Ace Your Microsoft AZ-700 Certification: A Simple Guide

  • AZ-700 certification
  • Published by: André Hammer on Feb 12, 2024
Blog Alt EN

Are you aiming to enhance your skills in Microsoft Azure networking solutions? The Microsoft AZ-700 certification is a crucial step for IT professionals seeking to validate their expertise in this area.

This certification equips you with the knowledge to design, implement, and manage advanced networking solutions in Azure, setting you apart in the competitive IT landscape. Preparing for the AZ-700 exam requires a strategic approach, and this guide is tailored to help you navigate through the study materials, understand the exam format, and provide tips for success.

With the right preparation, you can ace your AZ-700 certification and move forward in your career with confidence.

Overview of the AZ-700 certification

The AZ-700, or Designing and Implementing Microsoft Azure Networking Solutions certification, is a specialized exam aimed at professionals who work with Azure networking features.

To pass this exam, you must demonstrate proficiency in various networking aspects, including hybrid networking, connectivity, routing, security, and private access to Azure services. Earning this certification confirms that you possess the skills necessary to manage Azure networking solutions effectively.

While the exam covers a broad range of topics, it does not expect you to be an expert in all areas of Azure. However, a solid understanding of the core concepts and practical experience with Azure networking services will significantly benefit you during the exam. As you embark on this certification journey, remember that it's not just about passing the test; it's about acquiring skills that will be invaluable in your IT career.

Types of Questions to Expect

When you sit for the AZ-700 exam, be prepared to encounter a variety of question types. These can range from multiple-choice to case studies and scenario-based questions. The diversity in question formats is designed to test not only your theoretical knowledge but also your ability to apply that knowledge in practical, real-world situations.

For instance, you might be given a scenario where you need to recommend a networking solution based on specific business requirements and constraints. Or, you may have to analyze a case study and answer questions related to the design and implementation of Azure networking features. Being familiar with these types of questions beforehand will help you navigate the exam more efficiently and with greater confidence.

Exam Format and Duration

The AZ-700 certification exam is structured to assess your Azure networking knowledge within a 120-minute time frame. This duration is allocated to answer a series of 40-60 questions, ensuring you have ample time to read, comprehend, and respond to each question thoughtfully.

Time management is a critical skill during the exam. It's advisable to spend the initial minutes scanning through the entire exam to gauge the complexity of the questions.

This will allow you to allocate your time effectively, ensuring that you can give adequate attention to more demanding questions without rushing through the rest. Remember, the goal is not only to complete the exam but to do so with precision and confidence.

Registration and Cost

Registering for the AZ-700 exam is a straightforward process. Candidates can sign up through the Microsoft official certification page, where you can select a testing center or opt for an online proctored exam for added convenience. The cost of the exam is set at $165 USD, which is a standard investment for a professional certification of this caliber.

Before you register, ensure you have prepared thoroughly and are ready to take the exam.

How to Study for the Exam

Importance of Practical Experience

When it comes to acing the AZ-700, there's no substitute for hands-on experience. Practical application of Azure networking concepts will not only deepen your understanding but also prepare you for the scenario-based questions that are a staple of the exam.

Engage with Azure's networking services, set up virtual networks, configure VPN gateways, and experiment with network security features. The more you interact with these services, the more intuitive they will become, making it easier for you to tackle exam questions with confidence.

Study Materials and Resources

A well-rounded preparation strategy for the AZ-700 exam includes a variety of study materials and resources. Microsoft provides comprehensive documentation, free online training modules, and practice exams that can be incredibly valuable for your study regimen. These resources are designed to give you a deep dive into the topics covered by the certification and are often updated to reflect the latest Azure features and best practices.

Additionally, leveraging books, community forums, and tech blogs can provide different perspectives and insights that might clarify complex concepts. Remember, the quality of your study materials can significantly impact your understanding of the subject matter, so choose resources that are reputable and align with the exam objectives.

Training Courses

For those who prefer structured learning, training courses are an excellent way to prepare for the AZ-700 exam. Readynez offers a comprehensive live-instructor-led AZ-700 training course, which provides an immersive learning experience with the guidance of an expert. The advantage of such a course is the interactive element; you can ask questions, receive immediate feedback, and engage in discussions with peers who are also on the same certification path.

Furthermore, with Readynez's Unlimited Training plan, you gain access to an extensive library of courses for a fixed monthly fee of 199€, allowing you to explore beyond the AZ-700 and continue your professional development across various IT disciplines without financial strain.

