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TRUSTED BY THE SMARTEST TEAMS IN THE WORLD FOR CERTIFIED CANDIDATES
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Useful learning materials to become certified IT personnel
  • 408
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    2025-11-05 14:15
    Table of Contents1. Introduction to the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate certification2. The Competitive Edge of an SAA-C03 Certification 3. Core Components of the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Certification4. What are the requirements to be an AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate?5. Comparable Certifications to AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Certification AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is a core intermediate certification that focuses on the ability to translate business requirements into AWS architecture. 1. Introduction to the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate certification AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) is an intermediate cloud architecture certification exam launched by Amazon Web Services (AWS), focusing on verifying practitioners' ability to design "high availability, high security, high resilience, and cost-optimized" cloud solutions based on AWS services. SAA-C03 is one of the most core architecture certifications in the AWS certification system, aimed at technical personnel with basic AWS experience. It aims to cultivate intermediate architects who can translate business requirements into stable and efficient AWS architecture, and is a key qualification for transitioning from "cloud users" to "cloud architecture designers." During the process of enterprise cloud migration, it is necessary to transform the business scenario into a technology architecture adapted to AWS, while balancing the three core requirements of "availability, security, and cost." This requires talents who both understand the characteristics of AWS services and possess architectural design thinking. The core of the SAA-C03 exam is to cultivate "AWS intermediate solution designers" rather than "pure service operators." The certificate holder needs to master the deep characteristics and applicable scenarios of AWS core services, be able to design architectures that comply with AWS best practices for different business needs, solve key problems in the architecture, and ensure stable operation and controllable costs after the solution is implemented. When designing AWS architecture for e-commerce platforms, SAA-C03 certificate holders will choose "EC2 Auto Scaling + ELB" to cope with large promotions and high concurrency, optimize user access speed with "S3 stores product images + CloudFront accelerates distribution," ensure high availability of databases through "RDS multi-zone deployment + regular snapshot backups," and configure "IAM permission control + WAF anti-attack" to ensure system security; In response to cost optimization requirements, "Spot instance running non-core tasks + reserved instance deploying core services" will be selected to avoid resource waste.   2. The Competitive Edge of an SAA-C03 Certification  SAA-C03 is AWS's most popular intermediate certification, with over 100000 holders worldwide, and is a "standard" for companies recruiting AWS intermediate architects and technical backbones. When recruiting for large companies and AWS partners, it is often listed as a "must-have condition," and it is difficult for uncertified candidates to enter architecture design positions. The SAA-C03 exam does not test rote memorization, but rather uses a large number of business scenario questions to force candidates to understand "why it is designed this way" rather than "how to configure services." After learning, they can truly possess the ability to transform from "requirements" to "architecture," rather than simply being "AWS tool users." Holders of SAA-C03 certification can join the AWS Architect Community to obtain official architecture best practice documents and industry solution cases; prioritize participation in AWS technology summits and closed door meetings for architects, connect with experts in the same field and opportunities for high-end projects, and lay the foundation for advanced senior architects.   3. Core Components of the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Certification For practitioners aspiring to become AWS cloud solution architects or deeply involved in cloud application design, AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) certification is a crucial milestone that must be overcome. Unlike basic level cloud practitioners, SAA-C03 certification marks your transition from understanding cloud concepts to designing cloud architecture. The core focus is no longer on the functionality of a single service, but on how you can integrate multiple AWS services to build a secure, highly available, high-performance, and cost optimized distributed system based on business needs, cost constraints, and best practices. Designing an elastic architecture is the cornerstone capability of architects. You need to be proficient in how to utilize multi availability zone deployment to achieve high availability, and use Auto Scaling and elastic load balancing to cope with traffic fluctuations. At the same time, you must master different levels of disaster recovery strategies from backup recovery to multi region proactive, and know how to use services such as S3 cross regional replication to achieve them, ensuring business continuity. Designing high-performance architecture requires you to become a 'strategic selection expert' for AWS services. This includes selecting appropriate EC2 instance types for different workloads, utilizing serverless computing to optimize response and cost, and making the best choices for S3 storage categories and database services based on data access patterns. Designing a secure architecture is the top priority that runs through all designs. You must have a deep understanding of IAM and be able to design sophisticated access controls based on the 'minimum privilege principle.' At the same time, you need to master the encryption scheme for data during transmission and at rest, and be able to design a secure VPC network topology, deploy resources in public or private subnets, and build a defense in depth system by combining security services such as WAF and Shield. An excellent architect must also be an economist. You need to have a deep understanding of AWS's various pricing models and be proficient in using tools such as reserved instances, savings plans, and spot instances to significantly reduce costs. Architecture needs to serve operations and maintenance, and you must consider the observability of the system, be able to design monitoring and auditing solutions using CloudWatch and CloudTrail, and understand the importance of using infrastructure as code tools such as CloudFormation to achieve automated deployment and version control of the architecture. The implementation of all the above capabilities is based on your deep understanding of dozens of core AWS services, including but not limited to core and advanced services in the fields of computing, storage, databases, networking, and security.   4. What are the requirements to be an AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate? (1) Qualification prerequisites: Before obtaining SAA-C03 certification, it is recommended that you have 6-12 months of practical experience in AWS and be familiar with the basic configuration of AWS core services. You can first obtain AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) certification to solidify your basic understanding of AWS, understand the principles of infrastructure design and possess the ability to analyze simple business requirements.  (2) Training and examinations: SAA-C03 has approximately 65 questions, including multiple-choice questions and situational analysis questions. The exam lasts for 130 minutes, including 10 minutes of pre-exam instructions and a 5-minute survey questionnaire. The maximum score is 1000, with a passing score of 720 or above, and the difficulty level is higher than that of Cloud Practitioner. The exam fee is approximately $150.  (3) Qualification maintenance: The SAA-C03 certificate is valid for 3 years, and you need to pass the "renewal exam" or obtain a higher-level certification within the validity period to renew the certificate's validity.   5. Comparable Certifications to AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Certification Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert: Google Cloud Certified - Professional Cloud Architect IBM Certified Technical Advocate - Cloud v4 CompTIA Cloud+  
