Microsoft Certified – Azure Solutions Architect Expert

Microsoft Certified - Azure Solutions Architect Expert Exam and Certification is a professional certification that validates an individual's skills and expertise in designing and implementing solutions on the Microsoft Azure platform. In this article, we will discuss the details of this certification, including the exam process, syllabus, and other relevant information.

Exam Process To become a Microsoft Certified - Azure Solutions Architect Expert, an individual must pass two exams: AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies and AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Design. These exams are designed to test an individual's knowledge and skills in designing and implementing solutions on the Microsoft Azure platform.

Exam Syllabus

The AZ-303 exam measures an individual's knowledge and skills in the following areas:

1. Implement and Monitor Azure Infrastructure: This section covers implementing Azure VMs, storage solutions, virtual networking, and Azure AD. It also includes monitoring and optimizing Azure infrastructure.
2. Implement Management and Security Solutions: This section covers implementing Azure governance solutions, managing identity and access, and implementing platform protection.
3. Implement Solutions for Apps: This section covers implementing Azure app service, containers, and serverless solutions.
4. Implement and Manage Data Platforms: This section covers implementing and managing Azure SQL databases, Azure Cosmos DB, and other data storage solutions.

The AZ-304 exam measures an individual's knowledge and skills in the following areas:

1. Design Monitoring: This section covers designing monitoring strategies, including designing for cost optimization and designing for disaster recovery.
2. Design Identity and Security: This section covers designing identity management and security solutions, including designing for access management and designing for data protection.
3. Design Data Storage: This section covers designing data storage solutions, including designing for scalability and designing for data retention.
4. Design Business Continuity: This section covers designing business continuity solutions, including designing for high availability and designing for disaster recovery.

Exam Registration and Cost

To register for the AZ-303 and AZ-304 exams, an individual must create a Microsoft account and sign in to the Microsoft certification dashboard. The exams can be scheduled through Microsoft's exam provider, Pearson VUE, and can be taken in-person at a Pearson VUE testing center or online from home or office.

The cost of each exam is $165 USD, and the exams must be paid for at the time of registration. Microsoft offers a discount for individuals who purchase an exam voucher in advance.

Exam Scoring and Results

The AZ-303 and AZ-304 exams are scored on a scale of 1000, with a passing score of 700 for each exam. Individuals will receive their score immediately after completing the exam, and a certificate will be issued to those who pass both exams.

If an individual does not pass an exam, they will have the opportunity to retake the exam after a 14-day waiting period. Individuals can take the exams up to five times within a 12-month period.

Certification Renewal The Microsoft Certified - Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is valid for two years. To renew the certification, an individual must pass a renewal exam or earn a qualifying continuing education credit.

Conclusion

Microsoft Certified - Azure Solutions Architect Expert Exam and Certification is a valuable credential for individuals looking to demonstrate their skills and expertise in designing and implementing solutions on the Microsoft Azure platform. The certification requires passing two exams, AZ-303 and AZ-304, which cover a wide range of topics, including Azure infrastructure, management and security solutions, app solutions, data platforms, monitoring, identity and security, data storage, and business continuity.

To prepare for the exams, Microsoft offers a range of resources, including online training courses, instructor-led courses, and practice exams. The exams can be taken online or in-person at a Pearson VUE testing center, and the results are available immediately after completing the exam.

Overall, the Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is a great way for IT professionals to demonstrate their expertise in designing and implementing solutions on the Azure platform. By passing these exams, individuals can validate their skills and increase their value to potential employers.

To be successful in passing the exams, individuals should take advantage of the resources provided by Microsoft, including training courses, practice exams, and study guides. It is also important to gain hands-on experience working with Azure and to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the platform.

Overall, the Microsoft Certified - Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is a valuable credential for IT professionals looking to demonstrate their skills and expertise in designing and implementing solutions on the Azure platform. By passing the AZ-303 and AZ-304 exams, individuals can validate their knowledge and increase their value in the job market.

In addition to the technical knowledge covered in the exams, there are also other important skills that are required for success as an Azure solutions architect. These include the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders, to collaborate with other IT professionals, and to manage projects effectively.

To be successful in this role, individuals must also have strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to adapt to changing requirements and environments. They must also be able to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the field, and be willing to continually learn and grow their skills.

In conclusion, the Microsoft Certified - Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is an important credential for IT professionals looking to demonstrate their skills and expertise in designing and implementing solutions on the Azure platform. By passing the AZ-303 and AZ-304 exams, individuals can validate their knowledge and increase their value in the job market. However, it is also important to have a range of other skills, including communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and project management, to be successful in this role. By developing these skills and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the field, individuals can set themselves apart as top candidates for Azure solutions architect positions.