Microsoft/Azure certifications!
I have had my Microsoft/Azure certifications for a while, but I completely forgot to write about them. So, after some requests, let's gain a real understanding of them.
To be honest, I have mixed feelings about these certifications. Some of them are quite interesting, while others are less appealing. Certifications that rely solely on multiple-choice questions, step ordering, or something of that nature (where the answer is readily available in the options) don't sit well with me. In contrast to the Node.js and Kubernetes certifications, which involve hands-on tasks, Microsoft's certifications seem to serve more as decoration; practical knowledge isn't necessarily a requirement.
The primary issue with this type of exam is that it doesn't effectively validate whether the certificate holder truly possesses knowledge of the subject. This is especially evident when we consider the existence of black market exam dumps, but that's a topic for another article.
Exams like AZ-305 and AZ-700, for example, are great because they focus on real-world knowledge of solutions, all while utilizing Azure resources, of course. However, exams like AZ-500 and SC-100 are less appealing because they emphasize the mechanics of performing specific tasks in Azure, such as "to create a resource, you need to click here and there. What's the next step?" To be honest, questions of this sort test very little.
Certification renewal is only applicable to associate-level+ certifications, and it doesn't incur any additional costs. You need to renew annually, and the tests are relatively straightforward and not proctored. This means you can complete them quickly using any web browser. Although some of the renewal exams, like some real exams, are poorly written and feature questionable answers, but they're free :D
One aspect that can be quite engaging, depending on the exam, is the use-case questions. They present real scenarios that require you to understand the context to choose the best solutions, even though they ultimately revert to multiple-choice questions.
In conclusion, some companies do value these certifications, especially the expert-level ones. However, as I mentioned earlier, it's debatable whether possessing a certification truly reflects one's knowledge. To be transparent, I wouldn't recommend paying for them. Often, Microsoft partners or even itself, offer substantial discounts or even provide them for free. This, in my opinion, is the best route to obtaining these certifications.
Microsoft has also allowed access to the learning path for the exams, a move that, in my view, diminishes the exams' importance. As a result, an increasing number of people will obtain these certifications, raising questions about their real value.
I don't want to discourage anyone, but I do want to offer some guidance. If you're a developer aiming to acquire certifications that hold market value, especially in a backend role, here's my suggested path for those already working in the field:
In this sequence, you build upon your database knowledge, followed by your developer skills, and finally, gain expertise in DevOps.
This path equips you with in-depth knowledge of Azure and cloud resources, paving the way to becoming an Azure Architect.
That's it for now. Goodbye!