Microsoft Azure Certification Path in 2024 | Azure Certification Roadmap for Beginners

Cloud computing is one of the most rapidly evolving technologies in today’s world. “Public cloud expenditure will expand from $229 billion in 2019 to roughly $500 billion in 2023,” according to the IDC analysis. As a result, no one can refute cloud computing’s explosive expansion in recent years. Hence, the Azure certification path will help you pick the right certification.

Microsoft Azure is emerging as the market leader with 29 percent of the overall cloud market’s application workload.

Azure Certifications confirm and distinguish your knowledge in specific cloud jobs. However, with so many Azure Certifications to choose from, you may be unsure which one is ideal for you. As a result, we’re here with another blog detailing all you need to know about the Azure Certification Path 2024 in order to choose the proper certification.

The topics covered in this blog are:

• Why do you Need Azure Certifications?
• Microsoft Azure Certifications Latest Announcements
• Azure Certification Levels
• Azure Certification Path 2024
• Microsoft Azure Certifications
  • Azure Certification Path for Fundamental-level Certifications
  • Azure Certification Path for Associate-level Certifications 
  • Azure Certification Path for Expert-level Certifications
  • Azure Certification Path for Specialty-level Certifications
• Benefits of Azure Certification
• How to Prepare for Azure Certifications
• Common Mistakes to Avoid During Azure Certification Exams
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Why Azure Certifications?

Certification validates your ability to handle the complexity of Azure and displays your degree of experience. Companies all around the globe are seeking Azure certified individuals that are willing to work for a fair salary. There are a variety of Azure certifications available; select the one that best matches your level of competence and background.

You will get answers to your queries about certification kinds, which one is ideal for you, how much each certification costs, curriculum, and so on at the conclusion of this article.

Microsoft Azure Certifications Latest Announcements

Every year Microsoft azure introduces many changes to their certifications. some certifications get expired and some are replaced by the new exam. we have added all the latest changes, let’s check out:

2023 Announcements

On February 28, 2023, the Arabic, Indonesian, and Russian versions of the following Microsoft Azure certification exams will be retired .

• AZ-120, AZ-140, AZ-600, AZ-700, AZ-720, AZ-800, AZ-801
• SC-100, SC-200, SC-300,SC-400
• DP-300, DP-420 DP-500
• MS-500

Microsoft recently (March 2023) changed the syllabus of several certification exams and these certifications are:

• DP-100 (Azure Data Scientist Associate Exam) – March 14, 2023
• PL-100 (Microsoft Power Platform App Maker Exam) – March 15, 2023
• PL-600 (Microsoft Power Platform Solution Architect Exam) – March 24, 2023
• PL-900 (Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals Exam) – March 24, 2023
• MB-910 (Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals Exam) – March 24, 2023

2022 Announcements

• Microsoft Azure launched a new certification exam AZ-720 (Troubleshooting Microsoft Azure Connectivity).
• DP-100 Exam (Azure Data Scientist Associate) skillsets have been revised on October 18, 2022.

2021 Announcements

• Microsoft recently announced free renewals for exams that have already expired by completing online tests.
• Microsoft Azure launched three new certification exams:
  • AZ-800 Exam & AZ-801 Exam (beta)
  • DP-420 Exam (beta)
  • AZ-305 Exam (beta)

2020 Announcements

Azure Certification Levels

What are the different levels of Microsoft Azure certification, and what do they mean? Fundamentals, Associate, Expert, and Specialty are the four levels of Microsoft certifications.

What does this imply for you and your pursuit of cloud certification? Not in excess. With a few exceptions, you don’t have to complete one level before moving on to the next.

• Fundamentals Certification – The Fundamentals Certification is for those who are just getting started with cloud ideas. These certificates may also be used by persons with non-technical backgrounds to begin their cloud journey.
• Associate Certification – If you’re already acquainted with Azure, you’ll be able to mention these certificates on your CV with ease.
• Expert Certification – You may get an expert certification in Azure if you have past experience, a thorough grasp, and associate-level knowledge of the platform.
• Specialty Certification – This is presently offered for select positions, such as Azure for SAP Workloads and Azure IOT Developer Speciality.

Azure Certification Path 2024

Microsoft Azure Certifications

Here is a list of the most popular Azure Certifications, along with a brief description, test information, and domain coverage.

