Which Microsoft Azure Certification is best for you

When you’re a developer, keeping pace with evolving technology isn’t optional, it’s a necessity. For example, today, the code I work on isn’t stored on the computer server- it’s stored on a cloud. If I can’t work on cloud software, my efficiency is lowered. So, as you can imagine, the demand for expertise in the cloud system is higher than ever before. My engineering degrees did not cover this subject. After all,  this technology simply wasn’t around back then. So, what did I do to bring my CV up to date- I passed the Microsoft Azure Certification!

Why I picked Azure Training?

Microsoft Azure is the second-largest cloud-computing platform in the world. It is used by over 57% of all Fortune 500 companies. It offers a range of services including storage, computing, hybrid integration, analytics, machine learning, networking and DevOps. These services may be used to develop new apps, run existing apps and even scale them up. As of July 2018, Microsoft Azure had 54 data centers spread across the world. For me, this meant that if I wanted to switch jobs tomorrow, having an Azure certification would help me not only in India but abroad as well.

So, What Certification Do You Need?

Does it make sense for a dentist to study eye diseases? No! The same principle applies to choosing an Azure course. Before you jump into the deep end of Microsoft Azure, you need to pick the right course. Today, certifications are based on roles so that they are better aligned to market opportunities. Hence, choosing the certifications that suit you starts with picking your niche. Let’s take a closer look at the four main roles an Azure certified person could play.

• Microsoft Azure Developer (MCA Azure Developer)

If you’re looking at building a career out of programming apps, this is the certification for you. This certification will help you discover the full potential of the Azure platform and use them to your advantage. It helps developers create practical cloud-based solutions for a company’s current and future needs.

• Microsoft Azure Administrator (MCA Azure Administrator)

Just as a company must have a person in charge of the administration of people, it must also have an administrator for its cloud platform. It is this person’s duty to monitor work flowing in and out of the cloud and to ensure that operations run smoothly. An administrator certification will help you troubleshoot network error so that misdirected operations are minimized and operations run as efficiently as possible.

• Microsoft Azure Architect (MCE Azure Solutions Architect)

In terms of creative problem solving, an architect’s role is quite similar to that of a developer. However, their focus differs. Azure architects focus on designing new networks and cloud pathways to make sure all the different elements of a business stay connected. A certification in this role will help you master the skill set required to overhaul the network when it goes beyond the administrator’s capabilities.

• Microsoft Azure Hybrid Stack Operator

This is a specialty role that can be considered an expansion of the administrator’s role. Azure Hybrid Stack Operators are trained to work in specific businesses that follow a hybrid system of doing some work on their own servers and some on the cloud. This is typically seen in companies that deal with sensitive data that they cannot risk putting on the cloud. Certification for this role trains you to be a generalist so that you can have a foot in both worlds.

Training modules for Azure DevOps engineers, desktop administrators and Microsoft 365 Enterprise Administrators are also being developed.

Stages of Online Training

Azure online training starts with the fundamentals. First, you need to understand the basics and general working of the platform before you can specialize in a particular role. Training with the fundamentals also helps you identify your skills and interests. You may start out thinking that you want to be a developer but after understanding how the platform works, you may change your mind and figure that you would be better as an architect. It is interesting to note that apart from a difference in core responsibilities, the role you choose will also define who you work with. Developers and administrators typically work with business clients. However, architects usually work with large tech firms or third-party mediators. Thus, the fundamentals course gives you time to find out which role you are best fitted to.

From the fundamentals, you can move on to the associate level certification. On passing this level, the expert level certification is the next step. This is where developers and administrators come together as expert engineers.

Training for developers and administrator roles takes slightly longer than an architect’s role. This is because architects have no mid-level certification. However, if you decide to complete the expert level engineer certification, you will be equipped to handle developer and administrator responsibilities.

To Sum It Up

If you want a secure future and a promising IT career, you can’t afford to not get Azure certified. It is easy to master and when used properly can be your most efficient tool. So, start with the fundamentals. Get certified and pick the role that suits your interests and skills. With Azure certifications, it’s only a matter of time before your career reaches the heights you’ve been aiming at.

 

Get started with Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)