What is an Azure Architect: Learn About Certification, Salary, Jobs, and Exams

Azure Architect

An Azure Architect is a specialist in cloud solutions who operates in the Microsoft Azure Cloud. These experts facilitate the development, coordination, and adoption of cloud technology and play a crucial role in their enterprises. Their skills in information technology equip them with the know-how needed to organize and incorporate networks, cloud computing, structures, and plans for ongoing development.

In the Azure tutorial, we will learn what is an Azure Architect?, How to become an Azure Architect in India?, what does Azure Solution Architect do?, Certification Path for Azure Architects, Azure Architect Expert Exams, where can you find Azure Architect Jobs?,Azure Solution Architect Salary in India, and many more.

What is Microsoft Azure Architecture?

Microsoft Azure Architecture is the method and set of guidelines used to create and plan cloud-based Azure Services using Microsoft's Azure platform. It guarantees that the foundation upon which your services and apps are built is economical, scalable, and safe. Azure Architecture is adopted by Azure virtualized networks, hardware, and apps to meet demand. Software-defined networking (SDN) is the foundation of this architecture.

Roles and Responsibilities of an Azure Architect?

Azure architects are cloud experts who design and implement IT systems within the Azure environment. They collaborate with teams to create, adapt, and manage Azure cloud networks and advise executives on IT strategies. Their responsibilities vary based on the organization's size and type but typically involve building and maintaining cloud architecture. Azure Architect should have expertise in Azure services, cloud architecture, security, compliance, and cost optimization.

• Supervise a team of architects and guide them while they implement a cloud solution.
• Work freely with technical and business stakeholders to understand the organization's challenges and perform complete research.
• Create and execute an Azure cloud architecture while managing migration-related concerns.
• Calculate and list the solutions required for both regular operations and cloud migration.
• Throughout the project, assumptions, problems, and risks must be identified, discussed, and addressed.
• Be the judge who finds a balance between what is possible and what makes sense strategically.
• Continuously teach and mentor team members on engineering standards, best practices, and methods.

Certification Path for Azure Architects

The Azure Solutions Architect Certification Path is part of the latest role-based Azure certifications, which establish a learning journey from the Azure Fundamentals level to Specialty level Certifications. These paths are highly beneficial for candidates aiming to specialize in specific Azure domains. They not only help you pass the Azure certification exams but also validate your skills in real-world Cloud environments with challenging questions that effectively assess candidates' Azure proficiency.

The certification path for the Azure Architect (AZ-305) is followed by some steps that are:

1. Prerequisite Knowledge (Optional but Recommended)

It's strongly advised to obtain the Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) certification before attempting to become an Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305). The AZ-104 certification builds a solid understanding of Azure’s core services and operations, including managing Azure resources, implementing storage solutions, and configuring virtual networks. You will be prepared for the more challenging design and management tasks in the AZ-305 test with this foundation.

2. Azure Solutions Architect Expert Certification

The Azure Solutions Architect Expert Certification requires passing the AZ-305 exam, which covers developing Microsoft Azure Architecture solutions. This test examines your ability to design effective Azure solutions by covering important topics such as security assurance, scalability and high availability, cost management, and governance management.

3. Preparation Resources

• Microsoft Learn: Examine authorized courses and modules designed specifically for AZ-305. They provide connecting exercises and structured material.
• Practice Tests: Use the official Microsoft practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and variety of questions.
• Books and Study Materials: Search out suggested reading material and instructional materials specific to the AZ-305 exam.
• Azure Documentation: To gain more knowledge of Azure services and architecture, review the official documentation from Microsoft Azure.
• Community Forums and Study Groups: participate in discussions by joining study groups or community forums such as the Microsoft Tech Community.
• Hands-On Practice: Create your own Azure environment to get experience developing and overseeing solutions in authentic settings.

4. Earning the Certification:

Following the above steps will surely help you pass the AZ-305 exam. This exam grants you the Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification, demonstrating your ability to design and implement complex Azure solutions.

How to become an Azure architect

To become an Azure Architect, you need to follow several key steps:

1. Gain Basic Cloud Knowledge

Learning the fundamentals of cloud computingand Azure's workings should be your first step. This entails comprehending basic ideas like what cloud computing is, how it varies from conventional IT architecture, and the essential services that Azure provides, such as Azure storage, Azure databases, and Azure virtual machines.

2. Acquire Relevant Experience

It would be best if you worked in IT and cloud settings to gain practical experience. As part of this, tasks involving maintaining, creating, or designing cloud solutions, especially those involving Azure, must be assumed. Experience in the real world not only helps you comprehend how Azure services are utilized but also gets you ready for the challenges involved in efficiently creating and administering Azure solutions.

3. Earn the Azure Fundamentals Certification

You should get the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) certification if you want to have a clear knowledge of the essential cloud concepts and services offered by Azure. By validating your foundational knowledge, this certification helps you prepare for more advanced Azure roles and certifications.

4. Get the Azure Administrator Associate Certification (Optional)

Pursuing the Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) certification can provide a solid foundation in Azure management and operations. This extra certification makes the most complex subjects in the Azure Architect route easier to understand.

