How to Get Azure Certification: A Comprehensive Guide

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Getting Azure certification can seem daunting, but with a clear plan, you can achieve your goal. There are several paths to certification, including the Azure Developer Associate, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, and Azure Administrator Associate.

To start, you'll need to choose which certification path is right for you. This will depend on your current role and the skills you want to develop. For example, if you're a developer, the Azure Developer Associate certification might be a good fit.

Microsoft offers a variety of study resources to help you prepare for the exam, including free online courses and hands-on labs. You can also purchase official study materials, such as the Microsoft Learn platform and the Azure Certification Study Guide.

The cost of certification varies depending on the exam and the format you choose. For example, the Azure Developer Associate exam costs $165 for a digital voucher, while the Azure Solutions Architect Expert exam costs $165 for a digital voucher and requires a separate fee for the proctored exam.

Getting Started

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To get started with Azure certification, start with Azure Fundamentals—a six-part series that explores basic cloud concepts. This will give you a streamlined overview of Azure services and practical exercises to deploy your very first services at no cost.

Taking the AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals exam is a great way to begin your journey. It's a good starting point because it helps you understand how Microsoft exams work and gets you familiar with the testing process.

Start small and take the AZ-900 exam to gain experience. Having experience taking Microsoft exams will help you focus on the actual topics and not get overwhelmed by the testing process.

Make sure to check out the special offers available for the AZ-900 exam. You can find more information on special offers further down, so be sure to keep an eye out for those.

Exam Details

To get Azure certification, it's essential to understand the exam details. The AZ-900 exam consists of 40-60 questions and lasts 45 minutes, with a total seat time of 65 minutes. To pass, you must obtain 700 points out of 1000 available on the exam, which means you must pass 70% of the exam.

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The exam is available in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Korean, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Russian, Italian, and Indonesian. However, Microsoft prioritizes the English exam, so if you take it in another language, you may have to wait 8 weeks for updates.

Here are the details of the AZ-305 certification exam:

  • Updated on October 18, 2024
  • Requires 1 certification as a prerequisite
  • Covers topics such as Azure administration, Azure development, and DevOps processes

AZ-900 Exam Cost

The AZ-900 exam cost is a one-time fee of $99.

This fee is a worthwhile investment if you're well-prepared to pass the exam on your first try, as you won't have to retake it or renew your certification if you achieve a score of 70% or higher.

What Does the AZ-900 Exam Consist Of?

The AZ-900 exam is a certification test that measures your ability to design and implement Microsoft Azure solutions. It's a comprehensive exam that covers a wide range of technical tasks.

The exam itself lasts 45 minutes, but with seat time included, it's a total of 65 minutes. This allows you to thoroughly answer all the questions and demonstrate your knowledge.

Credit: youtube.com, What to Expect with AZ-900 and Other Azure/Microsoft Fundamental Exams and How to Prepare!

You'll have to answer 40-60 questions in total, which may seem daunting, but don't worry, you'll get a chance to practice with a free assessment. To pass the exam, you need to score 700 points out of 1000, which is equivalent to passing 70% of the exam.

It's worth noting that Microsoft prioritizes the English version of the exam, so if you're taking it in another language, you may have to wait a few weeks for any updates to be reflected.

Study and Preparation

To get Azure certification, you'll need to prepare thoroughly, and it's recommended to study for at least a month if you're new to cloud computing.

The exam is easier than most people assume, but it's still important to prepare well to improve your chances of success.

You can prepare by taking instructor-led courses to gain the skills needed to become certified.

It's also a good idea to know the exam content and read what is measured, as the skills measured list is usually very accurate and helps you focus and study the right content.

Credit: youtube.com, Prepare for a Microsoft Azure Certification Exam ☁🎓

Microsoft's exam page lists the skills measured in the exam, along with available training and courses to prepare for the exam.

To make the most of your study time, get a visual roadmap of how Azure certifications intersect with core skill areas and roles.

This will give you a quick overview of certifications and help you decide which ones are the best fit for your role and skill set.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to getting Azure certification and advancing your career in cloud computing.

Resources and Training

Getting Azure certification requires dedication and the right resources. Instructor-led training provides a structured learning environment with dedicated support from technical experts.

Microsoft offers a wide range of resources to prepare for your exam, including Microsoft Learn, which is a great starting point. Start with Microsoft Azure Fundamentals on Microsoft Learn.

Hands-on experience is essential to prepare for a Microsoft Azure exam. Azure Virtual Training Days can help you sharpen your technical skills and earn certifications.

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Reading the Microsoft Docs is crucial to prepare for a Microsoft Azure exam. The Microsoft Azure Documentation is well-documented and covers all the topics that come up in the exams.

Here are some recommended study guides to help you find the right documentation:

  • Exam AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Exam Study Guide
  • Exam AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam Study Guide
  • Exam AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure Exam Study Guide
  • Exam AZ-303: Azure Architect Technologies Exam Study Guide
  • Exam AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Design Certification Exam Study Guide
  • Exam AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies Exam Study Guide

To get the most out of your training, make a training plan to identify the right starting point for your training journey. Find recommended tracks and exam prep resources for certifications based on your role or projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Azure certifications for free?

Yes, you can take Microsoft Azure certification exams for free after completing the corresponding Fundamentals training sessions. This includes certifications for Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, Microsoft AI Fundamentals, and Microsoft Data Fundamentals.

Thomas Goodwin

Lead Writer

Thomas Goodwin is a seasoned writer with a passion for exploring the intersection of technology and business. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for simplifying complex concepts, he has established himself as a trusted voice in the tech industry. Thomas's writing portfolio spans a range of topics, including Azure Virtual Desktop and Cloud Computing Costs.

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