Are you an IT professional looking to take your career to the next level? Do you want to stay ahead of the game in the ever-changing world of cloud technology? Look no further than the AZ800 and AZ801 certifications from Microsoft Azure. These certifications can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to become an expert in Azure technologies, increase your job opportunities and earning potential, and give you a sense of personal accomplishment and satisfaction. The AZ800 and AZ801 certifications are highly sought after in the IT industry, and obtaining them can open up many new opportunities for you.
In this article, we will explore the certification requirements and how to prepare for the exams. We’ll also take a look at the benefits of obtaining the certifications, including potential salary increases and job opportunities.
Certification Requirements
The AZ800 and AZ801 certifications are designed to demonstrate proficiency in Azure-related technologies. To obtain the AZ800 and AZ801 certifications, you need to meet certain requirements and pass the respective exams. Here are the details:
AZ800 Exam:
The AZ800 exam is designed to test your proficiency in Azure Virtual Machines and their deployment. To be eligible to take this exam, you should have a solid understanding of virtualization concepts, networking, storage solutions, and the Azure portal. You should also have experience with Azure PowerShell and the Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI).
AZ801 Exam:
The AZ801 exam focuses on Azure Infrastructure and Security. To be eligible to take this exam, you should have a solid understanding of Azure services and features related to computing, storage, networking, and security. You should also have experience with Azure Resource Manager templates, Azure PowerShell, and the Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI).
Both exams consist of 40-60 multiple-choice questions, and you have 150 minutes to complete them. The passing score for the exams is 700 out of 1000 points, and will cost you $165 each.
It’s important to note that the exam costs can vary based on your location and testing center. However, Microsoft offers discounts for students, educators, and Microsoft Certified Professionals who are seeking additional certifications. Preparing for and taking these exams may require some financial investment, but the benefits of earning an Azure certification can outweigh the costs.
Exam Preparation
To prepare for these exams, there are several resources available to help you study and become familiar with Azure technologies. Two great resources to help you prepare for the AZ800 and AZ801 exams are ”Exam Ref AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals” by Jim Cheshire and ”Exam Ref AZ-204 Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure” by Santiago Fernandez Munoz.
The Exam Ref AZ-900 provides a solid foundation for those new to Azure, covering basic concepts such as cloud computing, Azure services, and security and compliance. The book includes practice exams and study questions to help you assess your knowledge and prepare for the exam.
On the other hand, Exam Ref AZ-204 provides a deeper dive into developing solutions for Azure. It covers topics such as compute solutions, storage solutions, and security and monitoring in more detail, and includes practical examples and exercises to help you build your skills.
Both books are written by experienced Azure developers and Microsoft MVPs, making them trusted resources for those looking to prepare for the certification exams. Whether you are new to Azure or are looking to deepen your understanding of the platform, these books are excellent resources to help you prepare for the AZ800 and AZ801 exams.
In addition to this, Microsoft offers several training courses specifically designed to prepare candidates for the AZ800 and AZ801 exams. These courses cover all the topics you need to know to pass the exams. Microsoft training courses come with comprehensive study materials, including videos, practice exams, and hands-on labs. Attending these training courses will not only equip you with the knowledge to pass the exams but also provide hands-on experience with Azure technologies.
Third-party training providers also offer courses and study materials to help you prepare for the exams. Many of these courses are available online, so you can study from the comfort of your own home. These courses are designed to be flexible and cater to your learning style, so you can choose the course that works best for you.
Benefits of Obtaining the Certifications
Passing the AZ800 and AZ801 exams requires a thorough understanding of the exam topics and a willingness to invest time and effort into studying and practicing with Azure technologies. This means earning these certifications shows that you are dedicated to your career and willing to invest time and effort into your professional development. It demonstrates to potential employers that you have a deep understanding of Azure technologies, and are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field
Having an Azure certification can also increase your job opportunities and earning potential. According to Payscale, IT professionals holding an Azure certification earn an average salary of around $95,000 per year. This salary is significantly higher than what non-certified professionals earn in the same roles.
Moreover, having an Azure certification can help you stand out from other IT professionals. It shows that you have specialized knowledge and expertise in Azure technologies, making you a valuable asset to any organization that uses Azure services.
Earning these certifications can also help you build your professional network. Through training courses, certification exams, and other networking opportunities, you can connect with other professionals who share your interests and passions. This network can be a valuable resource for career growth, job opportunities, and personal development.
Finally, earning these certifications can give you a sense of personal accomplishment and satisfaction. It is a challenging and rigorous process to prepare for and pass these exams, and the feeling of achieving this accomplishment is hard to describe. It can provide you with a sense of confidence and pride in your abilities, and motivate you to continue growing and learning in your field.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining the AZ800 and AZ801 certifications is an excellent investment in your future career in IT. While the exams may be challenging, with the right preparation and study materials, you can pass them and demonstrate your proficiency in Azure technologies. The potential benefits, including increased salary and job opportunities, make these certifications a valuable asset to have in your skillset.
Whether you’re just starting your career in IT or are a seasoned professional, obtaining these certifications can take your career to the next level. With the high demand for Azure professionals, there has never been a better time to obtain these certifications and position yourself for success.