  • 398
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    2025-11-05 14:08
    Table of Contents1. Introduction to the Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty certification2. The Competitive Edge of an AZ-140 Certification 3. Core Components of the Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty Certification4. What are the requirements to be a Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty?5. Comparable Certifications to Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty Certification AZ-140 certification is a core qualification for enterprises that provide reliable cloud desktop solutions to achieve efficient remote work and desktop virtualization. 1. Introduction to the Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty certification Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty (AZ-140) Certification is a professional level certification launched by Microsoft, aimed at verifying candidates' core abilities and maintaining Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) environments. The AZ-140 certification focuses on the full lifecycle management of Azure virtual desktops, including key areas. It is the core qualification for enterprises to achieve efficient remote work and desktop virtualization. Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is Microsoft's desktop as a service (DaaS) solution based on Azure cloud, allowing users to access Windows desktops and applications on demand through the cloud. It supports efficient delivery of multi session Windows 10/11, Office 365 ProPlus, and custom applications. The core of AZ-140 certification is to cultivate professional talents who can transform business requirements into secure, stable, and scalable AVD architecture, and solve practical problems for enterprises in remote work, cross platform access, resource optimization, and other scenarios. Practitioners certified with AZ-140 are able to design highly available AVD architectures to ensure fault transfer and load balancing in multi-regional deployments; Configure Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) and conditional access policies to ensure user identity security; Integrating FSLogix technology to achieve seamless roaming of user profiles and enhance the end-user experience; Utilize Azure Monitor and Log Analytics to monitor AVD performance, quickly identify and resolve performance bottlenecks.   2. The Competitive Edge of an AZ-140 Certification  The AZ-140 exam covers advanced configurations of AVD, and certification can prove that practitioners have the ability to solve complex technical problems, paving the way for promotion to architects or technical experts. Holders of AZ-140 certification can receive official technical support from Microsoft, have priority participation in the AVD Technology Preview Program, and join the global Azure community to access the latest industry solutions and best practices.   3. Core Components of the Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty Certification For IT professionals who specialize in desktop virtualization and modern workspace solutions, AZ-140 certification is a highly targeted advanced specialized certification. It marks that you are no longer just an ordinary server administrator, but have the expert level ability to design, deploy, manage, and optimize Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop services in the enterprise. The AZ-140 certification focuses deeply on the core service of AVD, requiring you to master the full lifecycle management from underlying infrastructure to upper level user experience, and to integrate the best practices of security, cost, and performance throughout. Planning and implementing AVD infrastructure is the cornerstone of certification and also the highest weighted part of the exam. You need to have a deep understanding of the logical architecture of AVD, including the design and association of host pools, application groups, and workspaces. You will learn how to plan and configure Azure network and storage to support the low latency and high-performance requirements of remote desktop protocols. In virtual desktop environments, security is of paramount importance. This module requires you to be proficient in how to use Azure Active Directory's conditional access and multi-factor authentication to protect user login and strictly implement the principle of minimum privilege. You need to master how to encrypt user profiles and operating system disks, and understand how to use Azure's security and compliance tools to meet industry regulatory requirements, building an unbreakable security line from identity to data. The user environment and application management module are directly related to the productivity and experience of end users. You will learn how to configure FSLogix to achieve efficient profile roaming, ensuring that users receive a consistent personalized environment in any session. At the same time, you need to master how to publish applications through RemoteApp and Application Groups, and understand how to optimize storage performance and configure GPU acceleration to provide excellent user experience for graphics intensive or high IO demanding applications. Excellent operation and maintenance capabilities are the key to ensuring service quality. You need to be proficient in using Azure Monitor and Log Analytics to gain insights into the health status, performance metrics, and user login issues of the environment. In addition, certification requires you to have the ability to achieve operational automation through Azure Automation and PowerShell. In summary, obtaining AZ-140 certification not only demonstrates your practical ability to successfully migrate and modernize traditional desktop environments to the cloud, but also showcases your professional value as an expert in the AVD field to employers and clients. It is a crucial step on the path to professionalization in modern desktop management.   4. What are the requirements to be a Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty? (1) Qualification prerequisites: Before taking the AZ-140 exam, it is recommended that you have 6-12 months of Azure management experience and be familiar with basic services such as Azure virtual networking, storage, and computing. Can have a preliminary understanding of system management for Windows Server and Windows 10/11.  (2) Training and examinations: The AZ-140 certification requires approximately 40-60 questions, including multiple-choice questions and case analysis questions. The exam lasts for 180 minutes. Full score of 1000, pass with 700 points or above. The exam fees vary by region, ranging from approximately $165 to $200.  (3) Qualification maintenance: The AZ-140 certificate is valid for 3 years and requires passing a recertification exam or obtaining a higher-level certification to continue its validity.   5. Comparable Certifications to Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty Certification VMware Certified Professional – Desktop and Mobility (VCP-DTM) VMware Horizon 8: Deploy and Manage Certification Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V) AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02)          
  • 407
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    2025-11-04 14:44
