How TO Prepare : Azure Certification Exam (70-534)

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Are you preparing for becoming a MCSA: Cloud Platform or MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure? Are you ready to pass the 70-534 Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions Exam?

In this guide, we are going to answer common frequently questions around how to prepare and pass the 70-534 Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions Exam. You can subscribe to us for receiving further updates on this topic.

Where to find more information about Microsoft Azure certifications?

You can learn more about each of available Microsoft Azure Certifications related to Cloud Platform and infrastructure in the Microsoft Certification official webpage.

The Cloud Platform competency is designed for those looking to capitalize on the growing demand for infrastructure and software as a service (SaaS) solutions built on Microsoft Azure.

What are certifications offered by Microsoft about Cloud Computing?

At printing time, Microsoft Azure certifications available are:

Level Certification Description
Fundamental MTA: IT InfrastructureMicrosoft Technology Associate 

The fundamentals of IT

Microsoft Technology Associate is a certification intended for aspiring technologists, and people seeking knowledge of fundamental technology concepts. MTA certification addresses a wide spectrum of fundamental technical concepts, assesses and validates your core technical knowledge, and enhances your technical credibility.

 

 This certification is for individuals considering a career in desktop or server infrastructure or private cloud computing. MTA certification addresses a wide spectrum of fundamental technical concepts, assesses and validates your core technical knowledge, and enhances your technical credibility. You must pass any of following exams:

·        Exam 98-365/Course 40365A Windows Server Administration Fundamentals

·        Exam 98-366/Course 40366A Networking Fundamentals

·        Exam 98-367/Course 40367A Security Fundamentals

·        Exam 98-368/Course 40368A Mobility and Device Fundamentals

·        Exam 98-369/Course 40369A Cloud Fundamentals

 
Entry-level MCSA: Cloud Platform Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate Core skills for IT professionals and developers

 

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate is intended for people who seek entry-level jobs in an information technology environment. MCSA is a prerequisite for more advanced Microsoft certifications.

 

 

 This certification demonstrates your expertise in Microsoft cloud-related technologies to reduce IT costs and deliver more value for the modern business. Earning an MCSA: Cloud Platform provides the foundation for a position as a cloud administrator or architect and is the first step on your path to becoming a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).

You must pass at least one of following cloud related exams:

 

·        Exam 70-532/Course 20532C Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions

·        Exam 70-533/Course 20533C Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions

·        Exam 70-534/Course 40442A Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions

·        Exam 70-473/Course 40441A Designing and Implementing Cloud Data Platform Solutions

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

 
Professional-level MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert The globally recognized standard for IT Professionals

 

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert is a certification intended for IT professionals seeking to demonstrate their ability to build innovative solutions across multiple technologies, both on-premises and in the cloud.

 

 This certification validates that you have the skills needed to run a highly efficient and modern data center, with expertise in cloud technologies, identity management, systems management, virtualization, storage, and networking. Earning an MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification qualifies you for such jobs as cloud administrator, cloud architect, computer support specialist, and information security analyst.

 

You must obtain first the MCSA: Cloud Platform certification and must pass at least one of following cloud related exams:

 

·        Exam 70-532/Course 20532C Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions

·        Exam 70-533/Course 20533C Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions

·        Exam 70-534/Course 40442A Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions

·        Exam 70-473/Course 40441A Designing and Implementing Cloud Data Platform Solutions

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

·        Exam 70-744/Course 20744A Securing Windows Server 2016

·        Exam 70-246/Course 20246D Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud

·        Exam 70-247/Course 20247D Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud

 

There are many Azure training courses that you can find available as were shown in the previous table. Whizlabs offers a complete azure certification training path to become successful with each Azure certification exam.

Who should take this exam?

