Top 5 Microsoft Azure Certifications to Boost Your Cloud Career in 2018

In 2017, the adoption of cloud computing reached new heights, with an astonishing 88% of UK enterprises transitioning to the cloud, as reported by the Cloud Industry Forum. This upward trend continued to gather momentum, with global cloud adoption reaching 96% by January 2018, according to RightScale. These statistics reflect the growing reliance on cloud technologies by organizations worldwide, both large and small.

The cloud offers businesses remarkable advantages, including enhanced agility, mobility, and cost-effectiveness. But beyond these well-known benefits, cloud computing is emerging as a launchpad for innovation. In particular, Microsoft Azure has been at the forefront of this transformation, providing highly scalable cloud platforms that enable organizations to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics. These cutting-edge technologies, once accessible only to large enterprises, are now available to smaller companies, start-ups, and even SMEs. This shift is empowering organizations of all sizes to leverage the cloud for innovation, driving forward the development of smarter, more efficient systems and solutions.

With the rapid expansion of cloud computing, there is an increasing demand for professionals skilled in cloud technologies. Recognizing this, Microsoft launched a comprehensive set of updated certification tracks aimed at helping IT professionals and business leaders enhance their expertise in Microsoft Azure. These certifications are designed to align with a range of skill levels and career interests, offering clear pathways for learners to specialize in specific areas of cloud computing.

For IT professionals looking to advance their careers in cloud technology, pursuing a Microsoft Azure certification is a strategic decision. Azure certifications provide recognition of your ability to work with some of the most powerful and widely adopted cloud tools available today. Whether you are a seasoned IT professional or new to the cloud, Microsoft’s Azure certification tracks provide a structured path to mastering key cloud services.

Here’s an overview of the top five Microsoft Azure certifications from 2018 that can help IT professionals grow their cloud expertise and take their careers to the next level:

1. MCSA: Cloud Platform – Solidify Your Cloud Infrastructure Skills

The MCSA: Cloud Platform certification is one of the most sought-after credentials for professionals aiming to demonstrate their expertise in implementing and managing Microsoft Azure cloud services. This certification validates your ability to handle the deployment, configuration, and management of core Azure services.

Candidates pursuing the MCSA: Cloud Platform can choose from a selection of exams, allowing for a customized learning path. Among the available exams are:

70-532: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions
70-533: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions
70-535: Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions
70-537: Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack

The 70-537 exam is particularly noteworthy, as it focuses on the hybrid cloud aspect, which allows businesses to blend on-premises systems with cloud services using Azure Stack. This growing area of expertise is increasingly vital as more companies look to integrate their legacy systems with the scalability and flexibility of the cloud.

Earning the MCSA: Cloud Platform certification is a necessary prerequisite for advancing to the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification, which demonstrates an even deeper level of expertise in managing cloud-based services.

2. MCSA: Linux on Azure – Bridging the Gap Between Open-Source and Cloud Technologies

As cloud environments become more diverse, the need for cross-platform expertise has grown. The MCSA: Linux on Azure certification helps professionals blend their Linux skills with Azure’s cloud technologies, a crucial competency as more than 30% of Azure virtual machines run on Linux.

This certification is particularly suited for professionals with a strong Linux background, providing them with the knowledge required to design, implement, and manage Linux-based solutions within the Azure cloud. The certification requires two exams:

The Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS)
70-533: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions

By earning this certification, you’ll demonstrate your ability to architect and deploy Linux solutions on the Azure platform, which is invaluable for organizations looking to integrate their open-source systems with the cloud.

3. MCSA: Machine Learning – Dive Into Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

With AI and data science becoming integral to modern businesses, the MCSA: Machine Learning certification offers an exciting pathway for professionals in the data science field. This certification covers the use of Microsoft Azure to develop and deploy machine learning models, allowing businesses to unlock the power of big data and predictive analytics.

To earn the MCSA: Machine Learning certification, candidates must pass:

70-773: Analyzing Big Data with Microsoft R
70-774: Performing Cloud Data Science with Azure Machine Learning

This certification is ideal for data scientists, analysts, and developers looking to hone their skills in machine learning using Microsoft Azure’s cloud services. By obtaining this certification, professionals can prove their expertise in one of the most in-demand areas of technology today.

