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Certification guide · Updated October 2026

Azure DevOps Certification

What AZ-400 covers, the prerequisite you need for the Expert badge, a learning path, exam details, jobs and salary after certification, and the retake policy. This azure devops certification guide keeps it simple.

✍️ Azure Trainings trainers ⏱ 4 min read 📅 Updated 11 October 2026
⚡ Short answer

The Azure DevOps certification is Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert, earned by passing AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions. To receive the Expert badge you must also hold AZ-104 (Azure Administrator) or the Azure Developer associate certification. AZ-400 covers source control, CI/CD, IaC, security and monitoring with Azure DevOps and GitHub.

Azure DevOps Certification (AZ-400): Complete Guide for 2026 – Azure Trainings
The basics

What is Azure DevOps?

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Azure Boards

Plan and track work.

🗂️

Azure Repos

Git repositories.

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Azure Pipelines

CI/CD to build, test and deploy.

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Azure Test Plans

Manual and exploratory testing.

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Azure Artifacts

Package management.

Artifacts explained →

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GitHub & Actions

AZ-400 also covers GitHub, since many teams use it with Azure. This point matters for anyone looking at Azure DevOps Certification.

Value

Why get the Azure DevOps certification?

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Better job opportunities

Shows proven DevOps skills.

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Expert level

Recognised by employers worldwide.

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Higher earning potential

DevOps roles are among the better-paid IT roles.

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Structured learning

CI/CD, IaC, security, monitoring and source control in one path. Keep this in mind when you plan for Azure DevOps Certification.

Learning order

Learning path for AZ-400

Step 1 Optional

AZ-900 basics

Step 2 Required for Expert

AZ-104 or Developer

Step 3 Weeks 1–3

Git & CI/CD

Step 4 Weeks 4–6

IaC, security, monitoring

Step 5 Weeks 7–10

AZ-400 exam

📘 Topics to master

Git branching & pull requests Azure Pipelines YAML GitHub Actions ARM, Bicep, Terraform Secrets & scanning Azure Monitor & App Insights

🧪 Practise

•  Build a YAML pipeline that tests and deploys a web app

•  Deploy infrastructure with Bicep from a pipeline

•  Add approvals and environments

•  Add security scanning and monitoring alerts

Microsoft is updating developer exams (AZ-204 is moving to a new exam code) — check Microsoft Learn for the current prerequisite list.

Exam

Exam AZ-400: key details

↔️ Swipe the table sideways
Item Details Exam AZ-400 Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions Certification Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert Requirement AZ-400 plus AZ-104 or the Azure Developer associate — you can take AZ-400 first Topics Processes & communication, source control, build & release pipelines, security & compliance, instrumentation Price Varies by country — check the official page Renewal Free online assessment every year

Read more: Azure CI/CD pipeline step by step.

🧭 Want a 6–10 week AZ-400 plan with real pipelines? Our trainers build it with you in a free demo.

Book a free demo
Career

Jobs and salary after certification

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DevOps Engineer

Automates builds, tests and deployments.

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Azure DevOps Engineer

Azure Pipelines, Repos and Azure infrastructure.

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Site Reliability Engineer

Keeps systems reliable and observable.

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Release / Build Engineer

Manages release processes.

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Cloud Automation Engineer

Automates infrastructure with IaC.

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Platform Engineer

Builds internal developer platforms.

↔️ Swipe the table sideways
Level Indicative salary (India) Entry About ₹5–8 LPA Mid (3–5 years) About ₹10–18 LPA Senior / lead About ₹18–30+ LPA

Not guaranteed — depends on skills, company and city. Hands-on pipeline and IaC experience matters as much as the certificate.

If you fail

AZ-400 retake policy

Retake 1

Wait 24 hours

After your first failed attempt.

Later retakes

Wait 14 days

Between each further attempt.

Limit

5 attempts / 12 months

Maximum in one year.

Fee

Pay per attempt

Unless you have a retake offer.

Full policy: Microsoft retake policy.

Prepare for AZ-400 with us Our covers Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, IaC and monitoring with real pipeline projects.

Azure DevOps training in Hyderabad
Quick recap

Key takeaways: Azure DevOps Certification

•  Azure DevOps Certification is easier to learn when you follow the steps in this guide in order.

•  Practise every part of Azure DevOps Certification in a real Azure subscription, not only in theory.

•  Most interview questions on Azure DevOps Certification check whether you can explain a real example you built.

•  Come back to this Azure DevOps Certification guide when Azure releases new features — we keep it updated.

•  Our trainers teach Azure DevOps Certification with live labs, reviewed projects and mock interviews.

Still wondering?

Frequently asked questions

Is AZ-400 hard?

It is challenging because it covers many DevOps topics and expects real experience. With hands-on practice and a clear plan, it is achievable.

Can I take AZ-400 directly?

Yes. But to earn the DevOps Engineer Expert badge you also need AZ-104 or the Azure Developer associate certification.

What is the certification called?

Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert.

How long should I prepare?

Usually 6–10 weeks with hands-on practice, if you already know Azure basics.

Does it expire?

Yes, after one year. Renew it for free with an online assessment.

Where can I learn Azure DevOps Certification in Hyderabad?

You can learn Azure DevOps Certification in our live classroom batches near JNTU/KPHB or in live online batches with Azure Trainings. Book a free demo class to see how we teach before you join.

Is this Azure DevOps Certification guide updated for 2026?

Yes. This Azure DevOps Certification guide is reviewed by our trainers and was last updated in October 2026.

🎓
Written by the Azure Trainings training team

Based on what we teach in our batches and see in real projects. Last updated 11 October 2026. Spotted something outdated? Tell us on WhatsApp.

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