diff --git a/2/index.html b/2/index.html index 58525d25..55058353 100644 --- a/2/index.html +++ b/2/index.html @@ -1,6 +1,6 @@ Daily DevOps & .NET — Daily DevOps & .NET -
When Can I Finally Renew My Microsoft Certification

When Can I Finally Renew My Microsoft Certification

When can I finally renew my Microsoft certification? - I’m certainly not alone with this or similar questions and the associated uncertainty. Okay, a certain impatience certainly resonates as well. After all, I would also like to schedule it into my daily routine. But how?

How to Prepare for Microsoft Certification

How to Prepare for Microsoft Certification

How do I best prepare for a Microsoft certification? - this or a similar question is asked by everyone who wants to deal with the topics Microsoft, Azure, Microsoft 365, Power Platform or Dynamics 365. In this article, I would like to go into the possibilities that Microsoft offers us for preparation.

Martin Stühmer

Hello there, I’m Martin, software architect and developer from the Cologne/Bonn area. Right from the start of my professional career, I decided in favor of .NET and Microsoft technologies and tools and have always incorporated them into my work. With more than 15 years of experience in the field of software architecture and development with .NET, my focus is particularly on increasing the quality and performance of development teams, the interaction of the software solution with the target environment and the actual application down to the last byte.

In my position as Director Consulting Services @ CGI , I act as enterprise architect and developer for cloud native and .NET solutions. I am also a trainer for cloud and software architecture. In addition to my professional life, I am involved in the open source communities and currently provide them with various NuGet packages with different focuses and functionalities.

A strong willingness to learn and develop is also part of my everyday life. This was taken to a new level for me in 2021 after I successfully completed my IHK trainer and my Microsoft certified trainer this year. In addition, I was able to qualify as a trainer for CGI’s Risk and Cost Driven Architecture -program in 2022.

Published blogs

Gradually Introducing Nullability in Legacy Code: A Practical Guide for .NET and C#

Gradually Introducing Nullability in Legacy Code: A Practical Guide for .NET and C#

As developers, we’re often tasked with maintaining and modernizing legacy codebases that were written long before some of the best practices of today—such as nullability annotations—were available. While modern C# now supports nullable reference types, enabling us to avoid the dreaded NullReferenceException, introducing this feature to existing, large codebases can be a challenge.

In this article, I’ll share my step-by-step approach for introducing nullability into a legacy .NET and C# project. You’ll learn how to apply nullability in a controlled, incremental manner using project-level settings, scoped annotations, and file/method-level directives, all while maintaining the integrity of your legacy codebase. After all, modernizing your code doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing endeavor—gradual change is key to a successful transition. Let’s get started!

Mastering .NET Project Properties: The `BuildingInsideVisualStudio` Flag

Mastering .NET Project Properties: The `BuildingInsideVisualStudio` Flag

In the ever-evolving world of .NET development, managing project configurations effectively is crucial for maintaining a clean and efficient build process. One of the less frequently discussed but highly useful properties is BuildingInsideVisualStudio. This property, when correctly utilized, can streamline your build process and ensure that your project is configured properly depending on the build environment. In this article, we’ll explore the BuildingInsideVisualStudio property with concrete examples and discuss best practices for using it effectively.

Manage Nuget Packages Centrally

Manage Nuget Packages Centrally

For over 12 years, NuGet package management has been part of the .NET ecosystem with direct integrations to various IDEs, CLIs and build systems. But a feature took 12 years before it appeared and certainly needs some more maintenance until it is mature!

Illuminate Technical Debt

Illuminate Technical Debt

Whatever our role, be it developer, IT professional or architect, we try to avoid technical debt. If this is not possible from the outset, or if we decide to accept this technical debt for a limited period of time, we usually lack the tools to do so. This is where this article may help.

Gradually Introducing Nullability in Legacy Code: A Practical Guide for .NET and C#

Gradually Introducing Nullability in Legacy Code: A Practical Guide for .NET and C#

As developers, we’re often tasked with maintaining and modernizing legacy codebases that were written long before some of the best practices of today—such as nullability annotations—were available. While modern C# now supports nullable reference types, enabling us to avoid the dreaded NullReferenceException, introducing this feature to existing, large codebases can be a challenge.