    Table of Contents1. Introduction to the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification2. The Rewards of Being an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner 3. Core Components of the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification4. What are the requirements to be an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner?5. Comparable Certifications to AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification The AWS Cloud Practitioner CLF-C02 Exam is an introductory exam for the AWS cloud platform that helps people with no prior cloud knowledge build a cloud knowledge framework. 1. Introduction to the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification AWS Cloud Practitioner CLF-C02 is an entry-level cloud computing certification exam launched by Amazon Web Services (AWS), corresponding to the "AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner" qualification. The CLF-C02 exam focuses on verifying practitioners' understanding of the core concepts, service types, pricing models, security compliance, and basic usage scenarios of the AWS cloud platform. It does not require programming or operational experience and is an introductory exam specifically designed for "AWS cloud basics." It is also the starting point of the AWS certification system and is suitable for all those who wish to learn about AWS and embark on the path of cloud computing learning. Against the backdrop of AWS dominating the global public cloud market, both technical and non-technical positions require a basic understanding of the AWS cloud platform. The core of the CLF-C02 exam is to help candidates establish a basic cognitive framework for the AWS cloud platform, rather than cultivating practical technical skills. It does not examine complex resource allocation or development skills, but rather allows examiners to understand the essence of cloud computing, the core service value of AWS, how to choose basic services based on business needs, and AWS's security and compliance logic, laying the foundation for subsequent learning of AWS technology certification or engaging in AWS related work. In the IT department of enterprises, practitioners who have passed the CLF-C02 exam can understand why they choose AWS storage services instead of local storage; Can distinguish the applicable scenarios of AWS EC2 and AWS Lambda; Can use AWS pricing calculator to estimate basic service costs; When communicating with the technical team, be able to understand AWS core terms such as "VPC" and avoid communication barriers.   2. The Rewards of Being an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner  AWS is the world's largest public cloud provider, and the "AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner" is its officially recognized entry-level qualification, which is highly recognized among enterprises using AWS.  Although it does not directly correspond to high paying technical positions, this certificate can make resumes stand out during the screening stage. HR can quickly determine candidates' understanding of AWS basics through certificates, avoiding being directly eliminated due to 'cloud free experience.' The "cloud concept, security model, and core services" covered by CLF-C02 are the foundation of all advanced AWS certifications. Firstly, establish a cognitive framework through CLF-C02, and then quickly understand complex technical logic when learning advanced certification, reducing learning difficulty. After passing the CLF-C02 exam, you can obtain the AWS official certification badge, which can be displayed on professional platforms such as LinkedIn; at the same time, you can join the AWS Global Developer Community to access free learning resources, participate in AWS offline activities, and connect with industry networks and entry-level job opportunities.   3. Core Components of the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification For all those who wish to learn about the Amazon Web Services cloud platform, regardless of their technical background or professional role, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) certification is an ideal and crucial starting point. As the most fundamental level in the AWS certification system, its core objective is not to assess complex technical configuration capabilities, but to build a comprehensive and clear conceptual framework for learners about AWS cloud. The AWS cloud concept is the cornerstone of understanding everything. You will learn the essential advantages of cloud computing. At the same time, you will have a clear understanding of the differences in service models between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, and comprehend the cornerstone of AWS's global infrastructure, how regional, availability zone, and edge sites collaborate to provide high-performance, high availability services to global users. Safety and compliance are the most important and deeply understood parts of the exam. Its core is to master the AWS shared responsibility model, which clearly divides the security responsibilities between AWS and customers. On this basis, you need to understand how IAM controls access through the "minimum privilege principle." You will take a systematic 'tour' of the core members of AWS's vast service family. You don't need to learn how to configure, but you need to know the basic purpose and typical application scenarios of these core services. At the same time, you will learn about the basic ways to access and manage resources through tools such as AWS Management Console, CLI, and CloudFormation. Cost is the key to cloud adoption decisions, and this part will help you understand AWS's core pricing model and be able to make preliminary choices for cost-effective solutions based on business characteristics. You will also learn to use tools such as Cost Explorer and Budgets to monitor and optimize costs, and understand the scope of AWS free packages to prepare for the practical journey. In summary, by obtaining the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification, you can not only demonstrate your initial commitment and basic understanding of cloud computing to employers, but also pave the way for yourself to pursue more professional AWS Assistant or Expert certifications in the future. It is a confident and solid first step in the AWS cloud ecosystem.   4. What are the requirements to be an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner? (1) Qualification prerequisites: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) certification has no mandatory requirements and is suitable for people with zero foundation. No AWS user experience, programming skills, or operational knowledge are required, only basic computer operation skills and English reading abilities are needed.  (2) Training and examinations: CLF-C02 consists of approximately 65 objective multiple-choice questions. The exam lasts for 90 minutes, including reading the exam instructions 10 minutes before the exam and filling out the survey questionnaire 5 minutes after the exam; Full score of 1000 points, reaching 700 points or above to pass. The exam fee is $100, which is a globally unified low price and the cheapest exam in AWS certification.  (3) Qualification maintenance: The CLF-C02 certificate is valid for 3 years and requires passing the "renewal exam" or obtaining a higher level of AWS certification within the validity period to extend the validity of the certificate. The renewal exam fee is lower than the initial exam, about $75, and the preparation difficulty is lower, mainly testing the understanding of AWS's new features.   5. Comparable Certifications to AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Google Cloud Certified - Cloud Digital Leader CompTIA Cloud+ HCIA - Cloud Computing    
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    2025-11-04 14:39
