The Microsoft Azure cloud continues to grow, and with it, the demand for certified professionals. With a certification, you will not only validate your knowledge but also open doors to new roles and better salaries.
Here’s an Azure Study Guide to help you choose your certification path, create a realistic study plan, and stay on top of exam changes.
Choose the right certification path
Microsoft classifies its credentials into three levels:
- Fundamentals: ideal for those starting or transitioning from another technology. The most popular is Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), which covers basic cloud concepts, pricing, security, and governance.
- Associate: designed for those who already have some experience. Some examples are Azure Administrator (AZ-104), Azure Developer (AZ-204), or Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500).
- Expert: aimed at an audience with advanced proficiency and even a previous associate certification. The most notable are Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) and DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400).
Before deciding, review the role descriptions and requirements on Microsoft Learn to ensure you make the right choice.
Turn the “exam objectives” into your checklist
Each exam publishes a document called Skills Measured, which details the topics assessed and the percentage of questions they represent. To study effectively:
- Download the latest version from your exam’s official website.
- Read it point by point and translate it into a concrete task list.
- Check off each item as you master it, ensuring that no objective is left uncovered.
If you use external materials, verify that they are aligned with the date and version of the published objectives; Microsoft tends to update the curricula quite often.
Design a realistic study plan
The preparation time depends on your experience, but you can use these references as a guide:
- 7-day plan:Â practical if you already work with Azure and need to review. Spend 1-2 hours a day practicing with labs and sample questions.
- 14-day plan: ideal for those familiar with cloud computing but not Azure in detail. Divide the objectives into blocks and finish with practice exams.
- 30-day plan:Â recommended for beginners. Begin with the basics, proceed with resource management, and conclude with intensive practice.
Whatever your schedule, combine theory, labs on the Azure portal, and practice tests. The Azure Study Guide offers assessments aligned with the official content.
Stay up to date with exam changes
Microsoft constantly updates its certifications to reflect new features and services. Here are some recommendations to avoid studying outdated content:
- Periodically check the “Exam Details” section on the official website, where update dates are posted.
- Subscribe to the Microsoft Learn blog or the certification news channel.
- Check the change history available in the Skills measured tab. There, you will find which areas have been added or removed.
- If you use courses or simulators, confirm that they indicate the update date of their syllabus.
Adopting a review habit will allow you to adjust your checklist and avoid surprises on exam day.
Final tips for success
- Practice in a real environment: Create a free Azure account and experiment with its services.
- Combine resources: Microsoft Learn offers free learning paths, while third-party platforms add exercises and practical scenarios.
- Simulate the exam: AZ-900 Practice Tests can help you gauge your level and familiarize yourself with the question format.
- Manage stress: Get a good night’s sleep and review only the key points.
- Preparing for Azure certification doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Choose the path that best suits your goals, transform the official objectives into a personal study list, and organize your time according to your experience. With planning and practice, you’ll be ready to validate your skills, essential for a modern professional, and advance your career in the cloud.