Azure Certification Path for Fundamental-level Certifications

1) Microsoft Azure Fundamentals: AZ-900

For beginners, this is the very simplest and foundational level Azure certification in the Azure Certification Path 2024. The AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals exam is the initial step toward Azure certifications at the associate and expert levels. This certification is intended to verify that you have a basic understanding of Azure cloud services. It also helps non-technical candidates in understanding cloud services such as sales, purchasing, and marketing Azure cloud services.

Job Role: Administrator, Business User, Developer, Student, Technology Manager

AZ-900 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Check Out: AZ-900 Exam Study Guide

2) Microsoft AI Fundamentals: AI-900

AI-900 (Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals) Certification is a widely acknowledged certification that covers all the fundamental concepts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). AI-900 is the one of the latest role based certification in the azure certification path 2024 which measures the abilities of candidates for designing and implementing artificial apps. General knowledge of a programming language will be helpful but not required for this certification, and anybody with a technical or non-technical background can enroll in the AI-900 azure certification route.

Job Role: AI Engineer, Data Scientist, Developer, Student

AI-900 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Check Out: AI-900 Exam Study Guide

3) Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals: DP-900

The Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 certification is suitable for any aspiring cloud professional who wants to work with data.
The certification validates applicants’ abilities and understanding of basic data principles. This certification is the initial step toward Azure, and it is useful for both technical and non-technical individuals. If you want to pursue an azure certification but don’t know much about cloud fundamentals, then this certification is for you.

Job Role: Database Administrator, Data Engineer, Data Analyst, Developer, Student

DP-900 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Check Out: DP-900 Exam Study Guide

4) Microsoft Security Fundamentals: SC-900

The Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals certification (SC-900) is designed for people who want to become familiar with the fundamentals of SCI across cloud-based and related Microsoft services. It was created for a broad audience that may include business stakeholders, students just starting out in IT, or existing IT professionals interested in Microsoft SCI Solutions.

SC-900 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Check Out: SC-900 Exam Study Guide

Azure Certification Path for Associate-level Certifications

1) Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate: AZ-104

Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) is one of the highest paying intermediate level Azure certifications in the Azure certification path 2024. An Azure Administrator is a cloud administrator who installs and administers storage, computing, identity, governance, and virtual networks. Administrators are also responsible for provisioning and monitoring cloud resources. Candidates must have relevant experience with the Azure Portal, Power Shell, Azure CLI, and ARM Templates.

Job Role: Administrator

AZ-104 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Check Out: AZ-104 Exam Study Guide

2) Microsoft Azure Developer Associate: AZ-204

The Microsoft Azure Developer Associate Exam (AZ-204) is the recently version of the Microsoft Azure Developer Associate Exam (AZ-203) in the latest microsoft azure certification path, which has been available since February 2020. An Azure Developer is responsible for the design, development, testing, and maintenance of cloud applications and services.

Candidates for this certification should have experience designing, developing, and testing Azure-based applications and services. Candidates should also have 1-2 years of programming experience, as well as knowledge of data storage and networking, Azure SDKs, debugging, monitoring, and performance optimization, among other things.

Job Role: Developer

AZ-204 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Check Out: AZ-204 Exam Study Guide

3) Azure Database Administrator Associate: DP-300

The Azure Database Administrator installs and maintains the platform solutions using Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Azure Data Services. The primary responsibility of certified candidates would be to administer relational databases constructed on top of Microsoft Azure data services and Microsoft SQL Server, both in the cloud and on-premises.

Job Role: Database Administrator

DP-300 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Check Out: DP-300 Exam Study Guide

4) Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate: AZ-500

An Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500) is responsible for managing identity and access, implementing security policies and threat prevention, and protecting data, applications, and networks in the cloud. The Azure Security Engineer understands networking, virtualization, and cloud N-tier architecture so that he or she can provide numerous security measures to tackle any vulnerability or threat.

This certification requires strong skills in automation, scripting, and a deep understanding of virtual networking and virtualization.

Job Role: Security Engineer

AZ-500 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Check Out: AZ-500 Exam Study Guide

5) Microsoft Azure Data Scientist Associate: DP-100

The only exam in the new Azure certification path that qualifies you for the post of Azure Data Scientist Associate is the DP-100.  Azure Data Scientists are responsible for data science and the implementation of machine learning workloads on Azure. An Azure Data Scientist should have familiarity with Azure Machine Learning and Azure Databricks, as well as an understanding of data science. Managing, optimizing, and putting machine learning models into production are all important aspects of the job.

