Blog Microsoft Azure New Microsoft Azure Certifications Path in 2019

New Microsoft Azure Certifications Path in 2019 [Updated]

January 10, 2019

Microsoft Azure

In 2018 at Ignite Conference, Microsoft announced and released few major changes in the existing Azure certification path. This announcement was referred to as the modern era of technology. The changes in the certification tracks were made to make the Azure certifications more role-based.

Along with the arrival of the new Azure certifications, the news contains the retirement of some of the existing Microsoft Azure exams at the end of 2018.

Even in 2019, Microsoft discontinued some of the new role-based Azure certifications and launched the new ones, on the basis of the feedback received from the exam takers.

New Microsoft Azure Certifications Path

The new role-based Azure certifications establish a learning path from the Fundamental level to Associate level and then to the Expert level. There are five Microsoft Azure Certifications path for five different roles particularly based on Azure; the roles are –

Azure Fundamentals
Azure Administrator Associate
Azure Developer Associate
Azure Solution Architect Expert
Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
Azure Security Engineer Associate
Azure Data Engineer Associate

In this article, you will get to know about these new Azure certifications path along with the useful information. Before getting into the details of these Azure certifications, you can check all the azure certifications preparation guides here –

1. Azure Fundamentals

Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) is the foundational level exam in the new Azure certifications path. This exam is intended for those who want to demonstrate their basic knowledge of cloud services with Microsoft Azure. Even if you are from the non-technical background but if you have some basic understanding of the concepts of cloud, you can take this certification exam.

Exam AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals

This exam is considered as the first step in associate level and expert level Azure certifications path. Although it’s an optional step, validating your foundational knowledge will benefit you to some extent.

Let’s have a look at the details of Azure AZ-900 exam.

Prerequisites: There are no particular prerequisites for the Microsoft Azure Fundamental exam but one should be familiar and have a basic understanding of the cloud services and the Microsoft Azure platform.

Domains Covered in AZ-900 Exam are –

Domain	% Weight
Understand Cloud Concepts	15-20%
Understand Core Azure Services	30-35%
Understand Security, Privacy, Compliance, and Trust	25-30%
Understand Azure Pricing and Support	25-30%

Exam Languages: English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean

Certification Cost: USD 99

Preparing for Exam AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Microsoft Azure Fundamentals? Check your current level of preparation with the Azure AZ-900 Practice Tests.

2. Azure Administrator Associate

As per the new updates, one needs to pass only one certification exam i.e. Exam AZ-103: Microsoft Azure Administrator to become Azure Administrator Associate. After passing the certification exam for AZ-103, you will become a Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate and receive a badge of Azure Administrator Associate.

AZ-103: Microsoft Azure Administrator

From May 1, 2019, the aspirants will only need to pass AZ-103: Microsoft Azure Administrator exam to earn the Azure Developer Associate certification. The exam AZ-103 combines the skills and domains covered in the exams AZ-100 and AZ-101; more from the AZ-100 exam. This exam also acts as a prerequisite for the Microsoft Certified Azure DevOps Engineer Expert exam.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites for Microsoft Azure Infrastructure and Deployment are –

You should have prior knowledge of Azure applications, Operating Systems, Cloud and Storage Infrastructure.
You should also have a basic knowledge of networking components and virtualization tools.
If you know PowerShell and the Command Line Interface, then it will be an added advantage.

Domains Covered in the Exam are –

Domain	% Weight
Manage Azure subscriptions and resources	15-20%
Implement and manage storage	15-20%
Deploy and manage virtual machines (VMs)	15-20%
Configure and manage virtual networks	30-35%
Manage identities	15-20%

Exam Languages: English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean

Certification Cost: USD 165

Try Now: Free Practice Test For AZ-103: Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam

3. Azure Developer Associate

For the Azure Developer Associate role, you need to pass only one certification Exam AZ-203: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure. After passing the certification exam for AZ-203, you will become Microsoft Certified Azure Developer Associate and will receive a badge of Azure Developer Associate.

