Azure DevOps Certification (AZ 400) Cost [Based on Levels]

DevOps has become the most-sought after skill in the current IT industry. This is due to the fact that it can simplify the entire software development process and bring huge profits to organizations. DevOps bridges the gap between development and operations teams, accelerating software delivery, boosting reliability, and nurturing innovation. It helps organizations embrace a culture of communication, automation, and continuous learning to create a streamlined, collaborative, and agile tech ecosystem. 

Acquiring DevOps skills keeps you in demand and opens a host of job opportunities that pay you a handsome salary. Owing to the overwhelming demand of DevOps professionals, just having DevOps skills would not be enough to land you a job as a DevOps professional. One of the best ways to prove your expertise and dedication is by getting industry-recognized DevOps certifications.

In this article, I will take you through the journey of Azure DevOps Certification. You will know its advantages and disadvantages as well as other vital details, such as Azure DevOps certification cost, prerequisites for AZ 400, etc., that will undoubtedly help you get a clear idea of the whole certification process. 

Overview of Azure DevOps Certification

Professionals (particularly those working on Azure) who want to improve their DevOps abilities and job prospects might want to get the Azure DevOps Certification. Continuous integration, continuous delivery, automation, monitoring, and cooperation between development and operations teams are just a few of the many areas that Azure DevOps Certification covers. Built on the Azure cloud computing platform, Azure DevOps provides a comprehensive collection of tools for managing software development projects efficiently. It includes:

• Five essential services: Azure Repos, Azure Pipelines, Azure Boards, Azure Test Plans, and Azure Artifacts.
• A large market place that offers add-ons to expand the Azure DevOps platform's functionality and combine it with external services.

DevOps can be facilitated by a variety of tools, including CI/CD tools, version control systems, artifact repositories, IaC tools, and monitoring tools, which are all readily accessible in the market. DevOps tools have also made their way to cloud solutions in response to the rising need for cloud-based technology. Teams working across the world can utilize these cloud services with limitless scalability and effectiveness. 

Why Should You Get Azure DevOps Certification?

Microsoft Azure has totally rocked the cloud scene. It's been just a few years, and bam! They've taken over with a bang. Would you believe that about 95% of those big-shot Fortune 500 companies have hopped on the Azure train? Yep, you heard that right – they're all soaking in the Azure goodness.

With so many businesses jumping on the Azure bandwagon, it's no surprise that the devops game is on fire. There's a crazy number of Azure devops opportunities out in the market, just waiting for someone like you to dive in and make your mark in the industry. 

Professionals like you may think “What is the need for getting Azure DevOps Certification?” How does it help me get a job? Well, this certification will equip you with the skills and knowledge required to effectively implement DevOps practices, streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and ultimately deliver high-quality software solutions efficiently. You can verify and demonstrate your understanding and competence in various DevOps practices inside the Microsoft Azure environment by earning an Azure DevOps Certification.

Azure DevOps Cost Based on Certification Levels

Before appearing for Azure DevOps certification, you need to have strong foundational knowledge of Azure services and offerings. To achieve this, you must take some foundational certifications to move up the ladder. These certifications will make your Azure concepts strong and help you become a more skilled and efficient DevOps professional. Also, the certification costs, including the AZ 400 cost are very reasonable. Let’s check out these certifications and their costs based on levels:

1. Fundamentals 

Azure fundamentals certification (AZ-900) serves as the foundation step for all Azure professionals. It covers all important Azure concepts and offerings along with their pricing. This exam is optional (not mandatory for AZ-400).

Certification Cost: Microsoft has fixed the Azure 900 certification cost as 165 USD or 4800 INR.

Exam Detail: Some important details of AZ-900 are 

• Eligibility: No prior Azure experience is required 
• Exam duration: 60 mins
• No. of questions: 40-60 questions
• Passing score: 700 out of 1000 (70%)
• Exam languages: English, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, etc. 

2. Associate

You can either take AZ-104 or AZ-204 to be eligible for Azure DevOps certification. Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) is an associate level exam that covers important concepts related to provision, maintain, and monitor Azure services and infrastructure. Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) is also an associate level exam that covers importance topics related to the deployment and development of cloud solutions (e.g, PaaS, cloud storage, compute solutions), performance monitoring, securing and monitoring Azure solutions, etc. 

Certification Cost: Microsoft has fixed the Azure 104/204 certification cost as 165 USD or 4800 INR. 

Exam Details: Some important details of AZ-104/204 are 

• Eligibility: Some hands-on experience on Azure
• Exam duration: 120 mins
• No. of questions: 40-60 questions
• Passing score: 700 out of 1000 (70%)
• Exam languages: English, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, etc

3. Expert 

The expert level certification offered by Microsoft Azure for DevOps professionals is Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400).

Certification Cost: Microsoft has fixed the Azure 400 certification cost as 165 USD or 4800 INR. 

Exam Details: Some important details of AZ-400 are 

• Eligibility: Azure Administrators Associate, DevOps Professionals, and Azure Developer Associate 
• Exam duration: 150 mins
• No. of questions: 40-60 questions
• Passing score: 700 out of 1000 (70%)
• Exam languages: English, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, etc.

Azure DevOps certifications provide a clear path from basics to expertise. With consistent pricing and global recognition, they're a smart investment for anyone looking to excel in the Azure world.

Guide to Azure DevOps Certification

The Microsoft Azure DevOps Certification exam is designed for DevOps Professionals who have practical expertise in their field and are prepared to meet both user and business requirements. These experts provide services by developing automation, enhancing collaboration and communication, and optimizing procedures. Proficiency in Agile Software Development practices is imperative for those pursuing the AZ 400 certification. Like AZ-400, Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect is also quite popular among Azure certifications. 

