New AZ-802 Exam Replaces AZ-800 and AZ-801 (Retire on September 30, 2026)

Microsoft continues to modernize its certification program to align with today's hybrid IT environments. One of the most significant updates for Windows Server professionals is the retirement of the Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate certification and its required AZ-800 and AZ-801 exams.

Starting now, Microsoft has introduced the AZ-802 exam as the new path to earn the Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Administrator Associate certification. If you're planning a Windows Server certification, it's important to understand this transition and prepare accordingly.

AZ-800 and AZ-801 Will Retire on September 30, 2026

The current certification path requires candidates to pass both AZ-800 (Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure) and AZ-801 (Configuring Windows Server Hybrid Advanced Services).

However, Microsoft has announced that:

●AZ-800 will retire on September 30, 2026

●AZ-801 will retire on September 30, 2026

●AZ-802 becomes the new certification exam for Windows Server administrators

Candidates who have not yet started the AZ-800/AZ-801 certification track should consider preparing directly for the new AZ-802 exam.

What's New?

The new certification has also received an updated name:

The new certification better reflects the responsibilities of today's Windows Server administrators, who manage workloads across traditional on-premises datacenters, Azure, and hybrid cloud infrastructures.

What Does the AZ-802 Certification Validate?

The Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Administrator Associate certification validates your ability to:

●Deploy Windows Server infrastructure

●Implement and manage Windows Server workloads

●Administer hybrid environments

●Configure identity and access management

●Secure Windows Server environments

●Manage networking and storage

●Monitor and troubleshoot Windows Server systemsWork with virtualization technologies in hybrid infrastructures

The certification is designed for IT professionals responsible for maintaining secure, reliable, and highly available Windows Server environments.

AZ-802 Exam Skills Measured

Microsoft's AZ-802 exam focuses on the practical skills required by modern Windows Server administrators.

Deploy and Manage Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

Candidates should understand how to:

●Deploy AD DS

●Configure domain controllers

●Manage users, groups, and organizational units

●Implement Group Policy

●Manage Active Directory infrastructure

Manage Windows Servers and Hybrid Workloads

This domain covers administration of Windows Server across both on-premises and cloud environments, including:

●Hybrid management

●Windows Admin Center

●Azure integration

●Server lifecycle management

●Remote administration

Manage Virtual Machines

Candidates should be familiar with:

● Hyper-V

● Virtual machine deployment

● VM management

● High availability

● Virtual infrastructure administration

Implement and Manage Hybrid Networking

Networking skills include:

● TCP/IP configuration

● DNS

● DHCP

● VPN

● Hybrid connectivity

● Network security

● Remote access solutions

Manage Storage and File Services

Storage topics include:

● Storage Spaces

● File servers

● SMB

● DFS

● Storage replication

● Backup strategies

● Capacity management

Secure Windows Server Infrastructure

Security remains a major focus of the exam, including:

● Identity protection

● Windows Server security features

● Access control

● Microsoft Defender integration

● Certificate services

● Security hardening

● Compliance

Monitor and Troubleshoot Windows Server Environments

Candidates should know how to:

● Monitor server health

● Analyze performance

● Troubleshoot networking

● Diagnose Active Directory issues

● Resolve storage problems

● Use monitoring and logging tools effectively

Who Should Take the AZ-802 Exam?

The AZ-802 exam is ideal for:

● Windows Server administrators

● System administrators

● Infrastructure engineers

● Hybrid cloud administrators

● IT operations professionals

● Windows Server consultants

● Microsoft technology specialists

If your daily responsibilities involve deploying, maintaining, securing, or troubleshooting Windows Server environments, AZ-802 is the certification designed for your role.

How to Prepare for the AZ-802 Exam?

A structured study plan can significantly improve your chances of passing the exam.

Review the official exam objectives

Begin by understanding every skill area listed in the AZ-802 exam blueprint. Make sure you're comfortable with both traditional Windows Server administration and hybrid management concepts.

Gain hands-on experience

Build a lab environment using Windows Server and Azure. Practice configuring Active Directory, Hyper-V, storage, networking, security policies, and monitoring tools. Practical experience is invaluable for this exam.

Strengthen your hybrid administration skills

Since the exam emphasizes hybrid environments, spend time learning Windows Admin Center, Azure integration, hybrid identity, and cloud-based management features.

Practice with realistic exam questions

Taking high-quality practice exams helps reinforce your knowledge, identify weak areas, and become familiar with Microsoft's exam style. Regular practice also improves confidence and time management before the actual test.

The introduction of AZ-802 marks Microsoft's next step in simplifying and modernizing Windows Server certification. Instead of earning the certification by passing two separate exams, candidates can now pursue the Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Administrator Associate credential through a single updated exam focused on the skills required in today's hybrid IT environments.

With AZ-800 and AZ-801 retiring on September 30, 2026, now is an excellent time to begin preparing for AZ-802. By mastering Active Directory, Windows Server administration, virtualization, networking, storage, security, monitoring, and hybrid management, you'll be well positioned to earn Microsoft's latest Windows Server certification and advance your career as a modern Windows Server administrator.