Roadmap to Success is a series that helps learners understand certification pathways, career options associated with them, and the next steps beyond certification.
UPDATED: This article was updated May 9, 2017 to reflect the latest changes to the MCSD Azure Solutions Architect certification curriculum.
As Microsoft continues to expand its market share in cloud computing, the MCSD Azure Solutions Architect certification is gaining popularity. Microsoft Azure training is gaining popularity everywhere. Many indicators indicate that this certification will continue growing in popularity and desire among employers. This certification will allow learners to design, develop, and manage Microsoft Azure solutions.
MCSD: Azure Solutions Architect
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Start trainingCRITICAL UPDATE – Microsoft has restructured its certifications. The MCSD: Azure Solution Architect certification was officially retired on March 31, 2017. It was replaced by the MCSE – Cloud Platform and Infrastructure. For more information about the restructure, please see our What to Expect From the New Microsoft Certification Paths post.
The Azure certification is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to create, implement, and architect Azure solutions. The MCSD: Azure Solutions Architect (Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer), certification is comprised of three exams. All three exams are covered by SPOTO Training.
70-532 – Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions;
70-533 – Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions
70-534 – Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions.
The MCSD Azure Solutions Architect certification stands out from other MCSD certifications because it requires a wider range of skills and abilities than programming and programming languages. It is a Solutions Architect certification. This means that learners will need to demonstrate their skills as a developer and IT pro, DevOps practitioner, and in design and architecture.
This certification requires that learners have at least one year of experience in web development (including.NET or PHP), a solid understanding and familiarity of basic networking concepts, as well as a basic understanding of the structure of Microsoft Azure. Cloud services and/or virtualization could be related areas of expertise.
Exam Details: The following exam details apply to each exam that makes up MCSD Azure Solutions Architect certification. These exams can be used for credit towards other Microsoft certifications, including the MCSA Cloud Platform, MCSA Linux on Azure, MCSD App Builder, and the MCSE Cloud Platform and Infrastructure.
70-533, 70-533, or 70-534 ExamsTime allotted to exam: 2 hours (120 mins)Passing score is 700** per examQuestion type: Multiple choice; multiple answer/multiple choice; scenario. Exam registration: Microsoft Learning, Pearson Vue. Exam cost: $165 (USD). Skills measured: Each exam registration page at the Microsoft website offers a list of Skills (a free resource) that will help you study and prepare.
70-532
70-533
70-534
*Microsoft doesn’t publish exact numbers of questions associated to its exams. The number of questions that a learner will see depends on the case. **Because the questions are varied, it is not necessary that learners earn a simple 70% score to pass the exam.
Microsoft exams are known for being difficult. Many learners find that they need to take multiple exams to be successful. Microsoft recognizes the difficulty of their exams and offers an Exam Replay that allows you to review your answers.
