AZ-400 is a top-level certification in the DevOps field that focuses on practical DevOps design and implementation capabilities across the entire DevOps process.

1. Introduction to the Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions certification

Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions (AZ-400) is an advanced professional level certification launched by Microsoft, focusing on verifying the end-to-end capabilities of practitioners in designing, implementing, and managing DevOps practices based on the Microsoft Azure platform.

AZ-400 is the only exam for Microsoft Certified DevOps Engineer Expert certification, aimed at technical personnel with dual experience in Azure and DevOps. It aims to cultivate expert level DevOps talents who can connect the entire process of "development testing operation" and achieve rapid iteration and stable delivery of business, and is a key qualification for transitioning from a "single role" to a "full process leader."

In the digital transformation of enterprises, it is necessary to break down the "development and operation barriers" and achieve the business goals of "rapid development, frequent deployment, and stable operation" through DevOps practices. This requires technicians to understand both the development process and operations management, as well as proficiently apply the Azure toolchain to implement DevOps concepts.

The core positioning of AZ-400 certification is to cultivate "expert DevOps practitioners in the Azure ecosystem" rather than simply "tool users." The certificate holder needs to master the core ideas of DevOps, be able to design DevOps processes in conjunction with Azure services, solve key problems throughout the entire process, and ultimately achieve rapid delivery of business value.

When building the Azure DevOps system for Internet products, AZ-400 licensees will use Azure Boards to plan agile projects; Hosting code through Azure Repos and configuring branch policies; Build a CI/CD pipeline using Azure Pipelines; Using Azure Configuration Manager to achieve consistency between infrastructure, code, and configuration; Monitor application performance and deployment status through Azure Monitor + Application Insights, and continuously optimize pipeline and product quality based on feedback.

2. The Competitive Edge of an AZ-400 Certification

AZ-400 is Microsoft's only DevOps expert level certification, highly recognized in the Azure ecosystem of enterprises. When recruiting for DevOps positions in large companies, it is often listed as a "must-have condition," which is the core distinguishing factor between ordinary technical personnel and DevOps experts.

AZ-400 certification covers the entire DevOps process practice, and passing it can demonstrate end-to-end capabilities from project planning to code delivery, from monitoring feedback to continuous improvement. It can independently lead enterprise DevOps transformation and solve complex problems throughout the entire process.

AZ-400 certificate holders can join the Microsoft DevOps exclusive community to obtain official best practice documents, the latest tool features, and industry cases; priority participation in Microsoft DevOps Technology Summit and offline salons, connecting with experts in the same field and high-end project opportunities, laying the foundation for career advancement.

3. Core Components of the AZ-400 Certification

For professionals committed to becoming Azure DevOps experts and driving efficient and agile software delivery for enterprises, AZ-400 certification is a highly valuable advanced certification.

AZ-400 certification is not limited to the use of a single tool, but focuses deeply on the comprehensive integration of end-to-end DevOps culture, processes, and technology, aiming to verify your ability to design DevOps practice system.

As the starting point for all practices, you need to have a deep understanding of DevOps culture and agile methodology, and be able to use Azure Boards for work item management and project progress tracking. More importantly, you will learn to define and track key DORA metrics such as deployment frequency and average recovery time, and continuously improve through data-driven teams.

Designing and implementing source code management is the cornerstone of modern collaborative development. You need to be proficient in using Azure Repos to design efficient branch strategies, configure branch strategies, and enforce code reviews to ensure code quality. At the same time, security practices such as static code analysis and key scanning must be shifted to the left to control risks from the source.

The design and implementation of building and publishing pipelines are the core and essence of certification. You need to master the use of Azure Pipelines to build a complete CI/CD pipeline, achieving full process automation from code compilation, testing to deployment.

You will learn how to integrate Application Insights and Azure Monitor to establish observability of application performance, set up intelligent alerts, and quickly locate issues. By aggregating user feedback and system logs, a feedback loop is formed from operations to development, providing data support for optimizing product experience and system stability.

Finally, you need to master higher-level automation skills, including using Azure Automation for operational automation, as well as managing container images and Kubernetes deployments to achieve true cloud native DevOps.

4. What are the requirements to be a Microsoft Azure DevOps Solution?

(1) Qualification prerequisites:

If you wish to prepare for the AZ-400 certification, we recommend having 1-2 years of practical experience in Azure and being familiar with the basic configuration and management of Azure core services.

It is preferable to have at least 1 year of DevOps related experience and an understanding of DevOps and agile concepts; Master at least one programming language and infrastructure, namely code tools. You can first obtain Azure Intermediate certification to solidify your Azure technology foundation. 

(2) Training and examinations:

The AZ-400 has approximately 40-60 questions, including multiple-choice questions and case analysis questions. The exam duration is 180 minutes; full score of 1000, pass with 700 points or above. The exam fee varies slightly in different regions, around $165. 

(3) Qualification maintenance:

The AZ-400 certificate is valid for 3 years, and you need to pass the "renewal exam" or obtain a higher-level Azure certification within the validity period to renew the certificate's validity.

5. Comparable Certifications to Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions Certification

• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
• Google Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer
• Kubernetes Certified Administrator (CKA)
• Kubernetes Certified Application Developer (CKAD)
• DevOps Institute Certified DevOps Professional (CDP)