

  • In-depth proficiency in Azure SDKs, APIs, data storage options, app authentication, and authorization, debugging, monitoring, compute and container deployment, data connections, monitoring, and performance tuning.
  • At least one to two years of hands-on experience in professional development.
  • Practical experience in working on the Microsoft Azure platform.
  • Knowledge of at least one programming language supported by Azure.

The Microsoft Certified Azure AI Engineer Associate certification is the latest addition in the role-based Azure certifications path. The rising popularity of AI and machine learning is one of the prominent reasons for the emerging need for skilled AI professionals. The certification is suitable for IT professionals aspiring for the role of Azure AI Engineers. The responsibilities of an Azure AI Engineer would include analysis of the requirements of AI solutions alongside recommending proper tools and technologies. 

In addition, they should also implement solutions that address the prerequisites of performance and scalability. The primary role of an Azure AI Engineer is the translation of the vision of solution architects for the development of end-to-end solutions. In the course of this process, the Azure AI Engineer should also work in collaboration with data engineers, AI developers, data scientists, and IoT specialists. 

The Azure AI Engineer Associate certification in the new Azure certifications path also evaluates the abilities of candidates for designing and implementing AI apps and agents. The certification exam tests the fluency of candidates in the use of Azure Bot Service and Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services. Another prominent exam topic refers to the components in the Azure AI portfolio alongside the available data storage options. 

Candidates aspiring for the role of Azure AI engineer would have to qualify one Azure certification exam. The title of the exam is “Designing and Implementing an Azure AI Solution.” The code for the exam is AI 100. Let us find out some additional details about the exam as follows.

Preparing for AI-100: Designing and Implementing an Azure AI Solution exam? Follow this comprehensive guide for the AI-100 EXAM PREPARATION and get ready to pass the exam.

AI-100: Designing and Implementing an Azure AI Solution

The AI-100 exam in the Azure certification path is the right option for aspiring Microsoft Azure AI professionals. Candidates could clear only one exam to achieve the credential of an “Azure AI Engineer Associate.” Candidates could find around 62 questions in which five questions would relate to a case study.

The format of the AI-100 certification exam can also include scenario-based questions with single and multiple response options. You could also find drag and drop questions as well as tasks for arranging in a proper sequence in the AI 100 exam. 

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for the “AI-100: Designing and Implementing an Azure AI Solution” certification exam. 

It is an associate-level exam, thereby implying that certification in Azure Fundamentals would be favorable. 

The addition of the Azure Data Scientist Associate track in the new Azure certifications path is also promising news for aspiring candidates. The role of an Azure data scientist involves the application of knowledge in data science and machine learning for implementing and running machine learning workloads on Azure. The specific abilities of an Azure Data Scientist Associate should be in the use of Azure Machine Learning Service. 

Azure Data Scientist would have to plan and create an ideal working environment for data science workloads on Microsoft Azure. In addition, they should also show their capabilities in conducting data experiments alongside training predictive models. The work of Azure Data Scientists also involves the management and optimization of machine learning models. Most important of all, they are also responsible for the deployment of machine learning models into production. 

Microsoft has only one Azure certification exam in the new role-based certification model for the Azure Data Scientist Associate job role. 

Azure Security Engineer is the newest role added in the role-based Azure certification path. To become a Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer, you need to pass only one certification – Exam AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies. On passing the certification exam for AZ-500, you will become a Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer and will receive a badge of Azure Security Engineer. Let’s have a look at the details of the AZ-500 exam.

Microsoft Azure Security Technologies (AZ-500)

Microsoft has recently launched AZ-500: Azure Security Technologies exam 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: Prerequisites for Microsoft Azure Security Technologies (AZ-500) exam are –

  • Familiarity with the implementation of security controls on the Microsoft Azure platform
  • In-depth knowledge of virtualization, cloud N-tier architecture, Amazon Kubernetes Service, and networking
  • Ability to recognize and address vulnerabilities using several security tools; implementing security solutions for the protection of networks, applications, and data
  • Expertise in scripting and automation, identity and access management, and maintaining security status

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate is one of the latest additions to the Azure certifications path. The certification is ideal for individuals who want to pursue the role of Azure Data Engineers. Azure data engineers specialize in the design and implementation of data management, monitoring, security, and privacy.

Azure data engineers also show comprehensive fluency in the complete stack of Azure data services to address business requirements. Candidates have to clear two Azure certification exams to earn the tag of ‘Azure Data Engineer Associate.’ The two exams have the codes DP-200 and DP-201. Let us reflect further on the details of each certification exam.

DP-200: Implementing an Azure Data Solution

DP-200: Implementing an Azure Data Solution exam is suitable for Microsoft azure data engineers. The DP-200 came into the Azure certifications path on January 31st, 2019. 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

DP-200 exam is for the Azure data engineers responsible for implementing data solutions on the Azure cloud platform. The prerequisites for the DP-200 Azure certification exam are as follows.

