18.4. Additional Study Materials and Books
When preparing for the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) exam or any other certification, one of the key components to success is the quality and diversity of the study materials you utilize. With Azure’s rapid development and feature release cycle, it’s essential to have up-to-date and comprehensive resources at your disposal. These materials range from Microsoft’s own documentation to third-party books, online courses, practice tests, and community forums. In this exploration of study materials and books for Azure certification, we will delve into various options, highlighting how they can aid in your preparation and bolster your cloud computing expertise.
Microsoft’s Official Documentation and Learning Paths
The primary source of information for any Azure certification should be Microsoft’s own resources. Microsoft offers extensive documentation and learning paths that are tailored to the exam objectives. They are also continuously updated to reflect the latest Azure features and services.
Microsoft Learn: This platform provides self-paced online learning paths, including interactive exercises, knowledge checks, and sandbox environments where you can practice without needing an Azure subscription. For the AZ-900 exam, the “Azure Fundamentals” learning path is an excellent starting point.
Microsoft Documentation: Here, you will find detailed articles on every Azure service, including quickstarts, tutorials, and best practices. The documentation can be very technical, but it’s invaluable for gaining a deeper understanding of how Azure services work.
Azure Updates: Keeping track of updates and new services on Azure is essential since the platform evolves rapidly. These updates can affect the scope of the exam over time.
Books and Published Guides
Although online resources are invaluable, there’s still a significant role for traditional study guides and books. They offer structured learning and are often written by experts with a deep understanding of the exam’s content and structure.
Exam Ref AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals: This official Microsoft publication is authored by seasoned professionals and provides an in-depth guide aligned with the objectives of the exam. It often includes tips, case studies, and practice questions that mimic those you might encounter on the actual test.
Azure for Architects: While this book might be more advanced than what is required for the AZ-900 exam, it’s a great resource for understanding the bigger picture of architecting solutions on Azure.
Azure Websites: Books focusing on specific services, like Azure websites or databases, can provide a more focused and detailed understanding of particular areas that might be covered in the exam.
Online Courses and Video Tutorials
For many learners, visual and auditory materials are more impactful. Online courses and video tutorials provide a dynamic way to learn Azure fundamentals and often include demonstrations of Azure services in action.
Pluralsight: Offers a variety of Azure-related courses, including paths specifically designed for passing the AZ-900 exam. Their courses are often taught by industry experts.
YouTube: There are many free video tutorials available on YouTube. Channels like Microsoft Azure, Azure Academy, and others provide a wealth of information, though the quality and depth can vary greatly.
