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Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate Quick Facts
The Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate certification highlights your ability to design, implement, and manage cutting-edge networking solutions on Azure that empower secure and reliable cloud connectivity. This overview gives you everything you need to feel confident and excited about preparing for the AZ-700 exam.
How does the Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate certification help you grow?
The Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate (exam code AZ-700) validates your expertise in delivering secure, scalable, and resilient networking solutions in Azure. You will learn to master Azure networking services such as VNets, load balancers, VPNs, ExpressRoute, Azure Firewall, and private access services. This certification is especially valuable if you are committed to ensuring seamless hybrid connectivity, secure application delivery, and robust enterprise networking architectures. By achieving this credential, you prove that you can confidently support organizations as they expand their infrastructure in the cloud, while also enhancing your career through specialized cloud networking skills.
Who should earn the Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate Certification?
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate certification is designed for IT professionals who want to validate expertise in Azure networking technologies. It’s a perfect fit for individuals with experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining network infrastructure in Azure, as well as those who want to advance their cloud networking careers.
This exam is especially useful for:
- Network administrators and engineers expanding into the cloud
- Cloud professionals focused on Azure infrastructure
- Security engineers and DevOps engineers collaborating on hybrid cloud networking
- IT pros aiming to specialize in designing reliable and secure Azure network solutions
By achieving this certification, you demonstrate not only strong knowledge of Azure networking but also your ability to optimize performance, security, redundancy, and scalability—skills that are highly valued in modern IT organizations.
What kinds of careers and job roles open up with the AZ-700 certification?
Earning the Azure Network Engineer Associate credential signals to employers that you can handle critical responsibilities in cloud networking. This certification is highly relevant for roles such as:
- Azure Network Engineer
- Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
- Cloud Security Engineer
- Network Security Specialist
- Systems Engineer (Cloud Focused)
Additionally, many solutions architects and DevOps engineers benefit from holding this certification since Azure networking is a key building block for scalable and secure solutions. Ultimately, this certification can accelerate your growth into senior roles where you architect hybrid networks, design multi-region connectivity, and strengthen cloud security.
What is the current version of the Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate exam?
The latest Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate exam you will need to pass is AZ-700, officially called Designing and Implementing Microsoft Azure Networking Solutions. This is the only exam required to earn the certification. Since Microsoft continuously updates its certifications, the AZ-700 exam reflects the most current knowledge and skills needed to design and manage Azure networking solutions effectively.
When preparing, be sure to use updated official resources and high-quality practice tests that align with the current version of the exam.
How much does the AZ-700 exam cost to take?
The cost of the Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate certification exam is 165 USD. Pricing can vary slightly depending on your region due to taxes, currency conversions, and additional fees. Microsoft often provides exam discounts through learning partners, organizational programs, and periodic promotions, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for offers that can reduce costs.
Considering the career paths and salary opportunities that this certification unlocks, the investment is highly worthwhile.
How long is the AZ-700 certification exam and how many questions are there?
You’ll be given 100 minutes to complete the exam, which typically contains around 60 questions. These questions may include multiple-choice, multi-select, drag-and-drop scenarios, and case study formats. Time management is key—it’s important to read through scenario-based questions carefully but also keep an eye on pacing so that you allocate enough time across all questions.
Many candidates find that practicing under timed conditions boosts confidence and accuracy on the real exam.
What is the passing score for the AZ-700 exam?
To pass the exam, you’ll need a score of 700 out of 1000. Microsoft uses a scaled scoring system with a compensatory model, meaning you don’t have to pass each section individually. Your overall performance determines whether you pass.
This scoring approach helps ensure that even if you’re stronger in certain domains and weaker in others, you can still succeed by demonstrating a solid level of knowledge overall.
What languages is AZ-700 available in?
The Microsoft Exam AZ-700 is offered in several languages to support candidates globally. The currently available languages include:
- English
- German
- Spanish
- French
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Portuguese (Brazil)
- Chinese (Simplified)
- Chinese (Traditional)
If your preferred language isn’t listed, you can request an accommodation for additional exam time, ensuring that language doesn’t become a barrier to your success.
What topics are covered in the AZ-700 exam domains?
The AZ-700 exam is structured around five major domains, each with its own weighting:
- Design and implement core networking infrastructure (25–30%)
- VNet design, subnetting, IP addressing, and DNS
- Design, implement, and manage connectivity services (20–25%)
- Site-to-site and point-to-site VPNs, Azure ExpressRoute, Virtual WAN
- Design and implement application delivery services (15–20%)
- Load balancers, Application Gateway, Traffic Manager, Azure Front Door
- Design and implement private access to Azure services (10–15%)
- Private endpoints, Private Link services, service endpoints
- Design and implement Azure network security services (15–20%)
- NSGs, ASGs, Azure Firewall, WAF deployments
Each of these areas ensures that the certified engineer can manage both day-to-day responsibilities and advanced enterprise-level network solutions.
