In this guide, we will see the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals and the different Certifications which can help you to excel in data engineering career.
Go with the complete A to Z guide on Microsoft Azure certifications, including the available certifications, their requirements, and the resources you need to prepare for them.
What is Microsoft Azure?
Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform and service offered by Microsoft.
It provides a range of cloud services that include computing, storage, networking, databases, analytics, and more, to help individuals and organizations build, deploy, and manage applications and services on the cloud.
Azure is built on a global network of data centers, which enables users to quickly deploy and manage applications and services from anywhere in the world.
It also provides a wide range of tools and services for developers, including integrated development environments (IDEs), programming languages, and frameworks.
Some of the key features of Microsoft Azure include:
1. Scalability: Azure can easily scale resources up or down based on demand, allowing users to pay only for what they use.
2. Security: Azure provides robust security features and compliance certifications to help protect user data and applications.
3. Hybrid cloud capabilities: Azure provides the ability to easily integrate on-premises infrastructure with the cloud, enabling hybrid cloud scenarios.
4. Analytics: Azure provides a range of analytics services, including machine learning, data warehousing, and data lakes, to help users gain insights from their data.
5. Internet of Things (IoT) support: Azure provides IoT services that enable users to connect, monitor, and manage IoT devices and data.
Overall, Microsoft Azure is a powerful cloud platform that provides a wide range of services and capabilities to help organizations and individuals leverage the benefits of cloud computing.
Related Article: What is ADF in Azure?
Why Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certifications?
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification is a great starting point for individuals who want to learn about cloud computing and specifically, the Azure platform. Here are some reasons why earning this certification can be beneficial:
1. Establishes foundational knowledge: The Azure Fundamentals certification validates that you have the foundational knowledge needed to understand the core Azure services, cloud concepts, security, privacy, compliance, and pricing.
2. Demonstrates commitment to learning: Earning a certification shows potential employers or clients that you are committed to continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest technology trends.
3. Helps with career advancement: By demonstrating your knowledge and skills in Azure, you may be eligible for new job opportunities, promotions, or pay increases.
4. Prepares for advanced certifications: The Azure Fundamentals certification is a prerequisite for other Microsoft Azure certifications, such as the Azure Administrator Associate and Azure Developer Associate certifications. It provides a solid foundation to build upon for more advanced certifications.
5. Validates skills for non-technical roles: The Azure Fundamentals certification can also be beneficial for non-technical roles, such as sales, marketing, or project management, who work with Azure technologies and need to understand the basics to better communicate with technical teams and customers.
Overall, the Azure Fundamentals certification is a great way to establish foundational knowledge in cloud computing and the Azure platform, and can open doors to new career opportunities and advanced certifications.
Related Article: How to Use Azure DevOps for Your Project?
Introduction to Microsoft Azure Certifications
Microsoft Azure certifications are industry-recognized credentials that validate your expertise in the Azure cloud computing platform.
They demonstrate your proficiency in various Azure services and tools, such as computing, storage, networking, security, and DevOps.
There are currently multiple Azure certifications, ranging from fundamental to expert levels. They are categorized into four levels: Fundamentals, Associate, Expert, and Specialty.
Related Article: Azure DevOps Tutorials: How to set up and use Azure DevOps
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification is the entry-level certification that validates your understanding of basic cloud concepts and Azure services.
This certification is ideal for professionals who want to gain an overview of Azure before diving deeper into specific Azure services.
Requirements:
– No prerequisites required.
– Pass the AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam.
Exam topics:
– Cloud concepts and Azure services
– Core Azure services
– Security, privacy, compliance, and trust
– Azure pricing and support
Resources:
– Microsoft Learn: Azure Fundamentals
– Exam AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Study Guide
Microsoft Azure Associate Certifications
The Microsoft Azure Associate certifications validate your skills in implementing, managing, and monitoring Azure services.
These certifications are ideal for professionals who have experience in Azure and want to specialize in a particular area.
1. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
The Azure Administrator Associate certification validates your skills in managing Azure resources, implementing and managing storage and networking, and securing Azure resources.
Requirements:
– No prerequisites required.
– Pass the AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator exam.
Exam topics:
– Azure administration
– Azure storage and networking
– Azure compute and security
– Azure monitoring and backup
Resources:
– Microsoft Learn: Azure Administrator Associate
– Exam AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator Study Guide
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
The Azure Developer Associate certification validates your skills in developing and deploying Azure cloud solutions, including web applications, functions, and containers.
Requirements:
– No prerequisites required.
– Pass the AZ-204 Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure exam.
Exam topics:
– Azure compute solutions
– Azure storage solutions
– Azure security solutions
– Azure monitoring and troubleshooting
Resources:
– Microsoft Learn: Azure Developer Associate
– Exam AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure Study Guide
3. Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate
The Azure Security Engineer Associate certification validates your skills in implementing security controls and threat protection, managing identity and access, and securing data and applications in Azure.
Requirements:
– No prerequisites required.
– Pass the AZ-500 Microsoft Azure Security Technologies exam.
Exam topics:
– Azure security management
– Azure identity and access management
– Azure platform protection
– Azure data and application protection
Resources:
– Microsoft Learn: Azure Security Engineer Associate
– Exam AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies Study Guide
Microsoft Azure Expert Certifications
The Microsoft Azure Expert certifications validate your advanced skills in designing and implementing Azure solutions.
These certifications are ideal for professionals who have extensive experience in Azure and want to demonstrate their expertise in specific areas.
1. Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
The Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification validates your skills in designing and implementing solutions that run on Azure, including compute, storage, networking, and security.
