As enterprises rapidly migrate their mission-critical applications to the cloud, Microsoft Azure has become a leading platform of choice. Among the most significant workloads being transitioned are SAP systems, which are central to the operations of many global businesses. SAP’s migration to the Azure cloud offers scalable infrastructure, enhanced reliability, cost efficiency, and advanced security features. In response to this shift, Microsoft created the AZ-120 certification exam: Planning and Administering Microsoft Azure for SAP Workloads.

The AZ-120 exam is a specialty-level certification that targets professionals involved in planning, implementing, and managing SAP solutions on Azure. It validates real-world skills and demonstrates an individual’s readiness to handle enterprise-grade SAP workloads in a cloud environment. The certification is tailored to reflect Microsoft’s role-based certification model, where real job responsibilities and scenarios drive the assessment criteria.

This exam is not for general cloud administrators or developers. It specifically targets individuals with an understanding of both SAP and Azure technologies. The scope includes cloud architecture, infrastructure, SAP applications, and hybrid deployments. The goal of the certification is to ensure that certified professionals are capable of delivering secure, scalable, and high-performance SAP solutions using Azure resources.

The Growing Adoption of SAP on Azure

SAP is one of the most widely used enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. It plays a central role in managing business processes across finance, supply chain, human resources, and procurement. Traditionally, SAP systems have been deployed on-premises, requiring large investments in hardware, data center management, and dedicated IT teams.

With the growing complexity of operations and the push for digital transformation, enterprises are moving SAP workloads to cloud platforms. Microsoft Azure, with its enterprise-friendly services and broad set of tools, has emerged as one of the most popular choices for SAP cloud deployments. Azure offers:

• SAP-certified virtual machines for HANA and NetWeaver
  
• High-performance storage options like Azure NetApp Files
  
• Integrated backup, disaster recovery, and high availability
  
• Native support for hybrid and multi-cloud deployments
  
• Security and compliance services tailored for enterprise needs
  

The adoption of SAP on Azure is accelerating due to the significant benefits it offers. These include reduced total cost of ownership (TCO), better system performance, improved flexibility, and simplified system management. As a result, organizations are actively seeking professionals who understand both platforms and can facilitate successful migrations and long-term operations.

The Value of the AZ-120 Certification

The AZ-120 certification is not just another technical exam. It reflects a unique blend of expertise that spans two complex domains: Microsoft Azure and SAP systems. Professionals who earn this certification are recognized for their ability to bridge the gap between traditional enterprise applications and modern cloud infrastructure.

There are several reasons why this certification is valuable:

• Career advancement opportunities: Employers are increasingly prioritizing cloud transformation skills, especially those involving business-critical systems like SAP.
  
• Recognition of specialized knowledge: The AZ-120 certification proves your ability to manage hybrid cloud solutions involving SAP, a skill set that is both rare and in high demand.
  
• Confidence in project delivery: Certified professionals are better equipped to ensure successful migrations, performance optimization, and ongoing operations.
  
• Alignment with enterprise goals: The exam is structured around real business needs, including high availability, compliance, scalability, and cost management.
  

By earning this certification, professionals position themselves as trusted advisors who can guide organizations through the complex journey of SAP-to-cloud transformation.

Who Should Take the AZ-120 Exam

The AZ-120 exam is intended for professionals involved in the design, implementation, and administration of SAP solutions on Microsoft Azure. Common job titles include:

• Azure Solutions Architect
  
• Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
  
• SAP Basis Consultant
  
• SAP Cloud Architect
  
• IT Manager responsible for SAP systems
  

While the exam is open to anyone, it is ideally suited for those with hands-on experience in both SAP environments and Azure infrastructure. Candidates are expected to understand key SAP technologies like SAP HANA, NetWeaver, and S/4HANA, as well as Azure services such as virtual machines, networking, storage, and monitoring tools.