Communities and Peers

The journey to AZ-700 certification is not one you have to undertake alone. Engaging with communities and peers who are also preparing for the exam can be a source of support and motivation. Online forums, study groups, and social media platforms are rich with individuals who share tips, study resources, and encouragement.

By connecting with peers, you can gain insights into effective study habits, clarify doubts, and even form study partnerships. These relationships can prove invaluable, not just for passing the exam, but also for professional networking and growth within the IT community.

Key topics and areas covered by the AZ-700 exam

Design, Implement, and Manage Hybrid Networking

Hybrid networking is a cornerstone of the AZ-700 exam, with questions centered around the integration of on-premises networks with Azure. Candidates should understand hybrid networking architectures and components, as well as how to use VPN Gateway and ExpressRoute for seamless connectivity. Additionally, knowledge of network routing, including BGP configuration and routing choices, is essential for designing robust hybrid networks that are both scalable and secure.

Hybrid Networking architectures and components

Understanding hybrid networking architectures and their components is fundamental for the AZ-700 exam. You'll need to be familiar with the various ways on-premises and cloud networks can be connected, such as site-to-site VPNs, point-to-site VPNs, and dedicated WAN links like ExpressRoute. It's crucial to comprehend the scenarios in which each of these components is best utilized and how they can be configured to ensure a secure and efficient hybrid networking environment.

VPN Gateway and ExpressRoute for connecting on-premises networks to Azure

For a successful hybrid network setup, mastering the VPN Gateway and ExpressRoute is imperative. The VPN Gateway allows for secure connections from an on-premises network to the Azure virtual network over the internet, while ExpressRoute provides a private connection that doesn't go over the public internet, offering greater reliability, faster speeds, and lower latencies.

When studying for the AZ-700 exam, pay close attention to the configuration, pricing, and performance characteristics of these services, as well as their best use cases. A deep understanding of when and how to implement these solutions will not only help you ace the exam but also equip you to handle real-world networking challenges.

Network routing, including BGP configuration and routing choices

Network routing is a critical component of Azure networking, and proficiency in this area is essential for the AZ-700 exam. A clear understanding of how to configure route tables, implement Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) for dynamic routing, and make informed routing choices is crucial. These skills ensure efficient data flow within your network and between your on-premises and cloud environments.

It's important to grasp the nuances of network routing to design solutions that optimize performance and cost while maintaining security and compliance with organizational policies. Familiarity with Azure's routing features will enable you to build networks that are resilient and adaptable to changing business needs.

Design and Implement Core Networking Infrastructure

A core section of the AZ-700 exam focuses on the design and implementation of Azure's foundational networking infrastructure. This includes configuring Azure Virtual Networks (VNets), understanding subnetting and peering, as well as managing IP addressing schemes. Mastery of these topics is vital for creating a secure, scalable, and well-organized network within the Azure ecosystem.

Azure Virtual Network (VNet) configuration, including subnets and peering

Azure Virtual Network (VNet) is the backbone of your network within Azure, providing isolation and segmentation. To excel in the AZ-700 exam, you must be adept at configuring VNets, including defining subnets to segment network traffic and utilizing VNet peering for inter-network connectivity.

Understanding how to effectively design and implement a VNet infrastructure is essential, as it allows for the creation of sophisticated networking solutions tailored to specific application needs and organizational requirements. Deep dive into VNet best practices, and you'll be well on your way to mastering this key exam topic.

IP addressing, both public and private, and strategies for IP address management (IPAM)

The AZ-700 exam will test your knowledge on IP addressing within Azure, encompassing both public and private IP strategies. It's essential to understand how to allocate, manage, and protect IP addresses to ensure network functionality and security. Effective IP address management (IPAM) is critical in avoiding conflicts, conserving address space, and maintaining compliance with networking best practices.

You'll need to be comfortable with assigning and configuring IP addresses, planning address spaces, and implementing IPAM solutions. This competency is a significant part of the Azure networking landscape and a vital skill set for any network engineer.

Name resolution, including Azure DNS and private DNS zones

Name resolution is a pivotal concept in networking, and for the AZ-700 exam, you'll need to be proficient in managing DNS within Azure. This includes configuring Azure DNS for public name resolution and setting up private DNS zones for internal network operations. Understanding how to integrate your on-premises DNS setup with Azure's DNS capabilities is also crucial for seamless hybrid networking.

An effective DNS configuration ensures that network resources are easily accessible and that traffic is efficiently routed. As you prepare for the exam, focus on the intricacies of Azure DNS management and how to optimize it for both performance and security.

