Last July, Microsoft Learning announced some upcoming changes to the Microsoft Azure Certifications to make them more role-based. Recently, surrounding the Microsoft Ignite 2018 conference, they announced and released further information about these changes to transform the Azure certification tracks. This news includes more than just announcement of new Azure certification exams, but also the depreciation and retirement of the existing Microsoft Azure exams by the end of December 2018.
Retiring Azure Certifications
The current Azure certification that have been providing the Azure focused core to the MCSA: Cloud Platform and MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification paths are going to be retired December 31, 2018. However, the MCSA and MCSE certifications are not being retired, but rather transformed instead.
The following Azure related certification exams are going to be retired December 31, 2018. If you are studying for these exams, then you’ll want to switch gears toward the new exams, or pass them by the end of the year.
- 70-532: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions
- 70-533: Implementing Microsoft Azure Solutions
- 70-535: Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions
As a result of retiring the above Azure focused certification exams, the existing / old MCSA and MCSE certifications based on them are also being retired. As a result, the following larger Azure focused certifications are being retired on December 31, 2018 as well.
A New Path to Azure Certification
The new paths going forward for Microsoft Certifications are going to be role-based. This means that each certification track that’s introduced is going to be based on career paths, rather than just broad coverage of Microsoft Azure features and services.
Currently, Microsoft has announced the following 6 new job roles that will have role-based certification paths to follow.
- Azure Administrator
- Azure Developer
- Azure Solutions Architect
- Azure DevOps Engineer
- Microsoft 365 Modern Desktop Administrator
- Microsoft 365 Enterprise Administrator
The certification exams for the Azure Administrator path are now live and can be taken, in addition to the Azure Developer and Azure Solutions Architect certification exams being release in beta. Over the next few months, the remaining 3 paths (DevOps Engineer, Microsoft 365 Modern Desktop Administrator, and Enterprise Administrator) will be launched by the end of the year.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification path is comprised of passing the following 2 certification exams:
Once passing both of these 2 Azure Architecture focused certification exams, then you will earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
The AZ-203 Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure exam was rolled out as a replacement for the AZ-200 + AZ-201 or AZ-203 exams for earning the Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate certification. This was a move to simplify the process to earning this certifications based on feedback from those who have taken the exams while they were in a “Beta” state. Thanks to those early certification achievers, we all have a simplified process to follow now.
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate certification path is comprised of passing the following 2 certification exams:
- AZ-200: Microsoft Azure Developer Core Solutions Exam
- AZ-201: Microsoft Azure Developer Advanced Solutions Exam
Once passing both of these 2 Azure Developer focused certification exams, then you will earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate certification.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification path is comprised of passing the following 2 certification exams:
- AZ-100: Microsoft Azure Infrastructure and Deployment Exam
- AZ-101: Microsoft Azure Integration and Security Exam
Once passing both of these 2 Azure Administrator / Infrastructure focused certification exams, then you will earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification.
Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
The certification exams for the Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert have not been released yet. However details have been released that point to it being a larger certification for anyone who has achieved either the Azure Administrator or Azure Developer certifications. Further information should be released on this certification by the end of 2018, so we should know more soon.
Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert
The Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator certification path is comprised of passing the following 2 certification exams:
- MS-100: Microsoft 365 Identity and Services Exam
- MS-101: Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security Exam
Once passing both of these 2 Microsoft 365 focused certification exams, then you will earn the Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert certification.
Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate
The Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate certification will likely require 2 exams to be passed in order to earn. However, the full details of this certification has not been released yet. Although, further details should be made available by the end of 2018, so we should hear more information soon.
Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals & Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Additionally, what hasn’t been released yet are the exam(s) that may be available for the “Fundamentals” certifications listed in the exam path diagrams published by Microsoft. I would assume these will be earned by passing a single exam, but they may have their own entire optional certification exams similar to the MTA certification of old. Hopefully, we’ll hear more information about these soon as well, so we can stop speculating and know what they are.