In this article, I’ll share my step-by-step approach for introducing nullability into a legacy .NET and C# project. You’ll learn how to apply nullability in a controlled, incremental manner using project-level settings, scoped annotations, and file/method-level directives, all while maintaining the integrity of your legacy codebase. After all, modernizing your code doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing endeavor—gradual change is key to a successful transition. Let’s get started!

Mastering .NET Project Properties: The `BuildingInsideVisualStudio` Flag

Mastering .NET Project Properties: The BuildingInsideVisualStudio Flag

In the ever-evolving world of .NET development, managing project configurations effectively is crucial for maintaining a clean and efficient build process. One of the less frequently discussed but highly useful properties is BuildingInsideVisualStudio. This property, when correctly utilized, can streamline your build process and ensure that your project is configured properly depending on the build environment. In this article, we’ll explore the BuildingInsideVisualStudio property with concrete examples and discuss best practices for using it effectively.

Reimagining the Microsoft Certification Exam UI Experience

Reimagining the Microsoft Certification Exam UI Experience

Embark on a journey through Microsoft’s redesigned certification exam UI. Discover streamlined navigation, enhanced accessibility, and personalized experiences, revolutionizing the exam-taking experience.
Manage Nuget Packages Centrally

Manage Nuget Packages Centrally

For over 12 years, NuGet package management has been part of the .NET ecosystem with direct integrations to various IDEs, CLIs and build systems. But a feature took 12 years before it appeared and certainly needs some more maintenance until it is mature!

Illuminate Technical Debt

Illuminate Technical Debt

Whatever our role, be it developer, IT professional or architect, we try to avoid technical debt. If this is not possible from the outset, or if we decide to accept this technical debt for a limited period of time, we usually lack the tools to do so. This is where this article may help.

VG Wort
Reimagining the Microsoft Certification Exam UI Experience

Reimagining the Microsoft Certification Exam UI Experience

In my experience, navigating through certification exams can sometimes feel like traversing a labyrinthine maze, especially when it comes to user interface (UI) experiences. However, Microsoft’s recent efforts in reimagining the UI for their certification exams are poised to revolutionize this journey. Let’s delve into how these changes are shaping the landscape of certification exams and what it means for aspiring professionals.

Embracing User-Centric Design

Gone are the days of clunky interfaces and confusing navigation. Microsoft’s new approach places a strong emphasis on user-centric design principles, making the exam-taking experience more intuitive and seamless. By incorporating feedback from a diverse range of users, Microsoft has tailored the UI to cater to the specific needs and preferences of exam takers.

Streamlined Navigation

One of the most notable improvements is the streamlined navigation system. The revamped UI provides clear signposts and intuitive pathways, allowing candidates to focus on showcasing their skills rather than getting lost in a maze of menus. Whether you’re accessing the exam on a desktop or mobile device, the navigation remains consistent and user-friendly.

Enhanced Accessibility

Accessibility is at the forefront of Microsoft’s UI redesign efforts. The new interface is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that individuals with diverse abilities can navigate the exam with ease. Features such as customizable font sizes, screen reader compatibility, and keyboard shortcuts empower all candidates to demonstrate their knowledge without encountering unnecessary barriers.

Interactive Elements

Engagement is key to effective learning and assessment. Microsoft has introduced interactive elements within the exam UI to enhance the candidate experience. From drag-and-drop exercises to interactive simulations, these features simulate real-world scenarios, allowing candidates to demonstrate their practical skills in a dynamic environment.

Personalized Experience

No two candidates are alike, and Microsoft recognizes the importance of personalization in the learning journey. The new UI allows candidates to customize their exam experience based on their preferences and areas of expertise. Whether it’s adjusting the interface layout or accessing tailored resources, candidates have the flexibility to shape their exam journey according to their individual needs.