Experience with both Windows and Linux operating systems is also important, given the variety of deployment scenarios for SAP workloads on Azure. Professionals working in hybrid or multi-cloud environments will also find the certification especially relevant, as the exam reflects the complexity and flexibility of modern enterprise deployments.

Key Technologies Covered

The AZ-120 exam focuses on an intersection of technologies that span both the SAP and Azure ecosystems. Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge in the following areas.

SAP Technologies:

• SAP HANA: In-memory database used extensively in modern SAP applications
  
• SAP S/4HANA: Next-generation ERP system built on the HANA platform
  
• SAP NetWeaver: Technology platform for a range of SAP solutions
  
• SAP BW: Business Warehouse for analytical applications and data warehousing
  

Azure Technologies:

• Azure Virtual Machines: Compute resources for hosting SAP systems
  
• Azure Virtual Network: Enables secure communication among Azure resources
  
• Azure Storage: Provides file, blob, and disk storage for SAP applications
  
• Azure Backup and Site Recovery: Tools for business continuity and disaster recovery
  
• Azure Monitor and Log Analytics: Monitoring and diagnostics tools
  
• Azure Active Directory: Identity and access management
  

Understanding how these technologies work together is central to success in the AZ-120 exam. Candidates must not only be able to identify the appropriate services but also design and implement them in ways that meet specific business and technical requirements.

Prerequisites and Recommended Knowledge

Microsoft does not require formal prerequisites for taking the AZ-120 exam, but a strong foundation in both SAP and Azure technologies is essential. Recommended knowledge includes:

• Familiarity with SAP systems, including SAP HANA, S/4HANA, and NetWeaver
  
• Understanding of Azure core infrastructure services: compute, storage, networking
  
• Experience with virtual machines, operating systems (Linux and Windows), and virtualization technologies
  
• Knowledge of disaster recovery design, high availability, and data backup concepts
  
• Exposure to automation tools like ARM templates and PowerShell
  
• Basic understanding of SAP Basis administration and infrastructure support
  

Although not mandatory, having prior certifications such as Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) or Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) can be extremely helpful. These certifications provide essential knowledge of Azure services and best practices that are critical for managing SAP workloads.

In addition, some candidates may benefit from Linux and SAP HANA certifications to deepen their understanding of key operating system and database technologies used in SAP deployments.

Overview of the Exam Format

The AZ-120 exam is a specialty certification under Microsoft’s certification framework. It is designed to test advanced, role-specific knowledge through a variety of question formats. Here’s a summary of what candidates can expect:

• Exam Title: Planning and Administering Microsoft Azure for SAP Workloads
  
• Exam Code: AZ-120
  
• Registration Fee: $165 USD (additional taxes may apply)
  
• Language: English
  
• Number of Questions: Typically 40 to 60 questions
  
• Exam Duration: Approximately 150 minutes
  
• Question Types:
  
  • Multiple-choice questions
    
  • Scenario-based questions with single or multiple answers
    
  • Case studies with detailed analysis
    
  • Drag-and-drop sequencing questions
    
  • Hot area questions that test configuration understanding
    

Candidates must be comfortable answering complex, real-world scenarios that test not only theoretical knowledge but also practical decision-making. The exam is proctored and administered online or at test centers.

Key Domains Covered in the Exam

The AZ-120 exam content is organized into several key domains, each representing a core responsibility of managing SAP workloads on Azure. The domains and their approximate weightings are:

• Migrate SAP Workloads to Azure (10-15%)
  
• Design Azure Solutions for SAP Workloads (20-25%)
  
• Build and Deploy Azure SAP Solutions (35-40%)
  
• Validate Azure Infrastructure for SAP Workloads (10-15%)
  
• Operationalize Azure SAP Architecture (10-15%)
  

These domains reflect the lifecycle of an SAP deployment in the cloud. From planning and architecture to migration, deployment, and ongoing operations, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in each phase.

Understanding the distribution of these domains helps candidates allocate their study time effectively. For instance, since the “Build and Deploy” domain carries the highest weight, candidates should ensure they are especially confident in this area.

