Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty: Complete Guide 2026
AZ-120
This certification validates expertise in migrating and operating SAP solutions on Microsoft Azure, including architecture design, deployment, and management of SAP workloads in the cloud.
Exam Details
Resources
Everything you need to pass
Comprehensive preparation materials for your Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty exam
Exam Content
Exam Domains & Topics
Master these 4 domains to pass your exam
Migrate SAP Workloads to Azure
Design and Implement an Infrastructure to Support SAP Workloads
Design and Implement SAP on Azure
Validate, Monitor, and Optimize Azure Infrastructure for SAP Workloads
Who Should Take This Exam?
- Azure architects and administrators with extensive SAP landscape experience
- SAP professionals responsible for migrating workloads to Azure
- Solution architects designing SAP solutions on Azure infrastructure
- IT professionals managing enterprise SAP deployments on cloud platforms
Study Timeline
10-14 weeks
Recommended duration
Foundation · Weeks 1-2
Review exam objectives & core concepts
Deep Dive · Weeks 3-6
Study each domain with hands-on labs
Practice & Review · Weeks 7-8
Take practice exams & target weak areas
Study Guide
AZ-120 Study Plan
The AZ-120 certification validates your expertise in migrating and managing SAP workloads on Microsoft Azure. This specialty certification demonstrates advanced skills in architecting, deploying, and optimizing SAP solutions on Azure infrastructure, combining SAP knowledge with Azure cloud expertise.
Week 1-2
Foundation: Azure and SAP Basics
Build foundational knowledge of Azure services and SAP architecture
- Review Azure fundamentals (compute, storage, networking)
- Understand SAP landscape architecture (3-tier, NetWeaver, HANA)
- Study SAP on Azure documentation overview
- Review Azure VM families certified for SAP
Week 3-4
Infrastructure Design and Implementation
Deep dive into Azure infrastructure for SAP workloads
- Master Azure compute options for SAP (VM sizing, families)
- Understand storage solutions (Premium SSD, Ultra Disk, ANF)
- Study networking requirements and configurations
- Learn about proximity placement groups and availability zones
- Understand HANA Large Instances architecture
Week 5-6
SAP Deployment and Configuration
Learn to deploy and configure SAP systems on Azure
- Study SAP HANA installation procedures on Azure
- Understand SAP NetWeaver deployment
- Learn clustering solutions (Pacemaker, WSFC)
- Configure SAP HANA System Replication
- Practice deploying SAP components (ASCS, ERS, database, app servers)
Week 7-8
Migration Strategies
Master SAP migration methodologies and tools
- Understand migration approaches (lift-and-shift, brownfield, greenfield)
- Study Azure Migrate for SAP
- Learn Azure Site Recovery configuration
- Understand SAP migration tools (SWPM, DMO, SAP Migration Cockpit)
- Study hybrid connectivity (ExpressRoute, VPN Gateway)
Week 9
High Availability and Disaster Recovery
Implement HA/DR solutions for SAP on Azure
- Configure high availability architectures
- Implement Azure Load Balancer for SAP
- Study backup strategies with Azure Backup
- Design disaster recovery solutions across regions
- Understand RTO/RPO requirements for SAP
Week 10
Monitoring and Optimization
Learn to monitor, validate, and optimize SAP on Azure
- Configure Azure Monitor for SAP Solutions
- Implement enhanced monitoring extensions
- Study performance optimization techniques
- Learn cost optimization strategies
- Understand SAP validation tools and procedures
Week 11
Practice Exams and Review
Consolidate knowledge and identify weak areas
- Take full-length practice exams
- Review all exam domains
- Focus on weak areas identified in practice tests
- Review official documentation for unclear topics
- Study common exam scenarios and case studies
Week 12
Final Review and Exam Preparation
Final preparations and confidence building
- Complete final practice exam
- Review all exam objectives checklist
- Memorize key facts, limits, and configurations
- Review SAP on Azure reference architectures
- Get adequate rest before exam day
Study tips
Hands-on Practice
- Deploy at least one complete SAP landscape on Azure using trial systems
- Practice with Azure NetApp Files for SAP HANA storage configurations
- Implement a high availability cluster using Pacemaker on Linux
- Configure Azure Monitor for SAP Solutions in a test environment
- Practice SAP HANA System Replication configuration
- Use Azure free credits strategically for expensive resources like M-series VMs
SAP-Specific Knowledge
- Understand SAP architecture components: database, ASCS/SCS, ERS, PAS, AAS
- Know SAP instance numbering conventions and port requirements
- Memorize SAP-certified Azure VM families and their use cases