    Table of Contents1. Introduction to the Google Associate Cloud Engineer certification2. Why Earn Your Google Associate Cloud Engineer Certification? 3. Core Components of the Google Associate Cloud Engineer Certification4. What are the requirements to be a Google Associate Cloud Engineer?5. Comparable Certifications to Google Associate Cloud Engineer Certification The Google Associate Cloud Engineer certification is a core practical certification for beginners in Google Cloud, focusing on the deployment and management of basic resources. 1. Introduction to the Google Associate Cloud Engineer certification Google Associate Cloud Engineer is an entry-level cloud technology certification launched by Google Cloud, focusing on verifying practitioners' practical abilities to deploy, manage, monitor basic cloud resources and solve common problems on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Google Associate Cloud Engineer does not require deep programming or architecture design experience, but focuses on "practical application of basic cloud resources." It is a core entry-level qualification for entering the Google Cloud ecosystem, engaging in cloud operations or basic development positions, and is also the basic level certificate of the Google Cloud certification system. With the popularity of Google Cloud in the enterprise market, there is a surge in demand for junior engineers who can operate GCP resources and complete basic business deployment. The core of this certification is to cultivate "practical entry-level operators of the Google Cloud platform" rather than "theoretical cognitives." The certificate holder needs to master the actual configuration process of GCP core services, be able to independently complete cloud deployment of basic business scenarios, and have basic troubleshooting capabilities to ensure the stable operation of GCP resources and provide support for the initial cloud deployment or daily cloud operation and maintenance of enterprises. In the IT department of small and medium-sized enterprises, Google Associate Cloud Engineer certified holders can create Compute Engine virtual machines on GCP, deploy the enterprise website and configure static IP addresses; use Cloud Storage to store user uploaded images or backup files, and set access permissions to prevent leaks; Configure virtual machine CPU usage alerts through Cloud Monitoring, receive timely notifications and expand capacity when the load is too high; If the official website cannot be accessed, network firewall rules or virtual machine status issues can be checked through GCP logs to quickly restore services.   2. Why Earn Your Google Associate Cloud Engineer Certification?  The Google Associate Cloud Engineer certification is a junior qualification officially recognized by Google Cloud and highly recognized among companies using GCP. It is the "basic threshold" for recruiting GCP junior positions. Without this certification, it is difficult to obtain interview opportunities for GCP related positions, especially in the Google Cloud ecosystem where the advantages are obvious. Junior GCP engineers holding Google Associate Cloud Engineer certification have an average annual salary 30%-45% higher than IT support personnel with Cloud Free certification; at the same time, it is a necessary path to advance to senior GCP positions, with clear career advancement opportunities. Unlike the "Basic Cognitive Certification" that focuses on theory, this certification focuses on practical operation. Passing the exam proves that the holder can independently complete GCP basic business deployment. Enterprises can directly arrange for the holder to participate in practical projects, avoiding the embarrassment of "only knowing theory but not operation." After joining, the holder can quickly get started with the work. Holders of Google Associate Cloud Engineer certification can join the Google Cloud global developer community, access free learning resources, and have priority participation in Google Cloud offline activities; at the same time, you can apply for the Google Cloud certification badge, showcase your qualifications on professional platforms such as LinkedIn, attract the attention of enterprise HR, and expand career opportunities.   3. Core Components of the Google Associate Cloud Engineer Certification For practitioners who aspire to master the core operational skills of Google Cloud Platform and embark on a career in cloud infrastructure management, this certification focused on "deployment, management, monitoring, and troubleshooting" is a highly practical admission credential. GCP Fundamentals and Resource Management are the starting point for all operations. You will gain a deep understanding of GCP's unique project, folder, and organizational resource hierarchy model, and proficiently utilize its powerful IAM mechanism to assign appropriate permissions to members in different roles. At the same time, you must be proficient in using Cloud Shell and gcloud command-line tools, which are the foundation for achieving efficient management and automation. You need to be proficient in the entire lifecycle management of Compute Engine virtual machines, from creation, configuration to start stop and specification adjustment. In addition, you will also be exposed to modern application deployment models, including using Cloud Run to deploy containers and creating serverless functions through Cloud Functions, to learn how to leverage GCP services for rapid deployment and elastic scaling. The internet is the blood vessel that connects everything. You will master the ability to build a secure and flexible network environment, including creating and configuring VPC virtual networks, subnets and routes, setting up Cloud NAT to provide outbound Internet access for private instances, and achieving network interoperability through VPC peer connections. Configuring Cloud DNS and basic load balancers to improve application availability and accessibility are also essential skills. Monitoring, logging, and troubleshooting are key to ensuring system stability. You need to be proficient in using Cloud Monitoring to monitor resource metrics, set alerts, and use Cloud Logging to collect and analyze logs. The certification focuses on your systematic troubleshooting ability, which can quickly identify the root cause and implement repairs from a series of common problems such as virtual machine startup failures, network disconnections, and access denied permissions. Excellent engineers must have cost awareness. You will learn to use Cloud Billing tools to monitor expenses, set budget alerts, and proactively optimize cloud spending by identifying and clearing idle resources, selecting more cost-effective machine types (such as preemptive VMs), and more.   4. What are the requirements to be a Google Associate Cloud Engineer? (1) Qualification prerequisites: There is no mandatory certification requirement for Google Associate Cloud Engineer, but Google recommends that you have at least 6 months of basic experience in cloud platforms, understand simple network concepts, have basic command line operation skills, and be able to quickly get started with gcloud commands. (2) Training and examinations: The Google Associate Cloud Engineer has approximately 50-60 questions, including multiple-choice and situational analysis questions; The exam lasts for a total of 120 minutes; Full score of 100 points, passing with a score of 70 or above; The exam fee is approximately $125.  (3) Qualification maintenance: The certificate of Google Associate Cloud Engineer is valid for 3 years and requires passing the "renewal exam" or obtaining a higher level of Google Cloud certification within the validity period to renew the certificate's validity. The cost of the renewal exam is lower than that of the initial exam, and the preparation difficulty is lower, mainly testing the understanding of the new features of GCP.   5. Comparable Certifications to Google Associate Cloud Engineer Certification AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals CompTIA Cloud+  
