How to Pass the Microsoft AZ-700 Exam

  • AZ-700 exam
  • Published by: André Hammer on Feb 12, 2024

Achieving certification as a Microsoft Azure Network Engineer is a significant milestone for IT professionals aiming to specialize in networking within the Azure cloud environment. The Microsoft AZ-700 exam is the gateway to this credential, testing your ability to implement and manage Azure networking solutions.

This guide will provide a clear pathway to prepare for and pass the AZ-700 exam, detailing the essential skills and knowledge required, as well as the resources available to ensure success.

Importance of AZ-700 Certification

The Azure Network Engineer certification is a testament to an individual's expertise in implementing and managing network solutions on the Microsoft Azure platform.

It validates the skills necessary to handle real-world networking tasks in the Azure environment, such as dealing with virtual networks, VPNs, and security strategies. Earning this certification can open doors to advanced career opportunities, higher earning potential, and the ability to contribute to the scalability and security of an organization's cloud infrastructure.

Professionals equipped with this certification are well-positioned to meet the demands of businesses transitioning to or expanding their presence in the cloud.

Overview of the AZ-700 Exam

Introduction to the AZ-700 Certification

The AZ-700: Designing and Implementing Microsoft Azure Networking Solutions certification is designed for professionals who have a solid understanding of networking features and functionalities in Azure.

This certification requires a blend of practical experience and theoretical knowledge, with a focus on designing, implementing, and managing secure, reliable network architectures on Azure. It's an intermediate-level certification that demonstrates an individual's ability to work with Azure technologies to deliver networking solutions that align with business requirements.

Core Topics of AZ-700

The AZ-700 exam covers a broad range of topics that reflect the day-to-day responsibilities of Azure Network Engineers. These topics include designing and implementing core networking infrastructure, hybrid networking connections, and network security solutions.

Candidates will need to demonstrate proficiency in implementing private access to Azure services, configuring Azure Virtual WAN, and utilizing various network monitoring tools. Mastery of these core topics is crucial, as they form the foundation of a network engineer's role in creating and maintaining an efficient, secure, and scalable Azure networking environment.

Mastery of core topics such as network infrastructure, hybrid networking, and security solutions is crucial for the AZ-700 exam.

Exam Format and Question Types

The AZ-700 exam is structured to test a candidate's ability to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios. While specific details about the exam format can be updated by Microsoft, here's a general overview based on typical Microsoft certification exams:

Exam Format:

  • Number of Questions: The AZ-700 exam typically features around 40-60 questions, but the exact number can vary.
  • Duration: Candidates are usually allotted about 120-150 minutes to complete the exam.
  • Passing Score: The usual passing score is 700 out of 1000 points.
  • Exam Delivery: The exam can be taken at authorized testing centers or online as a proctored exam, providing flexibility for test-takers.

Question Types:

  • Multiple-choice
  • Drag-and-drop
  • Case studies

Registration Process and Fees

Registering for the AZ-700 exam involves a few straightforward steps. First, it requires creating a Microsoft Learning profile and then scheduling the exam through the Microsoft Certification dashboard.

The exam fee is typically $165 but it may vary by region, so it's important to check the current pricing for your specific location.

Understanding the Skills Measured

The AZ-700 exam evaluates specific skills central to the role of an Azure Network Engineer. These include designing, implementing, and managing networking solutions, ensuring security and compliance, and integrating Azure services with existing on-premises infrastructure. A clear understanding of these skills and how they are measured is crucial for effective exam preparation.

Core Networking Infrastructure

The core networking infrastructure is a fundamental aspect of the AZ-700 exam. You should understand the intricacies of Azure's network components, such as virtual networks, subnets, and routing. You should also be adept at configuring connectivity within Azure and between Azure and on-premises environments.

Knowledge of network security features, including Network Security Groups (NSGs) and Application Security Groups (ASGs), is also essential. This section tests the ability to design and implement robust networking solutions that are optimized for performance and cost.

IP Addressing: Basics and configurations

IP addressing is a critical component of Azure networking, and the AZ-700 exam assesses a candidate's understanding of IP fundamentals, including address spaces, subnets, and allocation methods.

You should be familiar with configuring IP addresses for Azure resources, managing IP address assignments. You should also understand the implications of public and private IP addressing for security and connectivity. A thorough grasp of IP addressing configurations ensures that Azure network solutions are designed for optimal efficiency and scalability.

Name Resolution: DNS and related services

Effective name resolution within Azure is vital for network connectivity and service accessibility. The AZ-700 exam evaluates the ability to implement Azure DNS domains, zones, and record types. It also tests knowledge of integrating on-premises DNS with Azure services and managing DNS strategies for private and public endpoints.