4. MCSA: Office 365 – Master Cloud Productivity Tools

The shift toward cloud-hosted business applications has been accelerated by Microsoft Office 365. The MCSA: Office 365 certification provides professionals with the skills needed to administer and manage Office 365 environments, making it a key credential for those in charge of cloud-based productivity tools.

To achieve the MCSA: Office 365 certification, candidates must pass:

70-346: Managing Office 365 Identities and Requirements
70-347: Enabling Office 365 Services

This certification is crucial for professionals who oversee the deployment, configuration, and management of Office 365 environments for businesses. It validates your ability to ensure that organizations are fully leveraging the capabilities of Office 365 to improve productivity and collaboration in a cloud-first world.

5. MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure – Achieve Advanced Cloud Expertise

The MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure is the ultimate certification for cloud professionals. Designed for experienced IT professionals who want to prove their ability to build and manage cloud services, this certification is recognized as one of the most prestigious credentials in the field of cloud computing.

To achieve the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification, you first need to earn one of the following MCSA certifications:

MCSA: Cloud Platform
MCSA: Linux on Azure
MCSA: Windows Server 2016
MCSA: Windows Server 2012

Once you have obtained your MCSA, you can choose one additional elective exam from a list of available options to achieve the MCSE certification. Elective exams include topics like Azure development, architecture, and security.

Earning the MCSE certification not only demonstrates your advanced skills in cloud infrastructure but also signals to employers that you have the expertise to manage complex cloud systems and services at scale.

Preparing for Your Certification Exams

As you embark on the journey to achieve your Azure certifications, using quality exam preparation resources is crucial. Platforms like Examlabs provide a wide range of study materials, practice exams, and training courses to help you ace your Microsoft certification exams. These resources are designed to provide hands-on experience and prepare you for the challenges of the certification exams.

Whether you’re looking to build a career in cloud infrastructure, data science, or cloud productivity tools, Microsoft’s Azure certifications provide a structured path to enhancing your skill set and advancing your career. With the increasing demand for Azure expertise, these certifications can help you stand out in the competitive IT job market.

MCSA: Cloud Platform – Build Core Azure Expertise for a Future-Ready Career

In today’s rapidly advancing digital world, cloud technologies have become the backbone of enterprise infrastructure, driving innovation, scalability, and flexibility. Microsoft Azure, one of the leading cloud platforms, offers a vast array of services that are pivotal for businesses as they transition to the cloud. For IT professionals looking to demonstrate their proficiency in working with cloud technologies, the MCSA: Cloud Platform certification offers a powerful credential that proves your ability to manage and deploy solutions on Microsoft Azure. With this certification, you gain the expertise needed to excel in real-world business environments and build a solid foundation for advanced cloud roles.

The MCSA: Cloud Platform certification is a key milestone for professionals looking to expand their skills and credibility in the cloud domain. It is designed for individuals who want to prove their competency in managing cloud infrastructure, implementing cloud solutions, and ensuring seamless integration between on-premises and cloud-based systems. This certification provides a structured approach to learning Azure technologies and prepares professionals for a wide range of job opportunities that focus on cloud computing, infrastructure, and system management.

Certification Structure: Flexibility to Suit Your Career Path

One of the most appealing features of the MCSA: Cloud Platform certification is its flexibility. The certification structure allows you to choose from a range of exams that focus on different aspects of Azure, enabling you to tailor your learning path to suit your career goals and areas of interest. The exams available for the certification include:

Exam 70-532: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions
This exam focuses on developing cloud applications and services using Azure. It covers topics such as building solutions using Azure storage services, designing cloud services, and deploying applications to the Azure platform. It is ideal for developers who want to build and deploy cloud-based solutions on Azure.
Exam 70-533: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions
Aimed at IT professionals who work with infrastructure, this exam assesses your ability to deploy and manage virtual networks, storage solutions, and virtual machines in Azure. It focuses on how to configure and manage Azure infrastructure, making it essential for network engineers, system administrators, and IT professionals managing cloud resources.
Exam 70-535: Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions
This advanced exam is tailored for professionals who want to design Azure-based solutions. The exam covers topics such as designing Azure infrastructure, security, and cloud strategies for businesses. This exam is ideal for solution architects who are responsible for planning and designing cloud architectures within Azure.
Exam 70-537: Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack
A newer addition to the certification path, this exam tests your ability to implement hybrid cloud solutions using Azure Stack, a technology that allows businesses to extend their on-premises data centers to the cloud. As hybrid cloud models become increasingly popular, professionals with expertise in Azure Stack are in high demand. This exam evaluates your understanding of configuring and operating hybrid solutions and integrating on-premises systems with cloud resources.

