Azure Certifications prove your skills in specific cloud roles. However, with many options available, it can be confusing to pick the right one. In this blog, we’ve provided you with all the information on the Azure Certification Learning Path. It’ll help you choose the certification that suits you best as a beginner.
There are three beginner-level certification training in Azure: AZ-900 for Cloud, AI-900 for AI, ML, Data Science, and DP-900 for dealing with data (DBA, Data Engineers, and Data Architects) on the cloud. Now, let’s focus on the difference between AZ-900 and DP-900.
AZ-900 is all about understanding the basics of the cloud, while DP-900 is more for those working with data, like database administrators, data engineers, and data architects. In simpler terms, AZ-900 is for cloud knowledge, and DP-900 is for handling data in the cloud.
Table of Contents
What is Azure
Azure is a cloud computing platform service created by Microsoft. It’s designed for building, testing, deploying, and managing applications and services through Microsoft-managed data centers. Microsoft Azure offers a range of services, including Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). It supports various programming languages, tools, and frameworks, both Microsoft-specific and third-party.
Why Do You Need Certification?
Azure provides role-based certifications, categorized as fundamental, associate, and expert levels. The fundamental certifications, such as AZ-900, AI-900, and DP-900, serve as the base for advancing to associate and expert levels, helping you build knowledge and familiarity with the Azure working environment.
One crucial question you might have is, why pursue certification? Here’s why:
Certifications significantly enhance job prospects and earning potential.
- Adding an Azure certification improves your job profile and increases your chances of being selected.
- Many individuals have experienced improved earnings and better job opportunities after getting certified (84% according to some surveys).
- Certification provides global recognition for your knowledge, skills, and experience.
- It gives you an edge over non-certified professionals.
- Understanding the importance of certification, let’s delve into the details of the three fundamental level certifications: AZ-900, AI-900, and DP-900.
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900
AZ-900, known as Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, is geared towards individuals taking their initial steps in the cloud or those new to Azure. This certification showcases foundational knowledge of cloud services and how they are delivered through Microsoft Azure.
If you want to better grasp Cloud and related concepts, you can enroll in Microsoft Azure with our seasoned Azure consultants for diverse applications. Build confidence in implementing Azure solutions with our certification assistance.
AZ-900 is not only a standalone certification but can also serve as a preparation for other Azure role-based certifications like Azure Administrator (AZ-104), Azure DevOps Engineer (AZ-400), and more. However, it’s important to note that AZ-900 is not a prerequisite for these certifications.
Job roles associated with AZ-900 include Azure Cloud Architect, Azure Cloud Administrator, Azure Consultant, and more. The Azure certification assesses candidates on six key skills:
- Understand Cloud Concepts
- Understand Core Azure Services
- Understand Core Solutions And Management Tools On Azure
- Describe General Security And Network Security Features
- Describe Identity, Governance, Privacy, And Compliance Features
- Describe Azure Cost Management And Service Level Agreements
Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals AI-900
AI-900 is an ideal certification for aspiring cloud professionals aiming to grasp fundamental knowledge in machine learning and AI concepts, kickstarting their career in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or Data Science.
This certification is crafted for candidates with both technical and non-technical backgrounds, although having some general programming knowledge or experience can be beneficial. AI-900 can be a stepping stone for other Azure role-based certifications like Azure Data Scientist Associate [DP-100], but it’s important to note that it’s not a prerequisite for any other exams.
Job roles associated with AI-900 include AI/Machine Learning Engineers, AI Cloud Engineers, AI Consultants, and more. The certification evaluates candidates based on five key skills:
- Understand Artificial Intelligence workloads and considerations.
- Grasp fundamental principles of machine learning on Azure.
- Comprehend features of computer vision workloads on Azure.
- Understand features of Natural Language Processing (NLP) workloads on Azure.
- Understand features of conversational AI workloads on Azure.
Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900
DP-900 is tailored for individuals looking to dive into working with data on the cloud, acquiring essential skills in cloud data services, and building a foundational understanding of cloud data services within Microsoft Azure.
Azure Data Fundamentals, represented by DP-900, not only stands as a standalone certification but can also serve as a preparation for other Azure role-based certifications like Azure Data Engineer Associate [DP-200/DP-201], Azure Data Scientist Associate [DP-100], and Azure Database Administrator Associate [DP-300]. It’s worth noting that DP-900 is not a prerequisite for these exams.
Job roles linked with DP-900 include Database Administrators (DBA), Data Engineers, and Data Analysts. The Azure certification evaluates candidates based on four key skills:
- Understand core data concepts.
- Describe how to work with relational data on Azure.
- Describe how to work with non-relational data on Azure.
- Describe an analytics workload on Azure.
Summing Up
Feeling uncertain about which Azure certification suits you best? Reach out to us! Share your background, interests, and goals, and our team will guide you in selecting the ideal certification that aligns with your aspirations.
Now, let’s talk about Azure online training at Octovion. We offer comprehensive training for all the above mentioned certifications, including AZ-900, AI-900, and DP-900. Our courses are designed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in the Azure ecosystem. Whether starting with the fundamentals or advancing to more specialized roles, Octovion’s Azure online training ensures you’re well-prepared for success in your Azure certification journey.
Need assistance? Don’t hesitate to call us at +1 (908) 617-0009 or email us at info@octovion.com. We’re here to help!
