Become Microsoft Certified in 2023 : Azure and Cybersecurity Certification

Introduction :

Microsoft Azure is Microsoft’s cloud computing platform and infrastructure. It offers a broad range of services, including virtual machines, databases, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and more. Azure provides flexibility, scalability, and security to businesses, making it an attractive choice for organizations of all sizes. As a result, Azure professionals are in high demand worldwide.

Microsoft’s cybersecurity certifications offer a solid way to acquire the skills needed to protect systems, data, and networks against ever-evolving threats. This article will guide you through the process of preparing for and passing Microsoft Azure and cybersecurity certifications.

Types of Microsoft Azure Certifications :

Microsoft offers a comprehensive certification program with different levels of certification, each tailored to specific roles and levels of expertise. Here’s an overview of the four main certification levels in Microsoft’s certification program :

Microsoft Certified Fundamentals : Master the basics and get the right foundations

These entry-level certifications are designed for individuals who are new to Microsoft technologies or looking to explore foundational concepts and services. No prerequisites are required for fundamental certifications.

Here are some of the most popular Microsoft Certified Fundamentals certifications :

• AZ-900 : Azure Fundamentals : Azure fundamentals validates foundational knowledge of cloud services and how those services are provided with Microsoft Azure.
• DP-900 : Azure Data Fundamentals : Azure data fundamentals validates foundational knowledge of core data concepts and how they’re implemented using Azure data services.
• AI-900 : Azure AI Fundamentals : Azure AI fundamentals validates foundational knowledge of machine learning and artificial intelligence concepts and related Microsoft Azure services.
• SC-900 : Microsoft Certified : Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals : SC-900 validates foundational level knowledge on security, compliance, and identity (SCI) concepts and related cloud-based Microsoft solutions (Microsoft 365 and Azure)

Microsoft Certified Associate : Expand your technical skill set

Associate-level certifications are intended for professionals who have some experience with Microsoft technologies and wish to specialize in a specific role. Associates are expected to perform tasks related to those roles and should have some hands-on experience.

Here are some of the most popular Microsoft Certified Associate certifications :

• AZ-104 : Azure Administrator Associate : Azure administrators implement, manage, and monitor an organization’s Microsoft Azure environment.
• AZ-500 : Azure Security Engineer Associate : Azure security engineers implement security controls that protect identity, access, data, applications, and networks in cloud and hybrid environments as part of an end-to-end infrastructure.
• AZ-700 : Azure Network Engineer Associate : Azure network engineers plan, implement, and maintain Azure networking solutions, including hybrid networking, connectivity, routing, security, and private access to Azure services.
• AZ800 +AZ-801 : Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate : Windows Server hybrid administrators configure and manage Windows Server on-premises, hybrid, and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) platform workloads.
• AZ-204 :Azure Developer Associate : Azure developers participate in all
  phases of development from requirements definition and design
  to development, deployment, and maintenance.
• DP-300 : Azure Database Administrator Associate : Azure database administrators implement and manage the operational aspects of cloud-native and hybrid data platform solutions built with Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Azure Data Services.
• DP-203 : Azure Data Engineer Associate : Azure data engineers integrate, transform, and consolidate data from various structured and unstructured data systems into structures that are suitable for building analytics solutions.
• SC-200 : Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate

Microsoft Certified Expert : For experienced professionals

Expert certifications are for experienced professionals who want to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in a specific technology area. Expert-level certifications require a deep understanding of the technology, and candidates should have substantial hands-on experience in their respective domains.

Here are some of the most popular Microsoft Certified Expert certifications :

• AZ-305 : Azure Solutions Architect Expert : Azure solution architects design cloud and hybrid solutions that run on Microsoft Azure, including compute, network, storage, monitoring, and security. (!! Prerequisite : Certification: AZ-104 !!)
• AZ-400 : DevOps Engineer Expert : DevOps engineers work with people, processes, and products to enable continuous delivery of value in organizations. (!! Prerequisite : Certification: AZ-104 OR AZ-204 !!).
• SC-100 : Microsoft Certified Cybersecurity Architect Expert : Microsoft cybersecurity architect, translate a cybersecurity strategy into capabilities that protect the assets, business, and operations of an organization. design, guide the implementation of, and maintain security solutions that follow Zero Trust principles and best practices, including security strategies for : Identity, Devices, Data, Applications,
  Network, Infrastructure and DevOps. Also he or she design solutions for : Governance and Risk Compliance (GRC), Security operations and Security posture management (!! Prerequisite : Certification: AZ-500 OR SC-200 OR SC-300!!).

