Azure Migration Certification: A Comprehensive Guide

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Getting certified in Azure migration is a great way to boost your career and stay ahead in the industry.

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Migration and Deployment Engineer Associate certification is a popular choice for professionals looking to demonstrate their expertise in migrating workloads to Azure. This certification validates your ability to plan, execute, and manage a successful migration.

To get certified, you'll need to pass the DP-100: Microsoft Azure Developer: Plan Migrate and Deploy Programmes exam, which covers topics such as migration planning, infrastructure migration, and application migration.

The exam consists of 40-60 questions and you'll have 85 minutes to complete it.

Recommended read: Windows Azure Exam

What is Azure Migration Certification?

Azure Migration Certification is a professional credential that validates an individual's skills and knowledge in migrating workloads to the Azure cloud platform. It's offered by Microsoft and is designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in migrating applications and data to Azure.

The certification covers a range of topics, including assessment, migration, and management of Azure resources. It's a great way to demonstrate your skills to potential employers and can be a valuable addition to your professional portfolio.

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To earn the certification, you'll need to pass an exam that tests your knowledge and skills in areas such as Azure architecture, migration planning, and deployment. The exam is designed to be challenging, but with the right preparation and experience, you can pass it and become certified.

The certification is valid for two years, after which you'll need to renew it by passing a renewal exam or completing continuing education requirements. This ensures that certified professionals stay up-to-date with the latest Azure technologies and best practices.

Where to Begin

To begin your Azure migration certification journey, you'll need to understand the basics of cloud computing.

Microsoft Azure is a cloud platform that provides a wide range of services, including computing, storage, networking, and artificial intelligence.

Start by familiarizing yourself with Azure's core services, such as Azure Virtual Machines and Azure Storage.

It's essential to have a good understanding of Azure's pricing model, which is based on a pay-per-use approach.

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The Azure migration certification program consists of several exams, including AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals and AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure.

Begin by preparing for AZ-900, which covers the basics of cloud computing, Azure services, and pricing.

Make sure to review the exam objectives and study materials provided by Microsoft.

Microsoft offers a range of study resources, including online courses, tutorials, and practice exams.

It's also a good idea to join online communities, such as the Microsoft Learn community, to connect with other learners and get support.

Associate-Level

Azure migration certification requires you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in managing an organization's Microsoft Azure environment. This is where Associate-level certifications come in.

The Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) certification is a great place to start, as it validates your ability to manage an organization's Microsoft Azure environment. It's a stepping stone to more advanced certifications.

To pursue Associate-level certifications, you'll need to build on your subject matter expertise. The Azure AI Engineer Associate (AZ-102) certification, for example, requires you to learn how to build, manage, and deploy AI solutions within Azure. This certification is ideal for those who want to explore the intersection of AI and cloud computing.

Consider reading: Azure Openai Certification

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Associate-level certifications are also available in data engineering and science, such as the Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203) and the Azure Data Scientist Associate (DP-100). These certifications validate your ability to store and use datasets for analysis, manage data pipelines and data stores, and explore data science using Azure Machine Learning and Azure Databricks.

Here's a breakdown of some Associate-level certifications:

Azure Migration Certification Paths

Azure migration certification paths are structured to help you progress your expertise and demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers.

To start, you'll want to explore the Azure certification path, which includes Fundamentals, Associate, and Expert levels.

Here's a quick overview of the levels:

These levels will help you navigate the Azure certification program and progress your expertise in migration, administration, development, and more.

Certification Path

If you're new to Azure, it's recommended to start with a Fundamentals exam related to your career. This will give you a solid foundation to build upon.

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You can then pursue several Associate and Specialty Azure certifications, such as the Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) or the Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500).

To become an expert, you'll need to take the Expert-level Azure certifications, like the Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) or the Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400).

Here's a breakdown of the Azure certification path:

The Expert-level certifications are designed for experienced IT and DevOps pros with existing Azure administration and development skills. They're perfect for those who want to take on technical tasks like creating apps, configuring cloud infrastructure, and planning continuity.

Database Administrator Associate (DP-300)

The Database Administrator Associate (DP-300) certification is a great way to take your Azure skills to the next level. This certification is specifically designed for database administrators and data management specialists who manage on-prem and cloud relational databases.

To get certified, you'll need to pass the DP-300: Administering Relational Databases on Microsoft Azure exam, which costs $165 USD. You'll also need to understand the concepts covered in the DP-900 Exam for the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals certification.

Broaden your view: Azure Dms

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The exam covers a range of topics, including planning and implementing data platform resources, implementing a secure environment, and optimizing operational resources and query performance. You'll also need to know how to perform administration using T-SQL.

Here are the key areas covered on the exam:

  • Plan and implement data platform resources
  • Implement a secure environment
  • High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HADR)
  • Optimize operational resources and query performance
  • Task automation
  • Perform administration using T-SQL

With this certification, you'll be able to implement and manage cloud-native and hybrid data platform solutions built using Azure services and SQL Server. This means you'll be trusted with the day-to-day operation and management of modern relational database solutions.

