Microsoft Azure AZ-900 Certification Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Microsoft Azure AZ-900 Certification
• What is the AZ-900 Certification?
• Importance of the AZ-900 Certification
• Benefits of the AZ-900 Certification
2. Who Should Do This Certification?
• Target Audience
• Career Pathways
• Professional Growth
3. Requirements for the AZ-900 Certification
• Prerequisite Knowledge
• Recommended Skills
• Experience Level
4. Microsoft Azure AZ-900 Syllabus
• Overview of Exam Topics
• Detailed Syllabus Breakdown
• Topics You Will Cover
5. How to Prepare for the AZ-900 Certification Exam
• Study Plan and Resources
• Recommended Study Materials
• Hands-on Practice with Azure
6. What Jobs Can You Get with the AZ-900 Certification?
• Entry-Level Jobs
• Mid-Level Jobs
• Other Career Opportunities
7. What is the Expected Salary for AZ-900 Certified Professionals?
• Salary Ranges by Region
• Impact of Certification on Salary
• Career Growth with AZ-900
8. Technologies Covered in the AZ-900 Certification
• Core Azure Services
• Cloud Computing Models
• Azure Solutions and Services
9. Scope of the AZ-900 Certification
• Global Recognition
• Long-Term Career Impact
• Relevance in Today’s Job Market
10. What Kind of Exam is the AZ-900?
• Exam Format
• Question Types
• Scoring and Passing Criteria
11. Is the AZ-900 Exam Difficult?
• Difficulty Level
• Common Challenges
• Tips for Overcoming Challenges
12. Detailed Analysis of Technologies and Topics in the AZ-900
• Cloud Concepts
• Core Azure Services
• Pricing and Cost Management
• Security and Compliance in Azure
13. Conclusion
• Summary of Key Takeaways
• Final Tips for Success

1. Introduction to Microsoft Azure AZ-900 Certification

What is the AZ-900 Certification?

The AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification is a foundational-level exam intended for individuals looking to understand cloud computing concepts and Microsoft Azure's core services. This certification covers essential topics in cloud technology, which are crucial for anyone starting their career in cloud computing, IT, or Azure.

The exam is designed for professionals who want to prove their understanding of Azure services and demonstrate knowledge of fundamental cloud concepts, which are crucial in today’s rapidly evolving tech industry.

Importance of the AZ-900 Certification

As cloud computing becomes increasingly vital in the business and IT world, understanding cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure is critical. The AZ-900 certification helps you get acquainted with Azure's cloud infrastructure and how it can be used for businesses. It is an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to build a career in Azure or cloud-related fields.

Benefits of the AZ-900 Certification

• Entry-Level Expertise: The AZ-900 certification is ideal for beginners who are new to cloud technologies. It provides a comprehensive introduction to Microsoft Azure and cloud computing.
• Career Advancement: The certification is recognized globally, opening up various career opportunities in IT, cloud administration, and solution architecture.
• Business and IT Value: For organizations, AZ-900 certified professionals can provide valuable knowledge and practical insights on leveraging Azure for business solutions.

2. Who Should Do This Certification?

Target Audience

The AZ-900 certification is designed for beginners who wish to learn the basics of cloud computing and Microsoft Azure. It is intended for:

• IT professionals who want to explore cloud technologies.
• Business analysts looking to understand the business value of cloud services.
• Developers who want to learn how cloud technologies influence development processes.
• Students and newcomers to the cloud domain who are interested in pursuing a career in cloud computing.

Career Pathways

After completing the AZ-900 certification, you can explore career paths in cloud computing, including:

• Cloud Administrator: Manage cloud infrastructure and services.
• Cloud Solutions Architect: Design and implement cloud systems.
• Azure Developer: Build cloud applications on the Azure platform.
• Cloud Security Engineer: Protect and secure cloud systems.
• Cloud Consultant: Provide consulting services to businesses looking to migrate to the cloud.