Microsoft Certified Specialty : Deepen your technical skills and manage industry solutions

Specialty certifications are designed for professionals who want to showcase expertise in niche or specialized areas within a technology domain. These certifications cater to individuals who want to specialize in a particular area of technology and often require expertise beyond the standard associate or expert certifications.

Here are some of the most popular Microsoft Certified Specialty certifications :

• AZ-140 : Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty : Administrators for Azure Virtual Desktop design, implement, manage, and maintain Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop experiences and remote apps for any device.

Microsoft Certification Roadmap

it’s important to note that Microsoft’s certification program is dynamic, and certifications may evolve or change over time to align with the latest industry trends and technologies. Therefore, it’s advisable to refer to the official Microsoft Certification website for the most up-to-date information on available certifications, their prerequisites, and requirements.

Microsoft’s certification program offers a clear path for individuals to advance their careers, validate their skills, and stay current in an ever-changing technology landscape. Depending on your career goals and expertise level, you can choose the certification level that best suits your aspirations and professional growth.

Link to roadmap :

• Microsoft Certification Roadmap
• Azure certifications poster

How to Successfully Pass Microsoft Azure and Cybersecurity Certifications

1. Choose Your Certification: Determine which Azure certification aligns with your career goals and current skills.
2. Preparation: Microsoft provides comprehensive exam outlines and recommended learning resources. Consider instructor-led training or online courses, and practice exams.
3. Hands-On Experience: Don’t limit yourself to just reading; apply your skills in a practical setting. Establish a testing laboratory on the Azure platform (you can request an Azure free account with 1 year of access and $200 in credit) and explore various tools and techniques by working on real-world Azure projects. This hands-on experience is invaluable for gaining practical knowledge.
4. Study and Practice: Devote time to studying and practicing Azure services and tools. Microsoft Learn, Pluralsight, and other platforms offer free resources and many other online platforms offer Microsoft certification courses like Pluralsight, Udemy, and Coursera have high-quality courses created by Microsoft experts. Join study groups or forums to discuss topics with other candidates preparing for the same certification.
5. Practice Exams : Practice exams are vital for evaluating your readiness for the real exam. Microsoft offers official practice exams, and you can find third-party practice exams on various websites. Taking practice exams will help you become familiar with the question format and identify areas needing improvement. Link to : Practice Assessments on Microsoft Learn.
6. Schedule the Exam : Once you feel confident in terms of knowledge and skills, schedule the certification exam through the Microsoft certification portal. Ensure you choose a convenient date and location, whether it’s an in-person or online proctored exam.
7. Pass the Exam: On the day of the exam, make sure to : Arrive early if it’s an in-person exam or set up your online proctoring environment. Bring valid identification (if required). Stay calm and focused during the exam. Read each question carefully and manage your time effectively.
8. Maintain and Renew: Azure certifications typically require periodic renewal or re-certification to stay current with the evolving technology.

Microsoft Learn : Free Self-paced training

All the essential materials you need for your exam preparation can be found for free in the Microsoft Learn; Simply log in with your Microsoft Account to monitor your progress, earn XP points, and collect shareable badges for completing each learning path.

Instructor-led training : Guided Training with Certified Trainers (MCT )

Numerous virtual and on-site courses are conducted by Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCT) across the globe accredited.

And you may need to pay the Certified Learning Partner in tour region for this service; sometimes, partners offer free training and exam vouchers for fundamental levels like the AZ-900.

Enrolling in a course conducted by a Microsoft Certified Trainer enables you to engage in interactive discussions, pose questions, and delve into real-world scenarios. Additionally, where applicable, you can acquire practical, hands-on experience through participation in course-specific labs.

Useful Resources

• Microsoft Certification Roadmap
• Azure certifications poster
• Microsoft Learn
• Practice Assessments on Microsoft Learn
• Find a Training Services Partner
• Microsoft Azure Virtual Training Days : Explore free, in-depth training from Microsoft Learn to create, deploy, and manage applications across multiple clouds, on-premises,

Conclusion

Microsoft Azure certifications are a valuable asset for IT professionals looking to advance their careers and demonstrate their expertise in cloud computing. The demand for Azure skills continues to grow, making Azure certifications a strategic investment in your future.

Achieving a Microsoft cybersecurity certification is a significant step in strengthening your skills and advancing your career in the critical field of cybersecurity. With careful preparation, diligent practice, and practice exams, you increase your chances of success in certification exams.

Remember that Azure and cybersecurity expert certifications require regular renewal to stay up-to-date with the technologies.

Keep learning and growing your skills. Good luck on your Microsoft certification journey!