1. Exam Prerequisites

We’ll now explore the prerequisites for the exam, important topics covered in the exam, number of questions asked, and other important details about the exam. This will surely help you have a smooth exam experience. To get the AZ 400 certification, you must either complete AZ 104 or AZ 204. AZ-104 is Microsoft Azure Administrator certification whereas AZ-204 is Microsoft Azure Developer certification.

Microsoft

2. Exam Modules

Once you fulfill one of the two prerequisites (passed AZ-104 or AZ-204), you can start preparing for AZ-400. In AZ-400, you would be assessed on some important topics related to DevOps practices and strategies.

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AZ 400 has a comprehensive syllabus in the form of modules that have a set weightage in the exam:

• Design a DevOps strategy (20-25%)
• Implement DevOps development processes (20-25%)
• Implement continuous integration (10-15%)
• Implement continuous delivery (10-15%)
• Implement dependency management (5-10%)
• Implement application infrastructure (15-20%)
• Implement continuous feedback (10-15%)

3. Exam Preparation

Microsoft Azure provides you with two options to study for this exam on its official website: 

• Self-paced content: It is Azure’s official documentation that covers all the syllabus modules in detail. It is very helpful for test takers as it is offered for free. 
• Instructor-led course: This is a live course taken by instructors on some specific dates. You can enroll in this course to learn the modules in an interactive way. Also, you get a chance to get your doubts cleared by asking questions via Q&A feature. Instructor-led courses are not covered under the Azure DevOps certification cost.

Besides this, you can find multiple other resources, including YouTube videos, third-party websites and courses, blogs, etc., that would help you in your preparation. 

4. Scheduling the Exam

You can schedule the exam by going to the Azure DevOps Certification page. Under the Certification exams section, select your country and click Schedule exam. On the next pages, you get the opportunity to choose the exam time and venue as per your convenience. Microsoft allows you to take the exam at its partner test centers or at home. You can check the Azure DevOps certification cost on the payment page. Pay the AZ 400 certification price using multiple options, such as an exam voucher, credit card, debit card, etc.

5. Exam Day Preparation and Rescheduling

You would get an exam appointment email confirming the exam date and time along with the useful links (for system testing and exam check-in). The email will have all the details regarding the exam like appointment details, reschedule policy, cancellation policy and other details. If you could not clear it in the first attempt, you can reattempt the exam as the AZ 400 price is quite affordable.

Benefits of the Azure DevOps Certificate 

Coming to the benefits of being an Azure Certified DevOps Expert, you get multiple advantages, including world-wide recognition and higher chances of employment. I will discuss some important benefits that you get by getting AZ 400 certification:

• Improve Capabilities: Azure offers all forms of cloud assistance, from services to digital infrastructure, and every industry within clouds needs specialized people. The Microsoft Azure DevOps certification helps cloud professionals and DevOps engineers to be proficient in the skills that are most in demand. With improved capabilities, they can increase their worth in the industry.
• Get Better Compensation: Azure DevOps certification also helps you gain increased pay. Job security is a concern for professionals most of the times, and obtaining the AZ 400 certification improves their ability to deal with risky situations in the workplace. This increases their demand and the salaries that organizations are willing to pay them.
• Learning and Skill Enhancement: Through a structured learning approach, the Azure 400 certification and other Azure certifications offer the chance to acquire the necessary skills. This is one of the main advantages of Azure since it makes it simple to master the many Azure 400 DevOps technologies. Most significantly, Azure professionals can acquire these abilities at a reasonable AZ 400 certification cost, increase their Azure learning, and advance faster along the route to their career.
• Proven Commitment: By obtaining an Azure certification, you demonstrate your dedication and commitment to excellence as a DevOps professional. It shows that you are a real expert in DevOps and possess the DevOps skills required by organizations to achieve desired reliability and business goals.
• Career Development: Once you get the AZ 400 certification, you become an expert and skilled professional with more employment chances not only in the domestic market but also in the global market. If you work in any organization as a DevOps professional, this certification will help you in career advancement with promotions and pay hikes.

Salary After Azure DevOps Certification

Does obtaining a certification result in a larger salary? Absolutely. Certified DevOps specialists are prized by businesses like precious gems. You will notice that the zeroes on your salary are multiplying like bunnies as a result of your newly acquired abilities, expertise, and certification aura. Aspiring Azure solutions architects can opt for KnowledgeHut Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect training to improve their overall expertise. Azure Certified Solutions Architects with DevOps skills are preferred more in the industry as they can design and implement more robust and scalable cloud solutions.

As an experienced Azure DevOps Engineer at product-based companies, you can expect to make an average income of between Rs. 17L and Rs. 42L per year, in India. Additionally, in service-based organizations, the remuneration for the same role can range from Rs. 5L to Rs. 23L annually. According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a DevOps Engineer is 8L per annum. In contrast to the Azure DevOps Certification AZ 400 price, the advantages reaped post-certification are significantly greater.

Conclusion 

The Azure 400 exam helps individuals working in the DevOps field and wishing to get global recognition for greater employment chances and career progress. DevOps professionals may demonstrate their agility and resilience with the Azure 400 certification. As Microsoft Azure DevOps Certification cost is nominal, every DevOps professional working on Azure must take it to prove their credibility and expertise. Looking for a cloud course that suits you? Check out our Cloud Computing course details to get more clarity.