Microsoft Azure has become one of the top cloud computing platforms globally, offering various services and solutions to businesses of all sizes. Obtaining Microsoft Azure certifications can be a game-changer for IT professionals and those aspiring to become cloud experts, as it validates their expertise and creates new career opportunities. This article will delve into the current certification path of Microsoft Azure, available exams, and the best ways to prepare for them.

Microsoft offers various certification levels that cater to different skill levels and job roles, allowing professionals to choose the most suitable path for their career aspirations. As of the time of writing this article, the primary certification levels in the Microsoft Azure certification path are as follows:

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals-Level certifications: The fundamental certifications are designed for beginners and individuals new to the cloud industry. These certifications provide a solid understanding of cloud concepts and Microsoft Azure services. The foundational certification available at this level is:

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (Exam AZ-900)

Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals (Exam AI-900)

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (Exam DP-900)

Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (Exam SC-900)

Microsoft Azure Associate-Level certifications: The associate-level certifications are intended for professionals who have some experience with Azure and wish to deepen their expertise. The associate certifications currently available are:

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (Exam AZ-104)

Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate (Exam AZ-204)

Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (Exam AZ-500)

Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate (Exam AZ-700)

Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate (Exam AI-102)

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate (Exam DP-203)

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate (Exam DP-100)

Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate (Exam DP-300)

Microsoft Certified: Azure Enterprise Data Analyst Associate (Exam DP-500)

Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate (Exam SC-200)

Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate (Exam SC-300)

Microsoft Azure Expert-Level certifications: The expert-level certifications are for seasoned professionals who possess advanced knowledge and hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure. The expert certifications available are:

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (Exam AZ-305 )

Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (Exam AZ-400)

Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Expert (Exam AZ-500)

Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Expert (Exam AI-102)

Microsoft Azure Specialty certifications: The specialty certifications are targeted towards professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in specific Azure domains. The specialty certifications include:

Microsoft Certified: Azure IoT Developer Specialty (Exam AZ-220)

Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty (Exam AZ-120)

Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty (Exam AZ-140)

Microsoft Certified: Azure Cosmos DB Developer Specialty (Exam DP-420)

Microsoft Certified: Customer Data Platform Specialty (Exam MB-260)

If you're new to the cloud or Azure, we recommend starting with the AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals certification. This certification provides a solid foundation of knowledge that can help advance your cloud career.

While earning this entry-level certification may not guarantee a new cloud job or promotion, it can be a valuable addition to your skillset. In fact, the AZ-900 is one of the top-paying Azure certifications because it is often held by professionals who also hold other certifications and is sought after by leadership and management seeking to better understand cloud technology. By earning this certification, you can jump-start your cloud career and gain a competitive edge in the industry.

Earning a Microsoft Azure certification requires proper preparation and study. Here are some effective ways to prepare for Azure exams:

Official Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft offers detailed documentation on all Azure services, concepts, and best practices. The official documentation is a valuable resource for exam preparation.

Online Courses: Many online learning platforms provide comprehensive courses specifically designed to prepare candidates for Azure exams. Platforms like Pluralsight, Udemy, and Microsoft Learn offer a wide range of courses tailored to different certification levels.

Hands-on Experience: Practical experience is crucial when dealing with cloud technologies. Create a free Azure account and experiment with various services to gain hands-on experience and understanding.

Practice Tests: Practice tests are an excellent way to evaluate your knowledge and identify areas that require further study. Many practice tests mimic the real exam environment and help build confidence.

Study Groups and Forums: Engage with study groups or join online forums to discuss topics, ask questions, and learn from others preparing for the same exam.

Official Exam Resources: Microsoft provides official exam preparation guides and sample questions that can give you insights into the exam structure and content.

Microsoft Azure certifications are highly regarded in the IT industry, showcasing your proficiency in one of the leading cloud platforms. The certification path includes fundamental, associate, expert, and specialty certifications, catering to various skill levels and roles. With the right preparation, dedication, and practical experience, you can successfully pass Azure exams and boost your career prospects in the cloud computing domain. Remember to use official documentation, online courses, hands-on practice, and practice tests to ensure you are fully prepared for the certification journey ahead.