Cracking Azure Certification

I recently completed Azure certification and I started getting asked about what materials I used, what was the process and other similar questions. So, I thought it will be best to pen it down and here it goes...

What materials did I use?

1. Microsoft Learning Path - This covers everything you need to know about the certification and more. What I liked was built-in hands-on environment and memory test at the end of each section. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/azure-fundamentals/
2. Udemy course - There are videos on each section and tutor walks you through the subject. It is $10 course on Udemy. https://www.udemy.com/course/az-900-azure-exam-prep-understanding-cloud-concepts/

What I did not find as effective?

I attended a Microsoft classroom training. It is very fast paced and covered the same topics as in material above. I found it repetitive and would not recommend to pay for it.

How much time did it take?

So, first of all, let me give you some background to answer this question. I have a 9 month old and also a full-time job so spending dedicated time to prepare for a certification is not a luxury I have. But everything is possible with a bit of SMART WORK and TIME MANAGEMENT So, here is what my process was:

1. Azure is nothing but someone else's data center. YES, it is that simple.
2. Keep #1 in mind and review the material I have listed. You will observe it is nothing out of blue. 
3. If you keep correlating the new terminology to the old one which you already are aware of, it is easy to remember.
4. Last but not the least, I cannot stress enough to spare some time (even if it is over your lunch break) to practice the hands on exercises. It will help you intuitively remember the new terminology and architecture.

Yes, it is 4 steps and that simple!

Feel free to DM me if you have any further questions.

Happy Learning!