1) Azure Fundamentals

The foundational-level exam in the new Azure certification path is Azure Fundamentals, its code is AZ-900. This test is mainly intended for those individuals who want to show their basic knowledge pertaining to Cloud services with Microsoft Azure. The great thing about this Microsoft exam is that you shouldn’t have a lot of technical background to succeed, all you need is a good understanding of Cloud concepts.
This Microsoft AZ-900 exam is considered to be the first step of the ladder if you want to move to the Associate and Expert levels of this new Azure certification track. Since it is really the first step, there are no prerequisites that you have to worry about for this test. It costs around $99 and the topics that are part of this exam are required your understanding of:

• Azure Pricing and Support;
• Security, Privacy, Compliance, and Trust;
• Core Azure Services;
• Cloud Concepts.

2) Azure Administrator Associate

If you want to earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certificate, now you will need to pass only one exam, this is Microsoft AZ-103. This test covers the domains highlighted by AZ-100 and AZ-101. Another thing that you should know about this certification exam is that it serves as a prerequisite for the Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert credential.

This will be a plus for the Microsoft AZ-103 test if you have the basic knowledge of network components and prior knowledge of operating systems and Azure applications. There are a few different topics that are part of this exam. The objectives cover the following skills:

• Manage Identities;
• Configure and Manage Virtual Networks;
• Deploy and Manage Virtual Machines;
• Implement and Manage Storage;
• Manage Azure Subscriptions and Resources.

3) Azure Developer Associate

If you are interested in becoming an Azure developer, you will need to pass the Microsoft AZ-203 exam. When you pass it, you will obtain the Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate credential.

The AZ-203 certification exam was first announced in September 2018, and it is the only test that you need to complete to become a certified Azure developer. There are a few prerequisites that you have to fulfill when you are taking this Microsoft exam. The first thing is to develop applications and services with Azure tools. You should also have at least one year of experience in the field. You also need to be an expert in at least one Cloud-supported language. The topics for Microsoft AZ-203 are as follows:

• Consume and Connect Azure Services;
• Monitor, Optimize, and Troubleshoot Azure Solutions;
• Implement Azure Security;
• Develop the Azure Platform as Service Compute Solutions;
• Develop for Azure Storage;
• Develop the Azure Infrastructure as Service Compute Solutions.

4) Azure Solutions Architect Expert

According to the new Azure certification path, if you want to become an Azure solutions architect expert, you will have to pass two exams. The first one is Microsoft AZ-300, the second – Microsoft AZ-301. If you want succeed in these tests, you need to have knowledge related to IT operations, data management, security, and identity. You also need at least one year of experience to be eligible for this certificate. The topics that are covered in the AZ-300 exam are as follows:

• Develop for Cloud;
• Implement Authentication and Secure Data;
• Create and Deploy Apps;
• Architect Cloud Technology Solutions;
• Implement Workloads and Security;
• Deploy and Configure Infrastructure.

As for the Microsoft AZ-301 certification test, it covers the following objectives:

• Design an Infrastructure Strategy;
• Design for Deployment, Migration, and Integration;
• Design a Business Continuity Strategy;
• Design for Identity and Security;
• Design a Data Platform Solution;
• Determine Workload Requirements.

5) Azure DevOps Engineer Expert

To get this Microsoft Azure certification, you will need to ace the AZ-400 exam. So, let’s take a closer look at this test. The eligibility criterion requires you to be familiar with Azure administration and development. You should also be good in using Agile practices. There are a number of topics in this exam, they are as follows:

• Implement Continuous Feedback;
• Implement Application Infrastructure;
• Implement Dependency Management;
• Implement Continuous Delivery;
• Implement Continuous Integration;
• Implement DevOps Development Processes;
• Design a DevOps Strategy.

6) Azure Security Engineer Associate

Next, we have the Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate credential for which you will need to pass the Microsoft AZ-500 exam. If you are going to take this test, you should have a familiarity with the Cloud N-tier architecture, networking, and virtualization. You also need to have a little understanding of automation, scripting, and access management. This certification exam comes with four main topics that are mentioned below:

• Secure Data and Applications;
• Manage Security Operations;
• Implement Platform Protection;
• Manage Identity and Access.

7) Azure Data Engineer Associate

The latest addition to the Azure certification path is the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate credential. Obtaining this certificate can be very beneficial for your career. If you are going for it, you will need to take two exams: Microsoft DP-200 and Microsoft DP-201. The objectives for both of them are listed below:

DP-200:

• Monitor and Optimize Data Solutions;
• Operate and Design Data Processing;
• Implement Data Storage Solutions.