AZ-203: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure

AZ-203: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure exam released on September 24, 2018. Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure exam (AZ-203) is the only exam for the Azure Developer Associate role. It also acts as a prerequisite for the Microsoft Certified Azure DevOps Engineer Expert exam.

Whether you have already passed the 70-532 exam or not, you will receive the badge of Microsoft Certified Azure Developer Associate on passing the AZ-203 exam.

Note that, previously, Microsoft launched Exam AZ-200 and Exam AZ-201 for the Azure Developer Associate Role. But now Microsoft has discontinued AZ-200 and AZ-201 exams and replaced them with AZ-203 exam as per the feedback on the beta versions of AZ-200 and AZ-201 exams.

Prerequisites: AZ-203 exam is for the Azure developers who are responsible for the designing and building cloud solutions on the Azure platform. Prerequisites for Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure (AZ-203) are –

The candidate should have the proficiency to develop services and apps by the implementation of Azure tools and technologies
The candidate should have at least one year of experience in developing scalable solutions
The candidate should be skilled in at least one cloud-supported programming language

Domains Covered in the Exam are –

Domain	% Weight
Develop Azure Infrastructure as a Service Compute Solutions	10-15%
Develop for Azure Storage	15-20%
Develop Azure Platform as a Service Compute Solutions	20-25%
Implement Azure Security	10-15%
Monitor, Troubleshoot, and Optimize Azure Solutions	15-20%
Connect and Consume Azure Services & Third-party Services	20-25%

Exam Languages: English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean

Certification Cost: USD 165

Preparing for Exam AZ-203: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure exam? Check your current level of preparation with the Azure AZ-203 Practice Tests.

4. Azure Solution Architect Expert

As per the new role-based Azure certifications path, for Azure Solution Architect Expert role, you need to pass two certifications – Exam AZ-300: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies and Exam AZ-301: Microsoft Azure Architect Design. After passing the certification exams for AZ-300 and AZ-301, you will become Microsoft Certified Azure Solution Architect Expert and will receive a badge of Azure Solution Architect Expert.

Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies (AZ-300)

On September 24, 2018 – Microsoft released the beta version of Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies (AZ-300). This certification comes under the Azure Solutions Architect Expert role in the new role-based Azure certifications path. You need to pass the AZ-300 exam first to become an Azure Solutions Architect Expert. It provides knowledge in architecting solutions that are reliable and secure.

Note that the beta version for the AZ-300 exam has been retired now.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites for Microsoft released Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies (AZ-300) are –

You should have knowledge of security, identity, data management, and IT operations.
One year experience is also required for this certification.
You should also have knowledge of DevOps, Azure development and Azure administration.

Domains Covered in the Exam are –

Domain	% Weight
Deploy and Configure Infrastructure	25-30%
Implement Workloads and Security	20-25%
Architect Cloud Technology Solutions	5-10%
Create and Deploy Apps	5-10%
Implement Authentication and Secure Data	5-10%
Develop for the Cloud	20-25%

Exam Languages: English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean

Certification Cost: USD 165

Preparing for Azure Exam AZ-300: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies exam? Start with AZ-300 Free Test Now.

Microsoft Azure Architect Design (AZ-301)

Microsoft also released Microsoft Azure Architect Design (AZ-301) in beta on September 24, 2018. This certification also comes under the Azure Solutions Architect Expert role in the new role-based Azure certifications path. After the AZ-300 exam, you need to pass the AZ-301 exam to become an Azure Solutions Architect Expert.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites for Microsoft Azure Architect Design (AZ-301) are the same as in Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies (AZ-300). But one should have passed the AZ-300 exam to take the AZ-301 exam.

