To earn Microsoft Certified Specialist in Azure, pass one or both of these exams:

• 70-532: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions (beta version exam)
• 70-533: Implementing Azure Infrastructure Solutions

To earn Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate in Office 365, pass both of these exams:

• 70-346: Managing Office 365 Identities and Requirements
• 70-347: Enabling Office 365 Services

HOW DO I REGISTER???

To register for these free Microsoft exams, visit this page to request an exam voucher. Once you receive you voucher, schedule and take your exam by the end of the year, before December, 31, 2014.

The latest release from Microsoft includes 2 exams:

• 70-532: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions
• 70-533: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions

Each of the new exams (70-532 and 70-533) provides individuals with a Microsoft Specialist certification, validating knowledge and skills in a specialized area of technology. For 70-532, the focus is on Microsoft Azure solutions development while the 70-533 targets candidates who are interested in credential in implementing Microsoft Azure infrastructure solutions.

The new Azure Specialist certifications complement existing Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert and Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer credentials:

• For developers, enhance your Web Applications and Windows Store Apps by learning how to build your own cloud services and validating those skills with Exam 532.
• For IT Professionals, expand your Windows Server and SQL Server on-premises prowess and validate those skills with Exam 533.

Microsoft Azure Exams Preparation

Your preparation for Microsoft Azure exams should ideally cover technical areas including Windows Azure Virtual Machines, Virtual Networks, PaaS (Platform as a Service) implementation for IT Pros, including using PowerShell. You should also have a clear understanding of how to use Active Directory, how to migrate from on premise to cloud infrastructure, and be well aware of all related licensing information. For further guidance, be sure to review the exam objectives.

70-532: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions

This exam is for candidates who are experienced in designing, programming, implementing, automating, and monitoring Microsoft Azure solutions. Candidates are also proficient with development tools, techniques, and approaches used to build scalable and resilient solutions. The 532 exam covers the following objectives and percentages:

• Design and implement websites (15‒20%)
• Create and manage virtual machines (20‒25%)
• Design and implement cloud services (20‒25%)
• Design and implement a storage strategy (20‒25%)
• Manage application and network services (15‒20%)

70-533: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions:

This exam will be perfect for you if you have the experience in implementing an infrastructure solution in Microsoft Azure. Candidates have experience implementing and monitoring cloud and hybrid solutions as well as supporting application lifecycle management. You should be confident performing the following operations and solutions:

• Implementing websites
• Implementing virtual machines
• Implementing cloud services
• Implementing storage
• Implementing an Azure Active Directory
• Implementing virtual networks

Summing up, if your professional interests and plans lie within the areas related to the Azure, including cloud services, virtual networks, storage solutions and cloud-based business continuity solutions, then the new Microsoft Azure specialist certifications might be exactly what you’re looking for. Visit the Microsoft Learning website to know more.

1.      PMI Risk Management Professional

Project management has grown into an independent industry, with its own professional standards. For risk management professionals, the PMI Risk Management Professional certification is one of the most recognized. It “fills the need for a specialist role in project risk management,” according to the Project Management Institute.

2.      Information Systems Security Engineering Professional (ISSEP/CISSP)

With ISSEP-CISSP being on the list of top paid IT certifications, this one shouldn’t be ignored. According to the (ISC)2 organization, the ISSEP-CISSP concentration was developed with the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA). The Information Systems Security Engineering Professional concentration “is the guide for incorporating security into projects, applications, business processes, and all information systems.” To earn the ISSEP, you must successfully pass one exam while holding a CISSP credential in good standing.

3.   MCPD: Windows Phone Developer

No IT Certification list can be complete without Microsoft, right? With the Windows Phone share in mobile market projected to grow tremendously in 2014, this is the place to grow for those interested in Mobile Development for a platform with the highest growth potential in 2014.

4. Program Management Professional (PgMP)

This is another certification from PMI with a great earnings and career development potential. Experienced project managers often pursue the Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification. “Credential holders,” says the Project Management Institute, “oversee the success of a program, grouping related projects together to realize organizational benefits not available if they were managed separately. It’s the perfect fit if you define projects, assign project managers and oversee programs.” The requirements for application include four years of project management experience and four years of program management experience.

5. Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)

A Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) has attained the highest level in Red Hat’s certification program. In order to earn the cert, applicants must successfully complete a number of other Red Hat certifications.

Now, what are you certification plans for 2014?