  1. The ability for implementing data solutions using Azure services.
  2. No previous Azure certification is needed.

DP-201: Designing an Azure Data Solution

Microsoft released the DP-201 exam in Azure certifications path on January 31st, 2019, alongside the DP-200 exam. The certification is a part of the Azure Data Engineer Associate job role in the new role-based certification path. Candidates have to clear DP-200 and DP-201 both to obtain the Azure Data Engineer Associate certification.

Prerequisites

The prerequisites for DP-201: Designing an Azure Data Solution exam are as follows.

  1. The ability for designing solutions using Azure services.
  2. No prior certification is needed.

The role of an Azure Database Administrator or Azure Database Management Specialist also includes implementation and management of operational aspects pertaining to cloud-native and hybrid data platform solutions on Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Azure data services.

In addition, Azure Database Administrators or database management specialists have to focus on management, performance monitoring, security, optimization of contemporary relational database solutions, and availability. 

Administering Relational Databases on Microsoft Azure Exam (DP-300) 

Microsoft DP-300: Administering Relational Databases on the Microsoft Azure certification exam is one of the new additions among existing role-based certifications. The new certification by Microsoft Azure would be the ideal exam for aspiring cloud-based database administrator and database management specialists.

Candidates will receive the Azure Database Administer Associate certification on clearing this exam. The role of certified candidates would primarily involve the management of relational databases on the cloud as well as on-premises, developed on top of Microsoft Azure data services and Microsoft SQL Server. The certification exam is presently in the beta stage, thereby implying that there would be no facility of immediate scoring.

Prerequisites

As you all know, there are no mandatory prerequisites for the Azure certification exams. The recommended prerequisites for the new Azure certification exam for the database administrator role include the following.

  • Skills for using a variety of tools and methods for performing day-to-day database administration tasks.
  • At least two years of industry involvement in database administration.
  • Minimum of one year of hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure Cloud ecosystem.

The addition of Azure Architect with SAP Workloads track in the new Azure certifications path is also promising news for aspiring candidates. The role of an Azure Architect with SAP workloads involves the application of knowledge in industry standards that are specific to the long-term operation of an SAP solution.

Microsoft has only one Azure certification exam in the new role-based certification model for the Azure Architect for SAP Workloads job role. The title of the exam is “Planning and Administering Microsoft Azure for SAP Workloads”. The code for the exam is AZ-120. Let us reflect on some basic information regarding the certification exam.

Planning and Administering Microsoft Azure for SAP Workloads (AZ-120)

The AZ-120 Azure certification exam is ideal for architects and engineers having knowledge regarding SAP Landscape Certification Process. In addition, it also tests the knowledge of candidates about the industry standards related to long-term operations of SAP solutions. The AZ-120 exam is the sole requirement to achieve the Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty certification. 

Prerequisites

The prerequisites for Planning and Administering Microsoft Azure for SAP Workloads (AZ-120) exam are:

  • In-depth experience and knowledge of SAP applications, SAP NetWeaver, S/4HANA, SAP HANA, OS Servers for SAP applications and databases, and SAP BW.
  • 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.
  • An Azure Architect or Azure Administrator certification is highly recommended alongside Linux and SAP HANA certifications

Azure IoT developer is the new role added in the list of role-based Microsoft Azure certifications. This new role gives a promising career option to the IoT developers who are responsible for the implementation and coding required to develop and maintain the cloud and edge of an IoT solution, to set up the physical devices, and to maintain the devices throughout the life cycle.

Microsoft has only one Azure certification exam in the new role-based certification model for the Azure Architect job role. The title of the exam is “Microsoft Azure IoT Developer”. One who clears the exam receives the badge of Microsoft Certified:  Azure IoT Developer Specialty and becomes Microsoft Certified Azure IoT Developer Specialist. The code for the exam is AZ-220. Let us reflect on some basic information regarding the certification exam.

Microsoft Azure IoT Developer Exam (AZ-220)

The Microsoft Azure IoT Developer Beta Exam, AZ-220, is a specialty-level Azure certification. The exam is ideal for candidates aspiring to become an Azure IoT Developer. The job role of an Azure IoT Developer involves the implementation of IoT solutions as well as coding needed for creating and maintaining the cloud and edge aspects of an IoT solution.

Prerequisites

The prerequisites for the AZ-220 Azure certification exam are,

  • Thorough knowledge of the implementation of Azure services for developing an IoT solution.
  • Ability to recognize Azure IoT service configuration settings in the code part of an IoT solution.
  • Skills for performing particular IoT coding tasks in at least one programming language supported by Azure such as Python, C#, C or Node.