Intriguing read: Azure Solution

Certified Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)

The Certified Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) certification is a game-changer for experienced IT and DevOps professionals. This certification proves you're among the Azure elite, with the proven prowess in compute, network, storage, and security needed to masterfully design solutions that run on Azure.

The exam, AZ-305: Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions, replaces two previous exams and costs $165 USD. To prepare, you'll want to focus on managing Azure Active Directory, cloud migration to Azure strategy, configuring serverless computing with Azure, integration of on-prem infrastructure, and configuring Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).

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This certification is for those with existing Azure administration and development skills, and it's not a trivial pursuit. You'll need to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of cloud infrastructure, security, storage, data platforms, workload requirements, application creation and deployment, and more.

To be successful, you'll bring tech brains to your organization's strategy and potentially prime yourself for strategic leadership positions down the road. As an experienced solutions architect, you'll be packing a brain filled to the brim with an encyclopedic level of IT insights, making you a must-have at any tech-savvy organization.

Here are the key areas you'll need to master:

  • Manage Azure Active Directory
  • Cloud migration to Azure strategy
  • Configure serverless computing with Azure
  • Integration of on-prem infrastructure
  • Configure Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)

With this certification, you'll be well on your way to becoming a sought-after expert in cloud solutions architecture.

Developer Associate

The Azure Developer Associate certification is a must-have for any cloud developer looking to take their skills to the next level. It validates that a candidate has one to two years of professional experience with Azure and can develop Azure compute solutions, develop for Azure storage, implement Azure security, and more.

For another approach, see: Azure Developer Certification Path

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To become an Azure Developer Associate, you'll need to pass the Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure exam. This exam covers a range of skills, including developing Azure compute solutions, developing for Azure storage, implementing Azure security, monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing Azure solutions, and connecting to and using Azure services and third-party services.

Here's a breakdown of the skills measured in the exam:

With the Azure Developer Associate certification, you'll be equipped with the skills to work with cloud database administrators and clients to implement solutions, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a cloud development expert.

Career and Benefits

Azure certifications are a great way to advance your career, with options to become a cloud architect, developer, or solution architect. You can also work in various industries, such as healthcare, finance, and entertainment.

Azure certifications are in high demand, with more companies looking for certified Azure administrators, solution architects, developers, and security engineers. According to the Flexera 2023 State of the Cloud Report, Azure continues to hold the top spot for the most popular cloud provider.

Additional reading: Azure Cloud Certification

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With Azure certifications, you can expect to earn a higher salary and have access to flexible career options. You can work from different locations and industries, such as France, the UK, and the United States.

Azure certifications validate your knowledge and skills, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. You can also use these certifications to demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and showcase your proficiency in a highly sought-after cloud platform.

Some of the benefits of Azure certification include:

  • Ability to grow in your career
  • Access to flexible career options
  • Potential to earn a higher salary
  • Sharper skills
  • Improved security offerings for your employer

These benefits can help you land a better job or move into a higher position within your company. Azure certifications are a strategic investment in your career, demonstrating your commitment to continuous learning and showcasing your proficiency in a highly sought-after cloud platform.

Certification Preparation

To prepare for Azure certification exams, you need to study. Microsoft Learn offers a wealth of resources, including learning modules, instructor-led courses, and official practice exams.

For your interest: Azure Certification Exams

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Create a study plan by blocking out dedicated study time each week and creating a schedule that covers all the exam objectives. This will help you stay on track and ensure you don't miss any important material.

Taking practice exams is crucial to identifying knowledge gaps, building confidence, and honing your test-taking skills. Microsoft's official practice exams and those offered by Infosec can help you prepare for the actual exam.

Join online forums and communities, such as Infosec's TechExams, to connect with other Azure enthusiasts and cybersecurity professionals. This can be a great way to get help from peers and stay motivated.

To answer multiple-choice and case study-based questions effectively on exam day, read each question carefully and take your time. Use the process of elimination to eliminate options you know are incorrect, and manage your time to ensure you have enough time to review your answers.

Here are some essential study materials to get you started:

  • Microsoft Learn: A wealth of resources, including learning modules, instructor-led courses, and official practice exams.
  • Official training providers: Supplement your studies with training providers like Infosec, which offers specialized courses tailored to specific Azure certifications.
  • Practice exams: Utilize Microsoft's official practice exams and those offered by Infosec to identify knowledge gaps and build confidence.

Remember, studying for Azure certification exams requires dedication and persistence. Stay motivated, and you'll be well on your way to achieving your certification goals!

Azure Migration Certification Specialties

Credit: youtube.com, AZ-303 Exam EP 43: Azure Migrate

Azure migration certification specialties are a great way to demonstrate your expertise in moving on-premises solutions to the cloud. You can get certified in Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty (AZ-120) and prove your ability to plan and administer SAP workloads to be hosted in Microsoft Azure.

This certification is ideal for administrators, architects, and engineers migrating SAP solutions to the cloud. Many Fortune 500 companies have on-premises SAP workloads that could benefit from being migrated to the cloud, but migrating these complex workloads can be a serious task.

