![Azure Developer Associate Renewal]()
Earlier this month I needed to renew my AZ-204 certification. If you took this exam the first time, I’m almost certain you did so for two reasons. The first one could be because it is required in line of work and the second is that you want to learn more about devops and how Azure can help you.
I would highly advise you to go for the renewal. Here are a few reasons:
- Technology changes fast. There is a chance that part of what you learned last year has evolved.
The renewal will allow you to refresh your knowledge of those that have not changed and learn the updated ones.
- New services are released frequently. Now, imagine how many of these can help you, but you are unaware of them.
The renewal is a great opportunity to learn about them.
It is very important to note that renewing your certification is free of charge and can be done from home. Also, if you do not succeed the first time, you can retry after 24 hours.
Steps to Renewal
Renewal should be treated with the same seriousness as taking the exam the first time. I will share with you the steps that will be helpful to you.
1. Do not wait until the last minute to start preparing
Microsoft sends you a reminder email six months before the expiration of your certification. Consider this email to be not only a reminder of the upcoming exam but also a reminder to begin preparing your study plan.
2. Check the exam guide
Everyone who wants to attempt the exam for the first time can check the exam guide on the website. However, this guide also applies to renewal. You can access the guide here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/resources/study-guides/az-204. I read it as if it was the last time I would see it. In this way, I am sure to give equal consideration to both what I know as well as those I am encountering for the first time. Having no a priori will prevent you from overlooking concepts and services that seem familiar but are not. Another key piece of information is the date it was last updated. This will give you an idea that things are moving fast!!
3. When learning, go through things you already know
I usually go through the guide, make a list of the topics from it, and read materials from other sources (e.g blogs and articles) or via Microsoft Learn. Make sure you learn everything. My advice is not to do it merely for the sake of renewal but because the knowledge is valuable and relevant.
4. Learn and practice
Reading and watching videos are fine for learning. However, since this is a professional certification, having hands-on experience is beneficial. This will also allow you to catch some minor details that you may have missed or not covered in your learning materials.
The renewal of the AZ-204 exam, or any other exam, requires the same discipline that one had when sitting for it for the first time. I hope that these tips will help you gain the knowledge you are seeking as well as the result you expect.