How difficult is the Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate certification exam?
The difficulty level depends largely on your existing experience with Azure networking and general networking fundamentals. The AZ-700 exam requires a thorough understanding of hybrid connectivity, load balancing, DNS, security, and private access in Azure.
Candidates who work frequently with Azure VNets, ExpressRoute, Application Gateway, and Firewalls often find the exam aligns well with their daily tasks. Hands-on labs, real-world projects, and solid study resources make preparation very approachable.
Are there any prerequisites for AZ-700?
There are no mandatory prerequisites for this exam, but Microsoft recommends having prior experience with Azure networking, storage, and compute services. You should be comfortable with IP addressing, subnets, name resolution, routing, and network security principles.
While not required, many candidates find it helpful to earn the Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate certification first, as it provides a solid foundation for understanding Azure resources before diving deep into networking specifics.
How long is the Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate certification valid?
Your certification is valid for 12 months. Microsoft requires annual renewal to ensure professionals remain up to date with the latest cloud networking advances. Renewals are free and can be done online through Microsoft Learn by passing a short assessment.
This ensures that your credential always reflects the current best practices in Azure technology.
Where can I take the AZ-700 exam?
Microsoft offers two convenient ways to take the certification exam:
- Online, with remote proctoring. You’ll need a webcam, stable internet connection, and quiet space to take the test.
- In person, at a Pearson VUE testing center near you.
Both options provide a secure and professional testing environment, so you can choose whichever is more comfortable for your schedule and setting.
What is the format of questions in the AZ-700 exam?
The AZ-700 exam includes a blend of:
- Multiple-choice questions
- Multi-select questions
- Drag-and-drop items
- Case studies and scenario-based exercises
This variety helps Microsoft validate not only your knowledge but also your ability to apply concepts in real-world situations. Expect practical, problem-solving style questions rather than just theoretical knowledge checks.
How should I study for the Microsoft Certified Azure Network Engineer Associate exam?
The best preparation includes a mix of self-paced study, practice questions, and hands-on labs. Microsoft Learn offers free resources and documentation to guide your studies. In addition, high-quality practice tests are invaluable for gaining confidence.
Be sure to supplement theory with real lab work in Azure—deploy VNets, set up a VPN, test configurations, and troubleshoot. Hands-on experience is one of the most effective ways to master the skills required for the exam.
Where can I find good practice exams for AZ-700?
To sharpen your knowledge and test-taking strategy, you’ll benefit from realistic Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate practice exams that mirror the format, difficulty, and style of the AZ-700 certification exam. These practice exams give you detailed explanations for answers and are a fantastic tool for identifying gaps in your understanding before the real test.
What networking fundamentals should I review before the test?
Azure networking heavily relies on strong core networking concepts. Be sure to review:
- DNS fundamentals and how name resolution works inside VNets
- IP addressing and subnetting, including planning address space segmentation
- Routing protocols, NAT, and user-defined routes
- Network security principles, such as NSGs, firewalls, and isolation models
These skills will help you connect traditional networking knowledge with Azure cloud capabilities.
How important is hands-on practice in Azure for exam prep?
Practical, hands-on practice is one of the most effective ways to ensure success. Reading theory prepares you intellectually, but actually creating and configuring VNets, ExpressRoute circuits, Firewalls, and Load Balancers in Azure reinforces your understanding in a concrete way.
If you have access to a sandbox Azure environment or the free tier, use it to simulate the real-world scenarios you might see on the exam.
Does the certification focus on hybrid cloud networking?
Yes! Hybrid networking plays a significant role in the AZ-700 exam and in real-world Azure solutions. Topics include VPNs, ExpressRoute, and Virtual WAN—all tools that connect on-premises environments to the cloud.
Understanding how to design and implement hybrid solutions is critical, as many enterprises rely on hybrid networks during their cloud adoption journey.
What resources does Microsoft provide for AZ-700?
Microsoft always provides excellent learning resources. You can explore self-paced training, documentation, prep videos, and sandbox environments. Many professionals start with Microsoft Learn’s guided learning paths and official exam study guide.
There are also community support forums, Q&A hubs, and Microsoft Tech Community groups where you can engage with peers and experts while studying.
Where do I officially register for the AZ-700 exam?
You can register for the AZ-700 exam directly on the official Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate certification page. From there, you’ll be able to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE either online or in-person at a test center. This official hub also provides the most up-to-date details on the certification requirements and resources.
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate certification is one of the most valuable credentials for IT professionals specializing in cloud networking. With thorough preparation, hands-on practice, and the right study resources, you’ll be ready to prove your skills and take your cloud career to the next level. This certification doesn’t just validate your knowledge—it positions you as a go-to expert in an area of high demand across industries.
