What is Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer Expert?
This certification demonstrates your ability to design and implement DevOps strategies using Microsoft Azure and GitHub. It validates skills in continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD), infrastructure as code, security, compliance, and monitoring.
The certification is aimed at experienced professionals who bridge the gap between development and operations teams to streamline software delivery.
This certification guide was written by our team of DevOps experts.
What topics does a Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert certification cover?
This certification covers advanced DevOps practices and automation principles within the Microsoft ecosystem. Key topic areas include:
- Designing and implementing CI/CD pipelines
- Managing source control and GitHub Actions
- Infrastructure as code using ARM templates, Bicep, or Terraform
- Monitoring, logging, and feedback loops
- Security, compliance, and governance integration
How do I earn a Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert certification?
To achieve this certification, candidates must pass the AZ-400 Exam: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions. The steps typically include:
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Meeting the prerequisite by holding either the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate credential.
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Completing a formal training course such as Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions (MAZ400).
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Gaining hands-on experience using Azure DevOps, GitHub, and infrastructure automation tools.
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Passing the AZ-400 exam through Microsoft’s authorised testing provider (Pearson VUE).
What are the pre-requisites of a Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer Expert certification?
To take the AZ-400 exam, you must first hold one of the following active certifications:
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Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
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Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
Candidates should also have:
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Experience with cloud infrastructure, version control, and Agile practices.
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Knowledge of Azure administration, software development, and configuration management.
Which roles require a Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer Expert certification?
The certification is highly valuable for roles such as:
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DevOps Engineers who design and implement CI/CD pipelines and manage deployment automation.
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Cloud Engineers responsible for infrastructure provisioning and monitoring.
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Software Developers seeking to integrate DevOps practices into development lifecycles.
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Site Reliability Engineers (SREs) focused on performance, resilience, and automation.
Earning this certification helps professionals advance into senior DevOps or cloud architecture roles, where expertise in Microsoft DevOps tools is in high demand.
Is Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer Expert worth it?
The DevOps Engineer Expert certification is one of Microsoft’s most respected expert-level credentials, offering clear career advancement opportunities. DevOps is among the top 10 highest-paying tech skill sets in the UK, with average salaries for DevOps Engineers ranging from £40,000 to £65,000, depending on experience.
Employers increasingly value professionals who can bridge development and IT operations. It is a key skill in organisations undergoing digital transformation and earning this certification confirms your capability to lead those initiatives effectively.
Microsoft Certified Azure DevOps Engineer Expert certification
The Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer Expert certification proves your expertise in unifying people, processes, and technologies to deliver continuous value through DevOps practices.
It’s ideal for IT professionals who build and manage modern development pipelines using Azure DevOps and GitHub.
Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer course
This course provides the knowledge and skills to design and implement DevOps processes and practices.
Prepare for the Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer Expert exam
What is the exam structure of Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer Expert?
The certification is awarded by passing Exam AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions. The exam typically includes 40–60 questions across multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and case study formats.
It measures your ability to:
- Design a DevOps strategy (20–25%)
- Implement DevOps development processes (20–25%)
- Implement continuous integration (10–15%)
- Implement continuous delivery (10–15%)
- Manage infrastructure as code (15–20%)
- Implement continuous feedback and monitoring (10–15%)
Candidates must score at least 700/1000 to pass. The exam duration is approximately 120 minutes and is available in multiple languages.
What study resources are available for Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer Expert?
You can prepare for this certification using Microsoft’s official certification overview and learning resources.
Does a Microsoft Fabric Data Engineer Associate certification expire?
Microsoft certifications are valid for one year from the date of achievement. You can renew the certification by completing a free online renewal assessment through Microsoft Learn.
Renewal ensures that certified professionals stay up to date with the latest tools and practices in Azure DevOps and GitHub.
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