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    2025-11-03 15:14
    Table of Contents1. Introduction to the AZ-900 certification2. The Competitive Edge of an AZ-900 Certification3. Core Components of the AZ-900 Certification4. What are the requirements to be a Microsoft Azure Fundamental?5. Comparable Certifications to Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) is an entry-level certification for the Azure cloud platform that provides "zero barriers to entry and access to cloud fundamentals." 1. Introduction to the AZ-900 certification Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) is an entry-level cloud computing certification launched by Microsoft, focusing on verifying practitioners' understanding of the core concepts, service types, pricing models, security compliance, and basic usage scenarios of the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. AZ-900 does not require programming or operations experience, and is an entry-level qualification that is entirely focused on "cloud basics." It is suitable for all those who want to learn about Azure cloud platform and embark on the path of cloud computing learning, and is also the "starting point certification" of Microsoft Azure certification system. Against the backdrop of cloud computing becoming the mainstream trend in enterprise IT, both technical and non-technical positions require a basic understanding of cloud platforms. The core positioning of AZ-900 is to cultivate "fundamental cognitions of Azure cloud platform" rather than "practitioners of cloud technology." It does not examine complex configuration or development capabilities, but helps learners establish an overall understanding of cloud computing, including basic concepts of cloud, core services of Azure, how to choose services based on needs, and security and compliance knowledge in cloud environments, laying the foundation for subsequent learning of Azure technology certification or engaging in cloud related work. In the enterprise IT department, AZ-900 certificate holders can understand why it is necessary to migrate local servers to Azure; Can distinguish the applicable scenarios of Azure virtual machines and App Services; Can understand Azure pricing calculator and make preliminary estimates of the cost of using cloud services; When communicating with the technical team, be able to understand basic terms such as "storage account" and "virtual network" to avoid communication barriers.   2. The Competitive Edge of an AZ-900 Certification AZ-900 is Microsoft's only cloud certification without any threshold, with low exam difficulty and cost. It can quickly help beginners establish cloud computing awareness and avoid being discouraged by "technical complexity." It is the best starting point for embarking on the path of cloud learning. Although it does not directly correspond to technical positions, the AZ-900 certificate can prove a basic understanding of cloud computing. When recruiting non-technical or junior technical positions, holding this certificate can make the resume more prominent, especially in Microsoft partners or enterprises using Azure, where it is highly recognized. The cloud concept, service classification, and security foundation covered by AZ-900 are the core foundations for learning higher-level Azure certification. Taking AZ-900 first can significantly reduce the difficulty of subsequent certification learning and avoid the frustration of "learning complex technologies directly from scratch." Holders of AZ-900 certification can join the Microsoft Developer Community, access free learning resources, participate in cloud technology introductory activities, meet new players in the same field, and accumulate resources for further in-depth learning or career development.   3. Core Components of the AZ-900 Certification For all those who wish to enter the Microsoft Azure cloud ecosystem, regardless of their technical background or professional role, the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification is a perfect starting point and an indispensable entry credential. Unlike certifications that require a strong technical foundation and practical experience, the core goal of AZ-900 is not to train you to become a cloud architect or administrator, but to build a unified and clear conceptual framework for cloud computing and Azure platform. It provides you with an accurate 'cloud world map,' allowing you to understand core terminology, grasp basic logic, and gain insights into core values when discussing cloud projects with technical teams, clients, or management. The fundamental concept of cloud computing is the cornerstone of the entire certification process. You will first learn the essence of cloud computing and understand how its core advantages such as "on-demand self-service, elastic scalability, and pay as you go," bring agility and cost-effectiveness to enterprises. At the same time, you will have a clear understanding of the differences and applicable scenarios of the three major service models of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, and be able to make preliminary judgments based on business needs; in addition, the characteristics and selection criteria of deployment models such as public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud are also the focus of this section. Azure Core Services provides you with a "tour" of the vast Azure service family, understanding the basic uses of the most commonly used services in key areas such as computing, storage, networking, and databases. You don't need to learn how to configure them, but you need to know what problems they can solve. At the same time, you will understand how Azure organizes and manages cloud resources through subscriptions and resource groups, which is the first step in understanding Azure's governance structure. Cost is the key to cloud adoption decisions. This section will analyze Azure's core pricing model and teach you how to use the Azure pricing calculator, an important tool, to make preliminary cost estimates. You will learn about the main factors that affect billing and establish a preliminary awareness of cloud cost optimization. Finally, you will become familiar with the basic operations of Azure Portal and know how to obtain assistance through rich learning resources and support channels such as Microsoft Learn when needed. In summary, the AZ-900 certification is highly suitable for various groups of people. By obtaining this certification, you can not only demonstrate your commitment and basic understanding of cloud computing to current or future employers, but also lay an incredibly solid theoretical foundation for your future learning of more advanced Azure role certification. It is a key that opens the door to the Azure world, designed to give you confidence and enable you to sail confidently in the cloud era.   4. What are the requirements to be a Microsoft Azure Fundamental? (1) Qualification prerequisites: There are no mandatory requirements for AZ-900 certification, which is suitable for people with zero foundation and professionals who want to switch to cloud computing. AZ-900 does not require programming, operations, or Azure usage experience, only basic computer operation skills and English reading ability are needed. (2) Training and examinations: AZ-900 has approximately 40-60 questions, all of which are objective questions, including multiple choice questions and true/false questions; The exam lasts for 60 minutes; the full score of 1000 points, reaching 700 points or above to pass. The exam fee is approximately $99, making it one of the cheapest exams in Microsoft certification.  (3) Qualification maintenance: The AZ-900 certificate is valid for life and does not require renewal. Although maintenance is not required, Azure services will continue to be updated. The official still recommends that you regularly follow Microsoft's official news to maintain a basic understanding of cloud technology.   5. Comparable Certifications to Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Google Associate Cloud Engineer CompTIA Cloud+    