Professional Growth

This certification can also act as a stepping stone for more advanced certifications like AZ-104 (Azure Administrator), AZ-204 (Azure Developer), or AZ-303/304 (Azure Solutions Architect), which will further deepen your expertise and expand your career opportunities.

3. Requirements for the AZ-900 Certification

Prerequisite Knowledge

No prior experience with Microsoft Azure is required for the AZ-900 exam. However, a general understanding of:

• Basic networking concepts (IP addressing, DNS, HTTP, etc.)
• Basic computing knowledge (virtual machines, storage, databases)
• Internet technologies (web applications, client-server models)

These foundational skills will help you grasp Azure concepts more quickly.

Recommended Skills

• Basic knowledge of IT infrastructure: Understand the basics of servers, networking, storage, and databases.
• Cloud computing concepts: Familiarize yourself with IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS models.
• Understanding of Microsoft’s cloud offerings: Familiarity with Azure products, including services like Virtual Machines, Storage, and Databases.

Experience Level

The AZ-900 is meant for beginners, so prior experience in cloud technologies is not mandatory. If you are already familiar with IT infrastructure and networking, you’ll have an easier time understanding Azure concepts.

4. Microsoft Azure AZ-900 Syllabus

Overview of Exam Topics

The AZ-900 exam covers four primary areas:

1. Cloud Concepts: Understanding the general principles of cloud computing.
2. Core Azure Services: Overview of the core services available in Microsoft Azure.
3. Azure Pricing, SLA, and Lifecycle: Learn about pricing models, support plans, and service lifecycle.
4. Governance, Security, and Compliance: Gain knowledge about governance frameworks, security tools, and compliance requirements in Azure.

Detailed Syllabus Breakdown

1. Cloud Concepts (15-20%)
• Basic cloud concepts: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS
• Benefits of cloud computing: scalability, flexibility, security
• Cloud deployment models: Public, Private, Hybrid
2. Core Azure Services (30-35%)
• Azure compute services: Virtual Machines, App Services
• Azure networking: Virtual Network, Load Balancer
• Azure storage: Blob Storage, Disk Storage
• Azure databases: Azure SQL Database, Cosmos DB
3. Azure Pricing and Support (20-25%)
• Understanding the pricing calculator and total cost of ownership (TCO)
• Azure cost management tools: cost analysis, budgeting, and billing
• Azure service level agreements (SLAs) and their role in business planning
4. Azure Governance, Security, and Compliance (25-30%)
• Overview of governance tools: Azure Policy, Azure Blueprints
• Security tools: Azure Security Center, Key Vault, Identity and Access Management (IAM)
• Compliance: GDPR, ISO certifications, and regulatory requirements

5. How to Prepare for the AZ-900 Certification Exam

Study Plan and Resources

Creating a structured study plan is essential. Divide your study time between theoretical learning, hands-on practice, and mock exams. Follow these steps:

1. Start with foundational knowledge: Learn about cloud computing and the Azure platform.
2. Use online resources: Utilize Microsoft Learn, which offers free, in-depth modules specifically designed for the AZ-900 exam.
3. Hands-on practice: Sign up for an Azure free account to get practical experience with core services.
4. Practice exams: Take practice exams to gauge your understanding and improve exam readiness.

Recommended Study Materials

• Microsoft Learn: Free learning platform with a series of modules designed for the AZ-900.
• Books: “Exam Ref AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals” by Jim Cheshire is an excellent resource.
• Online courses: Platforms like Udemy, Pluralsight, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses dedicated to the AZ-900 exam.
• Practice tests: Websites like Whizlabs and MeasureUp offer practice exams to help familiarize you with the question formats.

Hands-on Practice with Azure

Practical experience is a crucial part of your preparation. The Azure free tier allows you to explore and interact with services such as Virtual Machines, Databases, Networking, and Storage without any upfront costs.

6. What Jobs Can You Get with the AZ-900 Certification?

Entry-Level Jobs

For those just starting their careers, AZ-900 certification can open up various job opportunities, including:

• Azure Support Specialist: Provide technical support for Azure-based services and infrastructure.
• Cloud Analyst: Analyze cloud needs for businesses and suggest appropriate services.
• Cloud Technical Support Engineer: Assist clients with troubleshooting cloud-based issues.

