To successfully prepare for and pass the AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam, you need targeted learning strategies and specific test-taking techniques. Here’s a guide tailored to the exam content:

Study Methods for AZ-900

1. Understand the Exam Objectives (Content Breakdown)

Before diving in, focus on the core exam domains:

1. Describe Cloud Concepts (25-30%)
2. Describe Azure Architecture and Services (35-40%)
3. Describe Azure Management and Governance (30-35%)

Strategy:

• Break your study sessions into these three domains, ensuring balanced coverage.
• Use the exam skills outline (available on the official Microsoft website) to identify all subtopics and prioritize them.

2. Use Active Learning (Hands-On Practice)

Azure is practical—you need hands-on experience to complement theoretical study.

• Create a free Azure account to practice basic tasks like:
  • Deploying a Virtual Machine (VM).
  • Creating a Storage Account and uploading files.
  • Exploring services like Azure Cost Management and Azure Monitor.

Example Tasks:

• Deploy an Azure App Service to understand PaaS concepts.
• Simulate cost estimation using the Azure Pricing Calculator.
• Set up basic RBAC roles in Azure Active Directory (Azure AD).

Why it works: Hands-on practice helps solidify knowledge and build confidence.

3. Simplify Complex Concepts Using Analogy and Visual Tools

AZ-900 introduces foundational cloud concepts. Use analogies to simplify technical ideas:

• Cloud Deployment Models:

  • Public Cloud = Renting a shared apartment.
  • Private Cloud = Owning your house.
  • Hybrid Cloud = Combining both for flexibility.

• Service Models:

  • IaaS: Renting a furnished apartment—you manage the space.
  • PaaS: Renting with utilities included—you manage applications.
  • SaaS: Staying at a hotel—all services are managed for you.

Create Visual Aids:

• Use tools like mind maps or comparison tables to summarize services, models, and benefits.
• Example: A table comparing IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS with Azure service examples.

4. Reinforce Knowledge with Active Recall and Spaced Repetition

• Use Active Recall: Test yourself after studying a topic:

  • Write down what you remember from memory, then compare it to your notes.
  • Create flashcards (physical or digital) for terms like “Regions,” “Availability Zones,” “RBAC,” and “Azure Policy.”

• Use Spaced Repetition: Schedule reviews of material to fight forgetting:

  • Immediate Review: After each session.
  • Day 3: Revisit key concepts.
  • Day 7: Take a short quiz to reinforce memory.
  • Day 14: Comprehensive review before the mock exam.

5. Take Notes Using the Feynman Technique

Write notes in simple language as if teaching someone new to the topic.

• Choose a topic like Azure Networking.
• Explain it aloud or in writing:
  • “Azure Virtual Network connects resources in Azure securely, like a private intranet in the cloud.”

Why it works: Teaching concepts ensures deeper understanding.

6. Leverage Official and Reliable Learning Resources

• Microsoft Learn: Follow free interactive AZ-900 modules on Microsoft Learn.
• Microsoft Documentation: Read specific services’ docs for detailed explanations.
• Videos and Tutorials: Use platforms like YouTube or Udemy for explanations of tricky concepts.

Example Plan: Study Azure Storage:

1. Watch a video.
2. Read the official documentation.
3. Practice deploying Storage Accounts in Azure.
4. Write a summary in your own words.

Exam Techniques for AZ-900

1. Understand the Question Format

The AZ-900 exam includes:

• Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): Choose one or multiple answers.
• Scenario-Based Questions: Identify the best Azure solution for a specific case.
• Drag-and-Drop Questions: Match services, definitions, or models.

Tip: Practice answering different question types using Microsoft Learn quizzes or mock exams.

2. Focus on Keywords in Questions

Look out for words that determine the answer:

• Best: The most suitable solution for a scenario.
• Most Cost-Effective: Focus on savings (e.g., Spot VMs or Reserved Instances).
• Not or Except: Be careful with negative wording.

Example:

• Which Azure service provides the most cost-effective option for batch processing workloads?
  • Answer: Azure Spot VMs.

3. Eliminate Incorrect Answers

• Use process of elimination to remove options that don’t make sense.
• Even if unsure, eliminating 2 out of 4 answers increases the probability of guessing correctly.

Example:

• If the question involves identity management, eliminate irrelevant options like compute services (VMs).

4. Flag and Return to Difficult Questions

• If you’re unsure about a question, flag it and move forward.
• Complete the rest of the test first, then return to flagged questions.

Why it works: It reduces stress and ensures you don’t waste too much time on one question.

5. Manage Your Time Effectively

• The exam has 40-60 questions and lasts 60 minutes.
• Time Management Strategy:
  • Spend 1 minute per question.
  • Save 10 minutes at the end to review flagged questions.

6. Focus on Real-World Use Cases

Many questions are scenario-based. Understand the Azure services and when to use them:

• Azure Compute: Use VMs for infrastructure control; App Service for managed web apps.
• Azure Storage: Use Blob Storage for backups and unstructured data.
• Azure Networking: Use Virtual Networks for private connections and Load Balancer for distributing traffic.

Tip: Match services to scenarios during your study to prepare for similar exam questions.

7. Stay Calm and Confident During the Exam

• Take deep breaths if you feel anxious.
• Remind yourself: The AZ-900 exam is entry-level, designed to test fundamental knowledge.
• Trust your preparation and answer questions to the best of your ability.

Bonus Tip: Exam-Day Checklist

1. Review key concepts like Cloud Models, Azure Regions, Core Services, and Governance Tools.
2. Skim through your cheat sheet or flashcards for last-minute recall.
3. Ensure a quiet, distraction-free environment if taking the exam remotely.
4. Stay hydrated and well-rested—clear thinking helps!

Summary

Top Study Methods:

1. Hands-on Practice: Explore Azure services using a free account.
2. Active Recall and Spaced Repetition: Test yourself regularly to reinforce learning.
3. Visual Summaries: Use diagrams, charts, and mind maps to simplify concepts.
4. The Feynman Technique: Teach concepts in simple terms to deepen understanding.
5. Practice Tests: Take timed mock exams to build familiarity with question types.

Top Exam Techniques:

1. Focus on keywords and eliminate wrong answers.
2. Flag and return to difficult questions.
3. Manage time wisely: aim to complete the exam with 10 minutes to spare.
4. Match Azure services to real-world scenarios.
5. Stay calm, confident, and trust your preparation.

With these methods and strategies, you’ll be able to study effectively and ace the AZ-900 exam. Good luck—you’ve got this!