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    2025-11-03 14:58
    Table of Contents1. Introduction to the CV0-003 certification2. The Competitive Edge of an CV0-003 Certification3. Core Components of the CompTIA Cloud+ Certification4. What are the requirements to be a CompTIA Cloud+?5. Comparable Certifications to CompTIA Cloud+ Certification CompTIA Cloud+ is a neutral, foundational certification in the cloud computing field that develops general management capabilities for cross-vendor cloud infrastructure. 1. Introduction to the CV0-003 certification CompTIA Cloud+ is a neutral cloud computing technology certification launched by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), focusing on verifying the core capabilities of practitioners in designing, deploying, managing, monitoring, and optimizing cloud infrastructure in multi cloud environments. CompTIA Cloud+ does not bind to any single cloud vendor, emphasizing "universal cloud computing technology" and "cross-platform practice." It is a fundamental qualification for entering the fields of cloud operations and cloud infrastructure management, and is suitable for IT practitioners who need to master cross vendor cloud technology. Currently, enterprises generally adopt a "multi cloud" or "hybrid cloud" architecture, leading to a surge in demand for talents who can manage cloud resources across platforms and solve common cloud problems. The core of CompTIA Cloud+ is to cultivate "universal cloud infrastructure managers in multi cloud environments" rather than "operators from a single cloud vendor." The certificate holder needs to master the underlying logic and common practices of cloud computing, be able to handle common tasks across different cloud platforms, and understand the collaborative logic between cloud and local data centers to ensure efficient, stable, and secure operation of enterprise cloud environments, avoiding being limited by technical barriers from a single vendor. In IT service outsourcing companies, CompTIA Cloud+ licensees can manage AWS and Azure resources for different clients simultaneously, deploy elastic computing instances on AWS for e-commerce clients, and configure automatic scaling; Set up cloud storage on Azure and enable encryption for financial clients.   2. The Competitive Edge of an CV0-003 Certification CompTIA is a globally recognized neutral certification body in the IT industry. Cloud+ is not tied to any cloud vendors, and its certificate is highly recognized worldwide, especially for IT outsourcing companies serving multiple clients and enterprises adopting multi cloud architectures. It avoids the limitations of "single vendor certification" in cross platform scenarios and is the core proof of "universal cloud capability." Cloud+ is the "basic passport" in the field of cloud operation and maintenance. When domestic enterprises recruit cross platform cloud operation and maintenance positions, it is often listed as a "priority condition," and the starting salary of certificate holders is generally 25%-40% higher than that of practitioners who only master a single cloud foundation; At the same time, it is also the foundation for advancing to advanced cloud positions, and can be combined with learning advanced vendor certifications in the future. CompTIA Cloud+ certification covers common technologies and practices in multi cloud environments, and the learning process can help practitioners establish a "multi cloud mindset," understand the commonalities and differences of different cloud platforms, and avoid being limited to the operational logic of a single vendor. Holders of CompTIA Cloud+ certification can join the CompTIA global cloud computing community to access the latest cloud technology documents, industry trend reports, and exclusive recruitment opportunities; participate in online and offline cloud technology exchange activities, connect with experts in the same field, and keep up with the forefront of cloud computing in a timely manner.   3. Core Components of the CompTIA Cloud+ Certification For IT professionals who aspire to establish a solid, universal, and vendor neutral technical foundation in the field of cloud computing, CompTIA Cloud+ certification is a highly valuable advanced certification. Unlike certification focused on a specific cloud vendor, the core value of Cloud+ lies in its cross platform universality and comprehensive skills. It aims to demonstrate that you have the core portable skills needed to design, deploy, manage, protect, and troubleshoot cloud infrastructure in multi cloud and hybrid cloud environments. The knowledge system of CompTIA Cloud+ certification closely revolves around cloud computing infrastructure and architecture models, which is the language for understanding the cloud world. You will not only have a deep understanding of the differences in service models between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, but also be able to choose the appropriate cloud deployment model for your organization based on actual business needs. More importantly, you will establish a strategic vision for multi cloud collaboration, understanding how to make different cloud platforms work together to avoid vendor lock-in and achieve resource optimization. Cloud resource deployment and management are the practical core of certification. You will learn cross platform general skills, master how to deploy and manage core resources such as virtual servers and containers through the console, command line, or API, and be able to dynamically adjust according to business load to achieve elastic scaling. The cloud network and storage management module focuses on building a reliable and efficient cloud infrastructure. You will master the general configuration methods of components such as virtual networks, firewalls, VPN gateways, etc., and be able to achieve network interoperability across clouds and even between cloud and ground. In terms of storage, you need to clearly distinguish the applicable scenarios for object, block, and file storage, and be able to configure data redundancy and access permissions to ensure data availability and security. Security is the bottom line for running on the cloud, and Cloud+ requires you to master universal security practices across cloud platforms, including implementing multi factor authentication, configuring role-based access control, managing security group rules, and enabling encryption for data. In addition, you also need to understand how to configure cloud resources to meet common industry compliance standards, and develop risk plans to safeguard the digital assets of the enterprise. Cloud monitoring, troubleshooting, and disaster recovery are the ultimate tests of your operational capabilities. Certification requires you to be able to use universal tools to monitor the performance and health status of multi cloud environments, and set effective alerts. It particularly emphasizes a systematic troubleshooting methodology, guiding you to solve various common problems from resource failure to network interruption in an orderly manner. Finally, you need to master the ability to design and test cross cloud disaster recovery solutions to ensure business continuity. In summary, CompTIA Cloud+ certification does not pursue ultimate mastery of a particular cloud platform, but is committed to making you a "generalist" who can quickly adapt and deliver value in the face of AWS, Azure, GCP, or other cloud environments.   4. What are the requirements to be a CompTIA Cloud+? (1) Qualification prerequisites: CompTIA Cloud+ certification does not have mandatory educational or certification requirements, but CompTIA recommends that you have 2-3 years of IT operations experience and understand basic IT concepts. (2) Training and examinations: The CV0-003 certification exam consists of 90 questions, including multiple-choice questions and situational analysis questions; Exam duration: 90 minutes; The passing standard is a maximum score of 900, with a passing score of 750 or above. The exam fee varies slightly by region and is approximately $370.  (3) Qualification maintenance: The CV0-003 certificate is valid for 3 years, and you need to accumulate 30 Continuing Education Units during the validity period and pay a renewal fee of approximately $50 for 3 years.   5. Comparable Certifications to CompTIA Cloud+ Certification AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Google Cloud Digital Leader CompTIA Server+    