Design and Implement Routing

Proper routing within Azure is essential for efficient network traffic management. The AZ-700 exam will assess your ability to design and implement routing solutions that effectively direct traffic within Azure and between Azure and on-premises networks. You'll need to understand route tables, routing strategies, and how to utilize Azure's native load balancers and traffic managers to distribute network traffic optimally.

Route tables and routing strategies within Azure

Mastering route tables and routing strategies is crucial for the AZ-700 exam. Candidates should be well-versed in creating and managing route tables in Azure, which control the flow of network traffic within and between subnets, VNets, and connected on-premises networks. Understanding how to direct traffic based on specific patterns and needs is fundamental to designing effective networking solutions.

Strategic routing ensures optimal performance, security, and compliance with organizational policies. As you delve into Azure's routing capabilities, focus on how to tailor routing strategies to support the unique requirements of different workloads and environments.

Azure Load Balancer and Traffic Manager for distributing network traffic

The AZ-700 exam will test your skills in managing network traffic distribution using Azure Load Balancer and Traffic Manager. Azure Load Balancer operates at layer four of the OSI model, ensuring high availability and reliability by distributing incoming traffic across multiple servers. On the other hand, Traffic Manager is a DNS-based traffic load balancer that enables you to distribute traffic optimally across global Azure regions.

Understanding when and how to implement these tools is key to maintaining seamless service delivery and performance. As part of your exam preparation, focus on the configuration and management of these services to ensure efficient traffic flow and fault tolerance in your network infrastructure.

Network security groups (NSGs) and Application Security Groups (ASGs) for securing network traffic

For the AZ-700 exam, a thorough understanding of Network Security Groups (NSGs) and Application Security Groups (ASGs) is essential. NSGs are used to filter network traffic to and from Azure resources, allowing you to define security rules that enforce your desired traffic controls. ASGs, on the other hand, provide a way to group together virtual machines with similar functions to streamline network security management.

Knowing how to effectively configure NSGs and ASGs is crucial for protecting your Azure network from unwanted traffic and potential threats. During your study, emphasize the best practices for implementing these security measures to maintain a robust and secure networking environment.

Secure and Monitor Networks

Ensuring the security and monitoring of networks within Azure is a critical aspect of the AZ-700 certification exam. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to implement network security tools and features, such as Azure Firewall and Azure Bastion, and to manage network security policies. Additionally, proficiency in network monitoring and troubleshooting using tools like Azure Monitor, Network Watcher, and other utilities is essential for maintaining the health and performance of Azure networking infrastructures.

Network security tools and features, such as Azure Firewall and Azure Bastion

The AZ-700 exam requires a solid grasp of Azure's network security tools and features. Azure Firewall, a managed, cloud-based network security service, provides protection against threats for your Azure Virtual Network resources. Azure Bastion offers secure and seamless RDP and SSH access to your virtual machines, eliminating the need for public IP addresses and reducing exposure to attacks.

Understanding how to deploy, configure, and manage these security services is crucial for safeguarding your Azure environment. Focus on learning the specific capabilities and best practices associated with Azure Firewall and Azure Bastion to ensure you're prepared for questions related to network security on the exam.

Implementing and managing network security policies

A critical component of the AZ-700 exam is the ability to implement and manage network security policies effectively. These policies are the foundation for protecting network resources and regulating access based on defined security rules. Mastery in crafting and applying security policies ensures that your Azure network environment is not only secure but also compliant with organizational standards and regulatory requirements.

As you prepare for the exam, focus on understanding the principles of network security within Azure, including the application of best practices and the use of tools to enforce security at different levels of the network architecture.

Network monitoring and troubleshooting using Azure Monitor, Network Watcher, and other tools

Effective network monitoring and troubleshooting are pivotal for maintaining a healthy Azure environment, and the AZ-700 exam will evaluate your proficiency in these areas. Azure Monitor and Network Watcher are key tools that provide insights into network performance and diagnostics, enabling you to quickly identify and resolve issues.

Understanding how to leverage these tools for continuous monitoring, setting up alerts, and analyzing network traffic is essential. During your exam preparation, ensure you're comfortable with the various features and capabilities of these monitoring tools and know how to apply them in real-world scenarios to keep your network running smoothly.

Design and Implement Private Access to Azure Services

The AZ-700 exam will test your ability to design and implement private access to Azure services, which is a crucial aspect of cloud networking. You will need to know how to use Azure Private Link and service endpoints to connect securely to Azure services without exposing your data to the public internet. Additionally, understanding how to implement Azure Private DNS zones for private domain hosting within your virtual network is important for maintaining internal name resolution and network integrity.

