Last Updated on May 12, 2024 by Arnav Sharma
Last week I passed the AZ-800 (Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure) follwed by AZ-801 (Configuring Windows Server Hybrid Advanced Services). Clearing both the exams gives you “Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate” certification.
I used Microsoft learn for both the exams and the exam was pretty straightforward.
Exam AZ-800: Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure – Learn | Microsoft Docs
Exam AZ-801: Configuring Windows Server Hybrid Advanced Services – Learn | Microsoft Docs
Skills Measured in AZ-800:
- Deploy and manage Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) in on-premises and cloud environments (30-35%)
- Manage Windows Servers and workloads in a hybrid environment (10-15%)
- Manage virtual machines and containers (15-20%)
- Implement and manage an on-premises and hybrid networking infrastructure (15-20%)
- Manage storage and file services (15-20%)
Skills Measured in AZ-801:
- Secure Windows Server on-premises and hybrid infrastructures (25-30%)
- Implement and manage Windows Server high availability (10-15%)
- Implement disaster recovery (10-15%)
- Migrate servers and workloads (20-25%)
- Monitor and troubleshoot Windows Server environments (20-25%)
My view on AZ-800:
If you’re coming from an Identity background, this can be a mixed bag for you. Most of the content comes from AD & Services (30-35%), as shown on the page above. However, things can be tricky if you have never worked in containers, VM, or managing a hybrid ecosystem. Or in case you have been working on hybrid infra but lack AD concepts, this can be tricky too. So, overall this exam covers lots of topics that will usually take a few weeks to learn.
My view on AZ-801:
Coming from an infra background, this exam was okay for me. If you look at the skills needed, then the majority are related to Windows Administration like hybrid services, migration, windows roles and services. Lastly, troubleshooting windows. I knew most of the concepts around windows administration, so the content was familiar to me.
Overall, Microsoft learn is the right place to kick off your learning for both exams. For me, it took me a couple of weeks to go through AZ-800 and a few concepts of AZ-801. I had appeared for AZ-800 on Monday and then appeared for AZ-801 the same week. If you’ve worked in Azure along with some experience in Windows Administration stuff, this certification should be easy.
Best of luck.
Q: What is the Windows Server Hybrid Associate certification?
A: The Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate certification is a Microsoft certification that validates the expertise of IT professionals in managing and administering Windows Server workloads and services using Azure and other hybrid technologies.
Q: How do I become a certified?
A: To become a certified Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate, you need to pass two certification exams: Exam AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator and Exam MS-100: Microsoft 365 Identity and Services.
Q: What is a certification boot camp?
A: A certification boot camp is an intensive training program that prepares candidates for the Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate certification exams. The boot camps typically cover all the topics and skills needed for the certification exams and provide hands-on practice and exam prep.
Q: What Windows Server workloads and services are covered in the certification exams?
A: The certification exams cover the administration and management of Windows Server workloads and services using Azure and other hybrid technologies. This includes configuring and managing Windows Server, managing Windows Server on-premises and in Azure, administering core and advanced Windows Server services, and using Azure security center.
Q: What is infrastructure as a service (IaaS)?
A: Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) is a cloud computing model in which a third-party provider hosts and manages the computing infrastructure, including servers, storage, and networking, and provides access to these resources over the internet.
Q: Do I need to have experience with PowerShell to become a certified?
A: Yes, you should have experience with PowerShell as it is a key tool used for managing and administering Windows Server workloads and services.
Q: Can I use Azure to host and manage Windows Server workloads and services?
A: Yes, Azure provides a range of services and tools to manage and administer Windows Server workloads, including Windows Server IaaS, Windows Admin Center, and Azure automation.
Q: What is the Hybrid Administrator certification?
A: The Windows Server Hybrid Administrator certification is the predecessor to the Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate certification. It is designed for IT professionals who have experience with Windows Server workloads and services and need to manage and administer them in hybrid environments using Azure and other technologies.
Q: What is involved in the advanced Windows Server workloads and services exam?
A: The advanced Windows Server workloads and services exam (Exam MS-101) covers more advanced topics in Windows Server administration and management, including configuring and managing hybrid identity, deploying and managing virtual machines and containers, and managing Windows Server workloads in Azure.
Q: What is the Windows Server operating system?
A: The Windows Server operating system is a server operating system developed by Microsoft. It is designed to support the management and administration of networked computers, servers, and services in enterprise environments.