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    Table of Contents1. Introduction to the CompTIA Server+ certification2. Why Earn Your CompTIA Server+ Certification? 3. Core Components of the CompTIA Server+ Certification4. What are the requirements to be a CompTIA Server+?5. Comparable Certifications to CompTIA Server+ Certification CompTIA Server+ is a certification in the field of server operations and maintenance that cultivates general operational capabilities across different server technologies. 1. Introduction to the CompTIA Server+ certification CompTIA Server+ is a neutral server technology certification launched by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), which focuses on verifying the core capabilities of practitioners in areas such as network integration, troubleshooting, and disaster recovery. It is not bound to a specific vendor and emphasizes the practical application of "universal server technology." It is a basic qualification for entering the fields of server operation and data center management, suitable for all IT practitioners who need to master cross vendor server technology. In enterprise IT infrastructure, servers are the core carriers for data storage and application operation, and their stable operation directly affects business continuity. The core of CompTIA Server+ is to cultivate "universal operators of cross vendor server technology" rather than "operators of single-brand servers." The certificate holder needs to master the full lifecycle management capabilities of servers from deployment, configuration, maintenance to fault repair, be able to deal with common problems of servers from different vendors, and understand the collaborative logic between servers, network storage, and security systems to ensure efficient, stable, and secure operation of enterprise server environments. In the IT departments of small and medium-sized enterprises, CompTIA Server+ holders can independently complete server hardware selection and deployment; Install and optimize the server operating system; Configure the connection between the server and the network; When the server experiences hardware failure or software abnormality, it can quickly locate the root cause and repair it; Regularly perform server backups and security enhancements to prevent data loss and security risks.   2. Why Earn Your CompTIA Server+ Certification?  CompTIA is a globally recognized neutral certification body in the IT industry. Server+ is not tied to any vendor, and the certificate is highly recognized worldwide, especially for positions that require cross vendor server technology capabilities, avoiding the limitations of "single vendor certification." Server+ is the "basic passport" in the field of server operation and maintenance. When recruiting for server operation and maintenance positions in small and medium-sized enterprises in China, it is often listed as a "priority condition." Holders of the certificate generally have a starting salary 15%-25% higher than those without certification, and it is also the foundation for advancing to senior positions. In the future, they can learn more about cloud server technology or virtualization technology. CompTIA Server+ certification covers the core technologies of the entire lifecycle of servers, and the learning process can help practitioners establish a "universal server operation and maintenance mindset," avoid being limited to a single brand or system, and enhance flexibility in dealing with servers from different vendors. Holders of CompTIA Server+ certification can join the CompTIA global community to access the latest server technology documents, industry trend reports, exclusive recruitment opportunities, participate in online and offline technical exchange activities, expand industry networks, and keep up with the forefront of server technology in a timely manner.   3. Core Components of the CompTIA Server+ Certification For practitioners or newcomers who aspire to establish a solid foundation in server management and embark on a career in IT infrastructure, CompTIA Server+ certification is a highly valuable industry pass. Unlike some certifications that focus on specific cloud platforms or advanced services, the core value of Server+ lies in its broad spectrum, vendor neutrality, and comprehensive coverage of server lifecycle management. It aims to demonstrate that you possess comprehensive knowledge and skills from data center hardware to upper level services, from daily operations to emergency troubleshooting. The hardware foundation and deployment of servers are the cornerstone of authentication. You will delve into the principles, selection, and interaction of every core component within the server, and personally practice how to assemble hardware, configure RAID arrays of different levels to meet performance and redundancy requirements, and successfully deploy the operating system. This knowledge ensures that you can make a server run from scratch. On top of hardware, you need to master how to make the server realize its service value. This includes proficiently installing and configuring the two mainstream server operating systems, Windows Server and Linux, managing users and permissions, and deploying critical server roles and services such as file sharing, web services, etc., while learning to monitor and optimize system resources. A single server must be integrated into the network to create value, which means you need to be able to configure network parameters correctly, understand and implement the connection between the server and various storage systems. This enables the server to be accessed by other devices in the network and to use local or remote storage resources. Security is the lifeline of operations and maintenance. You will learn how to reinforce server security, including configuring firewalls, managing patches, and enabling auditing.  Server operation, troubleshooting, and disaster recovery are the ultimate tests of your comprehensive abilities. Certification requires you to have the standardization of daily operation and maintenance, be able to develop maintenance plans, and monitor system status. More importantly, it teaches a systematic methodology for troubleshooting, guiding you from hardware to software, from local to network, to systematically locate and solve various common faults. Finally, you also need to understand the basic process of disaster recovery to ensure maximum business recovery in the event of a serious failure. In summary, CompTIA Server+ certification does not pursue the depth of a particular technology, but is committed to building a broad and solid knowledge foundation. By obtaining this certification, you will prove to your employer that you are a reliable technical talent capable of hands-on operation, problem-solving, and ensuring stable server operation, laying a solid foundation for future development in more specialized fields such as cloud computing, virtualization, or network security.   4. What are the requirements to be a CompTIA Server+? (1) Qualification prerequisites: CompTIA Server+ does not have mandatory educational or certification requirements, but CompTIA recommends that you have 6-12 months of server operation or IT support experience and understand basic IT concepts. You can choose to first solidify your hardware and system foundation through CompTIA A+.  (2) Training and examinations: The CompTIA Server+ exam consists of 90 questions, including multiple-choice questions, situational analysis questions, etc. The exam lasts for a total of 90 minutes, with a maximum score of 900 points and a passing score of 750 or above. The exam fees vary slightly in different regions, around 370 US dollars.  (3) Qualification maintenance: The CompTIA Server+ certificate is valid for 3 years, and you need to accumulate 30 Continuing Education Units and pay a renewal fee of approximately $50 per 3 years during the validity period to maintain the certification.   5. Comparable Certifications to CompTIA Server+ Certification Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate (AZ-800 + AZ-801) Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) Dell EMC PowerEdge Server Certification CompTIA Network+  