These four exams offer various specializations, ensuring that you can align your certification to the specific role you intend to pursue, whether it’s development, infrastructure, solution architecture, or hybrid cloud implementation. Regardless of the path you choose, the MCSA: Cloud Platform certification arms you with the skills and knowledge required to work with Azure technologies in diverse environments.

Why Earning the MCSA: Cloud Platform Matters

The MCSA: Cloud Platform certification is not just a theoretical achievement—it’s an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates your practical capabilities in the cloud domain. Cloud computing is central to the digital transformation of businesses, and Azure, with its comprehensive suite of services, is among the most widely adopted platforms worldwide. The MCSA: Cloud Platform validates your proficiency in deploying and managing cloud services on Azure, ensuring you have the technical skills needed to handle cloud infrastructure and development.

By earning the MCSA: Cloud Platform, you open doors to various job roles, including cloud administrator, cloud developer, systems architect, and IT manager. Moreover, this certification acts as the first step toward earning the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification, an advanced credential that demonstrates your deeper expertise and higher-level understanding of cloud solutions. With an MCSE certification, you solidify your position as a leader in the cloud computing industry, increasing your value to employers and your earning potential.

Furthermore, the cloud computing industry is growing exponentially, with businesses migrating critical workloads to the cloud. Companies are in constant need of skilled professionals who can help them build, manage, and scale their cloud infrastructure. As organizations continue to adopt hybrid and multi-cloud environments, professionals with hybrid cloud expertise, such as those who complete Exam 70-537, will be especially sought after.

Preparing for Your Certification with Examlabs

Successfully earning the MCSA: Cloud Platform certification requires thorough preparation. Fortunately, platforms like Examlabs provide an invaluable resource for candidates looking to prepare for their certification exams. Examlabs offers comprehensive study materials, practice tests, and real exam simulations, ensuring that you are thoroughly prepared for your certification journey. The hands-on learning approach offered by Examlabs mirrors the real exam experience, helping you build confidence and familiarity with the exam format. Whether you’re preparing for developing, implementing, or architecting Azure solutions, Examlabs provides the targeted resources needed to enhance your preparation and increase your chances of success.

MCSA: Linux on Azure – Combine Open Source with Microsoft Cloud

As the demand for hybrid IT environments grows, the need for professionals who can bridge the gap between open-source technologies and cloud computing has never been more pressing. Microsoft’s introduction of the MCSA: Linux on Azure certification is a direct response to this demand, providing a credential that merges the flexibility of Linux with the robust infrastructure capabilities of Microsoft Azure. With over 30% of Azure virtual machines now running Linux, this certification reflects the increasing importance of cross-platform expertise in modern IT ecosystems. Developed in collaboration with The Linux Foundation, this certification is a game-changer for Linux professionals who are eager to expand their skill set into cloud computing and Azure technologies.

The Power of Linux on Azure

While Microsoft Azure is often associated with Windows-based virtual machines and infrastructure, the rise of hybrid cloud architectures has seen an increasing number of organizations adopting Linux systems to run key applications, services, and workloads. Linux is known for its open-source flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, making it an ideal candidate for cloud computing, where rapid scalability and efficient resource management are essential. By earning the MCSA: Linux on Azure certification, you position yourself at the intersection of two powerful IT paradigms—open-source software and cloud computing.

Azure’s ability to run Linux-based environments is a significant benefit for organizations seeking to consolidate multiple platforms under one cloud provider. Whether it’s running web servers, application containers, or managing data analytics workloads, Linux on Azure allows businesses to optimize their cloud infrastructure in a way that was not possible in the past. For IT professionals, this opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities, particularly in roles that require both Linux system administration skills and cloud management expertise.

Certification Requirements

To earn the MCSA: Linux on Azure certification, candidates must complete two essential exams that provide a comprehensive foundation in both Linux system administration and Azure cloud solutions.

The Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS)
This exam focuses on core Linux administration skills, including managing file systems, users, and software installations, as well as performing network configuration tasks. The LFCS certification proves that you possess the foundational knowledge required to manage and troubleshoot Linux systems in a production environment. By completing this exam, you will demonstrate a deep understanding of Linux systems, which is crucial for successfully running Linux in Azure.
Exam 70-533: Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions
This exam tests your ability to implement and manage Azure infrastructure solutions, such as virtual networks, storage, and computing resources. As the MCSA: Linux on Azure certification is designed for professionals looking to integrate Linux-based workloads into the Azure cloud, this exam ensures that you understand both the specific needs of Linux systems and how to manage these systems effectively within Azure. From configuring virtual machines to optimizing networking, this exam covers the entire scope of managing a Linux-based environment on Azure.

Designing and Managing Linux-Based Environments on Azure

Once certified, you’ll be equipped with the skills needed to design, implement, and manage Linux-based infrastructures within the Azure cloud platform. This includes the ability to configure and deploy Linux virtual machines, set up network configurations, and integrate cloud-native technologies, such as Azure Active Directory, Azure Monitor, and Azure Automation. You’ll also gain proficiency in scaling and securing Linux systems, ensuring high availability and optimal performance, all while leveraging the native cloud tools that Azure provides.

The ability to manage both Windows and Linux virtual machines within a single Azure environment is a crucial skill in today’s hybrid IT world. This certification allows you to take full advantage of Azure’s capabilities, optimizing both the open-source and proprietary elements of an organization’s cloud architecture. Moreover, as cloud services continue to grow, professionals who can seamlessly integrate and manage Linux systems in Azure will be increasingly sought after by organizations worldwide.

Career Boost with MCSA: Linux on Azure

In addition to providing deep technical expertise, the MCSA: Linux on Azure certification serves as a gateway to higher-level Microsoft certifications, such as the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure. By earning the MCSA credential, you meet one of the prerequisites for pursuing the MCSE certification, a valuable qualification for IT professionals who aspire to work in cloud solutions, system architecture, or infrastructure management roles.

Holding the MCSA: Linux on Azure also enhances your employability. Many companies are seeking professionals who can manage hybrid cloud environments and handle Linux workloads within Microsoft Azure. The hybrid nature of these environments means there is a high demand for IT experts who understand both Linux system administration and cloud management, making this certification especially attractive for those seeking new career opportunities or aiming to accelerate their professional growth.

Exam Preparation with Examlabs

Preparing for the MCSA: Linux on Azure certification exams requires comprehensive knowledge of both Linux systems and Azure services. This is where Examlabs becomes an invaluable resource for prospective candidates. Known for providing high-quality, up-to-date study materials, practice tests, and simulation labs, Examlabs equips you with the tools necessary to succeed in your certification journey. Whether you’re preparing for the LFCS or 70-533 exams, Examlabs offers precise and focused resources that mirror real exam conditions, giving you a strategic advantage in your preparation.

The Road Ahead: Embracing the Future of Cloud Computing

As cloud technology continues to evolve, the demand for professionals who can navigate both open-source and proprietary systems will only increase. The MCSA: Linux on Azure certification positions you as a leader in this rapidly growing field, enabling you to stay ahead of emerging trends such as hybrid cloud environments and multi-cloud architectures. By combining your Linux expertise with Microsoft Azure’s cloud infrastructure, you’ll be equipped to meet the needs of businesses worldwide, helping them maximize their cloud investments and achieve operational excellence.

MCSA: Machine Learning – Propel Your Career in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence with Microsoft Azure

In today’s digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) and data science are revolutionizing how businesses operate, analyze information, and make strategic decisions. As companies race to gain a competitive edge through data-driven insights and intelligent automation, the demand for professionals skilled in these domains continues to skyrocket. Microsoft recognized this paradigm shift and introduced the MCSA: Machine Learning certification to help IT professionals build a solid foundation in these transformative fields using Microsoft Azure’s cloud-based services.

The MCSA: Machine Learning certification is designed for individuals who aspire to master the art of extracting valuable patterns from massive datasets, creating intelligent models, and deploying real-world machine learning solutions on the Azure platform. Whether you’re a data analyst, software developer, or IT professional looking to transition into a data-centric role, this certification acts as a catalyst for career growth by validating your technical prowess in applied machine learning.