The AZ-120 exam is a significant step for professionals looking to validate their skills in deploying and managing SAP workloads on Microsoft Azure. It is a specialty certification that bridges the gap between enterprise ERP systems and cloud infrastructure, making it both highly relevant and highly valued.

This first part has covered the foundational aspects of the AZ-120 exam:

• The purpose and structure of the certification
  
• Its growing relevance in modern enterprise IT
  
• The key skills and technologies involved
  
• The profile of ideal candidates
  
• Recommended knowledge and prerequisites
  
• An overview of the exam format and domains
  

With a clear understanding of the exam’s objectives and expectations, candidates can begin preparing strategically and confidently.

AZ-120 Exam Domains and Knowledge Requirements

The AZ-120 exam is structured around five core domains, each representing a critical stage in the lifecycle of planning and administering Microsoft Azure for SAP workloads. These domains are designed to test a candidate’s ability to perform job-related tasks in real-world scenarios, not just memorize technical facts.

Understanding the breakdown of these domains is essential for focused and efficient exam preparation. In this section, we will explore each domain in detail, examining their purpose, content, and importance within the overall exam.

Domain 1: Migrate SAP Workloads to Azure (10%–15%)

This domain assesses a candidate’s knowledge and skills in planning and executing the migration of SAP workloads from on-premises or other cloud environments to Azure. The tasks within this domain reflect the early stages of a migration project, where assessment, inventory, and planning play critical roles.

Key topics covered in this domain include:

• Creating an inventory of current SAP landscapes. This involves assessing existing workloads, identifying dependencies, and analyzing the current infrastructure, such as network topology, operating systems, and storage configurations.
  
• Evaluating migration readiness and defining prerequisites. This step includes checking SAP HANA version compatibility, verifying supported operating systems, and validating licenses.
  
• Designing a migration strategy. Candidates must understand different migration methodologies, including lift-and-shift, re-platforming, and modernization.
  
• Using tools for migration. Familiarity with Azure Site Recovery (ASR), Azure Migrate, and SAP-specific tools like Software Provisioning Manager (SWPM) and Database Migration Option (DMO) is beneficial.
  
• Understanding HANA System Replication, backup and restore strategies, and how to implement Tailored Datacenter Integration (TDI) on Azure infrastructure.
  

Since this domain makes up a smaller portion of the overall exam, candidates should focus on mastering high-level migration planning and tool usage, rather than deep technical implementation.

Domain 2: Design an Azure Solution to Support SAP Workloads (20%–25%)

This domain focuses on designing the infrastructure and services needed to support SAP workloads on Azure. It requires an understanding of both cloud architecture and SAP system requirements.

The design stage is where much of the foundational work for a successful deployment is done. Candidates should be proficient in:

• Designing a core Azure infrastructure for SAP workloads. This includes selecting appropriate virtual machine SKUs, regions, availability zones, and virtual networks.
  
• Planning for identity and access control. Candidates must understand integration with Azure Active Directory and role-based access control (RBAC).
  
• Designing storage solutions for SAP databases and application servers. This includes choosing between premium SSDs, standard HDDs, or Azure NetApp Files based on IOPS, latency, and size requirements.
  
• Planning network connectivity. This includes subnet design, hybrid networking, and private endpoints to ensure secure communication between components.
  
• Designing for scalability and availability. Understanding how to use Azure Load Balancer, Availability Sets, Availability Zones, and paired regions is crucial for ensuring high uptime.
  
• Planning disaster recovery and backup. This includes strategies for recovery time objectives (RTO), recovery point objectives (RPO), and geographic redundancy.
  

This domain carries significant weight in the exam and represents the planning responsibilities of an SAP on Azure professional. Candidates should expect scenario-based questions that assess their ability to make design decisions based on specific business needs.

