Table of Contents
Introduction
Among cloud infrastructures, Microsoft Azure is highly sought after by businesses in various sectors. Working with the cloud is made easy by Azure’s scalability, agility, and flexibility. Azure should undoubtedly be at the top of your list if you want to land a cloud-based job. A good place to start for the same is the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification exam, AZ-900.
It is only one aspect of your job to confirm your knowledge, though. How would you describe the job prospect? What qualifications are sought after by these AZ 900 jobs? When you get certified, what is the highest income you can guarantee? All of these questions are addressed in great detail in this blog post on AZ-900 Jobs.
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What is the AZ-900 Certification?
The AZ-900 exam, officially known as “Microsoft Azure Fundamentals,” is a certification exam offered by Microsoft. It is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate foundational knowledge of cloud services and how those services are provided with Microsoft Azure. The exam is considered an entry-level certification suitable for candidates with non-technical backgrounds and those in technical roles who want to validate their basic understanding of Azure.
Areas Covered
- Understand fundamental cloud concepts like high availability, scalability, reliability, and cloud models and service types.
- Explain Azure’s computing, networking, storage, and core architectural components. Explain identity, access, and security.
- Describe the tools for Azure management, governance, compliance, and monitoring.
Exam Information
Prerequisites | None |
Duration | 60 Minutes |
Cost | $99 |
Number of Questions | 40-50 |
Passing Score Required | 700 |
Why do Students Take the Azure Fundamentals Exam?
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Progressing in Your Career
Whether you want to enter the profession of cloud computing or are already in one, earning an Azure certification will help you advance in your career. In the IT world, Azure certifications are some of the most sought-after qualifications. They can open doors to better positions within your company and greatly improve your AZ 900 career prospects.
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Adaptable Career Paths
With a Microsoft Azure certification, you can pursue a wide range of professional opportunities. You can try your hand at becoming a developer, solution architect, or cloud architect. Additionally, this certification gives you the ability to operate in a variety of sectors and regions.
The benefits of cloud computing, networking, and storage are driving widespread adoption across industries. You can apply for jobs in industries like healthcare, banking, and entertainment with an Azure certification.
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Greater Possibility of Earnings
According to ZipRecruiter, the average yearly compensation for someone obtaining an Azure certification at the Fundamentals level in the US is $101,526. According to Glassdoor salary data, earning potential can be significantly increased by obtaining an Azure certification. For example, the average yearly compensation for Azure cloud architects in the US is $179,996.
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Enhancing Your Skills
Exams for certification evaluate a variety of abilities, such as knowledge of Azure’s fundamental architectural elements and awareness of cloud principles. Azure identity, access, security, governance, and compliance knowledge will also be tested on you.
The Scope and Future of Azure Fundamentals Certified Professionals
The following are the ultimate careers open to professionals earning Azure Fundamentals. You can choose to enter any one or more of the following professions. We will understand how the AZ-900 exam provides a base to adopt these expert-level roles.
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Cloud Administrator
With a strong foundation in Azure, you can excel in roles where managing and maintaining cloud infrastructure are crucial. Cloud Administrators ensure the seamless operation of Azure environments.
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Development Opportunities
Azure Developers leverage their understanding of Azure services to create and deploy applications. Azure Fundamentals provides the necessary knowledge to work with platform-as-a-service (PaaS) and other Azure offerings.
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Architectural Design
Azure Solutions Architects design and implement scalable and secure solutions. Azure Fundamentals are the blueprint for understanding the intricacies of building robust architectures.
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DevOps Excellence
DevOps Engineers responsible for automating development processes find Azure Fundamentals invaluable. It lays the groundwork for utilizing Azure DevOps services and achieving efficient collaboration.
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Data Management
In the realm of data, Azure Fundamentals opens doors to roles like Data Engineer. Professionals in this domain design, implement, and manage data solutions using Azure services.
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Security Expertise
Security Engineers play a critical role in safeguarding Azure environments. Azure Fundamentals provide a baseline for understanding security measures, monitoring, and mitigating threats.
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AI and Machine Learning
For those inclined toward artificial intelligence, Azure Fundamentals set the stage for AI Engineers. Azure’s AI services can be harnessed to develop and deploy advanced AI solutions.
