In the fast-paced world of software development, organizations are adopting DevOps practices to accelerate delivery, improve quality, and enhance collaboration between development and operations teams. Microsoft Azure DevOps provides a comprehensive platform to implement CI/CD pipelines, automate workflows, and monitor applications.
For IT professionals seeking to validate their expertise in cloud DevOps, the Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400) certification is one of the most valuable credentials. At QuickDials, we help learners connect with verified training providers offering hands-on guidance to prepare for AZ-400 and excel in their DevOps careers.
What is the Azure DevOps Engineer Expert AZ-400 Certification?
The AZ-400 certification is designed for professionals who combine people, processes, and technology to continuously deliver valuable products and services. It validates your ability to design and implement DevOps practices for version control, infrastructure as code, continuous integration, continuous delivery, testing, and monitoring using Azure DevOps and related tools.
By earning this certification, you demonstrate your ability to plan, implement, and optimize DevOps strategies on Azure, making you a key contributor in modern software development teams.
Why Pursue the AZ-400 Certification?
Here are the main reasons to pursue Azure DevOps Engineer Expert certification:
High Demand for DevOps Skills – Companies are increasingly adopting DevOps to improve software delivery speed and reliability.
Comprehensive Skill Validation – Covers planning, development, testing, deployment, and monitoring.
Career Growth – Opens roles such as DevOps Engineer, Cloud Engineer, or Release Manager.
Global Recognition – Microsoft certifications are trusted worldwide.
Lucrative Salaries – DevOps experts with Azure skills are highly compensated.
AZ-400 Exam Overview
Exam Code: AZ-400
Certification Name: Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
Duration: 180 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice, scenario-based, and case studies
Fee: $165 USD (varies by region)
Passing Score: 700/1000
Languages Available: English, Japanese, Chinese, and more
Skills Measured in AZ-400
The exam tests your ability to design and implement DevOps practices using Azure. Key domains include:
1. Develop an Instrumentation Strategy (5–10%)
Implement logging and monitoring solutions
Collect telemetry data for applications and infrastructure
Use Azure Monitor, Application Insights, and Log Analytics
2. Develop a Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) Strategy (5–10%)
Implement SLAs, SLIs, and SLOs
Integrate monitoring and alerting to maintain system reliability
3. Develop a Security and Compliance Plan (10–15%)
Implement security controls for code, pipelines, and infrastructure
Use Azure Policy and Azure Security Center
Integrate compliance checks into CI/CD pipelines
4. Manage Source Control (10–15%)
Configure Git repositories and branching strategies
Manage pull requests and code reviews
Integrate version control with Azure DevOps pipelines
5. Facilitate Continuous Integration (15–20%)
Implement build pipelines in Azure DevOps
Automate testing using unit tests, integration tests, and code quality tools
Optimize CI processes for efficiency
6. Facilitate Continuous Delivery (15–20%)
Design release pipelines for Azure and hybrid environments
Implement infrastructure as code (IaC) with tools like ARM templates, Terraform, and Bicep
Automate deployment approvals and rollback strategies
7. Implement Dependency Management (5–10%)
Manage package feeds and dependencies
Integrate dependency scanning and security checks
8. Implement Application Infrastructure (10–15%)
Deploy and manage Azure resources for applications
Configure containers, Kubernetes, and microservices deployments
9. Implement Continuous Feedback (5–10%)
Collect and analyze feedback from end users
Implement dashboards and reporting for continuous improvement
Who Should Take the AZ-400 Exam?
This certification is ideal for professionals such as:
DevOps Engineers implementing CI/CD pipelines
Cloud Engineers managing application deployment on Azure
Release Managers overseeing software delivery processes
System Administrators focusing on automation and infrastructure as code
Software Developers integrating DevOps practices in development workflows
Career Opportunities After AZ-400
Certified professionals can pursue roles such as:
Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
Cloud DevOps Engineer
Release Manager
Automation Engineer
DevOps Consultant
Salary Prospects
Azure DevOps professionals are highly paid worldwide:
India: ₹12 – 25 LPA
United States: $110,000 – $150,000 annually
UK: £55,000 – £90,000
Europe: €60,000 – €100,000
Benefits of Training with QuickDials
At QuickDials, we help learners find verified training providers offering AZ-400 preparation. Benefits include:
Certified Trainers – Experts with hands-on experience in Azure DevOps.
Hands-On Labs – Practice creating pipelines, managing infrastructure, and automating deployments.
Flexible Learning – Online, offline, and hybrid options available.
Exam Preparation Support – Mock tests, study guides, and mentorship.
Career Guidance – Resume support, interview prep, and placement assistance.
Preparation Tips for AZ-400
Use Microsoft Learn – Explore official learning paths for AZ-400.
Hands-On Practice – Build CI/CD pipelines, automate infrastructure, and monitor applications in Azure.
Focus on Security & Compliance – Integrate security into pipelines and implement compliance policies.
Understand IaC Tools – Learn Terraform, ARM templates, and Bicep for automated deployments.
Take Practice Exams – Familiarize yourself with scenario-based questions and exam structure.
Real-World Applications of AZ-400 Skills
The skills gained from AZ-400 can be applied in industries such as:
IT Services – Automate software delivery for multiple clients.
Finance – Implement secure and compliant pipelines for banking applications.
Healthcare – Deploy critical applications with high reliability and security.
Retail – Accelerate deployment of e-commerce platforms and updates.
Manufacturing – Ensure reliable and scalable deployments for IoT and industrial apps.
Next Steps After AZ-400
After completing AZ-400, professionals can enhance their career with advanced certifications like:
AZ-305: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
AZ-500: Azure Security Engineer Associate
DP-203: Azure Data Engineer Associate
These certifications broaden your skills in cloud architecture, security, and data management.
Conclusion
The Azure DevOps Engineer Expert AZ-400 certification is a highly valuable credential for IT professionals seeking to master DevOps practices on Azure. It equips you with practical skills to implement CI/CD pipelines, automate deployments, secure applications, and continuously monitor performance.
At QuickDials, we help learners connect with verified trainers, hands-on labs, and exam preparation resources for AZ-400. Whether you are a DevOps engineer, cloud professional, or IT administrator, earning this certification opens doors to high-demand, well-paying roles in cloud and DevOps.
By achieving AZ-400 certification, you position yourself as a trusted expert in Azure DevOps, ready to drive digital transformation and continuous delivery initiatives in any organization.