You'll learn to migrate SAP workloads to Azure, design Azure solutions that support SAP Workloads, build and deploy Azure for SAP workloads, validate infrastructure for SAP workloads, and optimize Azure SAP architecture performance.

Here are some key skills you'll gain with this certification:

  • Migrate SAP workloads to Azure
  • Design Azure solutions that support SAP Workloads
  • Build and deploy Azure for SAP workloads
  • Validate infrastructure for SAP workloads
  • Optimize Azure SAP architecture performance

Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate

The Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate certification is a new addition to the Microsoft certification family. It consists of two exams, AZ-800 and AZ-801, which cost $165 USD each.

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This certification is designed for experienced Windows Server admins who have extensive experience working with Windows Server. They should already have passed the AZ-104 Azure Administrator exam.

The certification validates the skills of Windows Server administrators who are making the most of hybrid environments. It's a super-sized curriculum, so it might be a bit optimistic to pitch it at the associate level rather than expert.

To be eligible, you'll need to have experience with Windows Server and Azure services. You'll also need to be familiar with configuring and managing core and advanced Windows Server workloads and services.

The certification covers a wide range of topics, including:

  • Deploying and managing Active Directory Domain Services
  • Managing Windows servers in a hybrid environment
  • Managing virtual machines and containers in Azure
  • Implementing and managing an on-premises and hybrid networking infrastructure
  • Securing Windows Server on-premises and hybrid infrastructures
  • Implementing and managing Windows Server high availability and disaster recovery
  • Migrating servers and workloads
  • Monitoring and troubleshooting Windows Server environments

To prepare for this challenging cert, you can check out Pluralsight's Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure (AZ-800) learning path and the Introduction to Exam AZ-801: Configuring Windows Server Hybrid Advanced Services course.

If this caught your attention, see: Move Azure Ad Connect to New Server

Security Technologies

Security Technologies is a crucial aspect of Azure Migration, and understanding it can make all the difference in securing your cloud and hybrid environments. To get the knowledge and skills you need, consider taking a course for IT security professionals that covers identity and access, platform protection, data and application security, and security operations.

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Microsoft Learn offers a wealth of resources, including learning modules, instructor-led courses, and official practice exams, to help you prepare for Azure certification exams. You can also supplement your studies with training providers like Infosec, which offers specialized courses tailored to specific Azure certifications.

Developing a study plan is essential to ensure you cover all the exam objectives. Create a schedule that blocks out dedicated study time each week and allocate sufficient time to each question on the exam.

Here are some key areas to focus on when it comes to security technologies in Azure:

  • Identity and access management
  • Platform protection
  • Data and application security
  • Security operations

By understanding these areas, you'll be well-equipped to implement security controls, maintain your security posture, and identify and remediate security vulnerabilities in your Azure environment.

Solutions Architect Expert

As a Solutions Architect Expert, you'll have the skills to design and implement complex cloud solutions that meet customer business needs. This certification validates your ability to masterfully design solutions that run on Azure.

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To earn the Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification, you'll need to pass the Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions exam (AZ-305), which costs $165 USD. This exam requires significant practical experience working with Azure in a professional setting.

The Solutions Architect Expert certification is designed for experienced IT and DevOps pros with existing Azure administration and development skills. You'll need to have a proven understanding of cloud infrastructure, security, storage, data platforms, workload requirements, application creation and deployment, and more.

As a Solutions Architect Expert, you'll be a day-walker who works effortlessly with cutting-edge technology and good old-fashioned humans. You'll be capable of taking on technical tasks like creating apps, configuring cloud infrastructure, and planning continuity, but also get chatty about cloud with colleagues.

Here are some key skills you'll need to become a Solutions Architect Expert:

  • Manage Azure Active Directory
  • Cloud migration to Azure strategy
  • Configure serverless computing with Azure
  • Integration of on-prem infrastructure
  • Configure Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)

With this certification, you'll bring tech brains to your organization's strategy and potentially prime yourself for strategic leadership positions down the road. You'll be a must-have at any tech-savvy organization, and it can open a whole new dimension of future career possibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AZ-900 worth IT?

Yes, AZ-900 certification is worth it, as it opens doors to entry-level roles in various industries with a basic understanding of cloud services and Microsoft Azure. It's a great starting point for a career in cloud computing and related fields.

What is Azure cloud migration?

Azure cloud migration is the process of moving your workloads to Microsoft Azure, a cloud computing platform, with minimal downtime and risk. Azure Migrate helps you plan and execute a smooth migration to Azure.

What is the most sought after Azure certification?

The most sought-after Azure certification is the Azure Solutions Architect Expert, which is considered one of the most challenging and in-demand IT certifications for 2021. Earning this certification requires passing two demanding exams, making it a highly respected credential in the industry.

Judith Lang

Senior Assigning Editor

Judith Lang is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a passion for curating engaging content for readers. With a keen eye for detail, she has successfully managed a wide range of article categories, from technology and software to education and career development. Judith's expertise lies in assigning and editing articles that cater to the needs of modern professionals, providing them with valuable insights and knowledge to stay ahead in their fields.

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