AZ-800 is a foundational intermediate certification focused on "core infrastructure operations and Azure integration capabilities" in a Windows Server hybrid environment.

1. Introduction to the AZ-800 certification

Microsoft Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure (AZ-800) is an intermediate certification in the field of servers and hybrid clouds launched by Microsoft, focusing on verifying the ability of practitioners to manage core infrastructure in a hybrid environment of "local Windows Server data center + Microsoft Azure cloud."

AZ-800 is a core component of the "Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate" certification, aimed at operations personnel with basic Windows Server experience, aiming to cultivate core technical talents who can support the daily stable operation of enterprise hybrid IT architecture.

As enterprise IT architecture transitions from a "pure on premises" to an "on-premises + cloud" hybrid model, Windows Server, as the core on premises infrastructure, needs to collaborate with Azure Cloud to achieve basic functionality. The core of AZ-800 certification is to cultivate "Windows Server basic operation and maintenance experts in hybrid environments," not pursuing complex advanced functions, but focusing on the "core basic capabilities" of hybrid architecture.

The certificate holder is required to independently complete local Windows Server core service configuration, Azure basic resource docking, as well as daily management and basic troubleshooting of hybrid environments, ensuring the basic availability and security of business in hybrid architecture.

In medium-sized enterprises, AZ-800 certificate holders can deploy local Windows Server Active Directory domain services to create unified user accounts for employees; Implementing user synchronization between local AD and Azure AD through Azure AD Connect, allowing employees to access local file servers and log in to Azure cloud applications; Configure Azure Backup for local Windows Server virtual machines to achieve cloud based data backup; When employees are unable to log in to domain or cloud applications, they can troubleshoot identity synchronization or permission configuration issues and quickly restore normal access.

2. Why Earn Your AZ-800 Certification? 

AZ-800 is the only certification from Microsoft that focuses on Windows Server hybrid core infrastructure. It is highly recognized among enterprises that adopt a "local + Azure" hybrid architecture and is a "basic threshold" for recruiting hybrid environment infrastructure operations positions. Without this certification, it is difficult to enter the field of hybrid cloud operations.

For traditional Windows Server operations personnel, AZ-800 is the core credential for transitioning from "pure local" to "hybrid cloud," which can expand their career direction and increase their salary by 20%-35% compared to traditional local operations.

AZ-800 certification covers the "core basic functions" of hybrid environments, and the learning process can help practitioners establish a "local + cloud" collaborative operation and maintenance mindset, avoiding the "single capability weakness" of only understanding local or cloud, and solving the basic pain points in hybrid environments.

AZ-800 certificate holders can join the Microsoft Windows Server and Azure hybrid cloud community, obtain basic operation and maintenance documents, official tools, free learning resources, participate in offline basic operation and maintenance exchange activities, and lay a foundation for subsequent learning of AZ-801 or other Azure certifications.

3. Core Components of the AZ-800 Certification

For IT professionals who wish to systematically master the core skills of modern Windows Server and enter the Microsoft hybrid cloud field, AZ-800 certification is a crucial and ideal starting point. This certification accurately identifies the common demand for today's enterprise IT environment, which is how to seamlessly integrate mature local data centers with flexible Azure cloud platforms. It does not require you to become an expert in a particular field, but aims to cultivate you into a "versatile" administrator who can handle "cross environment" infrastructure.

Windows Server local identity and permission management is the cornerstone of all enterprise IT services. You will start from scratch and learn to deploy and manage the most essential Active Directory domain services, including creating domain controllers, managing user groups, and unifying control over thousands of client devices through powerful group policies. At the same time, you will master the daily maintenance and disaster recovery skills of AD, ensuring the absolute security and stability of identity services as the "key to the enterprise door."

Data is the lifeline of an enterprise, and certification requires you to be proficient in managing server disks, configuring file sharing and permissions, and utilizing a distributed file system to provide users with a unified file access portal. In addition, you will learn to use Storage Migration Service for seamless data migration and apply technologies such as BitLocker and Windows Server Backup to protect data security, ensuring data availability, manageability, and security.

You will delve into how to configure and manage the basic services and performance of physical servers. More importantly, certification will take you into the world of virtualization, creating, configuring, and managing virtual machines through Hyper-V roles to integrate and optimize server resources, which are essential skills for modern data centers.

Azure hybrid infrastructure integration is the essence of certified 'hybrid.' You will take the first step in connecting local and cloud, learning to create basic resources in Azure and achieve network interoperability through Site to Site VPN. The key is that you will hands-on practice using Azure AD Connect to synchronize local AD with Azure AD, achieving unified identity authentication; And use Azure Backup to back up local data to the cloud, initially building cross environment disaster recovery capabilities.

4. What are the requirements to be a Microsoft Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure?

(1) Qualification prerequisites:

AZ-800 does not require mandatory certification, but Microsoft recommends that you have 1-2 years of experience in local Windows Server operations and be familiar with basic IT concepts and basic Azure platform awareness.

(2) Training and examinations:

The AZ-800 exam consists of approximately 40-60 questions, including multiple-choice questions, case analysis questions, and practical questions. The exam lasts for 120 minutes, with a maximum score of 1000 points, and a passing score of 700 or above is required.

The exam fee varies slightly by region and is approximately $165. 

(3) Qualification maintenance:

Obtaining the "Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate" certificate requires passing both AZ-800 and AZ-801 to obtain the certificate.

The certificate is valid for 3 years, and you need to pass the "renewal exam" or obtain a higher-level certification to extend the validity of the certificate within the validity period.

5. Comparable Certifications to Microsoft Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure Certification

• CompTIA Server+
• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)