Windows Server Summit | Credentials
Krähe mit HutLocal infrastructure no longer exists for Microsoft. Everything revolves around the cloud.
A few years ago, that may indeed have been the case. Gradually, all certifications for traditional server products were phased out, including the sorely missed Messaging Administrator (Exchange Server).
Now, the truth lies somewhere in between – we live in a hybrid world where companies are sensibly supplementing their on-premises infrastructure with cloud services, but not yet completely replacing it. Developments in the area of certifications reflect this.
Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
While certifications like MCSA and MCSE were almost entirely focused on on-premises infrastructures, the current Windows Server certification covers both on-premises and cloud environments.
Those who have read the other parts of this series will understand why, as Windows Server itself is clearly designed for hybrid operation. Whether it's services like Azure Arc, Azure File Sync, or features like pay-as-you-go and hotpatching, the cloud is fully integrated.
Accordingly, this certification, which is divided into two exams (AZ-800 and AZ-801), demonstrates the necessary knowledge to implement such solutions. Unlike in the past, Microsoft has now created excellent and practical preparation tools. Their Learn platform offers a wide range of learning paths and modules on this topic: Microsoft zertifiziert: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate - Certifications | Microsoft Learn
It's also great that a free practice assessment is now available for each exam, allowing you to quickly and easily test your knowledge (found further down the website below the respective exam).
However, nothing can replace practical experience. So, it's best to set up a test environment and develop the functions yourself – and ideally, then use it in your own company to deepen your understanding.
Applied Skills
While traditional certification exams are fee-based (though the price has been significantly reduced recently), a new platform for demonstrating competence has been available for some time now – the so-called Applied Skills.
With this platform, Microsoft is attempting to bridge the gap between theoretical exams and practical exercises. In a special practice environment, you are given several tasks on a specific topic and must complete them correctly.
Your chosen solution is then evaluated, and if you achieve the minimum score, you even receive a certification. And the whole thing is completely free! Unfortunately, for Windows Server, there is currently only one such certification: Managing Active Directory Domain Services: Microsoft Applied Skills: Administer Active Directory Domain Services - Applied Skills | Microsoft Learn
Additional information
Official video: Beyond the MCSE: Windows Server training and certification - Windows Server Summit
Overview of all articles: Windows Server Summit in a nutshell
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