- Study SAP HANA memory-to-storage ratios and requirements
- Understand SAP workload characteristics (OLTP vs. OLAP)
- Learn SAP-specific terminology used in exam questions
Azure Infrastructure Focus
- Master proximity placement groups and their importance for SAP latency requirements
- Understand when to use availability zones vs. availability sets for SAP
- Know storage options: Premium SSD v1/v2, Ultra Disk, Azure NetApp Files, and their IOPS/latency specs
- Study accelerated networking requirements for SAP workloads
- Understand Azure Load Balancer configurations for SAP high availability
- Learn the differences between Azure Backup for VMs vs. SAP HANA backup solutions
Migration Scenarios
- Understand when to use Azure Migrate vs. Azure Site Recovery vs. manual migration
- Study SAP Database Migration Option (DMO) for OS/DB migrations
- Know the differences between homogeneous and heterogeneous migrations
- Learn pre-migration sizing using SAP Quick Sizer and Azure VM SKUs
- Understand network considerations for hybrid connectivity during migration
- Study cutover strategies and rollback procedures for production migrations
Exam Strategy
- Focus heavily on the 30% infrastructure domain - it's the largest portion
- Many questions are scenario-based; read carefully to identify requirements
- Understand not just 'how' but 'when' and 'why' to use specific solutions
- Know the SAP certification requirements and supported configurations
- Pay attention to questions about high availability and disaster recovery
- Review Azure limits and quotas relevant to SAP deployments
- Understand cost optimization techniques for SAP on Azure
Documentation Review
- Bookmark and review the SAP on Azure deployment checklist multiple times
- Study SAP Notes referenced in Azure documentation (requires SAP S-user)
- Review Azure architecture center reference architectures for SAP
- Keep the SAP certifications and configurations page handy
- Study the supported scenarios matrix for different SAP products on Azure
- Review release notes for Azure Monitor for SAP Solutions
Weak Areas Identification
- Take practice exams early to identify knowledge gaps
- Track topics you struggle with and allocate extra study time
- If weak on SAP basics, invest time in SAP Basis fundamentals
- If weak on Azure, review AZ-104 Administrator concepts
- Focus on Linux administration if you're primarily Windows-focused (or vice versa)
- Practice troubleshooting scenarios - know common issues and resolutions
Exam day checklist
- Arrive 15 minutes early if taking at a test center, or start setup 30 minutes early for online proctoring
- Read each question carefully - scenario questions may have multiple valid answers, choose the BEST one
- Look for keywords like 'most cost-effective', 'least administrative effort', 'minimize downtime'
- For case studies, take notes on requirements before looking at questions
- Mark questions you're unsure about and review them if time permits
- Don't overthink - your first instinct is often correct if you've studied thoroughly
- Manage your time: approximately 2-3 minutes per question for 50-60 questions in 150 minutes
- Remember that Azure and SAP documentation is not available during the exam - memorize key facts
- Pay special attention to HA/DR scenarios - these are heavily tested
- Understand the difference between Azure services certified for production SAP vs. non-production
- If a question seems to have multiple correct answers, look for the most complete or efficient solution
- Stay calm and confident - you've prepared thoroughly with hands-on experience and comprehensive study
Career
Career Opportunities
Roles and salary potential for Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty certified professionals
Related Job Titles
$135,000
Average Annual Salary
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Prerequisites
Azure Administrator Associate certification or equivalent knowledge strongly recommended Extensive experience with SAP applications and SAP HANA Advanced knowledge of Azure compute, storage, and networking Experience with Linux and Windows Server operating systems Understanding of SAP licensing and Azure pricing models
Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty FAQs
Common questions about the AZ-120 certification exam
This specialty certification validates advanced skills in migrating, designing, deploying, and managing SAP solutions on Microsoft Azure. It demonstrates expertise in architecting SAP landscapes using Azure infrastructure services, implementing high availability and disaster recovery, and optimizing SAP workloads for cloud environments. This certification is designed for professionals who work at the intersection of Azure cloud infrastructure and SAP enterprise applications.
