Azure Certification Paths: A Guide to Earning Your Cloud Credentials
Are you interested in advancing your career by earning a Microsoft Azure certification? If so, you’ll need to understand the different certification paths available to you. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of earning your Azure Certification credentials. We’ll discuss the various paths, the requirements for each, and the best way to start on your journey to becoming an Azure certified professional. So, if you’re ready to take the first step towards gaining the skills you need to succeed in the cloud, let’s get started with a look at the Azure Certification paths.
Introduction to Azure certifications
Microsoft Azure is one of the most popular cloud computing platforms, and having the right certifications can help you stand out from the competition. It is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in cloud technology and enhance your career prospects.
There are several different types of Azure certifications path available, each with their own distinct advantages and benefits. Depending on your needs and goals, you can choose from a variety of paths to gain the skills and qualifications necessary to be successful in your chosen field.
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification is the entry-level certification for working with Microsoft Azure. It validates that you have the fundamental skills necessary to be successful in cloud-based roles. This certification covers topics such as deploying and managing virtual machines, implementing storage solutions, creating web apps, and configuring virtual networks.
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) certification is the advanced-level certification for Azure professionals. This certification validates that you have the skills and knowledge to design, develop, and deploy cloud-based solutions with Microsoft Azure. The MCSD covers topics such as designing and developing applications, developing Azure solutions, implementing cloud services, and integrating software as a service.
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification is an expert-level certification for Azure professionals. It validates that you have the skills necessary to design and implement comprehensive cloud solutions. The MCSE covers topics such as architecting solutions, developing applications, deploying solutions, configuring networks, and managing data.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
To earn an MCSA certification, you need to pass two exams:
- Exam 70-533: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions
- Exam 70-532: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions
Exam 70-533 covers topics such as deploying and configuring virtual networks, storage accounts, compute resources, App Service environments, and other infrastructure components. It also tests your understanding of how to integrate on-premises and cloud environments.
Exam 70-532 focuses more on developing software solutions using Azure technologies. It covers topics such as creating web apps, data storage solutions, media services, cloud services, and more.
Once you’ve passed both of these exams, you will be qualified for the MCSA certification and receive the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) badge. This certification will give you the confidence to manage and deploy cloud solutions on Azure.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) credential is for developers who have the skills and knowledge to design and build solutions using Microsoft technologies. This certification is a measure of expertise in developing solutions that use Microsoft platforms, including Windows Server, Windows 8, Windows Azure, Visual Studio, .NET Framework, SQL Server, SharePoint, and other related technologies.
To earn the MCSD credential, candidates must pass two exams. The first exam focuses on application development fundamentals, while the second exam covers a specific technology such as Windows Store Apps, Web Applications, SharePoint Applications, or Azure Solutions.
The application development fundamentals exam covers topics such as designing applications, debugging and deploying applications, working with common tools such as Visual Studio and other related technologies. The technology-specific exam tests a developer’s understanding of the specific platform and its associated tools.
Candidates must also pass an additional elective exam to earn the MCSD credential. Candidates can choose from a range of elective exams that focus on different technologies such as Azure Web Apps, Azure Service Fabric.
Earning the MCSD credential demonstrates a mastery of modern application development techniques and a deep understanding of the technologies required to develop solutions on the Microsoft platform. It also serves as proof of expertise in creating highly scalable, secure applications. With this credential, developers can expand their career opportunities and prove their ability to develop mission-critical solutions.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is the highest-level certification that Microsoft offers for its cloud technologies. This certification requires a significant amount of experience and technical knowledge and is designed to validate an IT professional’s ability to design, deploy, maintain, and troubleshoot complex infrastructure solutions in the Azure cloud.
The MCSE credential is the most advanced of all Azure certifications and requires you to pass five exams: two exams, two Windows Server exams, and a Professional-level or higher elective exam. The exams cover topics such as Azure networking, Azure storage, Azure virtual machines, Active Directory, server virtualization, disaster recovery, server security, system management, and much more.
To earn the MCSE certification, you must have either the MCSA: Cloud Platform certification or the MCSA: Linux on Azure certification. In addition, you must have at least five years of industry experience designing and deploying solutions on the Microsoft platform.
Once you have earned the MCSE credential, you will be able to demonstrate your expertise in deploying complex Azure solutions and will gain access to a host of career opportunities. With this credential, you can apply for jobs ranging from cloud architect to IT manager and help organizations of all sizes take full advantage of the power of the cloud.
Conclusion
Earning Azure certifications can help you demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the cloud computing industry, as well as giving you a competitive advantage in the job market. The certifications available in Azure’s certification path can be an important step in your career journey, from entry-level associate to expert solutions architect. Take the time to research the various paths available and decide which is the best fit for you. With the right commitment and dedication, you can make progress towards earning your cloud credentials and take your career to the next level.