Job Role: Data Scientist

DP-100 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Check Out: DP-100 Exam Study Guide

6) Microsoft Azure Data Engineer Associate: DP-203

In May 2021, DP-203 has replaced DP-200 and 201. This exam is the advanced version of DP-200 (Implementing an Azure Data Solution) and DP-201 (Designing an Azure Data Solution) exams in the azure certification path.

Data Engineers are responsible for integrating, manipulating, and combining data from multiple data systems in order to provide analytics solutions. A data engineer creates, develops, optimizes, and monitors data platforms to satisfy the demands of the data pipeline.
They also assist stakeholders in understanding the data via investigation and maintaining safe and compliant data processing pipelines through the use of various tools and methodologies.

Job Role: Data Engineer

DP-203 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Check Out: DP-203 Exam Study Guide

7) Azure AI Engineer Associate: AI-102

AI-102 is one of the top paying Associate level Certification in the Microsoft Azure Certification Path 2024 and the only exam, which is suitable for the role of Azure AI Engineer. This exam (AI-102: Azure AI Engineer Associate Exam) assesses your ability to plan and manage an Azure Cognitive Services solution, implement Computer Vision solutions, NLP solutions, knowledge mining solutions, and conversational AI solutions.

The candidates who want to pass this exam should have knowledge of developing, managing and implementing AI systems. They should be versed in Azure Cognitive Services, Azure Cognitive Search, and Microsoft Bot Framework.

Job Role: AI Engineer

AI-102 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Check Out: AI-102 Exam Study Guide

8) Azure Stack Hub Operator Associate: AZ-600

An Azure administrator or hybrid cloud expert who works with the Azure Stack Hub is called an “Azure Stack Hub Operator.” They provide cloud services to end-users and customers from their own data center using Azure Stack Hub. Candidates for this exam should know how to run and manage Azure Stack Hub environments. They should have a solid grasp of Azure, as well as some familiarity with virtualization, networking, and identity management.

Job role: Administrator

AZ-600 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Check Out: AZ-600 Exam Study Guide

9) Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst: PL-300

The PL-300 certification is designed for individuals aspiring to become proficient Power BI data analysts within the Microsoft ecosystem. With this certification, professionals gain a comprehensive understanding of Power BI’s analytical capabilities, data visualization, and data modeling techniques. They learn to create interactive reports, dashboards, and visualizations, allowing them to extract valuable insights from complex datasets.

Furthermore, PL-300 certified analysts possess advanced skills in data manipulation, transformation, and data governance. By achieving this certification, professionals enhance their career prospects and contribute to data-driven decision-making processes within organizations.

PL-300 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Check Out: PL-300 Exam Study Guide

10) Microsoft Azure Networking Associate: AZ-700

Candidates interested in pursuing the Azure Certification path, specifically the AZ-700 exam, should possess subject matter expertise in planning, implementing, and maintaining Azure networking solutions, including routing, hybrid networking, security, connectivity, and private access to Azure services. Professionals in this area manage the solution for performance, reliability, scale, and security.

They implement networking solutions by utilizing the Azure Portal and other techniques, including PowerShell, ARM templates, and Azure CLI.

AZ-700 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Check Out: AZ-700 Exam Study Guide

11) Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure: AZ-800

The Microsoft AZ-800 exam is designed for candidates who are capable of managing basic Windows Server workloads on-premises, in hybrid environments, and in the cloud. These professionals should have prior expertise with identity, computing, management, networking, and hybrid solutions.

AZ-800 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

12) Configuring Windows Server Hybrid Advanced Services: AZ-801

The Microsoft Configuring Windows Server Hybrid Advanced Services AZ-801 Exam is appropriate for candidates who have completed the Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate certification exam and have subject matter expertise in configuring and managing Windows Server on-premises, hybrid, and IaaS platform workloads.

AZ-801 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Azure Certification Path for Expert-level Certifications

1) Microsoft DevOps Engineer Expert: AZ-400

This certification is for DevOps experts who bring people, processes, and technology closer together to produce innovative services and solutions that fulfill business needs. They build cloud-based software automation pipelines for the whole development and deployment lifecycle.

