How to Prepare for Microsoft Azure Exam [Study Guide + Tips]

Microsoft Azure is a hybrid cloud platform that offers a wide range of services, including software, infrastructure, and storage. As of 2022, the cloud platform has had over 722.22M users. 

Besides, Microsoft offers various certifications including several for their cloud platform Azure. Taking these certifications broadens the horizons for those seeking a career in cloud computing. The certifications test an individual’s skill and proficiency on Azure. Given the surging demand for Azure services, it's no wonder that certifications related to it hold significant value in the job market. This high value stems from Microsoft Azure's continuously expanding popularity and relevance.

Some of the personal and business benefits that accrue from getting Azure certified include broader and more flexible career options, better skill sets, and bigger paychecks. The question of which certification is most appropriate for you, and how to go about Azure exam preparation, is something I can help you with in this blog. Lets begin!

Microsoft Azure Certification: Overview

Azure certifications are among the most sought-after certifications in IT right now. They can open the doors to lucrative job opportunities and help you move to the next level in your career. Microsoft offers a large number of certifications for Azure. You can take a certification test specific to one or more services, such as the Microsoft Azure Developer, Azure Administrator, Solution Architect, etc. Each of these offers proficiency in a particular Microsoft module and its functions.

There are more than 70 Azure certificates that you can enrol in. Broadly speaking, these can be categorized into 3 categories; Azure Fundamentals, Role-Based certificates, and Expert Certifications.

Some of the certifications include:

• Azure Advisor
• Azure AI services
• Cosmos DB Developer
• Azure App Service
• Azure Application Gateway
• Azure Automation
• Azure Bastion
• Azure Bot Service
• Azure Virtual Desktop
• Azure Cloud Shell

Before starting with the Azure exam preparation, you must know that the exam comprises mainly multiple-choice questions to be completed within a specified time. The number of questions and duration varies from test to test. For instance, the Microsoft AZ900 test has about 40-60 MCQs to be completed in about 45 minutes. 

To assist applicants in preparing for these exams, Microsoft offers self-study material such as PDFs, instructor-led online training, and whitepapers online. This material also helps certified Azure professionals stay current on new developments.

You can also enrol for the Azure Fundamental Course to get started with the fundamentals and upskill. 

Which Azure Certification is Best for Beginners?

If you are new to cloud computing, you can start with the Azure Fundamentals certification. The Azure Fundamentals certification helps you establish a strong base in cloud computing, Azure infrastructure, and database management. That said, having an IT background with some knowledge of coding, database management, and the basics of cloud computing, such as storage, networking, and scaling, will help you grasp the concepts faster.

You can then move on to one or more role-specific associate certifications, depending on whether you want to specialize in a particular role or gather knowledge about multiple roles.

How to Prepare for the Microsoft Azure Exam [with Tips]

Each Azure exam entails a different exam preparation strategy.

For instance, for Azure fundamentals exam preparation, you should possess some knowledge about infrastructure and database management, and software development. The certification will make you proficient in cloud computing, networking, and cloud storage. 

Here are some tips to help with Microsoft Azure exam preparation.

1. Make an Informed Choice

Select an Azure certification that aligns with your career goals and skill set. If you are a fresh graduate, you can begin with Azure Fundamentals. You can take all the Azure Fundamental certifications to get a well-rounded knowledge of cloud computing and how various technologies work on the cloud.

If you hold superior knowledge of the fundamentals, you can also consider opting for a specialized associate exam followed by expert-level certification.

2. Move Step by Step

Chalk out a roadmap for taking these certifications, according to your career goals, interest, current skillset and aspirations. For instance, if your interest lies in cloud administration, you could complete the Azure Fundamentals and follow it up with AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate certificate. Later, once you have worked as an administrator for a bit, you might specialize as Azure Architect or Azure Engineer.