Understanding how to configure name resolution for virtual networks and hybrid environments is key to ensuring seamless connectivity across all components of an Azure infrastructure.

Routing: Principles and Protocols

Routing within Azure is an essential skill measured by the AZ-700 exam. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to design and implement routing solutions that ensure efficient data flow within Azure and between Azure and on-premises networks.

This includes understanding Azure's routing capabilities, configuring route tables, and leveraging Azure's routing features such as User Defined Routes (UDRs) and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) for advanced scenarios. Knowledge of routing protocols and principles is crucial for building a network that is both resilient and optimized for performance.

VNet Connectivity: Setup and management

Virtual Network (VNet) is the building block of Azure networking, and understanding VNet connectivity is imperative for the AZ-700 exam. This includes configuring VNet peering, managing VNet-to-VNet connections, and connecting VNets to on-premises networks.

You should also be familiar with network virtual appliances (NVAs) and their role in network connectivity and security. The ability to set up and manage VNet connectivity directly impacts the efficiency and security of the Azure networking environment.

Monitor Networks

Monitoring is a crucial aspect of network management, and the AZ-700 exam places a significant emphasis on a candidate's ability to implement monitoring solutions. This involves using Azure Monitor and Network Watcher to gain insights into network performance and health.

Candidates should be adept at configuring diagnostic settings, analyzing network traffic, and responding to network events. The ability to effectively monitor networks ensures proactive management and quick resolution of any issues that arise.

Tools and techniques for network monitoring

Azure provides a suite of tools and techniques for comprehensive network monitoring, a critical area of focus in the AZ-700 exam. You should be familiar with the use of Azure Monitor, Network Watcher, and other tools to track network performance, detect anomalies, and troubleshoot issues.

It's also important to understand how to interpret metrics and logs to maintain network health and performance. Mastery of these tools and techniques is essential for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of Azure networking solutions.

Performance and health monitoring

Maintaining optimal performance and health of Azure networks is non-negotiable for network engineers. The AZ-700 exam assesses the ability to implement strategies for monitoring network performance, such as analyzing network resource metrics and logs. Candidates must also be skilled in setting up alerts and diagnosing network issues using Azure's native tools. An in-depth understanding of performance metrics and health indicators is key to ensuring that Azure networks run smoothly and efficiently.

Manage Connectivity Services

Connectivity services are a cornerstone of Azure networking, and managing them effectively is a skill tested in the AZ-700 exam. Candidates must be adept at configuring and managing services that facilitate network connectivity, such as VPNs, Azure Virtual WAN, and Azure ExpressRoute. The ability to select and implement the appropriate connectivity services for specific scenarios is crucial for creating a network that meets both performance and security requirements.

Site-to-Site VPN Connection: Configuration and use cases

Site-to-Site VPN connections are a fundamental aspect of Azure networking, enabling secure connections between on-premises networks and Azure virtual networks. The AZ-700 exam tests candidates on configuring Site-to-Site VPN connections, understanding their use cases, and managing them for optimal performance and security. This includes selecting the right VPN gateway, setting up the VPN tunnel, and ensuring the connection adheres to organizational policies and compliance requirements.

Point-to-Site VPN Connection: Setup and scenarios

Point-to-Site VPN connections are essential for providing secure remote access to Azure virtual networks. The AZ-700 exam requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to set up Point-to-Site VPNs, including configuration of VPN clients and Azure VPN Gateway. Understanding when to use Point-to-Site VPNs, as well as their limitations and benefits, is critical for network engineers to provide flexible and secure connectivity for remote users.

Azure ExpressRoute: Implementation and advantages

Azure ExpressRoute offers a private connection to Azure services, bypassing the public internet for enhanced security and reliability. The AZ-700 exam evaluates a candidate's proficiency in implementing ExpressRoute and understanding its advantages over traditional connectivity methods. This includes configuring ExpressRoute circuits, understanding pricing and SLAs, and knowing when to recommend ExpressRoute as the optimal connectivity solution for an organization's specific needs.

Network Security and Compliance

Network security and compliance are critical components of Azure networking, and the AZ-700 exam places a strong emphasis on these areas. Candidates must understand how to implement security controls and compliance policies to protect network resources and data. This includes configuring firewalls, managing encryption, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. A solid grasp of network security and compliance is essential for safeguarding an organization's Azure network infrastructure.

Azure Firewall Configuration

Configuring Azure Firewall is a key skill evaluated in the AZ-700 exam. Candidates need to demonstrate their ability to set up, manage, and maintain Azure Firewall to protect Azure Virtual Network resources. This includes creating and enforcing rules, configuring threat intelligence, and integrating with other Azure security services. A well-configured Azure Firewall is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of the network.