Domains covered in the exam are –

Domain	% Weight
Determine Workload Requirements	10-15%
Design for Identity and Security	20-25%
Design a Data Platform Solution	15-20%
Design a Business Continuity Strategy	15-20%
Design for Deployment, Migration, and Integration	10-15%
Design an Infrastructure Strategy	15-20%

Exam Languages: English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean

Certification Cost: USD 165

Try Now: Free Practice Tests For AZ-301: Microsoft Azure Architect Design Exam

5. Azure DevOps Engineer Expert

One who has already received the badge of Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate can become an Azure DevOps Engineer Expert. Whether be the Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate, the candidate needs to pass Exam AZ-400: Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions to become Azure DevOps Engineer.

Let’s have a look at the details of the AZ-400 exam.

Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions (AZ-400)

Microsoft also released Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions (AZ-400) – BETA Version in beta on September 24, 2018. This certification also comes under the Azure DevOps Engineer Expert role. After receiving the badge of Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate, one needs to pass the AZ-400 exam to become an Azure DevOps Engineer Expert.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites for Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions (AZ-400) exam are –

Familiarity with both the Azure development and Azure administration and expertise in at least one of these areas
Ability to design and implement DevOps practices for infrastructure as code, version control, configuration management, compliance, release, build, and testing with the use of Azure technologies.
Proficiency in Agile practices

Domains Covered in the Exam are –

Domain	% Weight
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%

Exam Languages – English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean

Certification Cost – USD 165

Preparing for Azure Exam AZ-400: Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions exam? Check your current level of preparation with the Azure AZ-400 Practice Tests.

6. Azure Security Engineer Associate

Azure Security Engineer is the newest role added in the role-based Azure certification path. To become a Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer, you need to pass only one certification – Exam AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies. On passing the certification exam for AZ-500, you will become a Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer and will receive a badge of Azure Security Engineer. Let’s have a look at the details of the AZ-500 exam.

Microsoft Azure Security Technologies (AZ-500)

Microsoft has recently launched AZ-500: Azure Security Technologies exam for Azure security engineers. You don’t need to pass any other certification to be eligible for the AZ-500 exam but it is recommended to pass AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites for Microsoft Azure Security Technologies (AZ-500) exam are –

Familiarity with the implementation of security controls on the Microsoft Azure platform
In-depth knowledge of virtualization, cloud N-tier architecture, Amazon Kubernetes Service, and networking
Ability to recognize and address vulnerabilities using several security tools; implementing security solutions for the protection of networks, applications, and data
Expertise in scripting and automation, identity and access management, and maintaining security status

Domains Covered in the Exam are –

Domain	% Weight
Manage Identity and Access	20-25%
Implement Platform Protection	35-40%
Manage Security Operations	15-20%
Secure Data and Applications	30-35%

Exam Languages – English, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, and Korean

Certification Cost – USD 165

Preparing for the exam AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies? Check your current level of preparation with the Azure AZ-500 Practice Tests.

7. Azure Data Engineer Associate

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate is one of the latest additions to the Azure certifications path. The certification is ideal for individuals who want to pursue the role of Azure Data Engineers. Azure data engineers specialize in the design and implementation of data management, monitoring, security, and privacy.

Azure data engineers also show comprehensive fluency in the complete stack of Azure data services to address business requirements. Candidates have to clear two Azure certification exams to earn the tag of ‘Azure Data Engineer Associate.’ The two exams have the codes DP-200 and DP-201. Let us reflect further on the details of each certification exam.

DP-200: Implementing an Azure Data Solution

DP-200: Implementing an Azure Data Solution exam is suitable for Microsoft azure data engineers. The DP-200 came into the Azure certifications path on January 31st, 2019. The DP-200 certification exam is one out of the two exams for Azure Data Engineer Associate certification. It serves as a supporting examination for the other examination, i.e., DP-201 in the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate exam.

