The AZ-700 is a core intermediate certification in the Azure networking field and a key stepping stone for networking professionals transitioning to cloud networking.

1. Introduction to the AZ-700 certification

Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700) is a mid-level network certification launched by Microsoft, focusing on verifying practitioners' practical abilities in designing, deploying, managing, securing, and optimizing enterprise level Azure network infrastructure on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform.

AZ-700 is the only exam for the "Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate" certification, aimed at technical personnel with Azure foundation and network experience. It aims to cultivate practical Azure network engineers who can support the stable, secure, and efficient operation of enterprise cloud networks. It is the core qualification for transforming from "traditional network operation and maintenance" to "cloud network experts."

After the enterprise goes to the cloud, the network is the core link that connects the local data center with Azure cloud and internal Azure resources, and needs to solve complex requirements such as "cross environment interoperability, high availability, low latency, and secure isolation."

The core positioning of AZ-700 certification is to cultivate "practical implementers and managers of Azure enterprise level network architecture," rather than simply "network tool operators."

AZ-700 certification holders need to be proficient in Azure core network services, able to design Azure network architecture for business scenarios, solve key issues such as network connection interruptions, performance bottlenecks, security vulnerabilities, etc., and ensure that Azure network infrastructure adapts to business needs and runs stably.

When building a hybrid cloud network for multinational enterprises, AZ-700 certificate holders will design a multi area virtual network architecture and achieve resource interoperability within the same area through VNet peer-to-peer connections; build a dedicated connection between the local data center and Azure through FHIR to ensure the secure and stable transmission of sensitive data; configure Azure Traffic Manager to achieve intelligent distribution of cross regional application traffic and reduce access latency.

2. The Rewards of Being a Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate

AZ-700 is the only official Azure intermediate network certification from Microsoft, highly recognized among enterprises using Azure. When recruiting for the Azure Network Engineer position, it is often listed as a "must-have condition," which is the core distinguishing factor between ordinary IT personnel and cloud network experts.

The AZ-700 certification focuses on the implementation of enterprise level network architecture, which proves the ability to independently solve complex Azure network problems and directly undertake enterprise core network projects, avoiding the embarrassment of "only knowing theory but not practical operation."

AZ-700 certificate holders can join the Microsoft Azure Network exclusive community to obtain official network best practice documents and industry cases; priority participation in Microsoft Network Technology Summit and offline salons, connecting with experts in the same field and high-end project opportunities, laying the foundation for advanced senior network engineers or cloud architects.

3. Overview of the AZ-700 Certification

For professionals who are committed to becoming cloud network experts and responsible for designing and implementing Azure enterprise level network solutions, the AZ-700 Design and Implementation of Microsoft Azure Network Solution Certification is a crucial professional certification.

The Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate certification focuses deeply on the full lifecycle management of complex network infrastructure on the Azure cloud platform, aiming to systematically verify whether you have comprehensive architecture and implementation capabilities from virtual networks, hybrid connections to application delivery and security protection.

Designing and implementing Azure virtual networks is the cornerstone of all cloud services. You need to be proficient in VNet and subnet architecture design, including IP address planning, cross regional peer-to-peer interconnection, and be able to configure network security groups and routing tables to achieve traffic control and isolation, building a secure and isolated network environment for applications.

Designing and deploying hybrid cloud connectivity is a crucial step for enterprises to go to the cloud. You need to master how to build reliable and efficient hybrid cloud connections through Site to Site VPN and FHIR dedicated lines, and understand how to use Azure Virtual WAN to simplify large-scale, global hybrid network management.

Ensure high performance and availability of the application. You need to be proficient in deploying Azure load balancers and application gateways to achieve traffic distribution and web application protection, and be able to utilize Azure Front Door and traffic manager to design cross regional global application acceleration and intelligent traffic routing solutions.

Build a defense in depth system. You need to master the deployment and management of Azure Firewall to implement centralized network strategies, configure DDoS protection to resist external attacks, and proficiently use Private Link and Private Endpoint to achieve private connections with PaaS services and avoid public network exposure.

Monitoring, troubleshooting, and network optimization can ensure the continuous and healthy operation of the network. You need to be able to use Azure Monitor and Network Observer to monitor network performance, capture data packets, and diagnose connection failures, while optimizing network bandwidth and configuration based on insights to improve overall efficiency.

4. What are the requirements to be a Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate?

(1) Qualification prerequisites:

We recommend that you have 6-12 months of Azure basic operations experience and be familiar with the basic configuration of Azure core resources before preparing for the AZ-700 certification. It is recommended that you have at least 1 year of experience in traditional networks or cloud networks, and understand basic network concepts.

(2) Training and examinations:

The AZ-700 exam consists of approximately 40-60 questions, including multiple-choice questions and practical exercises simulating Azure network configuration scenarios. The exam lasts for 180 minutes.

The exam fee is approximately $165, with slight variations in different regions. Full score of 1000, pass with 700 points or above. 

(3) Qualification maintenance:

The AZ-700 certificate is valid for 3 years and requires passing the "renewal exam" or obtaining a higher-level Azure certification renewal certificate within the validity period.

5. Comparable Certifications to Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate Certification

• AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty (ANS-C01)
• Google Professional Cloud Network Engineer
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data Center