Load Balancing Solutions

Load balancing is an essential function for distributing traffic across multiple servers, ensuring high availability and resilience of applications. The AZ-700 exam tests candidates on their knowledge of Azure load balancing solutions, including Azure Load Balancer and Application Gateway. Understanding how to configure these services to manage traffic efficiently is vital for maintaining continuous service delivery and optimizing application performance.

Private Connectivity Solutions

Private connectivity solutions in Azure, such as Azure Private Link and private endpoints, are designed to provide secure and direct access to Azure services. The AZ-700 exam assesses the ability to implement these solutions, which are critical for minimizing exposure to public internet threats. Candidates must be adept at configuring private connectivity to ensure secure and efficient access to Azure resources while adhering to strict security and compliance standards.

Hybrid Networking

Hybrid networking is a crucial aspect of many organizations' IT strategies, blending on-premises and cloud resources. The AZ-700 exam evaluates a candidate's ability to design and implement hybrid networking solutions that ensure seamless connectivity and integration between Azure and on-premises infrastructures. This includes understanding of VPNs, Azure ExpressRoute, and other networking technologies that facilitate the hybrid model.

Integration with On-Premises Networks

Integration with on-premises networks is a significant aspect of hybrid networking, and it is a key area of focus in the AZ-700 exam. Candidates are expected to demonstrate their expertise in connecting Azure services with existing on-premises infrastructure, ensuring secure and reliable data transfer. This includes configuring site-to-site VPNs, leveraging Azure ExpressRoute for private connections, and understanding how to synchronize on-premises and cloud networks to achieve a cohesive networking environment.

Advanced Networking Features

Azure's advanced networking features provide enhanced capabilities for complex networking scenarios. The AZ-700 exam tests a candidate's knowledge of these features, including their implementation and management. Understanding how to leverage advanced networking services is crucial for IT professionals looking to optimize their Azure network infrastructures for high performance, scalability, and security.

Virtual WAN Architecture

Virtual WAN architecture is a key component of Azure's advanced networking features, offering simplified large-scale branch connectivity. The AZ-700 exam requires candidates to understand the design and implementation of Virtual WAN, including its components like hubs and spokes. Proficiency in Virtual WAN architecture enables network engineers to create a global, scalable network that supports various connectivity scenarios and optimizes traffic flow across the Azure network.

Integration with Other Azure Services

The ability to integrate Azure networking with other Azure services is essential for creating comprehensive and cohesive cloud solutions. The AZ-700 exam evaluates candidates on their ability to connect Azure networking components with services like Azure Storage, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), and Azure Virtual Machines. Understanding these integrations is crucial for network engineers to support and enhance the functionality of a wide array of Azure-based applications and services.

Application Delivery and Optimization

Application delivery and optimization are pivotal in ensuring that applications hosted on Azure perform efficiently and reliably. The AZ-700 exam tests the ability to implement Azure's application delivery services, such as Azure Front Door and Content Delivery Network (CDN), to optimize user experience. Mastery of these services is necessary for network engineers to ensure applications are secure, fast, and highly available.

Application Delivery Services

Azure's application delivery services, including Azure Application Gateway and Azure Front Door, play a crucial role in managing web traffic and protecting applications. The AZ-700 exam assesses a candidate's ability to configure these services to enhance application security, optimize performance, and ensure high availability. Understanding how to properly implement application delivery services is key to delivering a seamless user experience and maintaining robust security.

Front Door Services

Azure Front Door Services provide scalability, security, and high availability for applications. In the AZ-700 exam, candidates must demonstrate their ability to configure Front Door for global HTTP load balancing, SSL offloading, and application acceleration. Understanding the benefits and use cases of Front Door Services is critical for network engineers tasked with optimizing web applications in the Azure ecosystem.

Preparing for the AZ-700 Exam

Preparation for the AZ-700 exam requires a structured approach, combining study materials, hands-on practice, and a clear understanding of the exam objectives. It's important to utilize a variety of resources and strategies to cover all the necessary topics and gain practical experience. An effective preparation plan not only includes reviewing theoretical concepts but also applying them in real-world scenarios to ensure a deep understanding of Azure networking solutions.

Study Materials and Azure Resources

Selecting the right study materials is crucial for a successful AZ-700 exam preparation. Official Microsoft documentation, Azure documentation, and whitepapers provide a solid foundation of knowledge. Additionally, books and online resources tailored to the AZ-700 exam can offer in-depth insights and structured learning paths. Utilizing a combination of these materials ensures a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical concepts and practical applications.