Transition from Old to New
With the old Azure certification exams being retired, and replaced with entirely new certification exams and certification paths, there are also transition exams being released. If you’ve already passed either of the old Azure certification exams (70-532, 70-533, 70-535), then you will be eligible to pass a transition exam to migrate your certifications over to the new paths.
In the past when Microsoft replaced certification with new certifications, there were generally upgrade exams available. If you passed the old certification then you could pass the upgrade exam to move to the new certifications. This time around with the restructuring of the Microsoft certifications, they are offering “transition” exams instead. It’s the same basic idea, that the transition / upgrade exam test you on what’s need to move yourself to the new certification. However, the new paths are using the term “transition”, rather than “upgrade”, and it seems to be a proper choice of wording. The term “transition” seems to be more encouraging sounding, especially for the fact that it doesn’t give the connotation of abandoning the old certification and insulting those of us who spent so much time to earn the old certifications recently. Instead, these transition exams will help you renew your certifications onto the new certification paths.
The following Transition exams are offered for moving from the old certification exams to the new role-based certification paths:
- 70-533 -> AZ-102: Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification Transition
- 70-532 -> AZ-202: Microsoft Azure Developer Certification Transition
- 70-535 -> AZ-302: Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Certification Transition
It’s also worth noting that these transition exams will be available for a limited time to enable those who’ve previously passed the old exams prior to their retirement a means of transitioning to the new certification path. It hasn’t been announced exactly how long these transition exams will be available, but they are available for the time being, and are available if you are looking to renew your current certifications on the old paths.
New MCSE Core Infrastructure Certification Path
While the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification is being retired at the end of 2018, the MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert) certification will still carry on, just not as cloud or Azure focused.
The new MCSE: Core Infrastructure certification is being released and will be available as of January 1, 2018. This exam takes the MCSA: Windows Server 2012 and MCSA: Windows Server 2016 as the foundation options, and takes a single additional elective exam to earn.
Here’s the list of electives you can pass to earn the MCSE: Core Infrastructure after you’ve earned either of the 2 qualifying MCSA foundations:
- 70-413: Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure
- 70-414: Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure
- 70-473: Designing and Implementing Cloud Data Platform Solutions
- 70-475: Designing and Implementing Big Data Analytics Solutions
- 70-537: Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack
- 70-744: Securing Windows Server 2016
- 70-745: Implementing a Software-Defined Datacenter
Some of the diagrams within this post are from the Microsoft Certification and Training Overview document published by Microsoft.
About the Author
Chris Pietschmann
Chris Pietschmann is a Microsoft MVP, HashiCorp Ambassador, and Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) with 20+ years of experience designing and building Cloud & Enterprise systems. He has worked with companies of all sizes from startups to large enterprises. He has a passion for technology and sharing what he learns with others to help enable them to learn faster and be more productive.
Azure Resource Naming Conventions and Best Practices
Azure Regions: Interactive Map of Global Datacenters
Azure Functions: Extend Execution Timeout Past 5 Minutes
Terraform: Azure Resource Tags Tips
Terraform: Deploy to Multiple Azure Subscriptions in Single Project
How to Perform Simple String Concatenation in Terraform
Chris- I see in the detailed info for individual exams, that the transition exams AZ-102, ‘202, & ‘302 are being offered only for a very limited time: until Mar 31, 2019.
I did not see exam retirement on official microsoft page yet.
Retirement is in the announcement blog posts.
Is there a transition from the 70-534 or is that one too old?
The 534 isn’t mentioned, so I guess it’s too outdated. Makes sense since the 535 was a bigger update since the 534. For that path it’s probably best to take the individual AZ-100 and 101 exams anyway.
Really sad that MSFT didn’t give a transition path for those of us holding 534. We were never told to upgrade/transition to 535.
535 was released as an upgraded exam to replace 534 almost 1 year ago already. 535 was the latest exam to stay current, but I agree it’s unfortunate there’s no transition for those who’ve passed 534 previously. The reasoning they have is that the 534 was too outdated. I wish you the best in you’re studies for the latest exams and certification path!
