Getting Azure certification is a crucial move in your career, especially on these days when cloud computing is proving to be a necessary component of the modern workplace. And not only for your job, but for your business can be a game-changer as you can become an Azure Microsoft partner, but also a cost-saving and efficiency master.

Cloud tends to be less expensive and more secure, reliable, and more flexible than on-premise servers. It enables you to limit downtime, scale your computing and storage resources, and pay only for the services you use.

This transition opens the door to personal and company-wide growth. New certifications are emerging and are necessary when preparing to immerse yourself in new tech.

Microsoft Azure is a set of cloud computing services that help organizations tackle new business challenges. It offers the freedom to build, manage, and deploy applications on a global network. Azure is built on the latest advancements in the cloud with more than 1,000 new capabilities released in the past year. It is built on your terms backed by a team of security experts to be sure your continuous innovation is protected.

Taking the Leap with Azure certification

Over the years, the adoption rate of Azure has grown rapidly causing a large demand for certified professionals. If your organization is transiting to Azure or you are ready to level up in your career, a Microsoft Azure certification can teach you various aspects of cloud computing and award you an official certification at the end.

It is important to choose the appropriate certification for your experience and job role. Microsoft has recently updated the Azure certification path into a role-based model. This is so it more directly focuses on the building of skills and knowledge aligned to job roles. The new role-based certifications are split into three tiers with eight new Azure-based certifications. Below are their categories, exam codes, and general descriptions:

Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals:

This certification is designed to demonstrate foundation level knowledge of Azure-based cloud services. It is created for those in non-technical roles such as sales and purchasing. Also, it is for those in technical roles looking to validate foundation level knowledge. To obtain the certification you need to take exam AZ-900 – Microsoft Fundamentals.

Azure certified associate:

Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator:

This certification is designed to demonstrate associate level knowledge of how to implement, monitor, and maintain Microsoft Azure solutions. It includes major services related to computing, storage, network, and security. It is aimed at administrative and technical roles looking to validate cloud services knowledge. To obtain this certification, you need to complete exam AZ-103 – Microsoft Azure Administrator.

Microsoft Certified Azure Developer:

This certification is designed to demonstrate developer-level knowledge of how to design, build, test, and maintain cloud solutions like applications and services. It tests the ability to partner with cloud solution architects, cloud DBAs, cloud administrators, and clients to implement these solutions. It is designed for those in developer and technical roles. To obtain this certification, you need to complete exam AZ-203 – Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure.

Microsoft Certified Azure AI Engineer:

This certification is designed to demonstrate developer-level knowledge of how to use Cognitive Services, Machine Learning, and Knowledge Mining to architect and implement Microsoft AI Solutions. This involves natural language processing, speech, computer vision, bots, and agents. To obtain this certification, you need to complete exam AI-100 Designing and Implementing an Azure AI Solution.

Microsoft Certified Azure Data Engineer:

This certification is designed to demonstrate developer-level knowledge of how to design and implement the management, monitoring, security, and privacy of data using the full stack of Azure data services. To obtain this certification, you need to complete exams DP-201 Designing an Azure Data Solution and DP-200 Implementing an Azure Data Solution.

Microsoft Certified Azure Security Technologies:

This is a certification designed to demonstrate knowledge of implementing security controls, maintaining the security posture, managing identity and access, and protecting data, applications, and networks. To obtain this certification, you need to complete exam AZ-500 – Microsoft Azure Security Technologies.

Azure certified Expert:

Microsoft Certified Azure Architect:

This certification is designed to demonstrate architect level expertise in compute, network, storage, security, and designing solutions that run on Azure. It is for those in architect and leadership roles. To obtain this certification, you need to complete two exams AZ-300 Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies and AZ-301 Microsoft Azure Architect Design.

Microsoft Certified Azure DevOps:

This is a certification designed to demonstrate knowledge of how to combine people, processes, and technologies to continuously deliver valuable products and services to meet end-user needs and business objectives. To obtain this certification, you must earn either the Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate certification and complete exam AZ-400 – Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions.

What Now? Should you get an Azure certification?

With more than 1,000 new sign-ups for Azure occurring each day, obtaining a certification is the key to achieving your new career goals. The Azure certification path allows you to choose a certification that is most relevant to you and your future. Choose which path works best for you, reach out to a Microsoft partner if you have questions, and get ready to level up!

If you have any questions about potential projects, jobs, or to put together ideas about how to take profit from being a certified Azure specialist, you can contact Bauen Solutions. We will be more than happy to help you with your Azure certification path and the pursuit of your dreams.