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Exam AZ-800: Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure

Exam AZ-800: Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure

The Microsoft Exam AZ-800 is designed for IT professionals who are responsible for configuring, managing, and supporting Windows Server environments across on-premises, hybrid, and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) platforms. In the role of a Windows Server hybrid administrator, your core responsibilities include:

  • Integrating Windows Server environments with Azure services
  • Managing Windows Server workloads within on-premises infrastructures
  • Administering and maintaining IaaS-based Windows Server deployments in Microsoft Azure
  • Migrating and deploying workloads to the Azure cloud environment

Collaboration Across IT Roles

This role typically involves collaboration with professionals in various related domains, such as:

  • Azure Administrators
  • Enterprise Architects
  • Microsoft 365 Administrators
  • Network Engineers

Skills and Tasks Expected from Exam Candidates

Candidates for the AZ-800 exam are expected to demonstrate the ability to:

  • Deploy, package, secure, update, and configure Windows Server workloads
  • Implement and manage identity, security, compute, storage, networking, and monitoring solutions
  • Ensure business continuity through high availability and disaster recovery implementations
  • Utilize both on-premises and cloud-based tools and technologies effectively

Tools and Technologies Utilized

To succeed in this role, proficiency with the following tools and platforms is essential:

  • Windows Admin Center
  • PowerShell
  • Azure Arc
  • Azure Policy
  • Azure Monitor
  • Azure Update Manager
  • Microsoft Defender for Identity
  • Microsoft Defender for Cloud
  • IaaS Virtual Machine (VM) Administration

Exam Details

To successfully pass the AZ-800 certification exam, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 700. The exam is available in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, German, French, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese, allowing a diverse group of professionals to participate. Microsoft also accommodates individuals who use assistive technologies or require additional time or adjustments during the exam. These accommodations can be requested to ensure an inclusive and accessible testing experience.

Course Outline

The Microsoft AZ-800 exam covers the following topics:

Topic 1: Deploying and managing Azure Directory Domain Services (AD DS) in on-premises and cloud environments (30–35%)

Deploying and managing AD DS domain controllers

Configuring and managing multi-site, multi-domain, and multi-forest environments

Creating and managing AD DS security principals

Implementing and managing hybrid identities

  • Integrating Microsoft Entra ID, AD DS and Microsoft Entra Domain Services
  • implementing Microsoft Entra Connect 
  • managing Microsoft Entra Connect Synchronization 
  • implementing Microsoft Entra Connect cloud sync
  • managing Microsoft Entra Domain Services
  • managing Microsoft Entra Connect Health
  • managing authentication in on-premises and hybrid environments (MicrosoftDocumentation: Microsoft 365 integration with on-premises environments)
  • configuring and managing AD DS passwords (MicrosoftDocumentation: Password and account lockout policies)

Managing Windows Server by using domain-based Group Policies

Topic 2: Managing Windows Servers and workloads in a hybrid environment (10–15%)

Managing Windows Servers in a hybrid environment

Managing Windows Servers and workloads by using Azure services

Topic 3: Managing virtual machines and containers (15–20%)

Managing Hyper-V and guest virtual machines

Create and manage containers

Manage Azure Virtual Machines that run Windows Server

Topic 4: Implementing and managing an on-premises and hybrid networking infrastructure (15–20%)

Implement on-premises and hybrid name resolution

Manage IP addressing in on-premises and hybrid scenarios

Implement on-premises and hybrid network connectivity

Topic 5: Managing storage and file services (15–20%)

Configure and manage Azure File Sync

Configure and manage Windows Server file shares

Configure Windows Server storage

Microsoft AZ-800 Exam FAQs

Click here for FAQs!

Exam Policies

Microsoft Certification exam policies provide essential information regarding the exam process, including the delivery methods and the rules candidates must adhere to during the assessment or at authorized testing centers. These guidelines ensure a standardized and fair testing environment for all participants.

Retake Policy

Candidates who do not pass the exam on their first attempt must wait a minimum of 24 hours before retaking it. During this period, they can log into their certification dashboard to reschedule the exam. If a second attempt is unsuccessful, the waiting period increases to at least 14 days. This 14-day gap is also enforced between the third and fourth, as well as the fourth and fifth, attempts. Importantly, candidates are limited to a maximum of five exam attempts within a 12-month period, starting from the date of their first try.

Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy

Microsoft offers flexibility for candidates needing to change their exam appointments. Rescheduling or cancelling an exam at least six business days prior to the appointment incurs no fee. However, any changes made within five business days of the scheduled exam will result in a rescheduling or cancellation fee. If a candidate fails to appear for the exam or does not reschedule at least 24 hours in advance, the full exam fee will be forfeited. In some cases, Microsoft may temporarily waive these fees under specific conditions, such as for accessibility or emergency needs.

Microsoft AZ-800 Exam Study Guide

1. Understand the Exam Objectives

Before preparing for the AZ-800: Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure exam, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the exam objectives. These objectives outline the core skills and knowledge areas that candidates are expected to master. They cover a broad range of topics, including managing Windows Server in on-premises, hybrid, and IaaS environments, integrating with Azure services, and implementing identity, security, compute, networking, and storage solutions. By thoroughly reviewing the official exam objectives, candidates can align their study efforts with the key areas tested, ensuring a more focused and effective preparation strategy.

2. Follow the Microsoft Learning Path

To enhance your preparation for the AZ-800 exam, it’s highly recommended to explore Microsoft’s official learning paths and training modules. These resources are structured by certified experts to align closely with the exam objectives and provide hands-on, scenario-based learning. The modules cover essential topics such as Windows Server administration, hybrid infrastructure management, Azure integration, and security best practices. Whether you’re studying independently or supplementing classroom instruction, following these guided learning paths ensures a comprehensive understanding of the required skills and helps build confidence for the certification exam. This includes:

3. Refer to Microsoft Docs for In-Depth Technical Guidance

Microsoft Docs is an essential resource for anyone preparing for the AZ-800 exam, offering comprehensive and up-to-date technical documentation directly from Microsoft. It provides detailed explanations, deployment guides, best practices, and configuration steps for managing Windows Server environments across on-premises, hybrid, and Azure platforms. Regularly consulting these documents ensures you’re learning in alignment with current Microsoft standards and gaining practical insights applicable to real-world scenarios.

4. Join Study Groups for Collaborative Learning

Participating in study groups can significantly enhance your AZ-800 exam preparation. Engaging with peers allows you to exchange ideas, clarify complex topics, and gain different perspectives on Windows Server administration and hybrid infrastructure concepts. These groups often share useful resources, study tips, and real-world experiences that can help deepen your understanding. Whether through online forums, community groups, or social media platforms, joining a study group fosters collaborative learning and keeps you motivated throughout your certification journey.

5. Take AZ-800 Practice Tests to Assess Your Readiness

Practice tests are a valuable tool for evaluating your knowledge and identifying areas that need improvement before taking the AZ-800 exam. They simulate the actual exam format and help you become familiar with the types of questions you may encounter. By regularly completing practice exams, you can track your progress, improve time management, and build confidence. Many platforms offer AZ-800 exam questions that reflect current exam objectives, making them an essential part of a well-rounded study plan.

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