“Azure. Invent with Purpose”- Microsoft Azure’s tagline itself highlights the endless possibilities of creating a highly innovative, futuristic, and technically advanced world that can be created using AI models and dev tools, where every computing, smartphone, database, and server is interconnected with Azure, thus creating a highly interconnected network where Azure serves as the cloud computing backbone.
The present technological revolution has caused the globe to advance at an unprecedented rate, and the information industry is no exception, thanks to its revolutionary technological advancements. With its ability to store data in a safe and secure environment and deliver computing services such as servers, networking, databases, software, and many more efficiently and easily, cloud computing has emerged as the holy grail technology of modern times. The ‘cloud’ has become an integral and indispensable part of the modern world, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic era, with organizations and modern enterprises relocating their physical bases to increase work efficiency, and productivity and to ensure their products and services reach the largest possible audience.
As a result, if you are considering launching a career in the cloud computing realm and are wondering which cloud computing platform can help you gain a competitive edge, obtaining an Azure cloud certification will be the ideal starting point for a rewarding professional career. This article will explain the what, why, and how of Azure, as well as why an Azure cloud certification can be touted as the future of cloud computing. So, without further ado, let us get started.
How is Azure transforming the modern cloud industry?
Microsoft Azure is already ushering in a new age of technology ride by dabbling with breakthrough innovations and developments in the fields of Artificial intelligence or AI and machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data, along with providing various products and services such as Azure Open AI service, Azure SQL, Azure Kubernetes services and many more.
Azure also offers cutting-edge, highly secure on-premise, hybrid, and multi-cloud computing services that can assist any IT professional, business enterprise, or organization in streamlining their operations and developing sophisticated cloud-based analytical solutions supported by tools that can quicken cloud migration and modernization.
With Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, the “holy trinity” of cloud computing platforms, contending to secure the top spot in the hierarchy, Microsoft Azure has grown in popularity in recent years because it offers a faster, more secure, and more affordable cloud platform than on-premise servers. The most recent reports further attest to this fact by revealing that the number of enterprises embracing Azure toolsets and services has consistently increased over the years, with nearly 95% of Fortune 500 organizations using the services of Microsoft Azure.
Microsoft Azure certification path
Microsoft Azure certifications are extremely technical, job-based certifications that vouch for your expertise in a certain field of work. Microsoft offers professionals seeking to advance their skills access to over 17 role-based Azure certifications. Each person’s certification path is different and is determined by a variety of criteria, including their level of proficiency in the cloud domain and related skillsets, their level of familiarity with cloud infrastructure, and the intended career objective or job they seek to specialize in.
The four levels of Microsoft Azure certificates, which range from fundamental to advanced, are as follows:
1. Fundamentals certification
The Basic Azure certification is an entry-level credential created for beginners and professionals with little to no prior exposure to the cloud, enabling them to fully comprehend the fundamental ideas and concepts of the cloud. Hence, obtaining an entry-level certification will help you acquire experience in Azure services, architecture, administration, and governance, as well as, familiarize yourself with the complete cloud lingo.
2. Associate certification
An associate-level certification is available for cloud professionals with at least two years of experience who want to enhance their careers by picking up new cloud skills. As a result, this certification is perfect for advancing your career if you have a firm grasp of cloud concepts or are already familiar with AWS, Azure, or GCP.
3. Expert certification
Expert certificates are intended for cloud veterans with a few years of expertise to their name. Gaining an expert certification will help you advance on your Azure certification ladder. As Azure certifications are role-based, you may obtain an expert level or specialty certification depending on the employment role you are interested in.
4. Specialty certification
They are now available for a few opportunities, such as Azure for SAP Workloads and Azure IoT Developer Specialty.
Most popular Azure certifications
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
- Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals
- Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer
- Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect
- Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer
How to get certified in Azure?
Get certified in Microsoft Azure to stay relevant and future-ready. Prepare for Azure certification by learning more about the requirements and required skills from Azure documentation and Microsoft Learn, two instructional tools that can be used to study for the test. You can also learn more about technical job roles and the certifications that go with them.
Take part in an online training program:
Enrolling in an Azure training program can help you prepare for the exam by providing you with basic cloud concepts as well as in-depth cloud architecture. The main selling point of these training programs is that they are meticulously designed and organized in such a way that the curriculum progresses from basic to advanced cloud concepts while preparing you for your Azure certification exams. Simplilearn, for example, offers a great Azure cloud architect master’s degree in an online bootcamp style that offers training in various cloud concepts as well as preparing you for fundamental and associate level certification exams like Microsoft Azure AZ: 104, AZ: 204, and AZ: 305 on its digital platform.
Benefits of Azure certification
An Azure certification offers the following benefits:
1. Career growth
Azure certifications are among the most sought-after and highly regarded cloud certifications in today’s IT industry. The opportunity to work with leading global powerhouses, an attractive remuneration package, inclusion and appraisal, and enhanced skill development, ultimately leading to highly rewarding professional growth, are just a few of the opportunities that can be unlocked by obtaining the appropriate Azure certification.
2. Wide array of career opportunities
A Microsoft Azure certification is your winning ticket to success in a multitude of career paths. You could work as a cloud architect, cloud developer, devOps engineer, solution architect, and many other positions. These credentials certify your experience and talents in particular job titles that your company could be looking for.
3. Online accreditation
Another benefit of these certifications is that they can be obtained remotely, allowing you to become qualified from the convenience of your own home. Furthermore, Microsoft has changed the certification renewal and expiration terms significantly, making Azure certificates free to renew indefinitely.