Private Link and service endpoints for securing Azure service connections

Azure Private Link and service endpoints play a significant role in securing Azure service connections, and a solid understanding of these is necessary for the AZ-700 exam. Private Link allows you to access Azure services privately from your virtual network, while service endpoints provide secure and direct access to Azure services over the Azure backbone network.

When preparing for the exam, focus on how to configure and manage these features to ensure secure and private connectivity to Azure services. This knowledge is crucial for designing networking solutions that meet stringent security and compliance requirements.

Implementing Azure Private DNS zones for private domain hosting

Implementing Azure Private DNS zones is an essential topic for the AZ-700 exam, as it ensures secure and reliable name resolution within your private network in Azure. Private DNS zones enable you to use your own domain names rather than the Azure-provided ones, which can be especially beneficial for internal applications and services that require custom domain names.

Understanding how to set up and manage Azure Private DNS zones, along with the integration with your on-premises DNS, will be a key part of your exam preparation. This capability is vital for maintaining a cohesive and secure network infrastructure across your hybrid and cloud environments.

Tips for Taking the Exam

When the day of your AZ-700 exam arrives, it's essential to approach it with a clear strategy. Here are some tips to help you navigate the exam successfully:

  • Review the Exam Objectives: Before the exam, revisit the key topics and ensure you understand the main objectives. This will help you focus on answering the questions correctly.
  • Manage Your Time: Allocate your time wisely during the exam. Don't spend too long on any single question and use the review feature to come back to difficult questions if you have time at the end.
  • Read Carefully: Make sure to read each question and all the answer choices thoroughly before selecting your answer. Look out for keywords and phrases that can guide your choice.
  • Use Elimination: If you're unsure about an answer, try to eliminate the obviously incorrect options first. This can increase your chances of choosing the right answer.
  • Stay Calm: Keeping a calm and focused mindset will help you think clearly and work through each question methodically.

By following these tips and trusting in the preparation you've done, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the AZ-700 exam and earn your certification.

[IMAGE: A calm and composed professional taking an online certification exam.]

Conclusion

The Microsoft AZ-700 certification is a valuable asset for IT professionals looking to demonstrate their expertise in Azure networking solutions. By understanding the exam's structure, studying the key topics thoroughly, and taking advantage of resources like Readynez's live-instructor-led training courses, you can approach your certification with confidence. Remember, this certification is more than just a test; it's a step forward in your career, an opportunity to expand your skill set, and a way to stand out in the ever-evolving field of cloud technology. So take a deep breath, trust in your preparation, and get ready to ace your AZ-700 certification.

FAQ

What is the Microsoft AZ-700 certification?

The Microsoft AZ-700 certification is for Azure IoT Developers who design and build cloud solutions that include IoT devices. This certification validates skills in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining IoT solutions on Azure.

Why should I consider getting the Microsoft AZ-700 certification?

Obtaining the Microsoft AZ-700 certification can enhance your career prospects, improve your skills in cloud computing, and increase your earning potential with employers seeking qualified Azure solution architects.

What are the steps to ace the Microsoft AZ-700 certification exam?

To ace the Microsoft AZ-700 certification exam, focus on studying the exam objectives, practicing with hands-on labs, using practice tests, seeking study groups or forums for discussion, and reviewing exam feedback for improvement.

Are there any study materials or resources available to help prepare for the Microsoft AZ-700 exam?

Yes, Microsoft offers official study materials such as online courses, practice exams, and study guides on their website to help prepare for the AZ-700 exam. Additionally, third-party platforms like Udemy and Pluralsight also offer courses specifically designed for this exam.

How can I apply the knowledge gained from the Microsoft AZ-700 certification in real-world scenarios?

You can apply AZ-700 certification knowledge in real-world scenarios by configuring Azure resources, deploying automation solutions, and optimizing costs. For example, using Azure policies to enforce compliance, creating ARM templates for consistent deployments, and leveraging Azure Cost Management for budget monitoring.

A group of people discussing the latest Microsoft Azure news

Unlimited Microsoft Training

Get Unlimited access to ALL the LIVE Instructor-led Microsoft courses you want - all for the price of less than one course. 

  • 60+ LIVE Instructor-led courses
  • Money-back Guarantee
  • Access to 50+ seasoned instructors
  • Trained 50,000+ IT Pro's

Basket

{{item.CourseTitle}}

Price: {{item.ItemPriceExVatFormatted}} {{item.Currency}}