The Complete Guide to Microsoft Azure Certification Path
Over the years, Microsoft Azure has grown into one of the leading cloud computing platforms, serving businesses, enterprises, governments, and startups across the globe. As more and more businesses begin their transition to the cloud, there is an ever-growing demand for Azure practitioners. Regardless of whether you are just starting your career or upgrading your cloud skills, Microsoft Azure certifications give you an organized path to climb further in the tech stack.
In this complete guide, we'll break down the Azure certification path, its levels, and how you can choose the right certification for your goals.
Why use Microsoft Azure?
Microsoft Azure is the world's second-largest cloud provider, after AWS, and is growing fast! Microsoft Azure also integrates well with Office 365, Microsoft Teams, and Windows Server, making it a preferred solution for many companies.
· Azure certifications:
· Validate your expertise with the cloud.
· Enhance your résumé
· Lead to other jobs
· Increase your potential to earn
Azure Certification Levels Explained
Microsoft has divided its certifications by job role, rather than simply technical knowledge. Azure has four main levels:
1. Fundamentals Level (Beginner)
Best for entry-level individuals or non-technical people wanting to learn basic cloud concepts.
Popular Certification:
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Areas included: Cloud Concepts, Azure services, pricing, support, and governance.
No experience required.
2. Associate Level (Intermediate)
Recommended for IT professionals with some experience in the profession who are looking to grow within a specific "role."
Popular Certifications:
Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
Manage Azure resources, virtual network, identities, and storage.
Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204)
Develop cloud applications and services.
Azure Security Engineer Associate (SC-200)
Management of identity, security operations, and threat protection.
Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102)
Build AI and machine learning models on Azure.
3. Expert Level (Advanced)
Recommended for experienced professionals looking to verify a deep technical expertise in cloud architecture and design.
Popular Certifications:
Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
Design Azure infrastructure and applications on Azure.
Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400)
Take development and operations and fuse them as part of CI/CD and automation.
4. Specialty Certifications
These certifications are available for professionals who want to specialize specifically in niche areas such as security, AI, and SAP on Azure.
Examples Include:
Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900)
Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900)
Azure IoT Developer Specialty (AZ-220)
Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty (AZ-140)
Choosing The Right Accreditation
Below is a quick reference to help you:
Absolute Beginner: AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals)
IT Admin / System Engineer: AZ-104 (Azure Administrator)
Software Developer: AZ-204 (Azure Developer)
Cybersecurity Professional: SC-200 (Security Engineer)
Cloud Architect (Experienced): AZ-305 (Solutions Architect)
DevOps Engineer: AZ-400 (DevOps Engineer)
Interested in AI or Data: AI-102 / DP-100 / DP-900
Advantages of Azure Certification
Industry-Recognized Certifications
Azure certifications are recognized by employers throughout the world.
Career Development: With your certifications, you will find new opportunities for promotion and higher salaries.
Skills Validation: There is no better way to prove that you can design, administer, and secure Azure environments than an Azure certification.
Job Opportunities: Every day, positions like Azure Administrator, Solutions Architect, and DevOps Engineer are being advertised.
How to get started.
Choose which role-based certification you want.
Study using Microsoft Learn or one of the study platforms available
Practice your exams
Plan your exam dates with Pearson VUE.
Take your certification exam, and make sure you share your badge on LinkedIn.<
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