Originally posted May 2020 and updated September 7, 2021
It’s exciting to develop applications for the Internet of Things (IoT), but implementing IoT solutions is a balancing act—you need the right skills. If you have those skills, why not let the world—including current and prospective employers—know that you do?
The Azure IoT Developer Specialty certification offers you the opportunity to prove your subject matter expertise as a developer of cloud and edge components for Azure IoT solutions. To earn it, pass Exam AZ-220: Microsoft Azure IoT Developer.
Is this certification a good fit for you?
Do you manage the IoT device lifecycle—setup, configuration, and maintenance—using cloud services and other tools? If so, this could be just the right certification for you. You should also have experience implementing designs for Azure IoT solutions, including device topology, connectivity, debugging, and security, in addition to solutions to manage, monitor, and transform IoT-related data pipelines. Additionally, you need to be able to deploy Azure IoT Edge components and configure device networking on the edge. Experience working with stakeholders to ensure successful business integration is a must.
If you implement the Azure services that form an IoT solution, including data storage options, data analysis, data processing, and platform-as-a-service options, consider earning this certification. You should also be able to recognize Azure IoT service configuration settings within the code portion of an IoT solution and to perform specific IoT coding tasks in at least one Azure-supported language, such as C#, Node, C, or Python.
How can you get ready?
To help you plan your journey, check out our infographic, The journey to Microsoft Certified: Azure IoT Developer Specialty. You can also find it in the resources section on the certification page, which contains other valuable help for Azure IoT developers.
To map out your journey, follow the sequence in the infographic. First, decide whether this is the right certification for you and be sure that you’ve mastered the basics.
Next, to understand what you’ll be measured on when taking Exam AZ-220, review the skills outline guide on the exam page.
Sign up for training that fits your learning style and experience:
- For self-paced online training, choose curated learning paths on Microsoft Learn.
- If you prefer to learn from an instructor, choose instructor-led training. To take the Microsoft Azure IoT Developer course, find a Microsoft Learning Partner.
Complement your training with additional resources, like Microsoft Docs, the Developer’s Guide to Azure, or the Azure Architecture Center.
And there’s more. Check out the Internet of Things Show on Channel 9, especially the episode dedicated to the Azure IoT Developer Specialty certification. In this episode, find out about the certification and additional resources to learn how to build IoT solutions with Azure.
Then, take a trial run with the Microsoft Official Practice Test for Exam AZ-220: Microsoft IoT Developer. All the objectives of the exam are covered in depth, so you’ll find what you need to be ready for any question.
After you pass the exam and earn your certification, check out the many other training and certification opportunities. Want to add to your toolkit? Look into more Microsoft Learn training to enhance your IoT solutions with artificial intelligence (AI) features. Or, to find your next certification based on your profession (or the one you aspire to)—review our blog post, Finding the right Microsoft Azure certification for you.
Note: Remember that Microsoft certifications assess how well you apply what you know to solve real business challenges. Our training resources are useful for reinforcing your knowledge, but you’ll always need experience in the role and with the platform.
Celebrate your Azure talents with the world
When you earn a certification or learn a new skill, it’s an accomplishment worth celebrating with your network. It often takes less than a minute to update your LinkedIn profile and share your achievements, highlight your skills, and help boost your career potential. Here’s how:
- If you’ve earned a certification already, follow the instructions in the congratulations email you received. Or find your badge on your Certification Dashboard, and follow the instructions there to share it. (You’ll be transferred to the Acclaim website.)
- To add specific skills, visit your LinkedIn profile and update the Skills and endorsements section. Tip: We recommend that you choose skills listed in the skills outline guide for your certification.
Keep your certification up to date
If you’ve already earned your Azure IoT Developer Specialty certification, but it’s expiring in the near future, we’ve got good news. You can now renew your current certifications by passing a free renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn—anytime within six months before your certification expires. For more details, please read our blog post Stay current with in-demand skills through free certification renewals.
Plus, effective June 2021, a certification is valid for one year from the date you earned it. This shift aligns with the rapid evolution of cloud technology and skills. Get more information in our blog post Is your certification expiring soon? Renew it for free today!
It’s time to level up!
No matter where you are—or which language or framework you operate in—Azure certifications can help give you an edge with industry-recognized skills and credentials that show current and future employers that you’re keeping pace with the latest technical roles and requirements.
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