Prerequisites

DP-200 exam is for the Azure data engineers responsible for implementing data solutions on the Azure cloud platform. The prerequisites for the DP-200 Azure certification exam are as follows.

The ability for implementing data solutions using Azure services.
No previous Azure certification is needed.

Domains covered in the DP-200 exam are –

Domain	Weight
Implementing data storage solutions	40-45%
Managing and developing data processing	25-30%
Monitoring and optimization of data solutions	30-35%

Exam Languages: English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.

Certification Cost: $165 USD.

Preparing for DP-200: Implementing an Azure Data Solution exam? Follow this comprehensive guide for the DP-200 Exam Preparation and get ready to pass the exam.

DP-201: Designing an Azure Data Solution

Microsoft released the DP-201 exam in Azure certifications path on January 31st, 2019, alongside the DP-200 exam. The certification is a part of the Azure Data Engineer Associate job role in the new role-based certification path. Candidates have to clear DP-200 and DP-201 both to obtain the Azure Data Engineer Associate certification.

Prerequisites

The prerequisites for DP-201: Designing an Azure Data Solution exam are as follows.

The ability for designing solutions using Azure services.
No prior certification is needed.

One important highlight in the case of the DP-201 exam is the recommended practice of clearing the DP-200 exam before registering for DP-201.

Domains covered in the DP-201 exam are –

Domain	Weight
Designing Azure data storage solutions	40-45%
Designing Azure data processing solutions	25-30%
Designing for data security and compliance	25-30%

Exam Languages: English, Simplified Chinese, Korean and Japanese.

Certification cost: $165 USD.

Preparing for DP-201: Designing an Azure Data Solution exam? Follow this comprehensive guide for the DP-201 Exam Preparation and get ready to pass the exam.

List of the Recently Expired Role-based Azure Certifications

In 2018, when Microsoft first brought the role-based Azure certifications, there were two certifications for each role. But now, as per the feedback from the candidates, Microsoft has expired few certification exams and launched the new ones. We’ve covered all the latest certifications for each role above, let’s have a look at the expired Azure certifications for the Azure Administrator Associate and Azure Developer Associate role:

Other Newly Launched Microsoft Azure Certifications

There are 7 other newly launched or modified Microsoft Azure certifications that contribute credit towards MCP, MCSA or MCSE. Let’s have a quick look over these new Microsoft Azure certifications.

Exam 70-473: Designing and Implementing Cloud Data Platform Solutions

The exam 70-473 is intended for those who have expertise in designing and implementing Microsoft data platform solutions. The candidates should have some relevant experience with cloud-based platform solutions.

The exam 70-473 includes the exam objectives such as Design and implement database solutions for Microsoft SQL Database and Microsoft Azure SQL Server (20-25%), Design for high availability, scalability, and disaster recovery (25-30%), Designing and Implementing Security (25-30%), and Monitoring and Managing Database Implementations in Azure (25-30%).

Note that the exam 70-473 will be retired on June 30, 2019.

Exam 70-475: Designing and Implementing Big Data Analytics Solutions

The exam 70-475 is intended for the data architects, data scientists, data management professionals, and data developers who are experts in designing big data analytics solutions on Microsoft Azure. The candidates are required to have some significant work experience in big data analytics solutions.

The exam 70-475 includes the exam objectives such as Designing big data real-time processing solutions (30-35%), Designing big data batch processing and interactive solutions (30-35%), Operationalizing end to end cloud analytics solutions (30-35%).

Note that the exam 70-475 will be retired on June 30, 2019.

Exam 70-487: Developing Microsoft Azure and Web Services

The exam 70-487 is intended for the developer who has a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in developing web services along with at least one year of experience in developing Azure solutions and web APIs.