Thank you for posting this update. As i am currently getting ready to hunker down and study for my MCSA…..
You may want to consider the new certification paths instead
For those who have 70-535, is the path to Azure Solutions Architect Expert AZ-300 + AZ-301 + AZ-302 OR just AZ-302?
I ask because all three exams are listed here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/azure-solutions-architect.aspx
Just AZ-302 is required to update to the new cert
For those who have passed 70-535, is the path to Azure Solutions Architect Expert
AZ-300 + AZ-301 + AZ-302
OR
AZ-302?
I ask because all three exams are listed on the ASAE site, but there’s obviously a lot of overlap.
If you already passed 70-535, then you only need to pass AZ-302 for the new cert.
Do you by chance know how long it usually takes vendors like Opsgility to release training for new exams like these?
Opsgility already has a lot of content that fits the new exams. There is actually a ton of overlap from the old exams, with the addition of new Azure services / features. We at Opsgility are working on publishing updated learning plans soon to make the path towards the new exams clear. At Opsgility it usually takes a month or two to get fully updated when the Azure certification exams get overhauled. Other online learning providers have traditionally taken much longer. Happy studying!
Disclaimer: By day I work at Opsgility, by night I’m helping you keep up-to-date on Azure through BuildAzure.com. 🙂
Hi, sorry for being late to the party; does Opsgility have some sort of easy to read overview of when their Azure videos are updated? I used them a while ago (A couple of years) when studying for an exam, and all the videos I found were so out of date that they were actively misleading.
Obviously technology moves quickly, but I would happily pay for this type of content if I felt I could be confident that the content was reasonably up to date.
Ironically I have frequently found that free videos on youtube are frequently more up to date than the videos I have found on Pluralsight/Opsgility/MVA(rip) and so on :-/
Yeah I have experienced this same frustration. **spoiler alert** I have a project coming from BuildAzure.com that I’m working on that is pretty exciting and should actually help with this issue as well as a few others. 😉 If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to the Build Azure Weekly newsletter, so you get notified when this new project launches!
Just to confirm – Is AZ-302 exam alone enough to earn “Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert” if you have already passed 70-535?
Yes that is correct.
Chris, it was my understanding that the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification would never retire, that it would be stamped with the year you earned the certification and remain active on your transcript. Is this not the case anymore?
Yes, it’ll still show on your transcript, but you won’t be able to renew it after Dec 31, 2018.
Hey Chris, any news on when the AZ beta exams will go live?
I would expect the new AZ beta exams to “go live” by the end of the year.
If you earned MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification, as a result of completing exams that are not listed as transition pre-requisites to the new certifications, is there any transition path to the new certifications? Seems to be a gap here…
The transition is from the old MCSA: Cloud Platform or MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure to be migrated / transitioned to the new job role based certifications. To renew from the old MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure, to the new MCSE: Core Infrastructure you will need to pass the required exams for the MCSE: Core Infrastructure certification. There’s no easy migration path as there are many different paths to MCSE that doesn’t allow a single upgrade exam to be offered.
What does the transition exactly mean here? Does that mean that If I’ve done 70-535 and now clear AZ-302 I’ll be awarded Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification, or do I still need to take AZ-300 and AZ-301?
The AZ-302 transition exam is all you need to pass after previously passing 70-535 in order to earn the new Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification.
Will I automatically earn MCSE: Core Infrastructure on the 1.1.2019 if I’ve taken the required exams in the past or will I have to take another elective?
In the past they have awarded people the new certification if they’ve passed the exams within about 1 year prior to creating the new certification. I would guess the same will apply to the new changes to MCSE. You’ll have to check your MCP transcript to see for certain.
What would be the new requirement for MCT ?
I haven’t seen anything announced, but I would imagine the new certs will qualify you for the certification requirements of MCT.
Can I still take the 70-535 exam and then the AZ-302??
Yes you can, but the 70-535 is only available until December 31, 2018.