Mid-Level Jobs

As you gain experience, the AZ-900 certification can serve as a stepping stone to mid-level roles, such as:

• Azure Administrator: Manage Azure environments, configure services, and optimize performance.
• Cloud Architect: Design, deploy, and manage Azure-based cloud solutions.
• Cloud Developer: Develop applications that utilize Azure’s PaaS and SaaS solutions.

Other Career Opportunities

• Security Engineer: Specialize in securing Azure environments and managing identity and access.
• DevOps Engineer: Implement continuous integration and delivery pipelines using Azure DevOps.

7. What is the Expected Salary for AZ-900 Certified Professionals?

Salary Ranges by Region

Salary expectations vary based on geographical location, industry, and level of experience. In the U.S., an entry-level Azure-certified professional can expect to earn anywhere between $60,000 and $80,000 per year. As experience grows, salaries can rise to $100,000 or more annually.

Impact of Certification on Salary

The AZ-900 certification is an excellent first step into cloud computing and can significantly increase your salary potential, especially as cloud technologies continue to be in high demand.

Career Growth with AZ-900

Professionals with AZ-900 certification tend to experience faster career growth, with many transitioning into more specialized roles and earning more as they gain experience and pursue additional certifications.

8. Technologies Covered in the AZ-900 Certification

Core Azure Services

The AZ-900 exam covers a wide variety of core Azure services. Understanding these will provide a foundational knowledge of Azure:

• Compute: Virtual Machines, Azure Kubernetes Service
• Networking: Azure Virtual Network, Load Balancer, VPN Gateway
• Storage: Azure Blob Storage, Azure Disk Storage
• Databases: Azure SQL Database, Cosmos DB

Cloud Computing Models

The exam also covers cloud computing models, such as:

• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Provides virtualized computing resources over the internet.
• PaaS (Platform as a Service): Delivers hardware and software tools over the internet, eliminating the need for local server management.
• SaaS (Software as a Service): Offers software applications hosted on the cloud.

Azure Solutions and Services

The certification will teach you about various solutions provided by Azure to help businesses, such as Azure Security, Machine Learning, and AI services.

9. Scope of the AZ-900 Certification

Global Recognition

The AZ-900 is a globally recognized certification, with many companies across the world adopting Azure. This certification demonstrates a baseline level of competence in cloud computing, especially within Microsoft’s ecosystem.

Long-Term Career Impact

As cloud computing grows, having an AZ-900 certification places you in a prime position to evolve with the industry's demands, transitioning to more advanced Azure certifications and roles.

Relevance in Today’s Job Market

In today's job market, organizations are shifting to the cloud, and Azure is one of the leading platforms. Being Azure-certified provides you with a competitive edge in the job market.

10. What Kind of Exam is the AZ-900?

Exam Format

The AZ-900 exam consists of 40-60 questions, which may include multiple-choice, true/false, and drag-and-drop questions.

Question Types

• Multiple Choice: Select the best option from several choices.
• True/False: Answer whether the statement is correct or incorrect.
• Drag-and-Drop: Match items from one set to another.

Scoring and Passing Criteria

The passing score for the AZ-900 exam is typically 700 out of 1000. After completing the exam, you will receive an immediate score report.

11. Is the AZ-900 Exam Difficult?

Difficulty Level

While the AZ-900 exam is considered an entry-level certification, it can still be challenging for those unfamiliar with cloud concepts or Azure services. The exam tests both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of Azure.

Common Challenges

Some of the most difficult sections for beginners are Azure pricing models and security compliance tools. Having a strong grasp of these concepts is essential for exam success.

Tips for Overcoming Challenges

• Practice with hands-on labs: Use the Azure portal to get real-world experience with the services.
• Use practice exams: Familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types.