Eligible candidates for this exam are:

  • Who is interested in validating their Microsoft Azure solution design skills
  • Candidates should know the features and capabilities of Azure services to be able to identify tradeoffs and make decisions for designing public and hybrid cloud solutions
  • Candidates who take this exam are expected to be able to define the appropriate infrastructure and platform solutions to meet the required functional, operational, and deployment requirements through the solution lifecycle

It is recommended take the Exam 70-532: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions and Exam 70-533: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions, those are useful for candidates who want to validate their implementation experience across cloud projects, but they are not prerequisites for this exam.

Be sure to have hands on experience!

What are skills measured during this exam?

This azure certification exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks listed below. The percentages indicate the relative weight of each major topic area on the exam. The higher the percentage, the more questions you are likely to see on that content area on the exam.

Since the last exam update, Microsoft Azure has had significant technology changes, and they are updating the exam objectives to include them:

Section Knowledge measured
Design Azure Resource Manager (ARM) networking (5–10%)  Design Azure virtual networks·        Extend on-premises; leverage Azure networking services: implement load balancing using Azure Load Balancer and Azure Traffic Manager; define DNS, DHCP, and IP addressing configuration; define static IP reservations; apply Network Security Groups (NSGs) and User Defined Routes (UDRs); deploy Azure Application GatewayDescribe Azure VPN and ExpressRoute architecture and design

·        Describe Azure point-to-site (P2S) and site-to-site (S2S) VPN, leverage Azure VPN and ExpressRoute in network architecture
Secure resources (20–25%) Secure resources by using managed identities·        Describe the differences between Active Directory on-premises and Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), programmatically access Azure AD using Graph API, secure access to resources from Azure AD applications using OAuth and OpenID ConnectSecure resources by using hybrid identities

·        Use SAML claims to authenticate to on-premises resources, describe AD Connect synchronization, implement federated identities using Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS)

Secure resources by using identity providers

·        Provide access to resources using identity providers, such as Microsoft account, Facebook, Google, and Yahoo!; manage identity and access by using Azure AD B2C; implement Azure AD B2B

Identify an appropriate data security solution

·        Identify security requirements for data in transit and data at rest; identify security requirements using Azure services, including Azure Storage Encryption, Azure Disk Encryption, and Azure SQL Database TDE

Design a role-based access control (RBAC) strategy

·        Secure resource scopes, such as the ability to create VMs and Azure Web Apps; implement Azure RBAC standard roles; design Azure RBAC custom roles

Manage security risks by using an appropriate security solution

·        Identify, assess, and mitigate security risks by using Azure Security Center, Operations Management Suite, and other services
Design an application storage and data access strategy (5–10%)  Design data storage·        Design storage options for data, including Table Storage, SQL Database, DocumentDB, Blob Storage, MongoDB, and MySQL; design security options for SQL Database or Azure StorageSelect the appropriate storage option

·        Select the appropriate storage for performance, identify storage options for cloud services and hybrid scenarios with computing on-premises and storage on Azure
Design advanced applications (20–25%)  Create compute-intensive applications·        Design high-performance computing (HPC) and other compute-intensive applications using Azure ServicesCreate long-running applications

·        Implement Azure Batch for scalable processing, design stateless components to accommodate scale, use Azure Scheduler

Integrate Azure services in a solution

·        Design Azure architecture using Azure services, such as Azure AD, Azure App Service, API Management, Azure Cache, Azure Search, Service Bus, Event Hubs, Stream Analytics, and IoT Hub; identify the appropriate use of Azure Machine Learning, big data, Azure Media Services, and Azure Search services

Implement messaging applications

·        Use a queue-centric pattern for development; select appropriate technology, such as Azure Storage Queues, Azure Service Bus queues, topics, subscriptions, and Azure Event Hubs

Implement applications for background processing

·        Implement Azure Batch for compute-intensive tasks, use Azure WebJobs to implement background tasks, use Azure Functions to implement event-driven actions, leverage Azure Scheduler to run processes at present/recurring time slots

