If you are aiming to boost your IT career in the Microsoft ecosystem, earning the Microsoft AZ-801: Configuring Windows Server Hybrid Advanced Services certification is an excellent step forward. This certification is designed for IT professionals who already have experience with Windows Server and want to validate their skills in managing hybrid environments, advanced networking, storage, security, and disaster recovery.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the AZ-801 certification from understanding the exam objectives to preparing with the right study materials, and finally, how to pass it successfully.
What is the AZ-801 Certification?
The AZ-801 certification is part of the Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate credential. It demonstrates your ability to manage and secure Windows Server workloads in both on-premises and hybrid environments.
This certification is highly relevant for IT professionals because most organizations today operate in hybrid infrastructures combining traditional on-premises data centers with cloud-based solutions. With the AZ-801, you prove that you can handle advanced Windows Server tasks such as:
- Implementing and managing hybrid services
- Securing Windows Server in hybrid environments
- Performing disaster recovery and high availability solutions
- Migrating and modernizing workloads
Why Should You Pursue AZ-801?
Earning the AZ-801 certification offers multiple career benefits:
- Career Growth – Positions like Windows Server Administrator, Systems Engineer, or Cloud Specialist often prefer or require this certification.
- High Demand Skills – Companies are increasingly seeking professionals with hybrid skills the ability to integrate on-premises servers with Azure.
- Microsoft Recognition – Being a Microsoft-certified professional adds strong credibility to your resume.
- Salary Advantage – Certified professionals often earn higher salaries compared to non-certified peers.
AZ-801 Exam Details
Before you start preparing, it’s important to know what to expect from the exam.
- Exam Code: AZ-801
- Certification: Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
- Number of Questions: 40–60
- Format: Multiple-choice, scenario-based, drag-and-drop, and case studies
- Passing Score: 700 out of 1000
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Languages: English and other available translations
Skills Measured in the AZ-801 Exam
Microsoft has outlined the core skills you’ll be tested on in the AZ-801 exam:
- Secure Windows Server On-Premises and Hybrid Infrastructures (25–30%)
- Implement Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS)
- Configure advanced security settings
- Manage privileged access
- Implement and Manage Windows Server High Availability (20–25%)
- Configure failover clustering
- Implement disaster recovery solutions
- Optimize storage and network performance
- Implement Disaster Recovery (10–15%)
- Backup and restore servers
- Configure site recovery
- Ensure business continuity
- Migrate and Modernize Windows Server Workloads (20–25%)
- Migrate on-premises servers to Azure
- Upgrade legacy systems
- Use Azure tools for workload modernization
- Monitor and Troubleshoot Windows Server Environments (15–20%)
- Use monitoring tools and performance counters
- Troubleshoot hybrid and on-premises issues
- Resolve connectivity and configuration problems
Understanding these objectives will help you organize your study plan effectively.
Step-by-Step Guide to Passing AZ-801
Now let’s break down the process into actionable steps:
Step 1: Understand the Exam Objectives
Review the skill areas mentioned above and map them to your current knowledge. Identify your strengths and weaknesses so you can spend more time on areas where you need improvement.
Step 2: Create a Study Plan
Don’t try to cover everything at once. Break down the topics into smaller sections and set daily or weekly goals. A structured approach will make your preparation much more manageable.
Step 3: Use Reliable Study Materials
Since the quality of study resources plays a major role in your success, you should only prepare with trusted materials. At Practice Test Software, you’ll find comprehensive AZ-801 exam preparation materials, including:
- Exam Questions & Answers that mirror the real test environment.
- Practice Tests to help you evaluate your readiness and get familiar with the question formats.
- Study Guides to ensure you understand the concepts thoroughly.
These resources are designed to make your preparation easier and boost your confidence before the actual exam.
Step 4: Take Practice Tests Regularly
Practice tests are not just about answering questions — they help you develop time management skills, identify weak areas, and improve accuracy. After completing each practice test, review your mistakes and go back to the study materials to strengthen your knowledge.
Step 5: Revise and Strengthen Weak Areas
During your final weeks of preparation, focus on revising difficult topics. Pay attention to concepts like clustering, hybrid identity, backup solutions, and workload migration.
Step 6: Schedule and Take the Exam
Once you feel confident in your preparation, schedule the exam through Microsoft’s official platform. Make sure you’re comfortable with the exam format, rules, and technical requirements if you’re taking it online.
Tips for Success in AZ-801
- Practice hands-on labs – Try to implement configurations in a test environment or virtual machine setup.
- Focus on hybrid scenarios – Since the exam emphasizes hybrid infrastructures, understand how on-premises servers integrate with Azure.
- Don’t skip security topics – Security and compliance are heavily tested, so make sure you’re confident in this area.
- Rely on quality resources – Avoid scattered free materials. Instead, use the well-structured exam preparation materials from Practice Test Software.
The AZ-801 certification is an excellent opportunity to validate your skills in managing modern Windows Server environments. By preparing with a clear plan, practicing consistently, and using trusted resources like Practice Test Software’s AZ-801 exam materials, you’ll put yourself in the best position to pass the exam on your first attempt.
Your IT career growth depends on how effectively you adapt to the evolving hybrid world, and earning the AZ-801 certification is a proven way to stay ahead.
Start your preparation today with Practice Test Software, and move one step closer to becoming a certified Windows Server Hybrid Administrator.