Domain 3: Build and Deploy Azure for SAP Workloads (35%–40%)

This is the most heavily weighted domain in the AZ-120 exam, representing the bulk of the technical work involved in standing up an SAP environment on Azure. It covers the actual implementation and deployment tasks needed to bring the planned architecture to life.

Topics covered in this domain include:

• Automating the deployment of virtual machines. Candidates should be familiar with templates, scripts, and tools like Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates, PowerShell, Azure CLI, and Terraform.
  
• Implementing and managing virtual networking. This involves creating virtual networks, subnets, network security groups, route tables, and enabling connectivity between SAP systems and other Azure services.
  
• Managing storage for SAP applications. Candidates should know how to create, attach, and manage storage disks, configure caching, and use managed disks efficiently.
  
• Setting up identity and access control. Implementing role-based access and integrating SAP authentication with Azure Active Directory is critical in enterprise environments.
  
• Configuring and installing SAP applications. This includes using SAP’s Software Provisioning Manager and understanding the sequence for deploying different SAP components on Azure VMs.
  
• Monitoring and performance tuning. Candidates should know how to configure Azure Monitor, create alerts, and use Log Analytics to track the health and performance of deployed SAP systems.
  
• Configuring backup and restore processes for SAP workloads using Azure Backup and third-party tools.
  

This domain is where theoretical knowledge meets hands-on skill. Expect technical configuration questions that simulate real deployment tasks. A deep understanding of Azure services and SAP installation procedures is crucial for success here.

Domain 4: Validate Azure Infrastructure for SAP Workloads (10%–15%)

Validation is a critical step that ensures the deployed infrastructure is not only operational but also compliant with SAP and Azure requirements. This domain focuses on the tools and methods used to perform checks and validations after deployment.

Candidates will be tested on their ability to:

• Perform infrastructure validation. This includes checking virtual machine sizes, disk configurations, and verifying that the deployed architecture matches SAP’s support matrix and Microsoft’s best practices.
  
• Confirm operational readiness. This involves validating network connectivity, identity configurations, backup readiness, and high availability setups.
  
• Use tools such as Azure Monitor, SAP Host Agent, and SAP Notes to validate SAP services running on Azure.
  
• Implement logging and alerting for infrastructure health and performance.
  

This domain tests the ability to ensure that everything is functioning as expected before the environment is handed off to operations teams or put into production. A practical understanding of checklists, testing tools, and diagnostics is essential.

Domain 5: Operationalize SAP Workloads on Azure (10%–15%)

Once the SAP environment is live, the focus shifts to operations and maintenance. This domain covers the ongoing management tasks required to keep SAP systems running efficiently in a cloud environment.

Key skills include:

• Monitoring and optimizing system performance. Candidates should understand performance metrics for virtual machines, SAP HANA, and network traffic, and how to respond to performance issues.
  
• Managing SAP system operations. This includes handling routine administrative tasks like system restarts, patching, and system health checks.
  
• Maintaining compliance and security. Implementing governance policies, access control, and auditing is a critical part of SAP operations.
  
• Supporting disaster recovery operations. Candidates should be able to trigger failover scenarios, test backups, and ensure business continuity procedures are in place.
  

While this domain is smaller in weight, it reflects a real-world requirement for long-term success. Azure environments are dynamic, and SAP workloads require constant monitoring and maintenance to deliver optimal performance.

How Domain Weights Guide Your Study Plan

The unequal weight distribution of exam domains means your study time should be allocated strategically. Below is a simplified approach to prioritizing your preparation:

• Spend the majority of your time (40% or more) mastering the Build and Deploy domain, as it is the core of the exam.
  
• Dedicate solid attention (25% or more) to the Design domain, as it supports key architectural decision-making.
  
• Allocate enough time (15% each) to cover Migrate, Validate, and Operationalize domains thoroughly, especially if you’re less experienced with SAP or Azure monitoring tools.
  

Understanding the balance of these domains will help you prepare more efficiently and improve your chances of passing the exam.