Seamless Integration with Learning Resources

The redesigned UI seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Learn and other learning resources, providing candidates with easy access to study materials and practice exams. This integration fosters a cohesive learning experience, allowing candidates to bridge the gap between theory and practice effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Microsoft’s reimagined certification exam UI experience marks a significant leap forward in the realm of professional development. By embracing user-centric design, streamlined navigation, enhanced accessibility, interactive elements, personalized experiences, and seamless integration with learning resources, Microsoft has set a new standard for certification exams. Aspiring professionals can now embark on their certification journey with confidence, knowing that the UI is designed to empower them every step of the way.

For those interested in exploring the redesigned UI firsthand, Microsoft offers a demo of the exam experience at http://aka.ms/examdemo . Embrace the future of certification exams and unlock new opportunities for professional growth.

Comments

VG Wort +aka.ms/TrainCertPoster

Related content

When Can I Finally Renew My Microsoft Certification

When Can I Finally Renew My Microsoft Certification

When can I finally renew my Microsoft certification? - I’m certainly not alone with this or similar questions and the associated uncertainty. Okay, a certain impatience certainly resonates as well. After all, I would also like to schedule it into my daily routine. But how?

How to Prepare for Microsoft Certification

How to Prepare for Microsoft Certification

How do I best prepare for a Microsoft certification? - this or a similar question is asked by everyone who wants to deal with the topics Microsoft, Azure, Microsoft 365, Power Platform or Dynamics 365. In this article, I would like to go into the possibilities that Microsoft offers us for preparation.

Master dependency management with automation: story behind `dependamerge`

Master dependency management with automation: story behind `dependamerge`

In software development, dependencies are inevitable - any project worth its salt relies on various libraries, frameworks, or packages. However, as I found in my own work, managing these dependencies can be an onerous task. Constant updates, new vulnerabilities, and endless manual approvals were draining my time and focus. What if, I thought, these processes could be automated? This thought led to the creation of dependamerge, a GitHub Action designed to free developers from the drudgery of manual dependency maintenance and let us get back to what we do best: building great software.

VG Wort
When Can I Finally Renew My Microsoft Certification

When Can I Finally Renew My Microsoft Certification

When can I finally renew my Microsoft certification? - I’m certainly not alone with this or similar questions and the associated uncertainty. Okay, a certain impatience certainly resonates as well. After all, I would also like to schedule it into my daily routine. But how?

Facts

The role-based and specialized Microsoft certifications in the areas of Azure, Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and Security, Compliance and Identity are valid for one year, with the exception of the Foundation certifications, which do not expire. However, since February 2021, Microsoft offers the possibility to renew these certifications for one year each, free of charge.

To do this, you will receive an email from Microsoft 6 months (i.e. exactly 180 days) before the certification expires with all the necessary information to extend the certificate free of charge.

Against the impatience

But those who, like me, like to be prepared and planned for such issues, have to wait for the mail so far, it seems.

As always, a closer look at the URL structure will help the curious. You will notice that the existing structures like https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/azure-solutions-architect/ only need to be extended by the path segment renew/ . This addition will take us to a completely new page with extensive information about recertification, provided we are logged in with our Microsoft Learn account.

At first glance, we can see until when the certification is valid and how many days are left. Below that is the prompt:

If you have this certification and it will expire within six months, you are eligible to renew. Show that you have kept current with the latest Azure updates by passing the renewal assessment. You can also prepare to renew with the curated collection of learning modules.

Skills measured in renewal assessment:

  • Design a data storage solution for relational data
  • Design a data storage solution for non-relational data
  • Describe high availability and disaster recovery strategies
  • Design an Azure compute solution
  • Design an application architecture
  • Design network solutions
  • Design data integration

Countdown in hours
Screenshot from https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/azure-solutions-architect/renew/
This is followed by hour-by-hour information on when the renewal exam will be available and a list of available learning paths and modules that can still be taken during the preparation time. Due to technological development, some modules are updated or new modules are added, so it is worth taking a look regularly.

Other extension exams.

This URL segment extension works with all role-based and specialized Microsoft certifications, as the following examples show.

Summary

It’s not a life-changing lifehack and 6 months (180 days) is really enough time to get your head around it. But if you have more than two or three certifications, scheduling certainly makes sense, so good luck with your next (re)certification.

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