Cloud computing has taken the world by storm. And the count is increasing daily. Companies all around are shifting their gears into cloud-based data, storage, applications for more efficient production.
Microsoft Azure certifications suffice the purpose of well-trained and skilled professionals in this emerging area. There are 14 different types of certifications and training available. It is inclusive for all levels of individuals and all domains of the cloud computing arena, especially with a Microsoft Cloud certification.
With this certification, you gain the ability and knowledge to excel in your workplace. Let’s float with the cloud to know more about it.
What are Microsoft Azure Certifications?
Microsoft Azure is a cloud-computing service provider and platform offered by the Microsoft company. These are the portals that ensure the complete deployment and management of applications in a cloud computing platform.
There are almost 200 services available on the Azure platform. These include services for computing, databases, management, security, compliances, soil services, etc.
They have an entire infrastructure set up in more than 58 regions across the global market. Also, 90 plus compliance offerings are used every day in the companies. Hence, the training of Microsoft Azure certification is vital for IT career development.
What are available Azure certifications and categories?
They tend to offer 14 certifications divided into four classified categories. Those categories are Fundamentals, Associate, Expert, and Specialty. The initial three stages focus on a role-based system in modulation with different difficulty levels. The latter narrows down to specific technical fields.
The list of various Azure exams and their categories are:
- Azure Fundamentals (Fundamentals, Exam AZ-900)
- Azure Data Fundamentals (Fundamentals, Exam DP-900)
- Azure AI Fundamentals (Fundamentals, Exam AI-900)
- Azure Data Scientist (Associate, Exam DP-100)
- Azure Database Administrator (Associate, Exam D-300)
- Azure Administrator (Associate, Exam AZ-104)
- Azure Data Engineer (Associate, Exams DP-200 and DP-201)
- Azure Security Engineer (Associate, Exam AZ-500)
- Azure AI Engineer (Associate, Exam AI-100)
- Azure Developer (Associate, Exam AZ-204)
- Azure Solutions Architect (Expert, Exam AZ-303 and AZ-304)
- DevOps Engineer (Expert, Exam AZ-400)
- Azure IoT Developer (Specialty, Exam AZ-220)
- Azure for SAP Workloads (Specialty, Exam AZ-120)
Benefits of Microsoft Azure certifications:
- Career Growth: Certifications will always lead you to new frontiers and to tackle different challenges. It will boost up your confidence and, significantly, your performance.
- Flexibility: It offers flexible options for you in different types of roles you work. Along with that, it also provides you with a variety of choices among the industries in which you work.
- Stay updated on the latest trends of the industry: Know all about your field by learning new skills and staying updated.
- Structured learnings: There are many alternatives available on the internet. But none of them provide structured or concise study materials apart from this certification program.
- Higher Salary packages: Having certified transform you into a valuable asset and help you raise your wages.
How to pursue Microsoft Certifications?
It can be unnerving to choose the appropriate certification for you from numerous options. Before opting for any level of certification, you need to have some years of experience as prerequisites, working with Azure.
It is best to start from the ground level to gain all the required knowledge about the field. Subsequently, it will help you to build a strong foundation and further to add on easily.
Preparations for the exams:
There are many different ways to prepare for the exam. Several websites offer online videos, extensive and exclusive study materials, formal courses, practice tests, and much more.
The official website of Microsoft Azure provides valid and updated information about the exam, all the exam-related characteristics, and the required prerequisites for every certification. For example, prepping for Microsoft Cloud certification can be found here. In addition, there are updated details on how to give and what you can attain by getting certified with this particular topic.
Where to give the examination?
The foremost and best part about this exam is that you can give it from the comfort of your home. Every facility to prepare and have mock examinations to attend the main exam is possible from home.
The cost and validity of Azure certifications-
The Azure certification cost ranges depending upon the category. For example, the fundamental exam costs $99, and for the rest of the certification, it costs $165.
The validity also varies and is time-sensitive. For example, the Microsoft fundamentals certificate does not expire. But other Azure programs have a shelf-life of 2 years if you have cleared the exam before June 2021. Otherwise, you have only one year of validity after June 2021.
There is always a scope of renewal of every certification depending on your interest.
Conclusion: The certifications hold a significant value in your professional life. And also certify you as the holder of the required knowledge and skills. Microsoft Azure certification prepares you for the upcoming and also keeps you relevant in your field.
There are numerous roles and responsibilities designed for an Azure specialist. Hence, it helps to tackle challenges and forces you to explore new opportunities. It also pays you a lucrative salary package. In short, this certification is going to boost your overall professional career.