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    Table of Contents1. Introduction to the AZ-800 certification2. Why Earn Your AZ-800 Certification? 3. Core Components of the AZ-800 Certification4. What are the requirements to be a Microsoft Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure?5. Comparable Certifications to Microsoft Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure Certification 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)   
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    Table of Contents1. Introduction to the AZ-104 certification2. The Competitive Edge of an AZ-104 Certification3. Core Components of the Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification4. What are the requirements to be a Microsoft Azure Administrator?5. Comparable Certifications to Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification Microsoft Azure Administrator is a core intermediate certification in Azure cloud operations that focuses on practical resource management and troubleshooting capabilities. 1. Introduction to the AZ-104 certification Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) is a core intermediate certification in the field of cloud operations launched by Microsoft, focusing on verifying practitioners' abilities in resource management, configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting of the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. AZ-104 focuses on Azure core services and cultivates cloud administrators who can independently complete daily operation and maintenance of Azure environments, ensure high service availability and security compliance. It is an authoritative qualification for entering the Azure operation and maintenance field and proving cloud platform management capabilities. It is also the most popular basic operation and maintenance certification in the Azure certification system. As enterprises migrate their IT infrastructure to Azure, there is a surge in demand for administrators who can manage cloud resources stably, respond quickly to failures, and ensure efficient resource utilization. The core of AZ-104 certification is to cultivate "practical operation and maintenance managers of Azure cloud platform," rather than just "interface operators." You need to understand the operational logic and key points of Azure services, be able to deploy and configure resources according to business needs, and have the full process capability of monitoring resource status, troubleshooting, optimizing costs, and ensuring security to ensure stable, efficient, and compliant operation of Azure environment. Such talents are usually competent for enterprise Azure operations positions.   2. The Competitive Edge of an AZ-104 Certification AZ-104 is the most basic and popular operation and maintenance certification in Microsoft Azure certification system, highly recognized among enterprises using Azure. It is a standard qualification for recruiting Azure administrators and cloud operation and maintenance engineers, and those without certification are easily eliminated during the resume screening stage. According to industry data, the average annual salary of AZ-104 certification holders is 35%-50% higher than that of traditional operations engineers certified by Cloudless. The certification covers the entire Azure operations process, and the learning process can help practitioners break out of the "single tool operation," establish a systematic thinking of cloud resource management, and solve the pain points faced by traditional operations in cloud environments. Holders of AZ-104 certification can join the Microsoft Developer Community to obtain the latest Azure operation and maintenance documents, exclusive tools, official technical support, participate in Azure offline operation and maintenance salons, expand industry networks and project opportunities, and lay a foundation for future advancement.   3. Core Components of the Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification The AZ-104 certification system has built a complete capability system for the Microsoft Azure administrator role, covering the six core areas of cloud platform operation and maintenance management comprehensively. The resource management and governance module provides an in-depth explanation of Azure resource hierarchy architecture, cultivates the ability to achieve automated deployment through tools such as ARM templates, and masters the core skills of Azure Policy and RBAC permission management. The computing service operation and maintenance unit system trains virtual machine lifecycle management, covering complete operations from creating configurations to scaling, while mastering the operation and maintenance points of serverless and container services such as App Services and Functions. The network service configuration section cultivates the ability to build virtual networks and configure security groups, proficient in hybrid network solutions such as VNet peer-to-peer connections and VPN gateways, and master practical skills in DNS resolution and domain name management. The storage service management module provides in-depth explanations on the creation, configuration, and lifecycle management of storage accounts, mastering the formulation and execution of data backup and recovery strategies, ensuring data security and cost optimization. The identity security and compliance process is achieved through Azure Active Directory to achieve refined permission control and establish a comprehensive security protection system using Security Center. AZ-104 certification places special emphasis on cultivating students' practical skills in Azure operations and maintenance in real enterprise environments. Through systematic courses, it helps administrators master the core skills of daily operations and management of cloud platforms. It includes proficient mastery of basic resource operations, as well as advanced abilities, providing students with a complete growth path from basic operations to architecture optimization.   4. What are the requirements to be a Microsoft Azure Administrator? (1) Qualification prerequisites: There is no mandatory certification requirement for obtaining AZ-104 certification, but it is recommended to have 6-12 months of IT operations experience and understand basic IT concepts. Basic understanding of the Azure platform can be achieved through Microsoft's free courses or Azure portal practice, familiarizing oneself with the core service interface and basic operations. You need to master the use of at least one Azure management tool to facilitate automated operations and maintenance.  (2) Training and examinations: The AZ-104 exam consists of approximately 40-60 questions, including multiple-choice questions, case analysis questions, and practical questions, and lasts for about 120 minutes; Full score of 1000, passing with a score of 700 or above; The exam fee varies slightly in different regions, but it is around $165. (3) Qualification maintenance: The AZ-104 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 Administrator Certification Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate Google Cloud Certified - Cloud Administrator Huawei Certified ICT Professional - Cloud Service (HCIP - Cloud Service)