I'm currently in infrastructure and platform engineering, and I have strong hands-on experience with VMware, systems, networking, and environment builds. I have some exposure to Azure and cloud concepts, but I'm just starting to dive deeper. My long-term goal is to move into cloud, security, or platform roles. I'm considering my options for certifications to make me more employable, especially as I'm exploring Azure now. I'm thinking of the AZ-104 for Azure Administrator as a logical starting point, potentially progressing to AZ-400 for DevOps, but I'm not sure if I should have more cloud experience first. I'm also looking at security-focused certifications and might aim for a Solutions Architect path later on. I have a few questions: Should I start with AZ-104 to ease into cloud? Should my focus be on cloud certifications first before branching into security? Is DevOps realistic without a strong cloud background? And how important are certifications compared to practical projects? Ultimately, I want to transition into roles like Cloud Engineer, moving from infrastructure to cloud, and possibly towards architect or security roles in the future.
2 Answers
I would be cautious about jumping straight into the AZ-400 without more cloud experience. That certification demands a strong understanding of Azure DevOps and quite a bit of developer knowledge. I suggest trying the Microsoft free practice test for AZ-400 first to see if you're ready for it. It can give you a good feel for what's expected.
If you're coming from an infrastructure background like I am, starting with the AZ-900 can really help you get familiar with the Azure terminology and format. After that, go for the AZ-104 since it's key for anyone working with Azure, regardless of their focus area. Once you have that under your belt, you can explore more specialized certifications that fit your goals. Just take your time and build a solid foundation first!
Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely check out the practice test.