Hi Chris,
1. What is the meaning of Beta version (for these New exams) ?
2. Will I get my exam result immediately If I take this Beta exam ?
3. Normally What duration any Beta exam takes to get Live ?
1. Beta is the label when exams are first offered in a pre-release state. It’s a way to let people take them and get initial feedback before Microsoft sets the official bar for passing the exam. Once fully released, you will receive notification if you passed after taking the pre-release exam.
2. No, you don’t find out if you passed a Beta exam until after it’s released. Then you will receive notification.
3. Usually exams are only Beta for a couple months, before being officially releases.
I think it’s pretty outrageous that the transition exams retire in March. I’ve literally just passed 70-533 2 weeks ago. If anything, this just deters me from doing another Microsoft exam. I’ve already done 9. This is a huge, unforgivable cash grab.
Actually it’s a reaction to the rapidly changing ecosystem of Azure and the cloud. In 6 months time the 533 will been even further out of date, and you’re probably better off taking the AZ-100 and AZ-101 exams directly by then.
So how long does the Azure administrator title stay current for? Because if it’s 12 months, that’s essentially telling people that their skills are ‘in date’ for 12 months after they’re certified, isn’t it? So if that is the case, I should have at least 12 months after I’ve passed the current Azure exam to update/transition my skills.
You can always pass the new exams to update / transition your skills to the latest certification. The AZ-102 exam is being offered temporarily for those who have already passed the 70-533 exam to make that transition easier. Keep in mind there are many who have passed the 70-533 1, 2 or 3 years ago who can transition with a single exam if they choose for this limited period of time. Later they’ll have to pass both the AZ-100 and AZ-101 to make that transition. I am included in that list, as I passed 70-533 back in 2015. It’s also worth keeping in mind that you can choose when / if you renew your certifications based on what benefits you see it offering your role and career. There are always people unhappy about changes being made. I see your frustration, but overall these “job role” oriented updates are a good direction, even if the previous restructuring of Microsoft certifications was only 2 years ago. I wish you the best if you do decide to update / transition your certification in the future. 🙂
Will my MCSE remain as an active certification on my transcript?
It is my understanding that the old MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification will remain as Active on your transcript, and labeled with the year you earned it. I’m waiting to see what this officially looks like after December 31, 2018 when the certification gets expired.
This is a valid question. I have read that it will be listed as active, but with the date earned. We won’t be able to renew it so, as time goes on the 2018 date will essentially make the certification out of date. I’m in the same situation you are.
Thanks for the reply chris
I recently booked a week long class for november (20533 Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions) so I could pursue the mcsa azure on linux. this new track has me confused. should I still take this class or cancel and wait for something else? Would this class still prepare me for the AZ100 and 101 exams?
There is a lot of overlap between the 1 old exam and the 2 new ones that are replacing it, so it should still prepare you pretty well. However, I would recommend contacting your training provider and posing them this question and concern.
I have passed 70-532 and 70-533, and have 70-535 scheduled for Dec 11. If I pass it, will I still get an MCSE? Then if I take the transition exam and pass, will I be considered MCSE + Azure Solution Architect?
You will have until Dec 31, 2018 to pass the 70-535. After all 3 of those exams then you will earn the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification. Then, yes if you pass the AZ-102 transition exam afterwards then you will also earn the new Certified Azure Solutions Architect certification.
I was looking at the MCSA Linux on Azure and had even booked a class for the 70-533. Do you advise i keep the class and go for the AZ-100 and 101?
The 533 class should still prepare you pretty well for the new 100 and 101 exams. However, I recommend contacting the training provider and asking them this question. They will be able to answer it much better as to what content and focus in their class is, and how well it’ll prepare you to get certified with the new exams.
What will be the MCSE path for Azure Architect going forward after completing AZ 300 and AZ 301 ?
The new certification tracks that are job role oriented are the new certification paths going forward, and will be replacing the old MCSE tracks after the end of 2018.