As per the new role-based Azure certifications path, for Azure Solution Architect Expert role,  you need to pass two certifications – Exam AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies and Exam AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Design. After passing the certification exams for AZ-303 and AZ-304, you will become Microsoft Certified Azure Solution Architect Expert and will receive a badge of Azure Solution Architect Expert.

Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies Exam (AZ-303)

The AZ-303 Azure Certification exam is the updated version of the existing certification for Azure Solution Architects, AZ-300. The exam tests capabilities of candidates to advise stakeholders and convert business requirements into solutions with higher security, reliability, and scalability. The AZ-303 exam will be available on or around June 29, 2020. 

Prerequisites

The important prerequisites for the AZ-303 exam are as follows,

  • Detailed knowledge and comprehensive experience in IT operations such as virtualization, business continuity, networking, identity, data platform, governance, disaster recovery, and budgeting.
  • High-level expertise in Azure administration.
  • Hands-on experience in DevOps processes and Azure development processes.

As per the new role-based Azure certifications path, for Azure Solution Architect Expert role,  you need to pass two certifications – Exam AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies and Exam AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Design. After passing the certification exams for AZ-303 and AZ-304, you will become Microsoft Certified Azure Solution Architect Expert and will receive a badge of Azure Solution Architect Expert.

Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies Exam (AZ-303)

The AZ-303 Azure Certification exam is the updated version of the existing certification for Azure Solution Architects, AZ-300. The exam tests capabilities of candidates to advise stakeholders and convert business requirements into solutions with higher security, reliability, and scalability. The AZ-303 exam will be available on or around June 29, 2020. 

Prerequisites

The important prerequisites for the AZ-303 exam are as follows,

  • Detailed knowledge and comprehensive experience in IT operations such as virtualization, business continuity, networking, identity, data platform, governance, disaster recovery, and budgeting.
  • High-level expertise in Azure administration.
  • Hands-on experience in DevOps processes and Azure development processes.

Microsoft Azure Architect Design Beta Exam (AZ-304)

The AZ-304 beta exam is the updated version of the existing Azure certification for Microsoft Azure solution architects, 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. 

Prerequisites

The important prerequisites covered in the AZ-304 exam are as follows,

  • Expertise in skills for Azure administration.
  • Practical experience in Azure development processes and DevOps processes.
  • In-depth knowledge and experience regarding IT operations such as networking, identity, governance, security, virtualization, disaster recovery, budgeting, and business continuity.

One who has already received the badge of Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate can become an Azure DevOps Engineer Expert. Whether be the Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate, the candidate needs to pass Exam AZ-400: Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions to become Azure DevOps Engineer. Let’s have a look at the details of the AZ-400 exam.

Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions (AZ-400) 

Microsoft also released Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions (AZ-400) – BETA Version in beta on September 24, 2018. This certification also comes under the Azure DevOps Engineer Expert role. After receiving the badge of Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate, one needs to pass the AZ-400 exam to become an Azure DevOps Engineer Expert.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites for Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions (AZ-400) exam are –

  • Familiarity with both the Azure development and Azure administration and expertise in at least one of these areas
  • 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.
  • Proficiency in Agile practices

The increasing emphasis of Azure on ML and AI has resulted in the creation of many AI-based job roles. Candidates should qualify the newly launched AI-900 certification exam for this fundamental level role.

AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals

The AI-900: Microsoft Azure, AI Fundamentals certification, is one of the recent additions in Azure’s certification model. It is helpful in proving the fundamental knowledge of candidates in artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts. You would receive the Microsoft Certified Azure AI Fundamentals certifications by qualifying this exam.

Prerequisites

Candidates should note that there are no specific prerequisites for the AI-900 Azure certification. AI-900 exam is suitable for candidates from technical and non-technical backgrounds. However, the following prerequisites can help you gain a better chance of qualifying the exam.

  • General programming knowledge or experience.
  • Knowledge of at least one high-level programming language.
  • Basic awareness of common ML and AI concepts and their relation with Azure.

Candidates aspiring to work with data on the Azure Cloud platform could turn to this fundamental role introduced recently in Azure certifications. You have to qualify the newly launched DP-900 certification exam only for this role.

DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals

The DP-900 Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals is the ideal certification for any aspiring cloud professional who wants to work with data. The certification proves the skills and knowledge of candidates about core data concepts. You can earn the Microsoft Certified Azure Data Fundamentals certifications by qualifying the DP-900 certification.

Prerequisites

Candidates don’t need any specific prerequisites for the DP-900 certification exam. On the other hand, the following knowledge and experience requirements can be helpful for candidates in their exam preparations.

  • Familiarity with basic concepts on relational and non-relational data.
  • Knowledge of different types of data workloads.

Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure own over 50% of the cloud infrastructure services market and customers in various sectors and industries. Having a Microsoft Azure Certification is likely to boost your career. It is a great way to validate your skills and differentiate yourself from others. You’ll also need practical, hands-on experience and knowledge to guide you in real-life environments.

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