To achieve the MCSA: Machine Learning credential, candidates must pass the following two core examinations:

Exam 70-773: Analyzing Big Data with Microsoft R
Exam 70-774: Performing Cloud Data Science with Azure Machine Learning

Each of these exams covers crucial aspects of cloud-based data science and machine learning workflows. Exam 70-773 dives deep into using Microsoft R Server to process large-scale datasets. It focuses on statistical analysis, data visualization, predictive modeling, and programming with R in a scalable environment. The Microsoft R platform enables professionals to work on high-performance analytical models and manage large volumes of data efficiently, making it ideal for complex business environments.

On the other hand, Exam 70-774 explores how to operationalize data science models using Microsoft Azure Machine Learning Studio and related cloud services. It emphasizes real-world applications of supervised and unsupervised learning, model evaluation techniques, data cleansing, feature engineering, and deploying solutions through APIs and web services. The integration of machine learning within Azure ensures seamless scalability and automation, which are pivotal in enterprise-grade deployments.

One of the key benefits of the MCSA: Machine Learning certification is its alignment with actual industry use cases. Azure Machine Learning empowers organizations to build, train, and deploy predictive models rapidly, often without requiring a massive infrastructure investment. This certification equips professionals to deliver results in diverse industries, including healthcare, finance, retail, and manufacturing, where data is a core driver of innovation.

Moreover, this MCSA is not just about theory—it emphasizes applied knowledge and hands-on experience. With Azure’s rich ecosystem, learners gain exposure to tools such as Jupyter notebooks, cognitive APIs, Azure Storage, and HDInsight, enriching their understanding of how data flows across services in a cloud-native architecture. The ability to architect solutions that integrate seamlessly with various Azure components significantly enhances a candidate’s value in the job market.

From an employment perspective, certified professionals are often preferred by companies that are investing in digital transformation. Roles such as cloud data scientist, AI engineer, data analyst, and machine learning specialist frequently list Azure experience as a core requirement. The MCSA: Machine Learning certification provides a competitive edge, ensuring that your skills are verified by one of the world’s leading cloud providers.

To prepare for these exams and ensure success, using reliable study resources is critical. Examlabs is one such trusted platform, offering up-to-date training materials, practice questions, and hands-on labs that align closely with Microsoft’s exam objectives. Their resources simulate real exam scenarios, helping candidates grasp complex topics through practical experience, which is especially valuable when dealing with abstract machine learning concepts and algorithms.

With cloud-based data science evolving rapidly, staying ahead requires continuous learning and credentialing. Microsoft certifications are frequently updated to reflect the latest industry practices, and the MCSA: Machine Learning certification acts as a stepping stone for further specializations, such as the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate. This progression path ensures professionals can continue to grow and adapt as new tools, technologies, and methodologies emerge.

Furthermore, businesses are looking for talent that can bridge the gap between data science and operational strategy. The ability to not only build models but also to deploy and manage them within scalable infrastructures is what sets apart elite professionals in the field. This certification proves that you understand how to deliver business value from raw data, transforming analytical insights into tangible outcomes.

MCSA: Office 365 – Manage Cloud-Based Productivity Tools for the Modern Workplace

In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, the shift to cloud-based platforms is no longer a trend—it’s a necessity. Organizations of all sizes are migrating to cloud-first infrastructures to increase agility, streamline collaboration, and reduce overhead costs. At the heart of this transition is Microsoft Office 365, a comprehensive suite of productivity tools designed to transform how teams communicate, collaborate, and manage workloads. For IT professionals looking to specialize in Software as a Service (SaaS) administration and cloud productivity management, the MCSA: Office 365 certification offers a robust, industry-recognized pathway to success.

The MCSA: Office 365 certification is engineered to validate your capability in configuring, managing, and troubleshooting Microsoft’s cloud productivity services. From identity management to service integration, this credential proves your readiness to handle the complexities of cloud-based enterprise environments. As more companies adopt remote work and decentralized operations, certified professionals are becoming indispensable in maintaining operational continuity and delivering seamless user experiences.