The exam 70-487 includes the exam objectives such as Querying and Manipulating data by using Entity Framework (20-25%), Accessing Data (20-25%), Designing and Implementing Web Services (!5-20%), Creating and Consuming Web API based services (20-25%), and Deploying Web Applications and Services (15-20%)

Exam 70-537: Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack

The exam 70-537 is intended for the infrastructure administrators and service administrators who provide cloud services by using Microsoft Azure Stack. The candidates should have some significant experience in operating and managing Azure Stack environments. The candidate should also have an understanding of hybrid cloud resources, Windows Server 2016, and Microsoft Azure.

The exam 70-537 includes the exam objectives such as Configuring IaaS and PaaS for an Azure Stack Environment (25-30%), Deploying and Integrating an Azure Stack Environment (20-25%), Monitoring and Maintaining an Azure Stack Environment (20-25%), and Providing Services to and Enabling DevOps for Azure Stack Tenants (25-30%).

Exam 70-774: Perform Cloud Data Science with Azure Machine Learning

The exam 70-774 is intended for the data analysts or data scientists who are experts in building and deploying intelligent solutions using Azure cloud services. The candidates should have good knowledge of machine learning, Azure data services, and data science processes.

The exam 70-774 includes the exam objectives such as Developing Machine learning Models, Preparing Data for Analysis in Azure Machine Learning and Export from Azure Machine Learning, Using Other Services for Machine Learning, and Operationalizing and Managing Azure Machine Learning Services.

Exam 70-775: Perform Data Engineering on Microsoft HD Insight

The exam 70-775 is intended for the data architects, data engineers, data developers and data scientists who are responsible for the implementation of big data engineering workflows on HDInsight. The candidates should have some relevant work experience in big data analytics solutions.

The exam 70-775 includes the exam objectives such as Implementing Big Data Batch Processing Solutions, Administrating and Provisioning HDInsight Clusters, Implementing Big Data Real-Time Processing Solutions, and Implementing Big Data Interactive Processing Solutions.

Note that the exam 70-775 will be retired on June 30, 2019.

Exam 70-776: Engineering Data with Microsoft Cloud Services

The exam 70-776 is intended for the candidates who are responsible for designing analytical solutions and building operationalized solutions on Azure. The candidates should have some relevant work experience in handling data engineering issues.

The exam 70-776 includes the exam objectives such as Designing and Implementing Analytics by Using Azure Data Lake (25-30%), Designing and Implementing Cloud-based Integration by using Azure Data Factory (15-20%), Designing and Implementing Complex Event Processing by Using Azure Stream Analytics (15-20%), Designing and Implementing Azure SQL Data Warehouse Solutions (25-30%), Managing and Maintaining Azure SQL Data Warehouse, Azure Data Factory, Azure Data Lake, and Azure Stream Analytics (20-25%).

How to Prepare for New Microsoft Azure Certifications?

To prepare for new Microsoft Azure certifications, Online classes and classroom training are the best way to get prepared. After certification training, you can also take practice tests for this certification on various platforms. Below are the few steps you can choose to prepare well for the new Microsoft Azure Certifications Path.

Go through the exam detail: You can obtain information about the certifications that come under the new Microsoft Azure Certifications Path. This will be helpful for you to check the criteria.
Check Course Content and Prerequisites: Course content is the key aspect to prepare for any Azure certifications. You should also check prerequisites before opting the new Microsoft Azure Certification Path.
Check Exam Overview: Exam overview contains exam information, objectives, and domains. Before opting Microsoft Azure certification training, check exam overview.
Take help of Exam Guide: To know more deeply about Microsoft Certification roadmap, also take help of exam guide. It will help you to understand the various components of Microsoft Azure Certification Path.
Study Certifications Whitepapers: Whitepapers are the key points to prepare for the Microsoft Azure Certifications Path. You should study certification Whitepapers to clear your view about the exam objectives in the Microsoft Azure Certification Path.
Read recommendation books: To know more about Microsoft Azure Certifications, you must read the recommended books. It will be great to follow instructions given in books to follow Microsoft Azure Certifications Path.
Take sample questions and practice tests: After preparing for new Azure certifications path, you can also check sample questions and take practice tests.