Azure Fundamentals Certification Salary Trends 2024
The salary for individuals holding the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) certification can vary based on several factors. Here are some key determinants that can influence the salary associated with AZ-900:
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Experience
Your experience in the IT industry, especially in roles related to cloud computing and Azure, can significantly impact your salary. Individuals with more years of experience typically command higher salaries.
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Location
Salaries can vary based on geographic location and the cost of living in a particular region. In areas with a higher cost of living or high demand for Azure professionals, salaries tend to be higher.
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Industry and Sector
The industry you work in and the sector (private, public, or nonprofit) can affect salary levels. Specific industries may value Azure expertise more, leading to higher compensation.
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Additional Certifications and Skills
Additional certifications beyond AZ-900 or more specialized skills in Azure services can contribute to a higher salary. Employers often value a well-rounded skill set.
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Job Roles
Your specific job role within the Azure ecosystem can influence salary. Roles such as Solutions Architect or DevOps Engineer, which may require more advanced Azure skills, generally command higher salaries than entry-level positions.
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Education
Your educational background, including degrees and relevant certifications, can impact your earning potential. Advanced degrees and certifications often correlate with higher salaries.
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Market Demand
The demand for Azure professionals in the job market can influence salary levels. As the demand for cloud services grows, salaries for Azure-related roles may see upward trends.
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Negotiation Skills
Your ability to negotiate your salary during the hiring process can also play a role. Being well-prepared and clearly understanding your value in the market can contribute to a favorable salary negotiation.
Salary Guide for AZ-900 Certification Seekers
The cost of the AZ-900 exam is much lower than the salary. The cost can be compensated in just the salary of 1-2 months. This makes this certification a highly profitable exam in IT. You can read this blog to get extensive knowledge on the cost and the salary of the Azure Fundamentals exam to make a fair comparison.
The cost of the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) exam can vary based on factors such as location and currency fluctuations. The standard cost is approximately USD 99. However, checking the latest pricing on the official Microsoft website or contacting authorized exam providers is essential, as fees may change over time.
Registration Cost
To register for the AZ-900 exam, you must create an account on the Microsoft Certification Dashboard. Microsoft often offers exam discounts or bundles, so it’s advisable to explore any ongoing promotions that might be available.
Training Cost
Additionally, some individuals may undergo training courses or purchase study materials to prepare for the AZ-900 exam. While these resources come with their costs, they can be valuable in aiding your understanding of the Azure fundamentals and increasing your chances of passing the exam successfully. The cost of the exam course varies from $15-$30.
Conclusion
In today’s rapidly evolving IT landscape, cloud computing has become a cornerstone for businesses seeking scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiency. Microsoft Azure, one of the leading cloud service providers, offers a robust platform with many services. For individuals entering the cloud space, understanding Azure fundamentals is beneficial and often a key stepping stone to many opportunities. The salary of the AZ-900 is worth taking the exam. Not only does it open routes to other fields, but it also makes understanding advanced concepts easier.
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FAQs
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What is the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) exam?
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) exam assesses your understanding of cloud computing concepts and core services offered by Microsoft Azure. It’s an entry-level certification suitable for beginners and experienced IT professionals seeking to validate their basic knowledge of Azure.
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How do you ace the AZ-900 exam in 2024?
To ace the AZ-900 exam in 2024, a comprehensive approach is recommended:
- Grasp the fundamentals: Utilize Microsoft’s official learning resources, video tutorials, and study guides to solidify your foundation in cloud concepts and Azure services.
- Practice makes perfect: Take advantage of practice exams and sample questions to assess your understanding and identify areas needing improvement.
- Hands-on experience: Consider enrolling in practical labs or exploring free resources like Microsoft Learn to gain hands-on experience with Azure functionalities.
- Stay updated: Keep pace with the evolving landscape by following industry blogs, attending webinars, and staying informed about potential changes to the exam content.
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What is the AZ-900 certification?
The AZ-900 certification validates your foundational knowledge of cloud services and their implementation through Microsoft Azure. It serves as an industry-recognized credential demonstrating your basic understanding of Azure cloud computing solutions.