Design connectivity for hybrid applications

·        Connect to on-premises data from Azure applications using Service Bus Relay, Hybrid Connections, or the Azure Web App virtual private network (VPN) capability; identify constraints for connectivity with VPN; identify options for joining VMs to domains or cloud services
Design Azure Web and Mobile Apps (5–10%)  Design Web Applications·        Design Azure App Service Web Apps, design custom web API, offload long-running applications using WebJobs, secure Web API using Azure AD, design Web Apps for scalability and performance, deploy Azure Web Apps to multiple regions for high availability, deploy Web Apps, create App Service plans, design Web Apps for business continuity, configure data replication patterns, update Azure Web Apps with minimal downtime, backup and restore data, design for disaster recoveryDesign Mobile Applications

·        Design Azure Mobile Services; consume Mobile Apps from cross-platform clients; integrate offline sync capabilities into an application; extend Mobile Apps using custom code; implement Mobile Apps using Microsoft .NET or Node.js; secure Mobile Apps using Azure AD; implement push notification services in Mobile Apps; send push notifications to all subscribers, specific subscribers, or a segment of subscribers
Design a management, monitoring, and business continuity strategy (20–25%)  Design a monitoring strategy·        Identify the Microsoft products and services for monitoring Azure solutions; leverage the capabilities of Azure Operations Management Suite and Azure Application Insights for monitoring Azure solutions; leverage built-in Azure capabilities; identify third-party monitoring tools, including open source; describe Azure architecture constructs, such as availability sets and update domains, and how they impact a patching strategy; analyze logs by using the Azure Operations Management SuiteDescribe Azure business continuity/disaster recovery (BC/DR) capabilities

·        Leverage the architectural capabilities of BC/DR, describe Hyper-V Replica and Azure Site Recovery (ASR), describe use cases for Hyper-V Replica and ASR

Design a disaster recovery strategy

·        Design and deploy Azure Backup and other Microsoft backup solutions for Azure, leverage use cases when StorSimple and System Center Data Protection Manager would be appropriate, design and deploy Azure Site Recovery

Design Azure Automation and PowerShell workflows

·        Create a PowerShell script specific to Azure, automate tasks by using the Azure Operations Management Suite

Describe the use cases for Azure Automation configuration

·        Evaluate when to use Azure Automation, Chef, Puppet, PowerShell, or Desired State Configuration (DSC)
Architect an Azure Compute infrastructure (10–15%)  Design ARM Virtual Machines (VMs)·        Design VM deployments leveraging availability sets, fault domains, and update domains in Azure; select appropriate VM SKUsDesign ARM template deployment

·        Author ARM templates; deploy ARM templates via the portal, PowerShell, and CL

Design for availability

·        Implement regional availability and high availability for Azure deployments

 You can download the related Azure exam preparation guide in https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/exam-70-534.aspx for more detail about it. We recommend that you review this exam preparation guide in its entirety and familiarize yourself with the resources on this website before you schedule your exam.

How to register for the exam?

 You could register now for any Microsoft Azure certification exam at Pearson Vue.

To register for an exam, please visit www.microsoft.com/learning  to create a profile and register for an exam. Candidates need to create their Microsoft Profile prior to testing. You do not need a voucher to register for a Microsoft exam.

Could I take an Online Proctored Exam?

Online proctored (OP) exam delivery allows you to take an exam in the comfort of your home or office while being monitored by a proctor via webcam and microphone. Take a system test now to see if your computer and location are compatible with the online proctoring software and then schedule your exam. This exam may be available in your country for online proctored delivery.

For more information, you can obtain exam details at: Microsoft Online proctored exam webpage.

What is the exam cost?

The examination registration fee is USD 165, if you’re at United States.

This reference price does not reflect any promotional offers or reduced pricing for Microsoft Imagine Academy program members, Microsoft Certified Trainers, and Microsoft Partner Network program members. Pricing is subject to change without notice and could to be different per each country. It does not include applicable taxes. Please confirm exact pricing with the exam provider before registering to take an exam.

