AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure – A Complete Guide

Introduction

This comprehensive blog aims to provide aspiring candidates with a detailed understanding of Exam AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure. It includes an overview of the exam’s purpose, updates, and the skills measured as of January 22, 2024. The guide also includes valuable resources to aid in exam preparation. 

Updates to the Exam

The field of technology is dynamic, and Microsoft periodically updates its exams to align with industry demands. This section outlines the recent changes made to the AZ-204 exam and highlights the importance of staying current with the skills measured. 

Audience Profile

As a candidate for AZ-204, you are expected to be involved in all development phases, from requirements gathering to monitoring. Proficiency in various Azure aspects such as SDK, data storage, APIs, app authentication, and more is crucial. Collaboration with Cloud solution architects, DBAs, DevOps, and other stakeholders is also emphasized. 

CloudThat’s AZ-204 Certification Training: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure teaches candidates how to develop, deploy, and maintain cloud solutions on Microsoft Azure. Along with developing Azure storage and compute solutions, monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing Azure systems, this AZ 204 Certification course also teaches candidates how to integrate Azure security. For cloud developers who collaborate with cloud administrators, cloud DBAs, and customers to deploy solutions on Azure, this Azure 204 certification course is perfect. 

Skills at a Glance

Develop Azure Compute Solutions (25–30%) 

• Implement containerized solutions. 
• Create and manage container images for solutions. 
• Publish an image to Azure Container Registry. 
• Run containers by using Azure Container Instance. 
• Create solutions using Azure Container Apps. 
• Implement Azure App Service Web Apps, enabling diagnostics logging, deploying code, and configuring settings including Transport Layer Security (TLS), API settings, and connection strings. 
• Implement autoscaling. 
• Implement Azure Functions, including creating and configuring an Azure Functions app, input and output bindings, and function triggers using data operations, timers, and webhooks. 

Develop for Azure Storage (15–20%) 

• Develop solutions that use Azure Cosmos DB, including performing operations on containers and items, setting the appropriate consistency level, and implementing change feed notifications. 
• Develop solutions that use Azure Blob Storage, covering setting and retrieving properties and metadata, performing operations on data, implementing storage policies, data lifecycle management, and static website hosting. 

Implement Azure Security (20–25%) 

• Implement user authentication and authorization, using the Microsoft Identity platform and Microsoft Entra ID. 
• Create and implement shared access signatures. 
• Implement solutions that interact with Microsoft Graph. 
• Secure app configuration data using App Configuration or Azure Key Vault. 
• Develop code using keys, secrets, and certificates stored in Azure Key Vault. 
• Implement Managed Identities for Azure resources. 

Monitor, Troubleshoot, and Optimize Azure Solutions (15–20%) 

• Implement caching for solutions, configuring cache and expiration policies for Azure Cache for Redis. 
• Implement secure and optimized application cache patterns, covering data sizing, connections, encryption, and expiration. 
• Implement Azure Content Delivery Network endpoints and profiles. 
• Troubleshoot solutions using Application Insights, configuring an app or service to use Application Insights, monitor and analyze metrics, logs, and traces, and implement Application Insights web tests and alerts. 

Connect to and Consume Azure Services and Third-Party Services (15–20%)

• Implement API Management, covering creating an Azure API Management instance, documenting APIs, configuring access, and implementing policies. 
• Develop event-based solutions using Azure Event Grid and solutions using Azure Event Hub. 
• Develop message-based solutions using Azure Service Bus and solutions using Azure Queue Storage queues. 

Study Resources

To help you prepare for the exam, utilize the following resources: 

• Self-paced learning paths and modules 
• Instructor-led courses 
• Azure documentation for various services (links provided in the article) 
• Microsoft Q&A and community support 
• Exam Readiness Zone  

Certification Renewal

Microsoft associate, expert, and specialty certifications expire annually. Renew your certification by passing a free online assessment on Microsoft Learn. 

Your Microsoft Learn Profile

Connect your certification profile to Microsoft Learn. This allows you to schedule and renew exams and share and print certificates. 

Exam Scoring and Score Reports

A score of 700 or greater is required to pass. Understand the scoring system and review your score report to identify areas for improvement. 

Request Accommodations

If you use assistive devices, require extra time, or need modifications to any part of the exam experience, you can request accommodations. 

Take a Free Practice Assessment

Test your skills with practice questions to help you prepare for the exam. Practice assessments provide valuable insights into the exam format and content. 

Conclusion

This study guide equips you with the knowledge and resources needed to confidently approach the AZ-204 exam. Stay updated with the latest changes, practice with real-world scenarios, and leverage the recommended resources for a successful certification journey. 

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