The AZ-120 exam is considered advanced-level and challenging, requiring both deep Azure infrastructure knowledge and extensive SAP expertise. Candidates need hands-on experience with SAP Basis administration, SAP HANA deployments, and Azure architecture. The exam tests real-world scenarios involving complex migration strategies, performance optimization, and troubleshooting. Most successful candidates have 2-3 years of combined experience with both Azure and SAP environments before attempting this certification.
Professionals holding the Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty certification typically earn between $120,000 and $160,000 annually in the United States, with an average around $135,000. Senior architects and consultants with this certification can command salaries exceeding $180,000, especially in major metropolitan areas or when working for large enterprises. The combination of Azure and SAP expertise is highly valued as organizations increasingly migrate critical SAP workloads to the cloud, making this one of the higher-paying Azure specialty certifications.
About the Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty Certification
The Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty (AZ-120) is a specialty-level certification offered by Microsoft Azure. This certification validates your expertise in cloud computing and is recognized globally by employers seeking qualified professionals. The exam consists of 40-60 questions to be completed in 150 minutes, with a passing score of 700/1000. The exam fee is $165 USD, and the certification is valid for 1 year.
Why Get Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty Certified?
- Career Advancement: Certified professionals earn an average of $135,000 per year. Microsoft Azure-certified professionals are among the most sought-after in the cloud computing industry.
- Industry Recognition: Microsoft Azure certifications are respected worldwide by employers, demonstrating verified competency in cloud computing technologies and practices.
- Skill Validation: The Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty exam rigorously tests your knowledge across 4 domains, ensuring you have the practical skills employers demand.
Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty Exam Format & Details
The AZ-120 exam is designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Candidates are given 150 minutes to complete the exam, which contains approximately 40-60 questions. A score of 700/1000 is required to pass. Prerequisites include: Azure Administrator Associate certification or equivalent knowledge strongly recommended Extensive experience with SAP applications and SAP HANA Advanced knowledge of Azure compute, storage, and networking Experience with Linux and Windows Server operating systems Understanding of SAP licensing and Azure pricing models.
Exam Domains & Topics
The Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty exam covers 4 key domains. Understanding the weight of each domain helps you allocate your study time effectively:
- Migrate SAP Workloads to Azure (25% of exam)
- Design and Implement an Infrastructure to Support SAP Workloads (30% of exam)
- Design and Implement SAP on Azure (25% of exam)
- Validate, Monitor, and Optimize Azure Infrastructure for SAP Workloads (20% of exam)
Who Should Take the Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty Exam?
This certification is designed for professionals in the following roles:
- Azure architects and administrators with extensive SAP landscape experience
- SAP professionals responsible for migrating workloads to Azure
- Solution architects designing SAP solutions on Azure infrastructure
- IT professionals managing enterprise SAP deployments on cloud platforms
Career Opportunities & Salary
Earning the Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty certification opens doors to roles such as Azure SAP Solutions Architect, SAP on Azure Infrastructure Engineer, Cloud Infrastructure Architect (SAP), SAP Basis Administrator (Azure). Certified professionals earn an average salary of $135,000 per year, reflecting the high demand for cloud computing skills in today's job market.
Recertification & Renewal
The Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty certification is valid for 1 year. To maintain your credential, you will need to meet Microsoft Azure's renewal requirements before your certification expires. This may include earning continuing education credits, passing a recertification exam, or earning a higher-level certification.
Exam Registration & Cost
The AZ-120 exam costs $165 USD. You can register through Microsoft Azure's official website or an authorized testing center. Most candidates choose between in-person testing at a Pearson VUE or PSI center and online proctored exams taken from home. Be sure to review the exam policies, including identification requirements and prohibited items, before your test date.
How to Prepare for AZ-120
We recommend 10-14 weeks of dedicated study time to prepare for the Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty exam. Start by reviewing the official exam objectives, then work through each domain systematically. Regular practice with exam-style questions is essential for building confidence and identifying weak areas. Combine reading with hands-on practice to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
HydraNode publishes free exam dumps with answers and explanations for more than 80 certification exams. Every question is written to the published objectives, so what you practise matches the format and difficulty of the actual AZ-120 exam.