This part of the guide has broken down the AZ-120 exam into its five core domains. Each domain reflects a major phase in the lifecycle of SAP workload management on Azure—from migration and design to deployment, validation, and operations.

• The AZ-120 exam is scenario-focused and domain-based, simulating real-world SAP on Azure responsibilities.
  
• Migration planning is essential but relatively light in weight.
  
• Design and deployment represent the bulk of the technical and architectural decision-making.
  
• Validation and operationalization require attention to detail, documentation, and monitoring tools.
  
• Proper time allocation based on domain weightings will help structure your study process more effectively.
  

In the next part, we will explore strategies for preparing for the AZ-120 exam. This includes recommended learning paths, training options, practice methods, and effective study techniques.

Effective Strategies and Resources for AZ-120 Exam Preparation

The very first step in preparing for the AZ-120: Planning and Administering Microsoft Azure for SAP Workloads exam is to visit the official certification page. This is where Microsoft provides the most accurate and up-to-date information about the exam, including:

• Skills measured
  
• Exam format
  
• Prerequisites and recommended experience
  
• Language availability
  
• Price and registration process
  
• Updates or changes to the objectives
  

Even if you’ve already looked at it once, it’s wise to return regularly. Microsoft occasionally updates its exam objectives to reflect platform changes. Being aware of the latest criteria ensures your preparation remains aligned with current standards.

Additionally, the official page includes a downloadable study guide. This guide outlines specific tasks and skill areas that are assessed in the exam and is one of the most critical resources for your preparation.

Using the Study Guide as a Planning Tool

The study guide is not just a checklist—it is your roadmap. It breaks down the exam into clearly defined domains and skills, helping you organize your preparation by topic. As you prepare, use the guide to:

• Track which areas you’ve already studied
  
• Identify weak spots needing more attention
  
• Prioritize high-weighted domains like Build and Deploy
  

You can create a spreadsheet or document to mark off completed topics and assign additional time to areas where you lack experience. This approach ensures you’re covering all the necessary content and helps avoid spending too much time on less critical sections.

Setting a Realistic Study Schedule

One of the most important aspects of exam preparation is consistency. It’s not how many hours you study in a single session, but how consistently you study over time. Set a schedule that includes:

• Regular short sessions (e.g., 1–2 hours per day)
  
• Focused review of individual domains each week
  
• Practice quizzes to reinforce learning
  
• Time for reviewing missed questions or weak topics
  

Divide your study sessions based on the domain weightage. Spend more time on higher-weighted domains like Build and Deploy and Design Azure Solutions. Assign days to individual topics like virtual networking, SAP HANA deployment, and backup configurations.

Avoid cramming. SAP on Azure involves a wide range of topics, and long, irregular study sessions are often less effective than consistent daily learning.

Learning With Documentation and Product Guides

For a technical exam like AZ-120, hands-on familiarity with Azure services and SAP components is essential. Reading technical documentation gives you direct insights into how services function and integrate.

Key areas of documentation to review include:

• Azure Virtual Machines and SAP HANA certified VM types
  
• Azure NetApp Files and storage planning
  
• High Availability configurations for SAP on Azure
  
• Networking best practices for SAP workloads
  
• Backup and disaster recovery tools like Azure Site Recovery
  
• Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and alert configuration
  

Similarly, reviewing SAP Notes and implementation guides helps in understanding SAP’s perspective on running workloads in the cloud. These documents often include configuration limits, compatibility details, and real-world deployment practices.

Use official guides and whitepapers for in-depth technical accuracy. These sources offer detailed architectural patterns, best practices, and diagrams that can help visualize complex deployments.

Practice Labs and Hands-On Experience

Reading alone is not enough. The AZ-120 exam tests your ability to apply concepts in real-world scenarios. For that reason, hands-on practice is critical.

