Study Guide of Microsoft AZ-900 Exam

18.1. Exam Objectives Cross-Reference

In preparing for the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) exam, one of the most critical steps you can take is to thoroughly understand and cross-reference the exam objectives with your study materials and knowledge. The Exam Objectives Cross-Reference is a structured approach to ensure that you’ve covered every topic that Microsoft has outlined for the exam. This section will delve into the purpose of the cross-reference, how to use it effectively, and provide detailed insight into aligning your preparation with the exam objectives.

Purpose of the Exam Objectives Cross-Reference

The core purpose of cross-referencing exam objectives is to map out a personalized study plan that ensures comprehensive coverage of all exam topics. It is a strategy to:

1. Identify Gaps: Understand where your knowledge is strong and where it needs improvement.
2. Organize Study: Create a structured approach to learning that prevents important topics from being overlooked.
3. Track Progress: Use the objectives as a checklist to mark off areas as you become comfortable with them.
4. Align Resources: Ensure that the study materials you are using adequately cover the exam objectives.

Understanding the Exam Objectives

Microsoft provides a detailed list of exam objectives for the AZ-900. These objectives are grouped into several domains, reflecting the critical areas of knowledge required for the certification. As of the latest update, these domains typically include:

1. Describe Cloud Concepts (20-25%)
2. Describe Core Azure Services (15-20%)
3. Describe Core Solutions and Management Tools on Azure (10-15%)
4. Describe General Security and Network Security Features (10-15%)
5. Describe Identity, Governance, Privacy, and Compliance Features (20-25%)
6. Describe Azure Cost Management and Service Level Agreements (10-15%)

Each of these domains is further broken down into subcategories with specific objectives that detail what you’ll need to know.

Creating the Cross-Reference

To create an effective cross-reference, you will need the latest version of the exam objectives and a system to organize them. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Download the Latest Exam Objectives: Start by downloading the latest exam skills outline from the official Microsoft certification page for the AZ-900 exam.
2. Create a Tracking Sheet: Using a spreadsheet or a tracking app, list all the domains and their objectives. Alternatively, you could create a physical checklist or flashcards.
3. Map Study Materials: Next to each objective, list the study materials that cover that topic. This could include specific video lectures, book chapters, Microsoft Learn modules, or hands-on labs.
4. Self-Assessment: Mark each objective with a confidence level (e.g., High, Medium, Low) to identify areas that need more focus.
5. Study Plan: Based on the confidence levels, create a study plan that allocates time to each domain, with more time devoted to weaker areas.
6. Practice Tests: After studying, take practice tests and cross-reference your wrong answers to the exam objectives to find patterns in areas that need reinforcement.

7. Iterate: As you progress in your studies, continuously update the cross-reference to reflect your current understanding and confidence levels.