Requirements:
– Pass one of the following exams: AZ-303 Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies or AZ-304 Microsoft Azure Architect Design.
– Pass the remaining exam to complete the certification.
Exam topics:
– Azure architecture design
– Azure infrastructure implementation
– Azure platform management
– Azure security and governance
Resources:
– Microsoft Learn: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
– Exam AZ-303
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
The Azure DevOps Engineer Expert certification validates your skills in implementing DevOps practices and solutions on Azure, including continuous integration and delivery, infrastructure as code, and monitoring and feedback.
Requirements:
– Pass the AZ-400 Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions exam.
Exam topics:
– Azure DevOps planning and implementation
– Continuous integration and delivery
– Infrastructure as code
– Monitoring and feedback
Resources:
– Microsoft Learn: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
– Exam AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions Study Guide
Microsoft Azure Specialty Certifications
The Microsoft Azure Specialty certifications validate your expertise in specific areas of Azure, such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and IoT.
1. Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate
The Azure Data Scientist Associate certification validates your skills in designing and implementing machine learning models on Azure, including data preparation, feature engineering, and model evaluation.
Requirements:
– Pass the DP-100 Designing and Implementing a Data Science Solution on Azure exam.
Exam topics:
– Data preparation and processing
– Machine learning model development
– Model training and deployment
– Machine learning solution monitoring and optimization
Resources:
– Microsoft Learn: Azure Data Scientist Associate
– Exam DP-100: Designing and Implementing a Data Science Solution on Azure Study Guide
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
The Azure AI Engineer Associate certification validates your skills in designing and implementing AI solutions on Azure, including natural language processing, computer vision, and conversational AI.
Requirements:
– Pass the AI-100 Designing and Implementing an Azure AI Solution exam.
Exam topics:
– AI solution design and implementation
– Natural language processing and computer vision
– Conversational AI
– AI solution monitoring and optimization
Resources:
– Microsoft Learn: Azure AI Engineer Associate
– Exam AI-100: Designing and Implementing an Azure AI Solution Study Guide
3. Microsoft Certified: Azure IoT Developer Specialty
The Azure IoT Developer Specialty certification validates your skills in developing and implementing IoT solutions on Azure, including device connectivity, data processing, and solution implementation.
Requirements:
– Pass the AZ-220 Microsoft Azure IoT Developer exam.
Exam topics:
– IoT solution development
– IoT device connectivity and management
– IoT data processing and storage
– IoT solution implementation and monitoring
Resources:
– Microsoft Learn: Azure IoT Developer Specialty
– Exam AZ-220: Microsoft Azure IoT Developer Study Guide
Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate
The Azure Security Engineer Associate certification validates your skills in implementing and managing security controls on Azure, including identity and access management, platform protection, and data and application protection.
Requirements:
– Pass the AZ-500 Microsoft Azure Security Technologies exam.
Exam topics:
– Identity and access management
– Platform protection
– Data and application protection
– Security operations management
Resources:
– Microsoft Learn: Azure Security Engineer Associate
– Exam AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies Study Guide
Microsoft Certified: Azure Stack Hub Operator Associate
The Azure Stack Hub Operator Associate certification validates your skills in deploying and managing Azure Stack Hub, a hybrid cloud platform that enables consistent Azure services on-premises.
Requirements:
– Pass the AZ-600 Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack Hub exam.
Exam topics:
– Azure Stack Hub architecture and deployment
– Azure Stack Hub administration and management
– Azure Stack Hub resource management and monitoring
– Azure Stack Hub maintenance and update management
Resources:
– Microsoft Learn: Azure Stack Hub Operator Associate
– Exam AZ-600: Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack Hub Study Guide
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
The Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification validates your skills in designing and implementing solutions on Azure, including compute, network, storage, and security services.
Requirements:
– Pass both the AZ-303 Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies and AZ-304 Microsoft Azure Architect Design exams.
Exam topics:
– Azure compute services
– Azure network services
– Azure storage services
– Azure security services
Resources:
– Microsoft Learn: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
– Exam AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies Study Guide
– Exam AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Design Study Guide
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 + Power Platform Solution Architect Expert
The Dynamics 365 + Power Platform Solution Architect Expert certification validates your skills in designing and implementing solutions that leverage Dynamics 365 and Power Platform technologies.
Requirements:
– Pass both the PL-600 Microsoft Power Platform Solution Architect and MB-600 Microsoft Dynamics 365 + Power Platform Solution Architect exams.
Exam topics:
– Power Platform architecture and deployment
– Dynamics 365 architecture and deployment
– Solution design and implementation
– Solution optimization and performance tuning
Resources:
– Microsoft Learn: Dynamics 365 + Power Platform Solution Architect Expert
– Exam PL-600: Microsoft Power Platform Solution Architect Study Guide
– Exam MB-600: Microsoft Dynamics 365 + Power Platform Solution Architect Study Guide
Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft Azure certifications are valuable credentials that demonstrate your expertise in various Azure services and tools.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, there is a certification that fits your level and career goals.
By following the resources provided in this guide, you can prepare for and pass the Azure certification exams with confidence. Good luck on your Azure certification journey!
I hope this information helps you in choosing the right certification for your career goals!
Meet Nitin, a seasoned professional in the field of data engineering. With a Post Graduation in Data Science and Analytics, Nitin is a key contributor to the healthcare sector, specializing in data analysis, machine learning, AI, blockchain, and various data-related tools and technologies. As the Co-founder and editor of analyticslearn.com, Nitin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the realm of analytics. Join us in exploring the exciting intersection of healthcare and data science with Nitin as your guide.