Core Certification Exams: Build Practical, Job-Ready Skills

To earn the MCSA: Office 365 certification, candidates must pass two essential exams that focus on real-world administration and deployment of Microsoft’s cloud services:

Exam 70-346: Managing Office 365 Identities and Requirements
This exam is centered around managing user identity and access in Office 365. You’ll learn how to synchronize on-premises directories, manage user accounts and licenses, and implement multifactor authentication. Understanding these core functions is vital for maintaining compliance and securing enterprise environments against unauthorized access or identity threats.
Exam 70-347: Enabling Office 365 Services
This exam tests your ability to configure and manage core Office 365 services including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and Skype for Business. You’ll also develop expertise in configuring client connectivity and managing collaboration features like OneDrive for Business and Microsoft Teams. These are essential skills for ensuring productivity tools are fully optimized across departments.

Together, these exams provide a comprehensive skill set that covers both user administration and service configuration—making you a capable and confident Office 365 administrator in enterprise-scale environments.

Why the MCSA: Office 365 Certification Matters

The MCSA: Office 365 certification goes beyond theoretical knowledge. It equips you with actionable, hands-on expertise in one of the most widely used productivity ecosystems globally. With millions of organizations relying on Microsoft Office 365 for day-to-day operations, professionals who can deploy and manage these services are in high demand.

This certification is especially suited for those managing large-scale Office 365 deployments, supporting user communities, and troubleshooting common service issues. Whether you’re overseeing email migrations, rolling out Teams across global offices, or enforcing enterprise-wide security policies, the MCSA ensures you’re fully prepared to manage each task with efficiency and confidence.

Beyond its immediate applicability, this certification also serves as a springboard into advanced career roles. After achieving the MCSA: Office 365, professionals can pursue higher-level Microsoft certifications in cloud and hybrid infrastructure, enabling specialization in areas like enterprise mobility or cloud security.

Career Opportunities and Professional Growth

Holding the MCSA: Office 365 opens doors to a broad array of job roles in today’s cloud-centric marketplace. Popular roles include Office 365 Administrator, SaaS Operations Manager, Cloud Productivity Specialist, and IT Systems Support Analyst. These positions are essential across various sectors such as finance, healthcare, education, and government, where cloud compliance and secure collaboration are paramount.

Furthermore, certified professionals often enjoy accelerated career progression, higher salary brackets, and access to strategic project roles. Employers value the MCSA because it signifies a technician or administrator who understands both the technical architecture and the user-facing components of Office 365, making them uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between IT and business teams.

Prepare with Confidence Using Examlabs

To succeed in the certification journey, comprehensive and focused preparation is key. That’s where Examlabs becomes an invaluable resource. With an extensive collection of updated study materials, simulated exam environments, and peer-contributed insights, Examlabs offers everything you need to prepare effectively for both 70-346 and 70-347 exams.

Unlike generic training platforms, Examlabs is specifically designed to replicate the real exam experience. This helps candidates develop familiarity with question formats, understand key exam objectives, and gain confidence before test day. Whether you’re brushing up on directory synchronization techniques or configuring OneDrive policies, Examlabs delivers accurate, hands-on preparation tools that align with real-world scenarios.

Staying Relevant in a Cloud-Driven World

As the workplace continues to evolve, the demand for professionals who can manage cloud productivity solutions will only intensify. Microsoft’s Office 365 suite is central to digital transformation strategies worldwide, and those who can deploy, secure, and optimize it are critical to any organization’s success.

The MCSA: Office 365 certification not only validates your current capabilities but also demonstrates your commitment to staying relevant in a rapidly shifting IT landscape. Whether you’re aiming to upskill, reskill, or future-proof your career, this certification serves as a trusted credential that employers recognize and respect.

MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure – Your Azure Master Badge

In a digital era where businesses are increasingly migrating to the cloud, professionals who can architect, implement, and manage complex cloud solutions are more valuable than ever. The MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification, recognized as the apex Azure credential as of 2018, offers seasoned IT professionals the recognition and skillset to excel in enterprise-level cloud and data center environments. Built for cloud architects, system administrators, and experienced IT specialists, this certification represents mastery across multiple advanced domains, including hybrid infrastructure, identity management, virtualization, networking, and security.

With organizations striving to adopt agile and scalable digital infrastructures, Microsoft developed this credential to affirm not only theoretical knowledge but also practical, hands-on expertise in real-world scenarios. Whether you are responsible for migrating workloads to Azure, deploying secure hybrid cloud solutions, or managing enterprise-scale virtual environments, earning this certification serves as a testament to your comprehensive capability in Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem.

