The main Azure networking certification is Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate, earned by passing exam AZ-700 (Designing and Implementing Microsoft Azure Networking Solutions). It proves you can plan, build and troubleshoot Azure networks — VNets, hybrid connections, load balancing, private access and network security. Recommended background: AZ-104 level Azure skills plus solid networking basics.
📑 On this page · 6 sections
What is Azure networking?
The set of services that connect and protect your cloud resources.
Isolation & security
Private networks with fine-grained traffic rules.
Hybrid connectivity
VPN or ExpressRoute to offices and data centres.
Global reach
VNet peering and Virtual WAN across regions.
High availability
Load balancing across zones and regions.
Scalability
Networks grow with your workloads.
Visibility
Network Watcher for monitoring and troubleshooting.
What the AZ-700 exam covers
Core networking
VNets, IP addressing, DNS, peering.
Connectivity services
VPN, ExpressRoute, Virtual WAN.
Load balancing & delivery
Load Balancer, Application Gateway, Front Door, Traffic Manager.
Private access
Private Link and service endpoints.
Network security
Azure Firewall, WAF, NSGs, DDoS Protection.
Check the latest skills outline on the official Microsoft Learn page.
AZ-700 exam format and fee
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Delivery | Proctored — test centre or online via Pearson VUE |
| Question types | Multiple choice, case studies, interactive |
| Passing score | 700 / 1000 |
| Practice | Free practice assessment and exam sandbox on Microsoft Learn |
| Fee | Varies by country — check Microsoft Learn before booking |
| Validity | One year; renew free with an online assessment |
🎓 Preparing for AZ-104 or AZ-700? Get a study plan and hands-on labs in a free demo class.
Book a free demoWho should take AZ-700 and why
• Network engineers moving to cloud
• Azure administrators wanting deeper networking
• Cloud engineers on hybrid projects
• Security engineers managing network security
• Proves specialised cloud networking skills
• Stand out for network and cloud roles
• Confidence with hybrid and multi-region designs
• Stepping stone to architect (AZ-305)
How to prepare for AZ-700
AZ-104 level skills
Microsoft Learn paths
Build VNets, VPN, firewall labs
Practice assessment, then book
✅ ✅ Tip: Labs matter more than notes. Build a hub-and-spoke network with peering, a VPN gateway, Azure Firewall and private endpoints before you sit the exam.
Related guides
See the Azure certification roadmap, Azure Admin certification and Azure virtual networks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Azure networking certification?
Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate, earned by passing exam AZ-700.
Is AZ-700 hard?
It is an associate-level exam with a lot of depth on networking. With AZ-104 level skills and plenty of labs, it is very achievable.
Do I need AZ-104 before AZ-700?
It is not required, but AZ-104 level knowledge is strongly recommended.
How long is the certification valid?
One year. You can renew it free with an online assessment on Microsoft Learn.
What is the AZ-700 exam fee in India?
The fee varies by country. Check the current price on Microsoft Learn before booking.