12. Detailed Analysis of Technologies and Topics in the AZ-900

Cloud Concepts

• Definition and Benefits of Cloud Computing: Learn how cloud computing models differ from traditional IT models.
• Cloud Deployment Models: Explore public, private, and hybrid cloud models and their use cases.

Core Azure Services

• Compute: Azure Virtual Machines, App Services.
• Networking: Virtual Networks, Load Balancers.
• Storage: Blob Storage, Azure Disk Storage.

Pricing and Cost Management

• Azure Pricing Calculator: Learn how to estimate the cost of running services in Azure.
• Cost Management Tools: Use tools like Azure Cost Management to track and control spending.

Security and Compliance in Azure

• Azure Security Center: Manage security configurations and monitor the health of your environment.
• Compliance Certifications: Understand the various compliance standards met by Azure.

The Microsoft Azure AZ-900 certification exam is designed to validate a candidate’s understanding of fundamental cloud concepts and Microsoft Azure services. The exam focuses on core Azure services, pricing, security, and compliance, providing a comprehensive overview of the Azure platform. Below, I'll define the key topics and technologies in the AZ-900 exam, along with their practical usage.

Technologies in Microsoft Azure az-900 Exam

1. Cloud Concepts

Definition:

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services like servers, storage, databases, networking, software, over the internet (the cloud), which can be accessed on-demand.

Practical Usage:

• Scalability: Cloud computing provides flexibility, allowing businesses to scale their computing needs based on demand.

• Cost Efficiency: Cloud solutions provide a pay-as-you-go model, allowing businesses to pay for only what they use.

• Global Reach: Cloud services can be accessed from anywhere, improving collaboration and remote work.

Core Concepts:

• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. Example: Azure Virtual Machines (VMs).

• PaaS (Platform as a Service): Delivers hardware and software tools over the internet, removing the need for local server management. Example: Azure App Services.

• SaaS (Software as a Service): Software is provided as a service via the cloud, without the need for local installation. Example: Microsoft Office 365.

2. Core Azure Services

Definition:

Core Azure services are the building blocks of the Azure cloud platform. These services provide essential infrastructure, application hosting, and data management.

Practical Usage:

• Compute: Hosting virtual machines, web applications, and containers.

• Storage: Secure and scalable data storage for backups, data lakes, or media files.

• Networking: Services for connecting on-premises infrastructure to the cloud and ensuring secure communication.

Key Azure Services:

1. Azure Virtual Machines (VMs): Used to run workloads and applications in a virtualized environment.

   • Practical Usage: Host web applications, databases, or use VMs for development and testing environments.

2. Azure App Services: A fully managed platform for building, deploying, and scaling web applications and APIs.

   • Practical Usage: Host web applications without worrying about infrastructure management.

3. Azure Blob Storage: Object storage for large amounts of unstructured data.

   • Practical Usage: Store images, videos, backups, logs, and other unstructured data.

4. Azure SQL Database: A managed relational database as a service (DBaaS) built on SQL Server.

   • Practical Usage: Host relational databases for applications requiring structured data storage.

5. Azure Virtual Network (VNet): Allows you to create private networks within Azure.

   • Practical Usage: Connect on-premises data centers securely to Azure, or set up isolated environments within Azure.

6. Azure Load Balancer: Distributes incoming traffic across multiple Azure VMs to ensure high availability and reliability.

   • Practical Usage: Ensure your application is highly available by balancing traffic between multiple resources.

3. Azure Pricing, SLA, and Lifecycle

Definition:

This topic covers how Azure pricing works, the different billing models, and how Microsoft ensures the uptime and reliability of its services through Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

Practical Usage:

• Cost Management: Helps businesses understand how much they will pay for Azure services and how to optimize their usage.

• Availability and Uptime: SLAs help businesses assess the reliability and downtime of services, ensuring business continuity.

Core Concepts:

1. Azure Pricing Calculator: A tool that helps estimate the cost of Azure services based on usage.

   • Practical Usage: Estimate how much hosting services will cost before making any decisions.

2. Azure SLA (Service Level Agreement): Microsoft guarantees specific uptime and availability percentages for its services.

