AZURE CERTIFICATION DETAILS:
Azure AZ-900 and AZ-104 Certification Details :
The AZ-900 and AZ-104 certifications are part of the Microsoft Azure certification path, focusing on foundational and intermediate skills in cloud computing with Microsoft Azure. Below is a detailed explanation of both certifications:
AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Overview:
The AZ-900 certification, also known as Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, is an entry-level certification designed to introduce you to cloud services and how Microsoft Azure provides these services. It’s suitable for those who are new to Azure or cloud computing, providing a general understanding without deep technical knowledge.
Exam Structure:
- Exam Code: AZ-900
- Duration: 60-90 minutes
- Format: Multiple choice, multiple response, case studies
- Passing Score: 700 out of 1000
Key Topics:
- Cloud Concepts (25-30%):
- Understanding cloud computing principles, benefits, and service types (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).
- Different cloud deployment models: Public, Private, and Hybrid.
- Core Azure Services (15-20%):
- Overview of Azure architectural components, including regions, availability zones, resource groups, and more.
- Core services like Azure Compute, Networking, Storage, and Databases.
- Security, Privacy, Compliance, and Trust (25-30%):
- Azure’s approach to security, including Azure Security Center, Azure Key Vault, and identity services like Azure Active Directory.
- Understanding of compliance standards and Azure’s commitment to privacy and trust.
- Azure Pricing, SLA, and Lifecycle (20-25%):
- Understanding Azure’s pricing models, cost management tools, and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
- Basics of Azure resource management and governance.
Who Should Take This Exam?
- Individuals interested in cloud computing.
- Professionals in non-technical roles looking to understand cloud concepts.
- Beginners looking to start their journey in Azure.
Preparation Tips:
- Microsoft Learn: Utilize our learning paths .
- Practice Exams: Test your knowledge with practice tests.
- Hands-on Labs: Experiment with Azure’s free tier to gain practical experience.
DP-203: Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure
Overview:
The DP-203 certification, known as Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure, is an advanced certification designed for data professionals who are responsible for data management and engineering. It focuses on designing and implementing data solutions using Azure data services.
Exam Structure:
- Exam Code: DP-203
- Duration: 120-150 minutes
- Format: Multiple choice, drag and drop, case studies, simulations
- Passing Score: 700 out of 1000
Key Topics:
- Design and Implement Data Storage (40-45%):
- Implementing Azure Data Lake Storage and Azure Blob Storage.
- Configuring relational data stores such as Azure SQL Database and Azure Synapse Analytics.
- Implementing partitioning and indexing strategies for efficient data storage.
- Design and Develop Data Processing (25-30%):
- Designing and implementing data pipelines using Azure Data Factory and Azure Synapse Pipelines.
- Implementing data processing solutions with Azure Databricks and Azure Stream Analytics.
- Developing batch processing and real-time data processing solutions.
- Design and Implement Data Security (10-15%):
- Implementing data encryption (in transit and at rest).
- Managing data access using role-based access control (RBAC) and Azure Active Directory.
- Securing Azure Data Lake Storage and other data services.
- Monitor and Optimize Data Solutions (10-15%):
- Monitoring data storage and data processing solutions.
- Optimizing performance of data storage and data processing.
- Implementing data recovery and data archiving solutions.
Who Should Take This Exam?
- Data engineers responsible for data ingestion, transformation, and storage.
- IT professionals with experience in building data solutions in Azure.
- Individuals looking to specialize in data engineering within Azure.
Comparing DP-900 and DP-203
| Feature | DP-900 | DP-203 |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Beginner | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Focus | Data fundamentals, core Azure data services | Data engineering, design, and implementation |
| Target Audience | Beginners, non-technical professionals, students | Data engineers, IT professionals with data focus |
| Prerequisites | None | Experience in Azure data services recommended |
| Certification Path | Starting point for all other Azure data certs | Leads to advanced certifications in data and AI |
| Skills Learned | Basic data concepts, relational and non-relational data, data analytics | Data storage, data processing, data security, data optimization |
| Preparation Time | 1-2 weeks | 4-6 weeks (depending on experience) |
Certification Path:
- Step 1: DP-900 – Begin with the fundamentals of data and how they are managed in Azure.
- Step 2: DP-203 – Move on to more advanced data engineering tasks, including designing and implementing data solutions in Azure.
- Step 3: Advanced Certifications – Consider further specialization, such as DP-300 for Azure database administrators or AI-102 for AI engineering.
Certification Registration
Register for the certification by clicking on the official Microsoft Azure link.
These certifications are designed to build your expertise progressively, starting with foundational knowledge in data management and moving towards more complex data engineering roles within the Azure ecosystem.