5. Prepare for the Azure Solutions Architect Expert Certification

You should use resources like Microsoft Learn, practice exams, and online courses to be ready for the AZ-305 test. Focus on improving your skills in the design and execution of complex Azure solutions if you want to ensure that you get the certification.

6. Pass the AZ-305 Exam

You need to pass the AZ-305 exam in order to become certified as an Azure Solutions Architect Expert. Your success has proven your ability to plan and oversee complex Azure architecture solutions.

7. Gain Advanced Skills and Experience

It would be best if you keep improving your skills by working on challenging Azure projects and keeping up with emerging trends in technology. You will be more able to manage challenging situations and keep your edge as an Azure Architect thanks to this continuous evolution.

8. Build a Professional Network:

Join communities, forums, and professional organizations related to Azure and cloud computing to network with other professionals and stay up to date on market developments. Additionally, as an Azure Architect, networking may offer career opportunities, motivation, and insights.

Azure Solutions Architect Expert [AZ-305] Exam Details

1. Exam Overview

The professional-level certification exam AZ-305, "Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions," assesses your aptitude for creating and implementing intricate Azure systems. It evaluates your ability to design infrastructure that satisfies a range of technical and business needs.

2. Syllabus Required

• Designing for Governance, Security, and Compliance: Developing solutions that satisfy corporate and regulatory requirements, such as security and compliance guidelines.
• Designing for Data Storage and Integration: Building systems with speed and scalability in mind to enable effective data processing, integration, and storage.
• Designing for Business Continuity: Having a backup, disaster recovery, and high availability policies in place may assist in ensuring business continuity and little downtime.
• Designing for Infrastructure and Network: Creating and overseeing scalable, efficient network and infrastructure solutions that satisfy organizational needs.

3. Format

The multiple-choice and scenario-based questions on the AZ-305 test are intended to evaluate both theoretical knowledge and practical abilities. The completion time is usually 150 minutes, and the average passing score is 700 out of 1000.

4. Languages

There are many language versions of the AZ-305 test, including English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese. This variety of language choices aids in accommodating a global pool of candidates.

5. Prerequisites

The AZ-305 test does not have any official requirements, although it is advised that candidates have prior expertise in designing and implementing Azure applications. A useful starting point may be obtained by holding the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) certification.

6. Preparation Resources

Use tools like Microsoft Learn, sample exams, study materials, and online courses to be ready for the examination. Getting your hands dirty with Azure and going through the documentation can also help you become more prepared.

7. Registration

The Microsoft Certification Dashboard or Pearson VUE are the registration options for the AZ-305 test. Exam costs in India range from about ₹8700, depending on region and currency.

8. Certification Validity

The credential Azure Solutions Architect Expert is valid for two years. Consider getting more certifications or continuing your education to remain up to date on the latest Azure practices and technology.

9. Results

You will receive a preliminary score report following the exam. Soon after, official exam results and a thorough performance analysis that reveals your performance will be accessible.

Azure Solution Architect Salary in India 2024

In India, the typical compensation range for a Microsoft Azure Architect is between INR 20.7 lakh and INR 26.5 lac per year. This range is approximated based on the pay data collected from Microsoft Azure workers. It is crucial to remember that the range specified is for Azure Architects with some professional experience. However, the average annual compensation for a novice Azure Architect in India is INR 18.50 lac. 

One might be curious about the initial pay scale for Azure Solution Architects. It is believed that Azure Solution Architects who secure their first position can earn INR 10.2 lacs annually. In India, the highest pay for Azure Solution Architects is INR 36 lac per year.

A Junior Azure Solution Architect with zero to three years of experience can start earning $100,000 annually. This wage amount is not country-specific; rather, it represents a global average. It may progressively rise in accordance with performance, learning abilities, and other elements.

Where Can You Find Azure Architect Jobs?

There are various job opportunities for Azure Architects. They are in high demand due to rapid cloud adoption and the 38% annual growth in Azure-related skills. Let's now review the fantastic career options that an Azure Solutions Architect may look forward to:

• Azure / AWS Cloud Architect
• AWS Cloud Architect
• Azure Solutions Architect
• Lead Solutions Architect (AZURE)
• Assistant Director / Senior Azure Solution Architect
• Infrastructure Cloud Architect, Copenhagen
• Application Security Engineer - Oslo
• Enterprise Architect
• Cloud Security Architect - Copenhagen OR Aarhus
• Senior Azure Data Architect

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have explored the topic What is an Azure Architect: Learn About Certification, Salary, Jobs, and Exams. Developing an in-depth knowledge of Azure services, cloud architecture, security, compliance, and cost optimization, as well as obtaining relevant certifications like the AZ-305 and practical cloud solution experience, are all necessary to become an Azure Architect. ScholarHat provides various Training and Certification Courses to help you in your end-to-end product development, such as Azure Certification training, Azure Developer Certification Training, Azure DevOps Certification Course, and Azure Solution Architect Certification Training.

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