The Microsoft Azure Certification Path for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cloud computing has become more than just a catchphrase; it is a reality reshaping modern business. Microsoft Azure is a prominent cloud platform that is distinguished by its extensive range of services and ability to integrate with the systems of numerous companies. Consequently, there’s a rising need for Microsoft Azure experts. A Microsoft Azure Certification can be your ticket to a fulfilling career in cloud computing if you’re new to the Azure platform.
In this blog, we’ll explain the Microsoft Azure Certification Path in detail and offer a step-by-step method for becoming a certified Azure professional.
Why Choose Microsoft Azure?
Before stepping on the certification path, it is worth discovering why Microsoft Azure is such a valuable learning platform. Microsoft Azure provides over two hundred cloud services, ranging from computing and networking to analytics and artificial intelligence. Different industries have been using Azure due to its flexibility, security, and compatibility with other Microsoft tools for the enterprise.
To IT job seekers, certification in Azure means much more than acquiring knowledge and relevant skills. It’s about mastery in managing, configuring, and tuning one of the cloud industry’s most influential providers. Also, for newcomers to cloud computing, the Microsoft Azure Certification Path presents a straightforward programme for developing these competencies step by step.
Start with Azure Fundamentals or AZ-900
For newcomers, the Azure Fundamentals or AZ-900 could be launched as their first exam. This is the best certification for anyone new to AWS or with limited knowledge of cloud computing.
Here’s what you can expect from the Azure Fundamentals certification:
Introduction to Cloud Computing
In this lesson, you will find out what cloud computing is, what advantages can be gained with its help, and comparing it with on-premise computing.
Overview of Core Azure Services
This includes services like Virtual machines, Storage, Networks, and databases. It provides an understanding of how Azure works.
Security, Privacy, Compliance
By the end of the lectures, you will understand Azure security principle and how data is protected in the cloud environment.
Azure Pricing and Support
Learn about the pricing of using Azure, how to reduce costs, and what business support is available.
Why Start Here?
The Azure Fundamentals certification is not a prerequisite for other higher tiers of certifications, but they are beneficial as they provide you with a foundation. It also shows employers that you have a basic understanding of cloud ideas, making it easy for you to transition to higher-level positions.
Choose an Associate-Level Certification
After earning the Azure Fundamentals or AZ-900 certification, selecting an associate-level certification is the next step. These qualifications are intended for people who wish to concentrate in a particular area of cloud computing. You must choose a certification as a starter that corresponds with your professional objectives. The following three associate-level certifications are the most sought-after:
Azure Administrator Associate or AZ-104
If you wish to manage cloud resources like virtual machines, networks, and storage, this certification is perfect for you. As an Azure administrator, you will be in charge of setting up, maintaining, and monitoring an organisation’s Azure environment.
Key skills gained:
- Managing Azure identities and governance.
- Implementing and managing virtual machines.
- Configuring and managing virtual networks.
- Managing Azure resources, including storage accounts and databases.
This certification will be especially beneficial to those who are interested in managing Azure resources daily and working with cloud infrastructure.
Azure Developer Associate or AZ-204
This certification is appropriate for you if you are interested in programming and development. It focuses on using Azure to design, develop, test, and maintain cloud-based services and applications.
Key skills gained:
- Developing Azure compute solutions.
- Implementing Azure security.
- Connecting to and consuming Azure services and third-party services.
- Monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimising Azure solutions.
This certification is an excellent option if you want to work as an Azure developer and design cloud-native apps.
Azure Security Engineer Associate or AZ-500
This certification focuses on managing identity and access, safeguarding data and apps on Azure, and implementing security policies and threat prevention for individuals interested in the security side of cloud computing.
Key skills gained:
- Managing identity and access using Azure Active Directory.
- Implementing platform protection.
- Managing security operations and protecting data.
Suppose you wish to specialise in cloud security, which is becoming increasingly in demand as more businesses transfer their activities online. In that case, this certification is a perfect fit for you.
Master Your Skills with Expert-Level Certifications
The next stage is to pursue expert-level credentials after earning your associate-level certification. These certifications are intended for those with several years of IT and Azure expertise. Although you shouldn’t rush into expert-level credentials as a starter, knowing they exist is important to planning your professional advancement.
Azure Solutions Architect Expert or AZ-305
This certification is the most sought-after expert-level credential. This certification is ideal for people who wish to oversee cloud projects or act as consultants because it focuses on developing and executing Azure solutions.
Key skills gained:
- Designing solutions for Azure infrastructure.
- Developing cloud strategies based on business requirements.
- Designing security, storage, and networking solutions for Azure.
Expert-level certificates are the aim for anyone who wishes to command high incomes and oversee cloud-based projects, even though they might initially appear unachievable.
Conclusion
Beginners looking to enter cloud computing will find the Microsoft Azure Certification Path a clear, structured, and rewarding journey. Starting with the Azure Fundamentals certification builds a solid foundation, allowing you to advance to more specialised certifications aligned with your career goals.
Whether you’re aiming for cloud infrastructure management, application development, or security, there’s a certification that suits your path. Consider the free resources from The Knowledge Academy to decide your certification path.
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