Cert News: Microsoft is Retiring its AZ-100 and 101 Exams

Last week, Microsoft announced it's changing up the requirements for earning one of its newest role-based certifications.

Microsoft will retire AZ-100 and AZ-101 on May 1, 2019, and replace them with one exam — AZ-103: Microsoft Azure Administrator. 

This change means that learners only have to pass the AZ-103 to earn Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification. The AZ-103 exam will include content and skills covered on the AZ-100 and AZ-101 exams.

Registration will open for the AZ-103 on May 1, 2019.

The AZ-102 exam is still scheduled to retire on June 1, 2019. Microsoft retired the MCSA: Cloud Platform certification in December 2018, replacing it with the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification. The AZ-102 exam was designed as a transition exam for learners who had already passed Exam 533, Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions.

Didn't Microsoft Just Release the AZ-100 and AZ-101 Exams?

Yes. You recall correctly — they were rolled out earlier this year. However, responding to feedback, Microsoft decided to modify and simplify the requirements to earn Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification.

We all have questions about these retirements. Here are a few answers.

Q: What if I've taken and passed the AZ-100 exam?

A: You'll automatically be awarded Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification on May 1, 2019.

Q: What if I've taken and passed the AZ-101 exam?

A: You'll receive an exam voucher that can be used for any Microsoft exam that's delivered through Pearson Vue. Note: If you didn't pass AZ-101 exam, you'll still receive an exam voucher.

Q:  What if my exam date for AZ-100 or AZ-101 is after May 1, 2019?

A: Your exam will be cancelled, and you'll need to schedule the AZ-103 after May 1, 2019.

Q:  What if I've registered to take the AZ-100 exam between now and May 1, 2019?

A: If you choose to take the exam, and pass it, you'll automatically earn Microsoft Certified Administrator Associate certification on May 1, 2019.

Q: What if I've registered to take the AZ-101 exam between now and May 1, 2019?

A: If you choose to take the exam, and pass it, you'll earn the AZ-101 exam badge.  

Q: What if I've been studying for either the AZ-100 or AZ-101 exams?

A: Check out the AZ-103 exam objectives and see how they align with the AZ 100 and 101 exam objectives. Microsoft have made them easy to compare.

If you're interested in Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification, we've got good news! CBT Nuggets trainer Knox Hutchinson already is working on new training that maps to the AZ-103 exam. Be sure to keep your eyes open for when his training drops.