3. Explore Learning Resources 

Microsoft offers several learning resources on their website in the form of case studies, white papers, virtual events, webinars, and online books. There are also many physical books that you can purchase online for your Azure test prep. Besides, there are also many courses on Microsoft Azure by KnowledgeHut that can help you develop the skillset you need. 

Take advantage of these resources as you prepare for your chosen Azure certification.

4. Leverage Hands-On Training Experience

There are several hands-on labs available for practice, including one on Microsoft. These are self-paced learning platforms with little or no tutor guidance. You can polish your skills on one of these platforms or sign up for tutor-led training, which also offers lab experience. You can opt for both to get double hands-on experience and more practice. 

5. Take a Practice Exam

Online mock tests simulate the actual test environment and the exam itself. These tests not only help you assess your preparedness for the exam and identify areas where you need to strengthen your hold, but also assess your adeptness in answering questions expeditiously. You can then revisit your weak areas and work on them.

Azure certification tests comprise about 40 – 70 MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) to be completed within a specific time. The questions naturally centre on the topic of the certification course. The Cloud Bootcamp is an excellent first step for kickstarting your Azure certification preparation.

What are the Benefits of Becoming Azure Certified?

Getting Azure certified can significantly enhance your career in technology and cloud computing. It opens the doors to career opportunities for fresh graduates and helps experienced professionals move to the next step. Here are some significant benefits of Azure certification:

• Skill Validation and Industry Recognition: Azure certifications are globally recognized and respected. They validate your expertise and proficiency in Microsoft Azure, evidencing your expertize in Azure cloud computing. These certifications play a major role in opening up a spectrum of local and global career opportunities including becoming a practicing Azure cloud consultant.
• Increased Employability: When it comes to hiring for Azure-specific job roles, Azure-certified candidates are preferred to those with generic cloud computing knowledge. You can adopt a step-by-step approach taking each certification as you move to the next career step, or you can become proficient before you begin working. 
• Higher Earning Potential: Azure certified professionals attract high salaries. Sites like Glassdoor and ZipRecruiter, that track the employment market, contend that an Azure professional can earn as much as 179,996 USD (INR 1.5 CR per annum) for job-specific Azure Associate Certificates holders. 
• Professional Development: Your journey as a cloud professional does not end with Azure. There are other cloud platforms too. Your Azure certification can also prepare you to become proficient in a parallel role on other cloud platforms like AWS or Google Cloud. You can gain proficiency in a single aspect of cloud computing such as cloud database management or cloud architecture rather than specializing in a specific cloud platform. 
• Enhanced Employee Benefits Package: Organizations that use Azure consider Azure-certified individuals key employees because they can leverage their knowledge to optimize Azure resources, improve security, and streamline processes, leading to cost savings and enhanced business performance. This is why you can negotiate better employment terms with such employers because of your specialization.
• Flexibility: Once you have cleared the Microsoft Azure Fundamental certification exam, you can specialize in cloud architecture, app development for the cloud, or cloud database engineering. Apart from a spectrum of employment possibilities in diverse industries, you can seek overseas employment in countries like UK and USA. You also have the option to set up your own Azure or cloud consultancy.
• Proof of Dedication: Azure certification takes work to earn. The fact that you have done so is a testament to your sincerity, dedication, and perseverance. It is proof of your commitment. Dedication and hard work are among the top qualities employers seek, and your Azure certificate offers proof of both.

Apart from these benefits, the satisfaction that comes from having succeeded at the test and performed superbly at work is a benefit in and of itself.

Conclusion

As the cloud computing landscape evolves, Azure certifications testify to your dedication to staying current and proficient in a rapidly changing industry. Getting certified as an Azure expert is a big plus on your Curriculum Vitae (CV) even if it is just an Azure Fundamentals certification or any of KnowledgeHut's best Cloud Computing courses online. These will give you a head start on your Azure certification and career path. After that, all you need is a structured approach to learning, lots of hands-on practice, and the will to persevere.

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