You can create a practice environment in Azure by:

• Setting up trial or pay-as-you-go accounts
  
• Deploying basic virtual machines and configuring storage
  
• Simulating network setup and configuring subnets and peering
  
• Using ARM templates to deploy and tear down infrastructure
  
• Installing a sample SAP application stack (if possible)
  
• Practicing performance monitoring and alert configuration
  

You don’t need to deploy a full production-grade SAP system, but familiarity with the installation flow, infrastructure requirements, and the Azure portal is highly beneficial.

If access to actual SAP systems is limited, consider deploying free SAP trial environments or simulated workloads. Focus on understanding system requirements and how Azure infrastructure supports them.

Leveraging Practice Exams

Practice exams are one of the most effective tools for preparation. They serve multiple purposes:

• Gauge your current level of understanding
  
• Familiarize yourself with the question format and phrasing
  
• Improve time management for answering within the allocated duration
  
• Identify weak areas for targeted study
  

When using practice exams:

• Take one full-length test to establish a baseline
  
• Review all questions thoroughly, especially the ones you answered incorrectly
  
• Understand why each correct answer is right and why wrong answers are wrong
  
• Retake practice exams periodically to measure improvement
  

Use practice tests as learning tools, not just scoring tools. Treat each wrong answer as an opportunity to go deeper into the topic and strengthen your understanding.

Simulating Real Exam Conditions

To prepare mentally and strategically for the exam, simulate exam conditions during your practice sessions. This includes:

• Setting a timer and finishing within the actual exam duration (around 150 minutes)
  
• Avoiding distractions (phones, background noise)
  
• Using only the resources available during the real test (no notes or open tabs)
  
• Reviewing and flagging questions to simulate navigation and time budgeting
  

These simulations train you to manage stress, time pressure, and decision-making without external help. This can make a significant difference in your confidence and performance on test day.

Joining Study Groups and Forums

You don’t have to prepare for the AZ-120 exam in isolation. There are many study groups, forums, and professional communities where candidates and certified professionals share their insights, challenges, and preparation strategies.

Benefits of joining a community include:

• Getting answers to specific questions or doubts
  
• Learning from others’ mistakes or misconceptions
  
• Staying updated with the latest changes or corrections
  
• Sharing study materials or notes
  
• Motivating each other to stay consistent with preparation
  

Online forums often contain discussions about particularly tricky exam questions, useful documentation, and feedback from those who’ve recently passed the exam. Participating in these communities can expose you to topics or perspectives you might have overlooked.

Building a Study Plan That Works for You

Every learner is different. What works for one person may not work for another. Some prefer structured courses, others thrive on hands-on experience. The key is to identify your strengths and weaknesses and plan accordingly.

Here’s a basic framework to personalize your study plan:

• If you’re new to SAP or Azure, start with foundational learning paths
  
• If you have strong Azure skills but limited SAP experience, focus on SAP deployment and configuration
  
• If your SAP knowledge is solid but Azure is new, prioritize Azure infrastructure, networking, and deployment services
  
• Review the exam skills outline regularly to track your progress
  

Add flexibility to your schedule. Life can interrupt study time, so plan buffer days for catch-up or review. Maintain a balance between reading, hands-on work, and practice testing.

Staying Motivated and Focused

Preparing for a specialty exam like AZ-120 requires commitment. Since the topics are advanced and sometimes technical, it’s easy to lose momentum. Here are some tips to stay motivated:

• Set short-term goals and celebrate small wins
  
• Use visual progress trackers to see improvement over time
  
• Avoid overloading; take breaks and pace yourself
  
• Remind yourself why this certification matters for your career
  

If you’re working full-time while preparing, dedicate weekends or early mornings for deeper learning and use weekdays for light review. Creating a routine helps make studying a part of your schedule rather than a burden.

Preparing for the AZ-120 exam is a structured process that blends theoretical study, hands-on practice, and strategic time management. This part of the guide has explored the tools and strategies you can use to create an effective preparation plan.

