Microsoft Azure has emerged as one of the leading cloud service providers as businesses embrace cloud technology. It offers a wide range of services, from storage to artificial intelligence.
Certification in Azure can enhance IT professionals’ skills, boost career prospects, and unlock new opportunities. The most popular credentials in the Azure ecosystem are the AZ-900 certification: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals and the AZ-204 certification: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure. This article explores why these certifications are essential and how they can benefit your career.
What is AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals?
The AZ-900 certification is designed for individuals just starting with Azure or those who want a foundational understanding of cloud services. This entry-level certification covers core Azure services, security, pricing, and support. It’s a non-technical certification, so even if you don’t have an IT background, you can grasp the basics of Azure.
Who should take AZ-900?
- Beginners in cloud computing
- Business stakeholders looking to understand Azure services
- IT professionals seeking to validate their foundational knowledge
- Developers and administrators new to Azure
Benefits of getting AZ-900 certified
- Foundational knowledge: AZ-900 provides a solid understanding of Azure’s basic features, such as virtual machines, networking, and databases.
- Non-technical: It’s ideal for individuals without deep technical knowledge who want to familiarize themselves with cloud fundamentals.
- Career entry point: Whether you want to become an Azure administrator, developer, or solutions architect, AZ-900 is a stepping stone to advanced certifications.
What is AZ-204- Developing solutions for Microsoft Azure
The AZ-204 certification is targeted at developers who are responsible for building, testing, and maintaining applications on Azure. Unlike AZ-900, this is a more technical certification that dives deep into the development process on the Azure platform.
Who should take AZ-204?
- Developers looking to design, build, and deploy cloud-based applications
- IT professionals with a focus on programming and cloud services
- Software engineers who want to understand the architecture and infrastructure of Azure
Key benefits of AZ-204 certified
- Advanced skill set: AZ-204 covers various programming languages, APIs, and Azure tools, giving developers a robust skill set to build cloud-native applications.
- Hands-on experience: It emphasizes real-world scenarios, ensuring that you understand the theory and practical aspects of Azure development.
- Increased demand: With companies increasingly adopting cloud services, certified Azure developers are highly sought after in the job market.
Difference between AZ-900 vs. AZ-204
| Aspect | AZ-900 | AZ-204 |
| Level | Entry-level | Intermediate/Advanced |
| Focus | Azure fundamentals, basic services | Development and building solutions on Azure |
| Target Audience | Beginners, business professionals | Developers, programmers, software engineers |
| Certification Cost | ~$99 USD | ~$165 USD |
| Preparation Time | 1-2 weeks | 6-8 weeks (depending on experience) |
| Prerequisites | None | Basic understanding of programming and cloud |
Why both AZ-900 and AZ-204 are important?
While AZ-900 gives you a strong foundation, AZ-204 builds upon that knowledge to help you specialize in developing Azure solutions.
Here’s why it’s advantageous to pursue both certifications:
- Comprehensive understanding: AZ-900 introduces you to the platform, while AZ-204 takes your skills to the next level, enabling you to develop applications and services on Azure.
- Increased marketability: Possessing both certifications showcases your ability to understand the basics and implement real-world solutions, making you more attractive to potential employers.
- Seamless learning path: AZ-900 helps you grasp Azure fundamentals, making transitioning to the more technical AZ-204 certification easier.
- Future-proof your career: Azure continues to grow as businesses migrate to the cloud. Having these certifications ensures you stay relevant in the industry, with a strong understanding of both Azure’s core services and its application development capabilities.
How to prepare for AZ-900 and AZ-204?
For AZ-900
- Study materials: Use Microsoft’s learning paths and the official Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) guide.
- Online courses: Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Pluralsight offer beginner-friendly courses.
- Practice tests: Make use of free practice exams to gauge your readiness.
For AZ-204
- Microsoft Learn: Explore free resources on Microsoft Learn, including hands-on tutorials.
- Development projects: Try building small projects using Azure services like Azure Functions, Logic Apps, and Cosmos DB.
- Instructor-led courses: Consider advanced courses for in-depth learning on Azure architecture and development tools.
- Practice exams: As AZ-204 is more technical, practice tests and labs are crucial to passing the exam.
Career opportunities after AZ-900 and AZ-204
With Azure’s global adoption across industries, certified professionals are in high demand. Here are some roles you can pursue after earning these or any other Microsoft certifications:
- Cloud Developer: Specializing in building scalable cloud applications using Azure services.
- Azure Administrator: Managing cloud infrastructure, monitoring performance, and ensuring security.
- Azure Solutions Architect: Designing and deploying enterprise-level cloud solutions.
- DevOps Engineer: Automating and streamlining the development and deployment of cloud applications.
Whether you’re just starting out in cloud computing or are an experienced developer looking to expand your skill set, the AZ-900 and AZ-204 certifications provide a solid foundation and specialized expertise in Azure. Together, they offer a pathway to a lucrative career in cloud development, administration, or architecture. These certifications will serve as essential building blocks in your professional journey.