   • Practical Usage: Businesses can rely on Azure's SLA to ensure their services meet business continuity needs.

3. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): The cost of using Azure’s services, including setup and operational expenses.

   • Practical Usage: Helps organizations evaluate the overall cost of adopting Azure versus maintaining on-premises infrastructure.

4. Governance, Security, and Compliance

Definition:

Governance, security, and compliance are essential components in managing Azure environments. These ensure your Azure environment is secure, compliant with regulations, and governed according to best practices.

Practical Usage:

• Data Protection: Using Azure’s security features to protect sensitive data.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that the Azure environment adheres to global regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2.

• Access Control: Managing who has access to your Azure resources to maintain security.

Core Concepts:

1. Azure Security Center: A unified security management system that provides threat protection across all Azure services.

   • Practical Usage: Detect and respond to threats in your Azure environment.

2. Azure Active Directory (Azure AD): A cloud-based identity and access management service.

   • Practical Usage: Control user authentication, enforce security policies, and manage permissions for Azure resources.

3. Azure Key Vault: A service to safeguard and control access to sensitive information, such as API keys, passwords, certificates, and cryptographic keys.

   • Practical Usage: Store and manage secrets like database credentials securely.

4. Azure Policy: Helps you enforce compliance by creating, assigning, and managing policies to control Azure resources.

   • Practical Usage: Ensure that all resources meet specific security and governance rules.

5. Compliance Offerings: Azure meets a wide variety of compliance standards (e.g., ISO, GDPR, HIPAA).

   • Practical Usage: Ensure that your cloud environment meets the regulatory standards required by your industry.

5. Cloud Solutions and Services

Definition:

Azure provides several services to design, deploy, and manage cloud solutions that address the unique needs of businesses.

Practical Usage:

• Cloud Migration: Move on-premises applications and workloads to Azure using migration services.

• Application Development: Use PaaS to build scalable, secure applications hosted on Azure.

• AI and Machine Learning: Integrate AI services into business applications for automation and advanced analytics.

Core Services:

1. Azure Machine Learning: A service for building and training machine learning models.

   • Practical Usage: Use for predictive analytics, customer insights, and automating tasks.

2. Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS): A managed Kubernetes container orchestration service for automating deployment, scaling, and managing containerized applications.

   • Practical Usage: Deploy and manage applications in containers using Kubernetes.

3. Azure Functions: A serverless compute service that allows you to run event-triggered code without provisioning or managing servers.

   • Practical Usage: Automate backend processes or respond to real-time events like HTTP requests, database changes, or file uploads.

4. Azure Cognitive Services: A suite of AI services and APIs to build intelligent applications.

   • Practical Usage: Implement image recognition, natural language processing, and speech-to-text capabilities in applications.

6. Azure Virtual Machines (VMs)

Definition:

Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) are a fundamental compute resource that allows you to run virtualized server environments on-demand.

Practical Usage:

• Infrastructure Hosting: Use VMs to run applications or host websites.

• Development and Testing: Set up isolated environments for testing new software or updates.

• Disaster Recovery: Run backup systems on VMs to ensure business continuity.

7. Azure Storage

Definition:

Azure Storage provides highly durable, scalable, and accessible storage solutions for a wide variety of data types.

Practical Usage:

• Blob Storage: Store unstructured data, such as documents, media files, and backups.

• Azure Files: Provide fully managed file shares accessible via SMB or REST.

• Azure Disk Storage: Attach virtual hard disks (VHDs) to VMs for additional storage.

8. Azure Networking

Definition:

Azure Networking services provide the infrastructure for building and managing networks in the cloud.

Practical Usage:

• Virtual Network (VNet): Connect Azure resources securely within a private network.

• Load Balancer: Distribute traffic between VMs to ensure availability.

• VPN Gateway: Establish secure connections between on-premises infrastructure and Azure.

9. Azure Backup and Recovery

Definition:

Azure Backup and Site Recovery ensure that your data and applications are protected and can be quickly restored in case of failure.