Key points covered include:

• Using the official exam guide and certification page as a foundation
  
• Breaking down preparation based on domain weightage
  
• Studying consistently with a personalized schedule
  
• Applying knowledge through hands-on practice in Azure environments
  
• Testing your readiness with practice exams and simulations
  
• Engaging with communities for motivation and insight
  

In the final part of the guide, we will look at the exam day itself, tips for managing stress and time, and how to continue building your career after certification.

Final Preparation, Exam Day Tips, and Career Beyond AZ-120

As the exam date approaches, your focus should shift from learning new material to reinforcing existing knowledge. The final one to two weeks are critical for retention and confidence building. This phase is all about revision, reflection, and refining your readiness.

Use this time to revisit:

• The study guide and exam objectives
  
• High-priority topics, especially in the Build and Deploy domain
  
• Notes or summaries you’ve created throughout your preparation
  
• Missed questions from previous practice tests
  
• Hands-on lab setups and any tricky deployments
  

Focus on active recall rather than passive reading. Try to explain concepts out loud, sketch out architectural diagrams from memory, and simulate design decisions based on different use cases.

If there are any areas where you feel uncertain, consult the official documentation or return to previous study materials to clarify those points. Avoid learning entirely new topics in the final days, unless they are directly relevant to high-weighted domains.

Mental and Physical Preparation

Success in the AZ-120 exam is not only about technical knowledge—it also requires mental clarity and composure. The following suggestions can help you approach exam day with a calm and focused mindset.

Sleep well the night before the exam. Fatigue can impact concentration and problem-solving abilities, especially for an exam involving complex scenarios.

Eat a light, balanced meal before the test. Avoid heavy or sugary foods that could lead to sluggishness.

Ensure you have a quiet, distraction-free space for taking the exam, especially if you’re doing it remotely. Prepare your identification, check your internet connection, and close unnecessary applications on your device.

Use the restroom before starting and keep water nearby. These small details can prevent disruptions during the session.

Keep a positive mindset. Remind yourself that you’ve studied diligently and practiced for this. Even if you encounter difficult questions, stay calm and move forward confidently.

Exam Day Strategy

The AZ-120 exam is designed to test real-world scenarios, not just definitions or isolated facts. Here are some key strategies to help you navigate the exam effectively:

Read each question carefully. Some questions are scenario-based and require attention to specific details. Identify keywords like must, should, cannot, and best to understand the constraints of the question.

Use the mark-for-review option. If you’re unsure about a question, mark it and come back later. This helps you manage your time and focus on questions where you’re confident first.

Be mindful of time. Most candidates get 150 minutes for the exam, with an average of 2–3 minutes per question. Keep track of time without rushing, and try to leave 10–15 minutes at the end for review.

Don’t overthink every question. Go with your best understanding based on what you’ve practiced. Avoid changing answers unless you’re absolutely sure your first choice was incorrect.

Be prepared for various formats. You might see multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, or case studies. The best approach is to familiarize yourself with each type through practice tests beforehand.

After the Exam: What to Expect

Once the exam ends, you may receive a preliminary result on screen, especially for online-proctored exams. This will let you know whether you passed. The official result is typically available within a few days and includes detailed scoring per domain.

If you pass the exam, congratulations—you’re now Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty. You’ll receive a digital badge and certification which you can add to your resume, LinkedIn, and professional portfolio.

If you didn’t pass, don’t be discouraged. Review the score report to identify which domains need more focus. Microsoft allows you to retake the exam after a waiting period, and your experience from the first attempt will help you prepare more effectively next time.

Continuing Learning After Certification

Certification is a milestone, not an endpoint. Once you achieve the AZ-120 credential, consider the following steps to continue growing professionally:

Apply your knowledge in real projects. Seek opportunities within your organization to assist or lead SAP on Azure implementations or migrations. Practical experience reinforces what you learned during preparation and adds value to your role.

