Created: 12-6-22

Updated: 12-6-22

Wow! – 2022 is nearly over and it’s been a fun ride. I passed the Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst (SC-200) at the end of Q1, and passed the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solution Architect Expert (AZ-305) shortly after renewing my Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate from AZ-103 to AZ-104 towards the end of Q2, renewed my Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert (MS-100/101) and Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty (AZ-140) at the beginning of Q3, and now towards the end of Q4 I’ve recently passed the Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate (SC-300).

I’m presently trying to see if I can close out 2022 with an upcoming examination for the Microsoft Certified: Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700) as the content was covered in my study of the AZ-305 and renewal to the AZ-104.

Plus my 1st certification track was the CCNA, so networking has always been my core. So glad I did the CCNA all those years ago, networking is still a cornerstone of so much.

These are all no small feats, but I’m devoted to learning, loving what I do, and having a passion for this trade.

In 2023, I’ve decided to try to complete my pursuit of the Azure IaaS certification track, as well as the Azure/M365 Security certification track. My goals for 2023 are:

1. Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate (SC-400)
2. Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate (MS-500)
3. Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)
4. Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate – Part 1 (AZ-800)
5. Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate – Part 2 (AZ-801)
6. Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100)

To me the AZ-800/801 is going to be so much as to me is just a refresher of the MCSA/MCSE of Server 2016 to the Server 2022 standard. I honestly can’t wait to do it! – hoping for some updates to Active Directory Certificate Services (PKI), Windows Server File Server features, and lastly more ways to provide Windows Server host hardening for even more Defense-in-Depth strategies. So exciting!!!!

After this is completed, I’d like to renew my CompTIA CASP+ (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner)  and then venture into the intermediate CISSP examination before pressing onward into the CISSP-ISSAP & CISSP-ISSEP. But honestly, this will probably not be until 2024. I may not even reach all of my 2023 goals, but I’m sure going to try.

I love that I moved my career into Azure and M365 after working with VMware for several years and wanting to expand my grasp and knowledge of Azure/M365, it’s truly an exciting time to be working in IT and I just wanted to share with you all what I plan to be doing in the coming year.

I’m hoping by the end of 2023 I will also have enough content updated on my blog to apply for the Microsoft MVP program. It’s truly a dream of mine to be known as an MVP! <3

Cheers and be well!

Lok’Tar Ogar!

-Trevor