Practical Usage:

• Data Backup: Automatically back up important data and restore it when necessary.

• Disaster Recovery: Implement disaster recovery solutions to protect against data center failures.

10. Azure DevOps

Definition:

Azure DevOps provides tools for managing the entire development lifecycle, from planning and coding to testing and deployment.

Practical Usage:

• Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD): Automate the build, test, and deployment processes for your applications.

• Version Control: Use Git repositories to track code changes and collaborate with your team.

13. Conclusion

Summary of Key Takeaways

The AZ-900 certification is a valuable starting point for anyone looking to build a career in cloud computing. It provides a solid foundation in Microsoft Azure, offering a comprehensive understanding of its core services, pricing models, and security features.

Final Tips for Success

• Start early: Give yourself ample time to study each section.
• Practice: Utilize the Azure free tier to gain hands-on experience.
• Stay updated: Cloud technologies evolve, so ensure you’re learning the latest features.

Microsoft AZ-900 Study Guide Content Orientation

For someone willing to take to attempt this exam, AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals is an excellent opportunity to prove your cloud knowledge, as well as Azure services, Azure workloads, security and privacy in Azure, and Azure pricing and support. As far as the requirements for the eligibility of attempting this examination is concerned, there are no strict prerequisites. It is needed for the candidate to have familiarity with:

·      General technology concepts

·      Concepts of networking

·      Storage

·      Compute

·      Application support

·      Application development.

·      The content of this exam divides into different sections where each holds a certain weightage. This weightage is conclusive and is available to provide an outline about how involved each segment is in the exam:

·      Describe cloud concepts (20-25%)

·      Comprehend the advantages of distributed computing in Azure and how it can set aside your time and cash 

·      Clarify cloud ideas like high accessibility, versatility, flexibility, agility, and debacle recuperation 

·      Portray center Azure design segments like memberships, the executive gatherings, assets, and asset gatherings 

·      Sum up geographic conveyance ideas, for example, Azure locales, district sets, and accessibility zones

·      Describe core Azure services (15-20%)

·      Comprehend the broadness of administrations accessible in Azure, including compute, network, storage, and database 

·      Recognize virtualization administrations like Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Container Instances, Azure Kubernetes Service, and Windows Virtual Desktop 

·      Think about Azure's data set administrations, for example, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure SQL, Azure Database for MySQL, Azure Database for PostgreSQL, and Azure's enormous information and examination administrations 

·      Look at Azure systems administration assets like Virtual Networks, VPN Gateways, and Azure ExpressRoute 

·      Sum up Azure stockpiling administrations such Azure Blob Storage, Azure Disk Storage, and Azure File Storage

·      Describe core solutions and management tools on Azure (10-15%)

·      Pick suitable Azure Artificial Intelligence administration to address various types of business challenges.

·      Pick the best programming advancement measure apparatuses and administrations for a given business situation. 

·      Pick the right cloud checking administration to tackle various kinds of business challenges. 

·      Opt for the appropriate Azure administration apparatus to address different types of specialized necessities and difficulties. 

·      Pick the privilege serverless processing innovation for your business situation. 

·      Pick the best Azure IoT administration for a given business situation.

·      Describe general security and network security features (10-15%)

·      Find out about the different Azure administrations you can use to help guarantee that your cloud assets are protected, secure, and trusted.

·      Describe identity, governance, privacy, and compliance features (20-25%)

·      Figure out how Azure can help you secure admittance to cloud assets, building a cloud administration methodology, and how Azure holds fast to basic administrative and consistency norms.

·      Describe Azure cost management and Service Level Agreements (10-15%)

Find out about the components that impact cost, instruments you can use to help gauge and deal with your cloud spend, and how Azure's service level arrangements (SLAs) can affect your application plan choices.

Yes, to assess your knowledge by appearing in the exam, you should have relevant expertise to be capable. Fortunately for you, DumpsArena not only provides the AZ-900 practice test but also provides the fundamentals to ready you for the exam.

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