Prerequisites: Start with an MCSA Foundation

Before reaching for the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure title, candidates must first establish a solid foundation by earning one of the approved Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certifications. This structured requirement ensures that each candidate possesses essential knowledge in Microsoft technologies before advancing to more complex architectures and integrations.

You must earn one of the following MCSA certifications:

MCSA: Cloud Platform
MCSA: Linux on Azure
MCSA: Windows Server 2016
MCSA: Windows Server 2012

Each of these MCSA certifications caters to a different skill area—whether it’s managing Linux environments within Microsoft Azure, handling traditional Windows Server infrastructures, or working with cloud-native tools. These certifications equip you with the necessary expertise to tackle the advanced competencies required at the MCSE level.

Next Step: Choose an Elective to Customize Your Path

After obtaining one of the prerequisite MCSA certifications, candidates must pass one elective exam from a curated list of ten highly specialized topics. These electives allow professionals to tailor their certification journey to align with specific job roles, technical interests, or organizational needs.

Available elective exams include:

70-532 – Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions
70-533 – Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions
70-535 – Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions
70-537 – Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack
70-744 – Securing Windows Server 2016
70-473 – Designing and Implementing Cloud Data Platform Solutions
70-475 – Designing and Implementing Big Data Analytics Solutions
70-745 – Implementing a Software-Defined Datacenter
70-413 – Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure (Windows Server 2012)
70-414 – Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure (Windows Server 2012)

It’s important to note that candidates may not reuse any exam previously taken as part of their MCSA qualification. This encourages a broad yet deep exploration of Microsoft technologies while avoiding redundancy in knowledge paths.

Specialization and Flexibility

One of the most attractive features of the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification is its modular design, which offers candidates flexibility in selecting an exam that aligns with their real-world job responsibilities or career goals. Whether your role involves managing secure cloud environments, building scalable architecture, or implementing big data solutions, there’s an elective that matches your interests and enhances your marketability.

For example, system engineers might lean toward 70-533 for infrastructure-centric knowledge, while a data-focused professional may opt for 70-475 to deepen their proficiency in analytics. This tailored approach ensures that every certified individual walks away with skills that are relevant, actionable, and immediately applicable in enterprise IT environments.

Career Elevation and Industry Value

Earning the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification delivers an immediate career boost. IT professionals with this credential often pursue roles such as Cloud Solutions Architect, Senior System Engineer, Cloud Consultant, or Infrastructure Manager. As cloud adoption becomes a strategic priority across industries, professionals who demonstrate command over both on-premises and cloud infrastructures stand at the forefront of recruitment and promotion.

This certification also contributes toward fulfilling continuing education requirements for Microsoft’s recertification pathways, ensuring that certified professionals remain current with evolving cloud technologies.

Optimize Your Preparation with Examlabs

Preparation for the MCSE-level certification requires a strategic blend of practical experience, technical fluency, and focused study. This is where Examlabs plays an instrumental role. A trusted platform for certification candidates, Examlabs offers a rich array of study materials, real-world practice exams, simulation labs, and community-led insights. Unlike generic training resources, Examlabs’s content is tailored to mirror actual exam conditions, enabling aspirants to assess their readiness, identify knowledge gaps, and enhance their problem-solving acumen.

Whether you’re brushing up on advanced networking configurations or diving deep into Azure Stack, Examlabs provides the clarity and precision needed to successfully clear your chosen elective.

Future-Proof Your Career in the Cloud

Although Microsoft has since transitioned to role-based certifications, the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure remains a respected credential that highlights a deep, versatile understanding of Microsoft’s core technologies. It speaks volumes about a professional’s capacity to design, implement, and manage critical cloud solutions within dynamic enterprise environments.

In an age where technological convergence demands cross-disciplinary fluency, this certification demonstrates not only your commitment to mastery but also your adaptability in navigating complex digital ecosystems. It’s not just a badge—it’s a symbol of readiness to lead in the cloud-first world.

Kickstart Your Cloud Career with ExamlabsTraining

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Ready to take the next step? Explore our Microsoft certification courses and discover how quickly you can become Azure-certified.