Once I register for the azure exam how long the validity period for the voucher?

The voucher has a validation period of one year from the date that you register the exam.

What languages are supported?

All exams are available in English. Almost azure exams are available in English, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), French, German, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil) and Russian. Please review the information related into each azure certification examination webpage.

What is the exam overview?

The exam has the following exam information:

Test item formats used in this examination are:

  • Multiple-choice: Examinee selects one option that best answers the question or completes a statement. The option can be embedded in a graphic where the examinee “points and clicks” on their selection choice to complete the test item.
  • Multiple-response: Examinee selects more than one option that best answers the question or completes a statement.
  • Sample Directions: Examinee reads the statement or question and, from the response options, selects only the options that represent the most correct or best answers given the information.

For more information about exam questions please review the Microsoft examination policies. Microsoft exams might include adaptive testing technology and simulation items. Microsoft does not identify the format in which exams are presented. To help you prepare for this exam, Microsoft recommends that you have hands-on experience with the product and that you use the specified training resources

If I fail in the exam, can re-take the exam without additional fees?

If you fail to pass a Microsoft Azure certification exam, you may retake the exam subject to the following conditions:

  1. You must wait 14 days from the day you fail to take the exam again.
  2. You can take an exam up to three times in one year from the date of your first attempt.
  3. Candidates must pay the exam price each time they attempt the exam.

Cancelling or rescheduling your exam within 5 business days of your registered exam time is subject to a fee. Failing to show up for your exam appointment or not rescheduling or cancelling your appointment at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment forfeits your entire exam fee.

Around the world, partners and customers look to Microsoft to deliver the highest quality exams and certifications. The Microsoft Certification exam policies have been developed to support the goals of the certification program. To learn more, visit the policy webpage: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/certification-exam-policies.aspx?challenge=true

What are the free resources available for preparing solutions architect exam?

You can find more information at “How to prepare Microsoft Azure Certifications” in the Certification site. You can prepare for your azure exam with free on-demand videos delivered by experts at Microsoft Virtual Academy.

Also, Whizlabs offers a free test about Microsoft Azure Exam 70-534: Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions Practice Test – Free Test, see it at:

What is the current demand for Azure certification in the market?

According to the article “15 Top-Paying Certifications for 2017” by John Hales, Global Knowledge instructor:

“The certification Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) – Server Infrastructure will retire on March 31, 2017 and be replaced by the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification which is one of the five new expert-level areas of competence. In fall of 2016, Microsoft streamlined its MCSE offerings and migrated all current MCSE certification holders to one of four new specialties. The first one of which made it on the list this year, Cloud Platform and Infrastructure. This expert-level certification validates skills needed to run a highly efficient and modern data center, with expertise in cloud technologies, identity management, systems management, virtualization, storage, and networking.  All Windows Server and Azure exams can be found in this portfolio. “

Based into this report, the average salary for an MCSE certification related is about $100,000.

You’re increasing the opportunity to getting your dream job. There a huge market demand around Virtualization and Cloud computing, the market need for skilled and certified Azure architects. As you see, the reputation and salary related are very attractive.

If you’re looking to improve your skills and possibly your salary as well, these are some certifications you could pursue. Consider your current skill set and whether a related skill or a management skill may help power your career to the next level. For example, if you already know networking or development, consider pursuing a certification in virtualization or cloud computing like MCSA: Cloud Platform or MCSE: Cloud Platform and infrastructure, this will give you more opportunities in the market.

Nowadays, there are a growing demand for cloud platform and infrastructure solutions built on Microsoft Azure, that means a lot of job opportunities as a solution architect, developer and system operators around those Microsoft technologies.

About Pavan Gumaste

Pavan Rao is a programmer / Developer by Profession and Cloud Computing Professional by choice with in-depth knowledge in AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform. He helps the organisation figure out what to build, ensure successful delivery, and incorporate user learning to improve the strategy and product further.

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