DP-201:

• Design for Compliance and Data Security;
• Design Azure Data Processing Solutions;
• Design Azure Data Storage Solutions.

Conclusion

These were the top credentials that are part of the new Azure certification path. No matter which exam you choose, just make sure that you prepare for it properly, otherwise, you will not be able to pass any.

• Database Administrator

The necessity for storing, analyzing, organizing, and securing data has increased the need for the skilled and certified database administrators. With the huge amount of digital information that should be processed, there are a lot of opportunities for these specialists. Additionally, the increase in the connection of databases to the Internet and Cloud will increase the complexity and vitality of data security, and the skills and expertise of the database developers and administrators will be required to protect corporate data from cyber threats and hackers.

• Mobile Application Developer

In 2018, it was predicted that by 2028, there will be additional 241,500 new jobs requiring the skills of professional developers. This shouldn’t be strange, given the fact that smartphones and tablets have continued to change the ways people communicate, access entertainment and news, and do business. No doubt, there will be a huge demand for trendy and innovative mobile applications across the world. Currently, this situation has led to an increase in demand for the mobile application developers. If you are planning to obtain skills in this area, you might want to earn the knowledge of working with Android and Apple IOS as these are the most sought-after skills in the domain of mobile app development. The average salary of a mobile application developer is placed at about $109,000 per annum.

• Video Game Designer

The gaming industry is worth over $400 billion, and this is definitely good news for the potential professional video game designers. Over and beyond the huge and growing market for console and PC games, there is an increase in the popularity, graphics capabilities, and processing power of mobile devices. These have opened the world of gaming to a brand new dimension and better opportunities for the programmers, artists, and video game designers. The professional game designers with skills and expertise in mobile development are highly sought after because smartphones and tablets will continue to redefine the users’ interactions with video games. There will be more than 241,500 new video designer job openings by 2028. As a video game designer, you can expect to earn an average of $80,000 per annum.

• Software Engineer

Thanks to the technological advancement and growth in varieties of software, there will be an increase in the demand for the software engineers. For instance, the fast adoption of Cloud technologies is a strong driver for this demand. These are the professionals with skills and capabilities to build scalable and secure Cloud programs. As a matter of fact, it is estimated that there will be about 284,100 new software engineering job positions by 2028. The explosion of computer systems and software expansion into smart devices and new industries will require the development of computer systems that can power various initiatives and innovations. The estimated average salary of a software engineer is about $106,000 per year.

• Computer Systems Analyst

With the growth in dependence on technology, there will be greater opportunities for the computer systems analysts. These professionals will be needed to architect new systems. The health care industry is one of the core industries that require the skills and expertise of a systems analyst. With government mandates and funding initiatives designed to drive the increase in the adoption in EMR (electronic medical record), as well as other health-focused software projects and electronic prescription services that require customized computer systems, the skills of a computer systems analyst will continue to be in high demand.

• Web Developer

A business enterprise is moving from the physical terrain to the online platform to offer its products and services. With the increase in the number of businesses online, the demand for the skills of web designers and web developers will grow. Additionally, enlarged use of social networks will also increase the demand for web developer skills as the organizations explore new ways to enhance their competitive advantage and attract a new generation of customers. Top skills that will be in high demand include responsive web design, user interface, and user experience. The web developers can earn an average of $73,000 per annum, and it is estimated that about 20,900 new jobs will be available by 2028.

• IT Security Specialist

Security will continue to be a major concern for the hiring managers as the complexity and frequency of cyberattacks continue to grow. Every year, the organizations are on the lookout for the qualified professionals with skills and expertise in information security. Unfortunately, these job roles are difficult to fill because there are not many certified specialists out there. This means there are a huge potential for those individuals who will take the challenge to grow their skills and get certified in information security. Job roles where computer security skills are highly in demand include mobile device security, IT operations security, information assurance, network, risk management, and Cloud & virtualization security. As an IT security specialist, you can expect to earn an average of $118,000 per annum.

• Network Administrator

There will surely be an increase in demand for the network administrators. As enterprises invest in the latest network technologies and computer systems to enhance their productivity and attain competitive advantages, these specialists will have new and great career opportunities to explore. Additionally, the quick adoption of Cloud computing and mobile devices in corporate culture implies that more organizations will utilize the Internet to carry out their business at the online platform. This will ultimately create opportunities for the network managers and network administrators.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a lot of job positions that you can choose in the IT industry. And most of them are in demand and prestigious now and will remain so in the future. That is why, nowadays, it is better to earn a credential and become a certified specialist, whom every employer will want to make a part of the company’s personnel.