Communities and Study Groups

Engaging with communities and study groups can significantly enhance the learning experience for the AZ-700 exam. These platforms offer the opportunity to discuss topics with peers, share insights, and clarify doubts. They can also provide moral support and motivation throughout the preparation journey. Active participation in study groups and online forums is a valuable strategy for deepening one's understanding of Azure networking concepts.

Practice Exams

Practice exams are an invaluable tool for gauging readiness for the AZ-700 exam. They help candidates become familiar with the exam format, question types, and time constraints. By taking practice exams, individuals can identify areas of strength and weakness, allowing them to focus their study efforts more effectively. Regular practice also builds confidence and reduces exam-day anxiety.

Training Courses

Structured training courses, such as those offered by Readynez, provide guided learning experiences led by industry experts. Readynez's 3-day Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Course and Certification Program (AZ-700) includes comprehensive instruction, hands-on labs, and support to ensure candidates are well-prepared for the exam. Readynez's Unlimited Training plan offers access to over 60 Microsoft courses, allowing for continuous learning and certification at an affordable monthly rate of $199.

Hands-On Experience

Hands-on experience is a critical component of preparing for the AZ-700 exam. Practical application of Azure networking concepts solidifies theoretical knowledge and develops the skills necessary to design and implement real-world solutions. Candidates should take advantage of Azure's free account options or use their organization's resources to practice setting up networks, configuring services, and troubleshooting issues.

Tips for Passing the AZ-700 Exam

To pass the AZ-700 exam, a strategic approach to study and exam-taking is essential. Familiarity with the exam format, effective time management, and a thorough understanding of the core topics will contribute to success. Candidates should also be mindful of common pitfalls and develop strategies to avoid them. Approaching the exam with confidence and preparedness is the culmination of dedicated study and practical experience.

Exam Day Strategies

On exam day, it's important to have a clear strategy. Candidates should ensure they are well-rested, arrive early, and have all necessary identification and confirmation details. During the exam, carefully read each question, manage time efficiently, and make educated guesses when necessary. It's also beneficial to review answers if time permits, as this can help catch any mistakes or oversight.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

One of the common pitfalls when taking the AZ-700 exam is underestimating the depth of knowledge required. To avoid this, ensure that your preparation covers both the breadth and depth of the exam topics. Another pitfall is poor time management, which can be mitigated by practicing with timed exams. Lastly, avoid second-guessing yourself on questions where your first instinct is often correct. Trust your preparation and stay focused throughout the exam.

Conclusion

Successfully passing the Microsoft AZ-700 exam requires a blend of comprehensive study, hands-on experience, and strategic exam preparation. 

By understanding the importance of the certification, familiarizing yourself with the exam's format and content, and leveraging the right resources, you can approach the exam with confidence. Remember that the effort you put into obtaining this certification will pay dividends in your career as an Azure Network Engineer, equipping you with the skills to design and implement robust networking solutions in the cloud.

Readynez offers a 3-day Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Course and Certification Program, providing you with all the learning and support you need to successfully prepare for the exam and certification. 

The AZ-700 Microsoft Azure Network Engineer course, and all our other Microsoft courses, are also included in our unique Unlimited Microsoft Training offer, where you can attend the Microsoft Azure Network Engineer 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 Network Engineer certification and how you best achieve it. 

FAQ

What is the Microsoft AZ-700 Exam?

The Microsoft AZ-700 Exam is a certification exam for Azure Networking Solutions. It tests one's skills in designing, implementing, and managing Azure networking services, such as Virtual Networks, VPN Gateways, and ExpressRoute.

What topics are covered in the Microsoft AZ-700 Exam?

The Microsoft AZ-700 Exam covers topics such as implementing solutions for containers, monitoring and troubleshooting solutions, and designing identity and security. Other areas include designing data storage solutions and implementing CDN solutions.

How can I effectively prepare for the Microsoft AZ-700 Exam?

To effectively prepare for the Microsoft AZ-700 Exam, start by reviewing the official exam objectives, use Microsoft Learn modules, practice with sample questions, and consider joining study groups or hiring a tutor for personalized guidance.

Are there any recommended study materials for the Microsoft AZ-700 Exam?

Yes, there are recommended study materials for the Microsoft AZ-700 Exam such as official Microsoft documentation, online courses from platforms like Udemy or Coursera, practice tests from MeasureUp or ExamTopics, and study guides like those from Wiley or Pearson.

What is the passing score for the Microsoft AZ-700 Exam?

The passing score for the Microsoft AZ-700 Exam is 700 out of 1000. For example, receiving a score of 700 or above indicates a passing result on the exam.

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