For this job post, applicants should be skilled with Agile methods and comfortable with both Azure development and operations processes.

Job Role: DevOps Engineer

AZ-400 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Check Out: AZ-400 Exam Study Guide

2) Azure Solutions Architect Expert: AZ-305

The AZ-305: Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions (beta) is a new and one of the highest paying azure certification for Solutions Architects in the microsoft azure certification path 2024. This exam replaces Azure Architect Technologies (AZ-303) and Azure Architect Design (AZ 304), as both these exams will retire on March 31, 2022. The applicants enrolling for this certification should know Azure administration and development and have previously passed one test, either the AZ-104 or AZ-204 exam.

AZ-305 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Check Out: AZ-305 Exam Study Guide

Azure Certification Path for Specialty-level Certifications

1) Azure IoT Developer Specialty: AZ-220

The Azure IoT Developer (AZ-220) is accountable for the implementation and coding required to build and manage an IoT solution’s cloud and edge components. The IoT developer is in charge of ensuring that the devices continue to function properly throughout their lifespan. IoT developers not only use cloud services to configure and manage devices but also set up physical devices.

Device topology, connection, debugging, and security are all responsibilities of the IoT developer. The IoT Developer collaborates with data engineers and other partners to guarantee the seamless integration of business processes.

AZ-220 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Check Out: AZ-220 Exam Study Guide

2) Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty: AZ-120

This certification, Microsoft Certified Azure for SAP Workload (AZ-120), teaches IT professionals with prior experience in SAP solutions how to leverage Azure resources, which include the deployment and configuration of virtual machines, virtual networks, storage accounts, and Azure Active Directory, which includes the implementation and management of hybrid identities.

An architect or engineer responsible for Azure for SAP Workloads is responsible for providing suggestions on services and adjusting resources as necessary to provide optimum reliability, performance, scalability, provisioning, and monitoring.

AZ-120 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

3) Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop: AZ-140

In the Azure Certification path, this exam is tailored for Microsoft Azure administrators who possess hands-on experience in the design, delivery, and maintenance of virtual desktop experiences and remote applications on Azure, catering to diverse device environments. The role entails the deployment of virtual desktop experiences and applications on the Azure platform. Collaborating closely with Azure administrators, architects, and Microsoft 365 administrators is crucial to ensuring the seamless execution of these responsibilities.

AZ-140 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Check Out: AZ-140 Exam Study Guide

4) Azure Cosmos DB Developer Speciality: DP-420

The DP-420 Exam is intended to assess a candidate’s technical skills and abilities. The candidates for this test are required to have a good foundation of knowledge and expertise in designing applications for Azure and working with Azure Cosmos DB database technology.

The applicants are also anticipated to be skilled at constructing applications with the use of Core(SQL) API and SDKs, efficient queries related writing and establishing an appropriate index policy, managing resources in Azure, and how to create server-side objects with JavaScript.

DP-420 Exam Format and Information

Domains Covered in the Exam

Check Out: DP-420 Exam Study Guide

Benefits of Azure Certification

There are several benefits to obtaining an Azure certification:

1. Demonstrate Your Expertise: An Azure certification is a way to demonstrate to employers and clients that you have the knowledge and skills to use Azure technologies effectively. This can help you stand out in a competitive job market and increase your credibility in the field.

2. Enhance Your Career Opportunities: Many companies prefer to hire candidates with Azure certifications, as they are seen as more knowledgeable and skilled in using Azure technologies. This can open up new career opportunities and help you advance in your current job.

3. Increase Your Earning Potential: Azure certification holders tend to earn higher salaries than those without certifications, as they are seen as more valuable to employers. According to the 2020 Global Knowledge IT Skills and Salary Report, Azure certification holders earn an average of 11% more than those without certifications.

4. Stay Current: Obtaining an Azure certification requires you to stay up-to-date with the latest Azure technologies and best practices. This can help you stay current in your field and ensure that you have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your career.

Overall, obtaining an Azure certification can be a valuable investment in your career, as it can help you demonstrate your expertise, enhance your career opportunities, increase your earning potential, and stay current in your field.

