The Microsoft Certified: Azure IoT Developer Specialty certification confirms an individual’s knowledge in developing Internet of Things (IoT) solutions on the Azure cloud. IoT refers to the network of numerous devices, people, and systems communicating with each other over the internet.

This certification from Microsoft is the first of its kind and is popular among IT professionals. It has been designed to reflect the industry’s needs and demands. Its holders work closely with data engineers, Azure IoT architects, and many other business stakeholders to maximize organizational value and ensure business integration. Generally, these individuals certainly have an edge in the industry and are better equipped to face the future.

Certification Overview

As it comes from its name, the Microsoft Certified: Azure IoT Developer Specialty certification is one of the specialty certificates offered by Microsoft. Professionals should pass the AZ-220 Microsoft Azure IoT Developer exam to obtain it. The accreditation verifies an extensive range of skills and abilities possessed by professionals, such the ability to develop and maintain the cloud and edge portions of an IoT solution by carrying out the configuration and programming tasks. It also validates one’s skills needed to configure, maintain and troubleshoot physical devices throughout their entire lifecycle. In addition, it proves that the candidate knows how to implement design specifications for IoT solutions including connectivity, supervision, diagnostics, and security.

By passing the certification test, the specialist also proves the ability to set up device networking for the IoT Edge part of the solution and implement designs for solutions to manage data pipelines, including supervision and transformation of data in IoT. The certificate also confirms an individual’s knowledge required to create and deploy modules and an understanding of Azure services, different types of devices, as well as the ability to program in at least one Azure IoT SDK-supported language. Finally, the concepts related to AI, data analysis and processing, storage options, and other Platform-as-a-Service features are covered in its syllabus too.

AZ-220 Exam: Important Details

The Microsoft AZ-220 exam tests an individual’s ability to perform as an Azure IoT Developer. It consists of 40 to 60 inquiries presented in the multiple-choice and multiple-response types. Candidates will be provided with a maximum of 130 minutes to complete the exam. A passing score of 70 percent or higher is required to obtain the certification. The test is conducted in English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean so that candidates from different countries can sit for the exam in their native language. In addition, the applicants can take the online proctored exam from the convenience of their homes or opt for the in-person assessment at an authorized testing center.

Skills Measured in AZ-220

The exam tests a candidate's knowledge that covers seven key domains. These are disclosed below:

• Implementing security for IoT devices

  This domain tests an individual’s knowledge of implementing security features for IoT devices and services and implementing Azure Defender for IoT.

• Monitoring, debugging, and performance improvement of IoT solutions

  Candidates will be tested on their skills in the optimization of IoT solutions, carrying out device communication troubleshooting, and setting up health monitoring.

• IoT data management and processing

  Exam applicants should have solid knowledge about developing ASA queries and processing data with TSI. Their skills in configuring message routing in IoT Hub and stream processing of data will also be tested.

• Implementing business integration

  Exam-takers should be well acquainted with creating Azure Digital Twins (ADT) solutions and integrating with upstream and downstream systems.

• Handling the implementation of IoT Edge

  Candidates’ knowledge of setting up, configuring, and deploying IoT Edge devices will be checked within this section. One should also be able to create and deploy IoT Edge modules.

• Performing the management and provisioning of devices

  Under this domain, applicants are expected to be familiar with managing the device lifecycle as well as IoT devices with the help of IoT Central and IoT Hub. They should also be able to configure Device Provisioning Service (DPS).

• Configuring the infrastructure of IoT

  Candidates are expected to be aware of developing and configuring an IoT hub and physical IoT devices. They should be able to develop device messaging and communication solutions.

Free Training Materials Offered by Microsoft

Many study guides, learning tools, and practice tests are available on the internet for candidates attempting the Microsoft Azure IoT Developer exam. However, the vendor offers four free online training courses for candidates too that are detailed below:

• Course 1: Introduction to Azure IoT

  This course is a great starting point for candidates. It provides a birds-eye view of Azure IoT and how to build IoT solutions. There are no prerequisites to meet before enrolling in this program, and while following it, you will learn more about digital transformations with IoT, device messaging, stream processing, the implementation of lambda architecture, and more.

• Course 2: Develop IoT solutions with Azure IoT Central

  This course from Microsoft will take you less than 5 hours to complete. It offers candidates the opportunity to understand how to create IoT solutions with Azure IoT Central, including connecting devices and setting up rules. In addition, it covers the concepts like using REST API and taking action on telemetry data.

• Course 3: Build the intelligent edge with Azure IoT Edge

  The course essentially focuses on how candidates can use Azure IoT Edge to create IoT solutions including setting up, deploying, and configuring IoT edge devices. By completing it, you will be able to develop modules, utilize IoT Edge devices as gateways, and handle other tasks.

• Course 4: Securely connect IoT devices to the cloud

  This course aims to teach candidates how to safely connect devices to the cloud, implement IoT solution infrastructure, process and manage data, and supervise, debug and optimize IoT solutions.

Official Instructor-led Training Course

Apart from the above self-study options, Microsoft offers a four-day instructor-led training course that covers all key domains tested in the Microsoft Azure IoT Developer exam. This course can be taken with a learning partner in the individual’s host country. It is important to note that this program is not conducted free of charge. To enroll in this training, the candidates are recommended to have some knowledge and skills in any Azure-supported language.

In Conclusion

Earning the Microsoft Certified: Azure IoT Developer Specialty certification is not that difficult if you prepare for the related AZ-220 exam with the right resources, Moreover, don’t hesitate to refer to the official practice test that costs $91 for 30 days access and $100 for 60 days access. This material consists of 123 questions covering all exam domains. With such preparation, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Azure IoT Developer role and pass the qualifying test hassle-free.