Final Words

Still confused! If you are willing to have a career in Microsoft Azure Certifications, then you must know the future scope of them. As the certifications involve cloud capabilities so it is highly recommended to choose these certifications in your azure career path and pursue these certifications. These certifications comprise security, networking, reliability, storage, Integration and administration aspects.

If you were confused about ‘which azure certification should I do first’ this article would have helped you. You can also write your queries in the comment section. We will be happy to assist you to understand the latest Azure certification path along with azure career path. If you are preparing for these new role-based Azure certifications, Whizlabs Azure Certifications training courses will help you prepare and pass the new Azure certifications.

Join us now to become a Microsoft Certified Azure professional.

Want to know more about these new Microsoft Azure certifications? Just submit your questions in the comment section below or start a discussion at Whizlabs Forum to get answers by the experts.

About the Author
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About Neeru Jain

Technology Scientist by Mind and Passionate Writer by Heart!! With an enthusiasm for technological research and learning, Neeru turned out to be a technology expert. Her Belief: “Words are powerful enough to change Mind, Life, and the World; only the writer should have a real passion for Writing!!”

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10 COMMENTS

Onkar Umarani March 24, 2019 at 12:54 pm

Good One

Ahmad Hassan March 30, 2019 at 8:15 pm

Greetings
I have gone through this page and unfortunately i am confused i want to choose devops as my career path. Can you please guide me what certifications are associated with it. as my goal is to start with devops and reach to Devops solution architect.

I shall be waiting for your response in this regards.

Richard Medel May 5, 2019 at 5:06 pm

HI

I current have a Dual MCSE in Productivity and Cloud Infrastruture 2016. I want like to pursue an Azure Administrator and update my current MCSE. Is there a path to Microsoft Azure MCSE that utilizes some of my previous exams taken? I am current 2016 MCT.
Thank you

Robby May 7, 2019 at 3:35 pm

Hello Neeru,

I am glad someone has provided such a detailed information about the MS Azure path. Can you please provide an updated article since most of the exams have been expired?

Ashish May 8, 2019 at 12:17 pm

I am having 10+ years of .net developer experience and wanted to start career with Azure. Now I don’t want to deal with programming, and wanted to work with non-programming field.
Which certification will you suggest me?

- Neeru Jain May 9, 2019 at 8:09 am
  
  Ashish, it’s not good to leave your programming field. You can choose to be Azure developer if you want to extend your career with Azure. But if you really don’t want to continue with programming, you can choose to be Azure Admin or Azure Architect as programming knowledge will help you get ahead in these roles.
  
Rajee Kannan May 21, 2019 at 7:35 pm

Neeru,
Thank you for a concise collation of information, well done and answered the questions I had.
However, I have a question please. I’m a delivery leader who needs to manage cloud developers and architects. I wanted to completely understand the 360 degrees of Azure so that I can effectively manage Azure projects/teams. I’m thinking of getting certified for AZ-300 and AZ-301. I have not done hands-on development or Infrastructure work for past 10 years, but I’m confident I can learn for these exams. What would your suggestion be ? Will it be difficult to pass 300 series without passing 100 and 200 series ?

Dinesh May 27, 2019 at 12:45 pm

New AZ-103 : Azure Administrator Associate Exam , what is the certification validity period ?
do we need to renew the certification once in 2 yrs ? pls confirm

Akshay July 3, 2019 at 6:03 pm

How hard is it for a Linux person to learn Azure? Does one need to have knowledge on power shell and other windows concepts such as AD etc?

Akin October 12, 2019 at 9:59 pm

hi, i want to pursue a career in Azure cloud. i have about 6yrs experience as IT/USER SUPPORT, SERVER/NETWORK ADMIN. without a degree in computer science what are my chances in the USA. my experience is in another country

New Microsoft Azure Certifications Path in 2019 [Updated]