Also Check: Top 11 Reasons to Get a Microsoft Azure Certification

How to Prepare for Azure Certifications

There are several steps you can take to prepare for an Azure certification exam:

1. Choose the Right Azure Certification: The first thing you need to do is decide which certification is best for you according to your goals and objectives. Microsoft Azure offers a number of certifications and Each certification has a special quality to provide IT professionals with the knowledge and skills to learn about cloud computing.

2. Understand The Exam Objectives: Each Azure certification exam has a list of exam objectives that outline the specific knowledge and skills that will be tested on the exam. It’s important to review these objectives and make sure you understand what will be covered on the exam.

3. Take A Training Course: Many certification candidates find it helpful to take a training course to prepare for the exam. There are a variety of training options available, including online courses, in-person classes, and self-study materials.

4. Get Hands-on Experience: Hands-on experience is crucial to understanding how to use Azure technologies effectively. Consider working on a personal project or finding an internship or job where you can get hands-on experience using Azure technologies.

5. Review Study Materials: There are many resources available to help you prepare for an Azure certification exam, including books, videos, and online courses. Make sure to review these materials and practice the concepts covered on the exam.

Also Read: Azure Certification Exam Tips and Tricks for a Higher Pass Rate

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Azure Certification Exams

When taking Azure certification exams, it’s important to be well-prepared and avoid common mistakes that can hinder your success. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

1. Lack of preparation: Failing to adequately prepare for the exam is a common mistake. Make sure to study the exam objectives, review the relevant documentation, and take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions you may encounter.

2. Neglecting hands-on experience: Azure certifications often require practical knowledge and experience. Simply relying on theoretical knowledge without hands-on experience can be a mistake. Try to gain practical experience by working on Azure projects or using Azure services in a sandbox environment.

3. Skipping the exam objectives: Each Azure certification has a specific set of exam objectives. It’s important to thoroughly understand these objectives and ensure that you have covered all the topics. Skipping any of the objectives may result in gaps in your knowledge that could be tested on the exam.

4. Not understanding Azure pricing and support: Azure offers various pricing models and support options. It’s important to have a good understanding of these concepts as they may be tested on the exam. Familiarize yourself with Azure pricing calculators, cost management tools, and the different support tiers available.

5. Ignoring the documentation: Azure provides extensive documentation and Azure Certification path that covers various services, topics, and certification guides. Neglecting to review the official documentation can be a mistake. The exam questions may reference specific details or features mentioned in the documentation, so it’s important to be familiar with it.

6. Rushing through questions: Take your time and read each question carefully. Rushing through the questions can lead to misunderstandings or overlooking important details. Make sure you understand what is being asked before selecting an answer. Also, manage your time effectively to ensure you have enough time to complete all the questions.

7. Neglecting practical skills: While the exams primarily focus on theoretical knowledge, some performance-based questions may require you to perform specific tasks in the Azure portal. Make sure you have hands-on experience with tasks such as deploying resources, configuring settings, and troubleshooting common issues.

8. Not utilizing online resources: There are many online resources available that can help you prepare for Azure exams. These include official Microsoft documentation, azure certification roadmaps, online training courses, practice tests, and discussion forums. Don’t hesitate to leverage these resources to enhance your understanding and preparation.

Remember, practice, preparation, and hands-on experience are key to success in Azure certification exams. Avoiding these common mistakes will help increase your chances of passing the exams and achieving your certification goals.

Check Out: Our Detailed blog Post on Common Mistakes to Avoid in Azure Certification Exams

FAQs

Conclusion

Cloud computing is continually growing, and every cloud job seeker must be prepared to meet the next challenges. As a result, Microsoft Azure offers a variety of cloud certifications for a variety of cloud jobs. We’ve put up a list of Azure certification path for the most recognized certifications.

Related/References

• Microsoft Azure Certification Exam Study Guides
• PL-100 Exam Study Guide
• PL-200 Exam Study Guide
• PL-400 Exam Study Guide
• PL-900 Exam Study Guide
• SC-100 Exam Study Guide
• SC-200 Exam Study Guide
• SC-300 Exam Study Guide
• SC-400 Exam Study Guide
• MS-203 Exam Study Guide
• MS-700 Exam Study Guide
• MS-900 Exam Study Guide
• Microsoft Azure Certifications list
• Microsoft Azure Certifications