Readers of this blog know that my focus has shifted towards hybrid cloud and the architecture to enable customers to consume Microsoft Azure for varying requirements.
Having passed 70-534: Architecting Microsoft Azure back in March 2016, I had been putting off the 70-533 Implementing Microsoft Azure
Infrastructure Solutions due to the sheer volume of Azure work I was undertaking with customers which didn’t leave much time for studying. Anyhow, I thought it was about time I sat the 70-533 exam which covers:
- Implement Web Apps
- Implement Virtual Machines
- Implement Cloud Services
- Implement Storage
- Implement Azure Active Directory
- Implement Virtual Networks
Preparation
I went back over my previous blog posts on the following topics to make sure I was up to speed on the basics again.
Microsoft Azure Concepts – Availability Sets
Microsoft Azure Concepts – Backups
Microsoft Azure Concepts – Clusters
Microsoft Azure Concepts – Content Delivery Network
Microsoft Azure Concepts – Failures
Microsoft Azure Concepts – Identity & Access
Microsoft Azure Concepts – Media Services
Microsoft Azure Concepts – Mobile Apps
Microsoft Azure Concepts – Networks
Microsoft Azure Concepts – Network Security Groups
Microsoft Azure Concepts – SQL Data Warehouse
Microsoft Azure Concepts – Storage
Microsoft Azure Concepts – Virtual Machines
After I gotten my head around these again, I decided it was time to focus on the exam objectives that would present the greatest challenge which was performing tasks in PowerShell.
The difficulty was that the exam covers both the Azure Classic Deployment and Azure Resource Manager, so I found myself doubling up on commands.
ProTip: Like me, if you are not a PowerShell guru, then I suggest you use PowerShell ISE as it’s far more intuitive than just a command prompt!
I purchased the book Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions by Michael Washam and Rick Rainey. This is an excellent introduction to the exam, but I wasn’t convinced it would be enough to see me through the exam.
To compliment the book, I watched a number of Pluralsight videos on Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions by Tim Warner which really helped plug any gaps I had.
As well as reading and watching the training material, I also spent time using Azure. I’m lucky enough to have a work sponsored Azure Subscription I can access to play around. I strongly suggest you are familiar with Azure and also you understand the basics of PowerShell commands.
The Exam
I decided to take the Microsoft Online Proctored exam with Pearson Vue. I have to say that the security requirements where far higher than attending a Pearson Vue site, I literally had to empty my pockets and show the invigilator every part of the room I was sitting in twice.
A few things you should note about taking a proctored exam:
- If you have an external monitor, they will make you turn it around
- If you have a cup of coffee they will ask you to remove it from the room
- They expect your desk to be completely clear, so no pen or paper for making notes
The exam itself was broken down into forty eight individual questions consisting of your usual multiple choice or drag and drop.
The exam expects you to know the blueprint and the material contained within it. You also need to be able to understand when and why you would make technical decisions for example:
When would you choose yo use Point-to -Site over a Site-to-Site VPN.
Final Thought
I’m pleased to say I passed the 70-533 Exam. It was challenging due as I don’t spend all my time implementing Azure solutions (especially on the PowerShell front). In fact a lot of my time is spent researching new Azure features for customers to see if they stand up from a technical and commercial perspective.
Overall, I would recommend the exam to anyone looking to develop their understanding of Microsoft Azure.
It appears that when you pass both the 70-533 and 70-534 exam you become certified a MCSA: Cloud Platform. So my advice, is pick up the books and crack on with some studying, things are moving to the cloud whether we like it or not!
VMFocus 
Hi Craig, thanks for the articles provided. Finding it really useful. Do you have any recommendations about 70-532 (this is the one I’m starting with)?
Sorry not yet, I’m studying for the 70-532 at the moment, so will write up a blog post as and when I pass. Good luck with the studying.
Hi Craig,
I wondered if you passed the exam after the refresh on 22nd November, 2016? It seems that the new update on the exam focuses more of the ARM model which is not covered in great depth in the books or training videos. Any thoughts on preparing for the exam after exam refresh from Microsoft?
Hi, I passed the exam before 22nd November so the ARM wasn’t part of the exam. I would suggest reviewing the exam blue print and focus on the ARM areas https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/learning/exam-70-533.aspx
Thanks Craig. The book you mentioned that you used for the exam preparation, do you think it covers ARM areas in depth, enough for preparing for the exam?
HI ,
I have passed the exam 70-532 on 25th, November 2017 and going to give the exam 70-533 on 29th, November 2017.
1. To understand concepts you can prefer vmfocus.com
2. My suggestions are
For subject learning Please visit Microsoft Virtual Academy, Channel9, Friday Azure websites.
For exam point of view you can visit briefmenow.org.
Where you can find 4 version of Questions and answers.
Especially please look into those comments, there you can find explanation, URLS, etc.,
Regards,
Vikram
HI Craig,
I want to learn PowerShell for automation.
Could you please provide any suggestion.
Please don’t suggest like google it.
I am asking you because you may have good experience in it and you may suggest best articles, websites and channels.
By the way the articles on vmfocus are very simple, clear and easy to understand with diagrams.
Thank you,
Vikram
Email ID: vikramnanda2016@gmail.com