Is the MCSA 2016 or 2012 to MCSE Core Infrastructure route confirmed by MS? Just I can’t find anything else about this other than here.
The information I posted about the MCSE Core Infrastructure certification was from Microsoft. For any more information, we’ll just have to wait for MS to release it. 🙂
Hope MS will provide a path from 534 to new certification later.
Unfortunately, the 534 is too different and outdated to offer a transition path.
Any new for Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert ? Will it just require one exam ?
The Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert certification is 1 exam because you have the prerequisite of earning the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator or Azure Developer certifications first.
Can I still take an exam of 70-532 and then AZ-202?
Yes, you can still take 70-532 until December 31, 2018. And AZ-202 will be available as an upgrade until middle of next year (2019).
I recently acquired MCSA: Office 365 before this announcement. Is there going to be a transition exam from MCSA Office 365 to Microsoft 365 Enterprise Administrator? or am I going to have to retake two more exams again.
There’s no transition from MCSA: Office 365 to Microsoft Certified: Microsoft 365 Enterprise Administrator Expert. The reason is the MCSA isn’t high enough. You’ll need to earn the MCSE: Productivity certification, in order to have a nice transition path. I would recommend taking a look at the different “workload” requirements for the new Microsoft Certified: Microsoft 365 Enterprise Administrator Expert certification to see which best fits where you’r at.
Hi Chris. I earned the MCSE: server infrastructure in 2012. I recertified in 2016 by passing the 980 exam which awarded me the newer and now retiring MCSE: cloud platform and infrastructure. If I go ahead and pass the 413 or 414 exam again before the end of the year, do you think I would be awarded the new MCSE: Core Infrastructure for 2019? Or should I wait until January 2019 to pass it? I don’t want to have to start from scratch.
If you pass the exams this year then your cert with be labeled 2018. Also, the MCSE certification is being retired at the end of 2018. I would recommend looking at the new certifications as well as the new Transition exams to decide which certification path best fits you.
Being new to Azure, where do I start from? Do I just wait until next year to write the new exams and acquire the new certifications. Please advise and thank you
If it’s beneficial to your career, then by all means go ahead and start learning Azure now. There’s no real reason to wait. If you’re interested in certification, then I’d recommend working towards the new certification paths from Microsoft when ever you feel ready.
If i take AZ 200 Beta now , how long will it take to get the result? 15 days? When does AZ 200 Beta becomes full fledged exam? IN January 2019? Thanks in advance.
With “Beta” exams you will find out if you passed once the exam achieves a “Final” release state and is no longer in “Beta”.
Greatly appreciate your response! Any idea when it will go to “final” release state from “beta”? Thanks again!
That I do not know. We’ll have to wait together to hear from Microsoft when they plan to do a final release of the exam. 🙂
Hello Chris,
I have passed 70-533 exam. To earn MCSA certificate, do I have to appear only for AZ-102 or need to clear AZ-100 and 101 also?
Since you have 70-533, all you need is to pass AZ-102 to transition to the new cert.
Seems like that MS learning still hasn’t managed to grade the AZ-20* beta exams after 3 months. It would have been nice if they got it done before the year.
Well, the AZ-20x exams are still in Beta. You’ll have to wait until it’s final release, and it’s out of Beta, before finding out if you passed.
I am having MCSE : Productivity certification (70-345,70-346,70-347) .What is next path. How many exams required to write ?
Next certification steps will depend on what certification you want to earn next.
I have passed 533, 534 and 535 and have MCSE cloud and infrastructur paltform. is it still valid ? Should I to pass AZ-102?
If you have the MCSE Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification form last year, then I’d say you’re good for now. Really, the deciding factor if it’s still valuable, is if you still get benefit within your job / career by having the certification. Personally, I don’t think you really need to upgrade your certification every year, unless of course you want to. You could take the AZ-102 exam to “transition” your 70-535 to the new Azure Administrator certification while it’s still available. Otherwise, on or after May 1st then the AZ-103 exam will be available to do the same transition.