7 tips to help you pass the AZ-900 exam
If you’re preparing to take the AZ-900 certification, you’re on the right path toward building a solid foundation in cloud computing. The AZ-900 is an entry-level certification offered by Microsoft Azure, designed for individuals who want to gain a basic understanding of Azure services, cloud concepts, and pricing. Whether you’re new to cloud computing or looking to enhance your professional credentials, passing the AZ-900 exam is an excellent starting point. Here are seven tips to help you succeed.
1. Understand the AZ-900 Exam Structure
Before diving into the material, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the structure of the AZ-900 exam. The exam typically covers four major topics:
Cloud concepts (20–25%)
Core Azure services (15–20%)
Azure pricing and support (10–15%)
Security, privacy, compliance, and trust (25–30%)
Understanding the weightage of each topic will allow you to allocate your study time effectively. Focus on areas like security and core services, which carry a significant portion of the exam.
2. Leverage Microsoft Learn’s Free Resources
Microsoft offers free online training modules specifically for the AZ-900 certification through its platform, Microsoft Learn. These interactive learning paths cover every topic in the exam, from basic cloud concepts to Azure services. Each module is followed by knowledge checks, which allow you to assess your understanding as you progress. The best part? These resources are regularly updated to align with the latest exam objectives, making them a reliable study aid.
3. Use Practice Exams to Test Your Knowledge
Once you’re familiar with the exam content, practice exams are an excellent way to gauge your readiness. Websites like Whizlabs, Udemy, and ExamTopics offer practice tests specifically designed for the AZ-900 exam. These practice tests mimic the real exam format, helping you get used to the types of questions and time constraints you’ll face. Additionally, taking multiple tests can help identify any weak areas that need further review before the exam day.
4. Focus on Core Azure Services
A significant portion of the AZ-900 certification is dedicated to Azure services like virtual machines, networking, databases, and storage. It’s crucial to understand these services conceptually, even if you’re not expected to know how to configure them in-depth. For instance, you should know the purpose of Azure Virtual Machines, how Azure SQL Database works, and the role of Azure Active Directory. Microsoft Learn’s resources and Azure documentation can give you a clear understanding of each service’s functions.
5. Get Hands-On Experience with the Azure Portal
While the AZ-900 exam doesn’t require you to perform tasks in the Azure portal, getting hands-on experience can significantly improve your understanding. Microsoft offers free access to the Azure portal for trial users, allowing you to explore its interface and experiment with core services. By creating and managing resources like virtual machines, databases, and storage, you’ll gain practical insights that will deepen your theoretical knowledge. This experience can be particularly helpful when answering scenario-based questions on the exam.
6. Understand Azure Pricing and SLAs
Azure’s pricing models and service-level agreements (SLAs) are key components of the AZ-900 certification. You’ll need to understand how Azure pricing works, including cost management and budgeting, and how SLAs ensure service reliability. Study Azure’s pricing calculator, which helps in estimating costs for different services, and familiarize yourself with the SLAs that govern uptime and performance guarantees. Knowing how to optimize costs and select the right service level can make a significant difference in your exam performance.
7. Join Study Groups and Forums
Preparing for the AZ-900 can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to cloud computing. Joining a study group or an online forum can provide valuable support. Platforms like Reddit, Microsoft Tech Community, and LinkedIn offer dedicated groups where individuals preparing for the AZ-900 certification share resources, tips, and even study notes. Engaging in discussions, asking questions, and learning from others’ experiences can help reinforce your understanding of complex topics. Plus, these groups often post updates on new study materials or changes to the exam format, keeping you informed.
Passing the AZ-900 exam is an achievable goal with the right strategy and resources. By familiarizing yourself with the exam structure, leveraging free learning materials, taking practice tests, and gaining hands-on experience, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the exam confidently. Remember, the AZ-900 certification is a steppingstone into the world of Azure and cloud computing, so give yourself the time to absorb the material thoroughly. Good luck on your journey to becoming an Azure-certified professional!
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