How to Become a Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect?
Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect?
The fastest-growing cloud services provider – Microsoft Azure
Revenue growth of Azure in the last quarter of FY 2021 – 51%
According to Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO, “No other vendor is recognized by analysts as the leader in as many categories,” and this fact is revealed by stats that show a 40% growth year-over-year and gains in market share, making security customers reach to nearly 600,000 and a massive 70% increase in the number of customers that are small and mid-sized businesses.
As more businesses are moving towards Microsoft’s cloud platform, there is a surge in demand for Azure Certified Professionals. Microsoft Azure offers role-based certifications, including Administrator, Architect, Developer, DevOps Engineer, and Security Engineer.
A key role that is highly in-demand these days is that of Cloud Architect, which has resulted in the increase in candidates choosing Microsoft azure architect design certification.
A cloud architect transforms the technical requirements of a project into the design and architecture that will assist the final product.
To attain Azure Solutions Architect certification, you are required to pass two exams, namely AZ-300 and AZ-301. The AZ-300 emphasizes Azure Technologies and AZ-301 on design.
Let’s now find out what is an Azure Architect and how you can become one.
What is an Azure Architect?
Azure Cloud Solutions Architect, or simply Azure Architect, is Microsoft’s version of a generic cloud architect who is expected to lead the cultural changes in their business towards cloud adoption. This may include developing and coordinating cloud architecture, creating strategies for cloud, and facilitating their approval by the business stake owners.
Roles and Responsibilities of an Azure Architect
Some of the most common responsibilities of an Azure Architect are:
- Work as a leader of the team of architects to provide them with the right direction in the implementation of cloud solutions
- Build and implement a cloud architecture taking care of issues like migration, etc.
- Work with technical and business stakeholders to identify the business problems and provide due diligence
- Outline and estimate the solutions required to implement cloud migration and continued operations
- Implement the proposed solutions and guide the teams during the development and deployment phases of the solution
- Provide appropriate information and guidance to the team for standards and best practices
- Maintain a balance between the solution that is strategically logical and that can be accomplished in real-time
How to Become an Azure Solutions Architect?
It is a long road to attain Azure Solutions Architect Certification. Have a look at the steps you can follow to become one.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or related discipline. Some organizations make a Master’s Degree a prerequisite. Also, you are required to have an in-depth understanding of programming and scripting languages.
- Acquire the functional understanding of databases such as SQL, NoSQL, MySQL, etc.
- Grasp all the elements of cloud infrastructure solutions of Azure, including OSS, IaaS, BCDR, Infra, and PaaS.
- Have a good grasp of the most popular programming language, namely, Java
- Go hands-on with open-source technologies such as OpenStack, Docker, and Redis
- Earn expertise in working with components of networking such as Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), DNS (Domain Name System), IP addresses, HTTP (HyperText Transmit Protocol), TCP/IP Protocol, LAN/WAN Technology, along with the components such as routers, switches, and firewalls
- Acquire a working understanding of cybersecurity as well. Working with the cloud makes it imperative for you to have a good grasp of cybersecurity practices and procedures. Many organizations are reluctant to migrate towards the cloud. This is the reason that having a good grasp of cybersecurity concepts is important.
- Go hands-on in the field of software development. A cloud architect is required to have three to five years of experience in software development, regardless of the cloud platform they work with. As you work in the cloud, you will eventually gain the skills mentioned above.
Build and polish your soft skills that a cloud architect requires:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Business and strategy acumen
- Leadership experience
- Planning and organizational skills
- Take up an online training course, go through rigorous training, and finally get certified.
AZ-300
The topics that the exam AZ-300 covers are:
- Deploy and Configure Infrastructure (25-30%)
- Implement Workloads and Security (20-25%)
- Create and Deploy Applications (5-10%)
- Implement Authentication and Secure Data (5-10%)
- Develop for the Cloud and for Azure Storage (20-25%)
AZ-301
The topics covered in this certification exam are as follows:
- 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 and Infrastructure Strategy (15-20%)
Salary of Azure Architect Professional
The average annual salary of an Azure Cloud Architect is USD 158,563, according to Neuvoo. In India, the median annual salary earned by Cloud Architect is around INR 3,172,00, as per a report by Glassdoor.
Do You Want to Become an Azure Architect?
Microsoft Azure is experiencing an exponential growth rate, and earning a certification can be the key to landing the cloud architect position.
The best and most efficient way of getting certified is to take up an online training course. There are many accredited online training institutes that offer training that is as per industry standards. A typical training course allows you to learn at your own pace, choose from different modes of learning that may include blended learning, online training, and instructor-led training.
They offer you to work with real-life projects and train you through enterprise-class learning management systems. Also, there are doubt sessions that are generally carried out by industry experts. Career guidance at the end is the best part of these training courses.
Enroll Now!