Crack the Microsoft Azure Admin Certification: Easy Guide

  • Azure Administrator certification
  • Published by: André Hammer on Feb 06, 2024

An Azure Administrator Certification is highly sought-after by IT companies these days. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, becoming a certified Microsoft Azure Admin could help you stand out in the competitive tech industry.

In this easy guide, we'll show you how to confidently crack the Microsoft Azure Admin certification. Whether you're new to Azure or looking to upskill, this guide will provide you with the essential knowledge and tips to help you succeed.

Let's get started on your journey to becoming a certified Azure Admin!

Understanding the Azure Administrator Role

Core responsibilities

An Azure administrator's main responsibilities include managing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure cloud services, supporting infrastructure, and architecture. They also help implement security measures to protect data, applications, and networks within Azure.

Additionally, administrators are responsible for managing cloud storage and networking, as well as configuring virtual networks (VNets) and gateways. An Azure administrator also plays a key role in assessing and troubleshooting the functionality of Azure services and the infrastructure they use.

By fulfilling these responsibilities effectively, an Azure administrator ensures the smooth, efficient, and secure operation of Azure systems, contributing to the overall functionality and maintenance of the platform.

For example, they might regularly review and update security protocols and permissions based on best practices and industry standards, or optimize virtual machines and storage for improved performance and cost efficiency.

Skills required

An Azure administrator needs to understand cloud concepts well. This includes virtualization, networking, and storage. They must be proficient in Azure services like computing, security, and databases.

They must be able to design, build, and operate infrastructure using best practices and available tools. They also need to have a strong grasp of security, governance, and compliance features.

In addition to technical skills, Azure administrators require experience with PowerShell, the Command-Line Interface, Azure Portal, and ARM templates. Understanding networking, Active Directory, scripting, and automation is also vital.

Intermediate to advanced-level expertise in cloud computing and proficiency in Azure services are necessary.

Problem-solving and analytical skills are significant in an Azure administrator's responsibilities. They need to troubleshoot and resolve issues, identify opportunities to improve systems and analyse information to develop solutions.

Effective communication, prioritization of tasks, and collaboration with team members are all important aspects of the job.

Details of the Azure Administrator Certification Exam

Exam format

The exam consists of 66 questions and you have 120 minutes to complete them.

Tests vary, but they cover the same format: The first few items are usually case studies and consist of multiple questions for each. Don’t become flustered! Take a deep breath and press on.

At the end of the case study section of the exam, you can go back and review and make changes if you need to but once you pass this section, you cannot go back to it.

The rest of the exam will consist mainly of multiple-choice type questions. Again, you can return to questions, but only in this exam section.

Candidates need to be ready for time-limited tasks, like creating and configuring Azure resources. The exam aims to test their ability to operate and maintain resources in the Azure cloud.

Resources you’ll need

Courses

It’s vital to completely work through at least one Azure AZ-104 course. Do all the included labs to ensure you get hands-on experience.

Practice Exams

These are probably the key to passing. While you may know much about Azure, working through practice exams gives you confidence in knowing the kinds of questions that are asked, time constraints, and small details you may not have thought about. Practice exams can teach you as much as the actual courses, especially if you work through the solutions for each question. Try to work through at least four practice exams until you achieve a passing result.

YouTube Videos

These are useful to watch the day before the exam as a cram session. Here are some recommended ones.

Specific areas of focus

The Azure Administrator role focuses on several key areas:

  • Managing Azure identities and governance
  • Implementing and managing virtual networking
  • Implementing Azure storage

The role also involves managing and deploying compute resources and configuring and managing virtual machines.

To excel in this role, individuals need a strong understanding of Azure Active Directory, virtual networks, Azure Storage Accounts, and Azure Virtual Machines. Proficiency in using PowerShell, the Command Line Interface, and ARM templates for automating tasks and managing Azure resources is essential.

The Azure Administrator certification exam covers managing Azure subscriptions and resources, implementing and managing storage, deploying and managing virtual machines, configuring and managing virtual networks, and managing identities. It also includes assessing and securing data, monitoring and troubleshooting Azure solutions, and implementing backup and recovery solutions.

Eligibility and Prerequisites for the Certification

To be eligible for the Azure Administrator certification, candidates must have a strong foundation in Azure services, security, governance, and workload management. They should also be skilled in using PowerShell, Command Line Interface, Azure Portal, ARM templates, and operating systems.

Candidates are encouraged to complete the Azure Fundamentals and Azure Administrator Associate certification exams. It is also recommended to have at least six months of hands-on experience with Azure administration.

A Few Last Tips for You

Now that you have determined that you are eligible and have the prerequisites to take the certification exam, it’s time to prepare! To get ready for the Microsoft Azure Admin Certification exam, we remind you to practice with hands-on lab exercises, review official study guides, and take practice exams to assess your readiness. Additionally, consider enrolling in online training courses or seeking mentorship from experienced professionals.

Key Takeaways

This article is a guide to preparing for the Microsoft Azure Admin Certification. We hope our practical tips and strategies will help you succeed in your certification journey.

Readynez offers a 4-day AZ-104 Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Course and Certification Program, providing you with all the learning and support you need to successfully prepare for the exam and certification. The AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate course, and all our other Microsoft courses, are also included in our unique Unlimited Microsoft Training offer, where you can attend the Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate and 60+ other Microsoft courses for just €199 per month, the most flexible and affordable way to get your Microsoft Certifications.

Please reach out to us with any questions or if you would like a chat about your opportunity with the Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate certification and how you best achieve it. 

FAQ

What are the benefits of obtaining a Microsoft Azure Admin Certification?

Obtaining a Microsoft Azure Admin Certification can lead to career advancement, higher earning potential, and increased job opportunities. It demonstrates expertise in managing cloud services, which is highly sought after by companies transitioning to or already using Azure.

What are the main topics covered in the Microsoft Azure Admin Certification exam?

The main topics covered include implementing and managing infrastructure, managing security and governance, and managing identities. Other key topics include implementing and managing applications and implementing and managing data platforms.

What are the eligibility requirements for taking the Microsoft Azure Admin Certification exam?

To take the Microsoft Azure Admin Certification exam, candidates should have experience in implementing, managing, and monitoring an organization's Azure environment. They should also be proficient in various Azure services like computing, storage, and networking.

How can I best prepare for the Microsoft Azure Admin Certification exam?

To prepare practice with hands-on lab exercises, review official study guides, and take practice exams to assess your readiness. Additionally, consider enrolling in at least one online training course and seek mentorship from experienced professionals.

What are the career opportunities after obtaining the Microsoft Azure Admin Certification?

After obtaining the certification, career opportunities include roles such as Azure administrator, cloud solution architect, and DevOps engineer. These roles involve managing Azure resources, designing cloud solutions, and implementing DevOps practices.

 

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