Stay updated with Azure and SAP developments. Both platforms evolve rapidly, and staying current ensures your skills remain relevant. Set aside time each month to read release notes, technical blogs, or attend webinars.

Contribute to the community. Share your journey through blogs, forums, or study groups. Not only does this reinforce your own understanding, but it also builds your professional network.

Pursue related certifications. Consider expanding your cloud expertise with certifications such as:

• Azure Solutions Architect Expert
  
• Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
  
• Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
  
• Other specialty certifications based on your role and interests
  

By continuing your certification path, you broaden your career opportunities and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.

Career Opportunities With AZ-120

The AZ-120 certification validates a niche and valuable skill set. Professionals with this credential are in demand for a variety of roles, such as:

• Cloud Solution Architect (SAP Focus)
  
• SAP Basis Consultant with Azure Specialization
  
• Azure Infrastructure Engineer
  
• SAP on Cloud Project Lead
  
• Enterprise IT Architect
  

Industries such as finance, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare are actively adopting SAP on Azure, creating sustained demand for certified professionals.

You may also find opportunities with consulting firms that specialize in cloud migrations or SAP solutions. These roles often require travel, client interaction, and the ability to deliver high-impact solutions in dynamic environments.

In many cases, certified professionals also enjoy increased salaries, especially when combined with real-world experience and other certifications.

Lessons Learned and Tips From Successful Candidates

Professionals who have passed the AZ-120 exam often share a few recurring pieces of advice:

• Focus on understanding, not memorization. The exam rewards those who grasp the reasoning behind design and deployment decisions.
  
• Practice labs are crucial. Seeing how services interact in real time is far more effective than reading alone.
  
• Be patient with the learning curve. The mix of SAP and Azure can be overwhelming at first, but consistent effort pays off.
  
• Don’t ignore small domains. Validation and operations may be smaller portions of the exam, but missing several questions in those areas can still affect your score.
  
• Use downtime wisely. Even 20–30 minutes a day for review or practice can significantly add up over time.
  

By following a structured and consistent study plan, and taking care of both the technical and mental aspects of preparation, candidates position themselves well for success.

In this final part of the AZ-120 preparation guide, we’ve explored what happens in the final stages of preparation, how to manage exam day effectively, and what to expect afterward. Key takeaways include:

• Use the final weeks for focused review and hands-on reinforcement
  
• Prepare mentally and logistically for exam day to avoid surprises
  
• Follow strategies during the exam to manage time and reduce errors
  
• Celebrate your achievement, and then continue growing through real-world experience and further certifications
  
• Apply your new skills in meaningful projects and seek career opportunities that value SAP and Azure expertise
  

The AZ-120 certification is more than a badge—it’s a statement that you have the skills to support some of the most complex and business-critical applications in the cloud. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or using this as a stepping stone to more advanced roles, this certification adds lasting value to your career.

Final Thoughts 

The AZ-120: Planning and Administering Microsoft Azure for SAP Workloads certification is not just another technical exam—it’s a reflection of your ability to work at the intersection of two of the most powerful platforms in enterprise IT: SAP and Microsoft Azure. Earning this credential signals that you can help organizations move their most critical workloads to the cloud with confidence, precision, and strategic foresight.

As you prepare, remember that this exam rewards practical understanding over rote memorization. It tests your ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios, make architectural decisions under constraints, and ensure performance, security, and compliance in complex environments.

This journey is not necessarily easy, but it’s achievable. It requires consistent study, hands-on practice, and a mindset focused on real-world outcomes. Whether you’re an SAP expert learning Azure, or a cloud architect diving into SAP, this exam offers a pathway to becoming a valuable asset in any enterprise modernization project.

Once certified, your skills will be in high demand across industries. But more importantly, you’ll have proven to yourself that you can master complex systems and design solutions that drive business value.

Keep learning. Keep building. Use this certification not just as an endpoint, but as a launchpad for your growth in cloud architecture, enterprise infrastructure, and digital transformation initiatives.