Two Week Journey to Pass the AZ-900 Exam
Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2024 12:28 pm
If you're considering taking the Azure Fundamentals exam (AZ-900), my journey might be of help to you. Despite my primary expertise in AWS, I was able to clear the Azure 900 exam within just two weeks. Here's my strategy. (I've also put together a list of study resources I used, which includes websites offering free practice exams and a method to secure a 50% discount voucher.)
Utilizing My AWS Knowledge
Having an AWS Cloud Practitioner certification provided me with a significant advantage. The core principles of cloud computing are largely similar across platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. This familiarity with AWS enabled me to easily translate my knowledge to Azure's services and functionalities. For those with AWS experience, it's interesting to note the parallels, such as comparing AWS's EC2 with Azure’s Virtual Machines, or AWS's S3 with Azure’s Blob Storage, while paying attention to the subtle differences.
Organizing Study Sessions
Effective time management was crucial, particularly to pass the exam within a limited period. I allocated two focused hours on weekdays, avoiding any distractions. On weekends, I increased my study time to four hours daily. This disciplined approach helped maintain a steady pace of learning.
Immersing Myself in Azure
The initial week was focused on actively engaging with Azure. I concentrated on understanding the key services, their uses, and how they work together. Azure Compute, Azure Storage, and Azure Networking were foundational to my studies. With my background in AWS, I constantly drew comparisons to deepen my comprehension.
Evaluating My Understanding with Practice Questions
After gaining a solid grasp of Azure’s services, I dedicated the following week to evaluation. Taking mock exams and answering practice questions allowed me to pinpoint areas needing improvement and familiarize myself with the format of the actual exam. It's crucial not only to attempt these questions but also to understand why an answer is correct.
Study Resources and Preparation Strategy
Initially, it's crucial to acquaint yourself with the study guide and the competencies tested in the Azure 900 exam. Here are the essential cloud concepts to master before taking the exam. (Please consult the study guide for detailed information):
To prepare, I watched the 'Pass4Future — Azure for Everyone' YouTube series, which offers a complete exploration of Azure's cloud features and services. While watching, I made sure to note down key points and areas of interest.
Practice Exams
After finishing the video tutorials, I moved on to practicing with mock exams. Here are the free mock exam websites I used:
Completing the Microsoft Cloud Skill Challenge grants you a 30% discount coupon: Y2430OFF for any Microsoft exams. This challenge requires selecting a topic and completing it within 30 days using a selection of modules from Microsoft Learn.
Conclusion
Achieving success in the Azure 900 exam in just two weeks is a challenging yet achievable goal. With a systematic approach, leveraging previous knowledge from similar domains, and utilizing the appropriate resources, anyone can swiftly familiarize themselves with Azure and attain certification. If I managed to do it, you can too! Best of luck on your Azure certification journey.
Utilizing My AWS Knowledge
Having an AWS Cloud Practitioner certification provided me with a significant advantage. The core principles of cloud computing are largely similar across platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. This familiarity with AWS enabled me to easily translate my knowledge to Azure's services and functionalities. For those with AWS experience, it's interesting to note the parallels, such as comparing AWS's EC2 with Azure’s Virtual Machines, or AWS's S3 with Azure’s Blob Storage, while paying attention to the subtle differences.
Organizing Study Sessions
Effective time management was crucial, particularly to pass the exam within a limited period. I allocated two focused hours on weekdays, avoiding any distractions. On weekends, I increased my study time to four hours daily. This disciplined approach helped maintain a steady pace of learning.
Immersing Myself in Azure
The initial week was focused on actively engaging with Azure. I concentrated on understanding the key services, their uses, and how they work together. Azure Compute, Azure Storage, and Azure Networking were foundational to my studies. With my background in AWS, I constantly drew comparisons to deepen my comprehension.
Evaluating My Understanding with Practice Questions
After gaining a solid grasp of Azure’s services, I dedicated the following week to evaluation. Taking mock exams and answering practice questions allowed me to pinpoint areas needing improvement and familiarize myself with the format of the actual exam. It's crucial not only to attempt these questions but also to understand why an answer is correct.
Study Resources and Preparation Strategy
Initially, it's crucial to acquaint yourself with the study guide and the competencies tested in the Azure 900 exam. Here are the essential cloud concepts to master before taking the exam. (Please consult the study guide for detailed information):
- Understanding of cloud concepts (25–30%)
Knowledge of Azure architecture and services (35–40%)
Familiarity with Azure management and governance (30–35%)
To prepare, I watched the 'Pass4Future — Azure for Everyone' YouTube series, which offers a complete exploration of Azure's cloud features and services. While watching, I made sure to note down key points and areas of interest.
Practice Exams
After finishing the video tutorials, I moved on to practicing with mock exams. Here are the free mock exam websites I used:
- Practice Exams by Pass4future: https://www.pass4future.com/microsoft/exam/az-900
Free Practice Test
Free practice assessment by Microsoft: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/crede ... e=practice
Completing the Microsoft Cloud Skill Challenge grants you a 30% discount coupon: Y2430OFF for any Microsoft exams. This challenge requires selecting a topic and completing it within 30 days using a selection of modules from Microsoft Learn.
Conclusion
Achieving success in the Azure 900 exam in just two weeks is a challenging yet achievable goal. With a systematic approach, leveraging previous knowledge from similar domains, and utilizing the appropriate resources, anyone can swiftly familiarize themselves with Azure and attain certification. If I managed to do it, you can too! Best of luck on your Azure certification journey.