I Failed My first AZ-400 Exam and Immediately Scored a FREE Retake!
Tags: azure, devops, certification, tutorial
Published: 2023-08-24 07:54:50

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- [I Failed My first AZ-400 Exam and Immediately Scored a FREE Retake!](#i-failed-my-first-az-400-exam-and-immediately-scored-a-free-retake)
  - [Table of Contents](#table-of-contents)
  - [Introduction](#introduction)
  - [Understanding the AZ-400 Exam](#understanding-the-az-400-exam)
    - [1. Configure Processes and Communications (10-15%)](#1-configure-processes-and-communications-10-15)
    - [2. Design and Implement Source Control (15-20%)](#2-design-and-implement-source-control-15-20)
    - [3. Design and Implement Build and Release Pipelines (40-45%)](#3-design-and-implement-build-and-release-pipelines-40-45)
    - [4. Develop a Security and Compliance Plan (10-15%)](#4-develop-a-security-and-compliance-plan-10-15)
    - [5. Implement an Instrumentation Strategy (10-15%)](#5-implement-an-instrumentation-strategy-10-15)
  - [Securing a Free Voucher](#securing-a-free-voucher)
  - [Preparing for the Exam](#preparing-for-the-exam)
  - [What to Expect in the Exam](#what-to-expect-in-the-exam)
  - [Exam Structure and Retake Policy](#exam-structure-and-retake-policy)
  - [The Retake Opportunity](#the-retake-opportunity)
  - [Conclusion](#conclusion)

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## Introduction

Are you considering taking the [AZ-400 exam](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/exams/az-400/), "Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions"? If so, you're in for a rewarding journey. 
In this article, we'll dive into what you can expect from this certification, how to secure a free voucher, and, most importantly, how to obtain a free retake voucher in case the unexpected happens. 

## Understanding the AZ-400 Exam

The AZ-400 exam, offered by Microsoft, is a pivotal certification for those aspiring to excel in DevOps practices using Microsoft technologies. This comprehensive exam focuses on five key objectives:

### 1. Configure Processes and Communications (10-15%)

This objective involves setting up and optimizing communication and processes within a DevOps environment. It encompasses methodologies like CMMI, Scrum, and Agile, along with tools such as Azure DevOps Boards and Microsoft Teams channels. The goal is to create efficient workflows and utilize project wikis as knowledge repositories.

### 2. Design and Implement Source Control (15-20%)

Managing source code effectively is crucial in DevOps. This objective entails implementing policies for code validation, using Git features, and understanding tools like BFG and Git LFS. Candidates should also excel in branch strategies tailored to project releases.

### 3. Design and Implement Build and Release Pipelines (40-45%)

This core aspect of DevOps covers creating and managing build and release pipelines. Topics include optimizing build pipelines with Azure Pipelines Caching, handling code artifacts for various platforms, defining versioning strategies, configuring triggers, using service connections, setting up release gates, and managing hosted agents and retention policies.

### 4. Develop a Security and Compliance Plan (10-15%)

Security and compliance are integral to DevOps. This objective entails creating a robust plan to ensure security throughout the application lifecycle. It may involve security validation plans, passive penetration testing, and implementing Azure Policies to enforce security and compliance standards.

### 5. Implement an Instrumentation Strategy (10-15%)

This objective focuses on monitoring and instrumentation for applications and services. Candidates should understand how to send data to Log Analytics workspaces, utilize the Kusto Query Language (KQL) for data analysis, leverage Application Insights for monitoring, and define metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track application health and performance.

## Securing a Free Voucher

Now, let's delve into how you can obtain a free voucher for the AZ-400 exam. It's a golden opportunity provided by Microsoft through the annual "[Microsoft Build Challenge](https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/cloudskillschallenge/build/certification-exam-offer-2023?ocid=cloudskillschallenge_build23_email_cnl#eligible-exams)." This challenge, associated with their developer conference, encourages developers to build innovative solutions using Microsoft technologies and platforms.

**Here's how it works**:

1. Complete the Microsoft Build Challenge before the end date.
2. Upon completion, one Microsoft Certification exam will be associated with your Microsoft Learn profile.

Please note that you can only earn one free Microsoft Certification exam, regardless of how many Microsoft Learn Cloud Skills Challenges you complete.

![MSBuild Challenge](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Bayurzx/publish-az400/main/msbuild%20challenge.jpg)

The voucher is automatically linked to your Microsoft Learn user email, and you'll find it when you register for the exam.

## Preparing for the Exam

If you've successfully completed the AZ-400 challenge, you're already halfway there. Here are some additional tips:

- **'Microsoft Build: DevOps Challenge' Modules:** This challenge contains about 51 modules. While it might be tempting to skim through them, it's advisable to keep track of and note down new terminologies you come across. Some modules have Azure DevOps labs, so get hands-on experience.

- **Take a Free Practice Assessment:** You can take a free practice assessment on the [Microsoft website](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/exams/az-400/). Surprisingly, it closely resembles the actual exam, making it a valuable resource for preparation.

## What to Expect in the Exam

The AZ-400 exam is structured into three segments:

1. **Multiple-Choice Questions:** The first segment consists of multiple-choice questions covering the five objectives mentioned earlier. Many of these questions can be found in the [free practice assessment](https://learn.microsoft.com/certifications/exams/az-400/practice/assessment?assessment-type=practice&assessmentId=56).

2. **Yes or No Questions:** The second segment includes yes-or-no questions that test your understanding of specific problem scenarios and the best solutions to them. You cannot review(go back and change) your answered questions in this segment.

3. **Real-World Scenario Questions:** The third segment presents real-world scenarios related to infrastructure, including networking, authentication, version control systems, and how to navigate such scenarios effectively.

## Exam Structure and Retake Policy

Here's some crucial information about the exam structure and retake policy:

- **Open Book:** The exam is an open book, meaning you have access to the Microsoft Learn portal **only** during the exam. This valuable resource can help you solve the questions effectively.

- **Breaks:** You are allowed breaks during the exam for as long as you need, but keep in mind that it counts against your total exam time.

## The Retake Opportunity

In the rare event of encountering technical difficulties during your exam, Microsoft's retake policy can be a lifesaver. Pearson VUE handles Microsoft AZ-400 certification exams, both online with OnVUE and in-person at test centers.

If you face issues like technical difficulties, Pearson VUE may offer you a free retake voucher, valid for one year. This is what happened to me, and I was able to retake the exam and score 833 (the passing score is 700).

Before you take the exam, it's advisable to review the [Exam retake policy](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/exam-retake-policy?wt.mc_id=certnurture_eml8_email_wwl) by Microsoft for a better understanding of your options.

## Conclusion

In conclusion, pursuing a Microsoft AZ-400 certification can be a rewarding experience. With access to abundant [learning resources](https://learn.microsoft.com/) and documentation, Microsoft makes this journey relatively stress-free. Remember, with the right preparation, you can confidently tackle the AZ-400 exam and secure your certification.

If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. Good luck on your certification journey, and thanks for reading!


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*By Adebayo Omolumo*

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