Microsoft AZ900 Azure Fundamentals
Arpan Uprety & Spencer Gray
2/24/24 – 3/27/24
Introduction:
Microsoft AZ900 Azure Fundamentals is a course on Cloud services/cloud computing for microsoft and other similar services, specifically focusing on how they are designed to be used. They offer virtual networks, virtual machines, and virtual containers (similar to virtual machines on a small scale). This is a beginner level exam that anyone can prepare for and get certified in. The Course provides foundational knowledge on cloud concepts, core Azure services, Azure management, and governance features.
What is a Cloud?
Software that emulates hardware. Redirecting storage to another location so you don’t need to have the hardware. It’s essentially payment in exchange for storage. Clouds allow for off-premise data centers which are cheaper to maintain. Cybersecurity is vital in this environment because you are technically storing data on another device.
This project started with Mr. Klins suggesting I pursue the certification as it would be useful on a resume, specifically when pursuing careers in IT, Development Operations, and any fields relating to clouds. These careers generally pay well, with salaries ranging from $50,000 – $100,000 (including entry level positions). Mr. Klins referred me a resource to start taking courses on the topic at Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals – Certifications | Microsoft Learn. It took approximately 17.5 hours to finish all the courses. Maintaining focus is crucial, as you can’t just blindly watch the videos and expect to pick anything up. You have to invest yourself in learning it. Taking the pre-tests was helpful. If you get questions wrong, they tell you the right answer and refer you to the point in the course where it was covered.
Preparing for the exam:
My first impression of the course was the number of modules. At first, the amount of content was overwhelming. The course is 11 modules long and takes around a day to complete. The modules plus reviewing for the test took around a month. If I had pushed myself to double the amount of time I studied to 4 hours instead of 2, I could’ve finished it in a couple weeks. I prefer to keep this during school hours though. Just the modules took me a little more than a week to complete. The remaining time was used to study. The modules themselves are pretty easy. They give you knowledge checks post module. I rate it a 3/10 for difficulty. The content of the modules covered cloud services, types of services Azure offers, and basics on cloud computing. Azure is an extension of Microsoft so it was essentially a type of advertising or marketing to explain what they offer and what their benefits are.
Personally, this course appealed to me because there are no prerequisites for the Course or Exam. It is for anyone that wants to learn more about Microsoft Azure. The certificate is also useful on job applications. Microsoft is a respectable company which means their knowledge is trustworthy. Having a certificate attached to Microsoft is more valuable than one you would get on W3Schools for example. When you apply for a job, hiring managers will consider not just your work experience but also your list of certifications. Additionally, having a role-based Azure certificate in your profile demonstrates your skill as a professional, making you more likely to be hired. You will gain meaningful knowledge, essential skills, and become part of the Microsoft community. I want to go into computer science so this certificate could give me a leg up in landing a job.
Test Day:
My Experience while taking the test was uneasy at first. I did the online exam at ECTS, so they accommodated me with a space to test in. You need to send them pictures of your testing environment from different angles. You can either take the exam online or at a test center. The exam consists of around 40 and 60 questions and is 60 minutes (1 hour) long. Questions are in Multiple choice and Multi-Response format. The passing score for the exam is 700( 70%).
The test center environment is quiet, so you can focus. You’ll be monitored via video surveillance to maintain exam integrity. Personal belongings like phones and smartwatches are stored outside the testing room. Additionally, they don’t want your hands covering your mouth and talking at the same time. All this is so they know you are not cheating in any way. There are also no breaks, so using the bathroom beforehand is recommended. You will also receive exam results after completing the test, and passing earns you the certification. Taking the exam online is similar to the test center, but if you want to learn more about it click on this link. The test is harder than the official practice assessment. I suggest at least reviewing some practice tests on Azure900practicetest. They are more like what you’ll see on the actual test.
Reflection:
I did not enjoy the process of preparing for the exam, however, I enjoyed seeing my growth throughout the practice tests. I would do this again because I know I can pass, and it will be worth it in the long run. I recommend others to pursue this certification, especially those taking computer programming at Erie County Technical School. It’s one of the few certificates you can complete in this class that has significant value. Additionally, the school was willing to pay for the fee to take the test so I would take advantage of that while you can.
Links and resources:
To learn more about getting certified in Azure Fundamentals: Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals – Certifications | Microsoft Learn
If you’ve determined this topic is up your alley, there are a couple resources to help you prepare for the Azure 900 exam. The resources I found helpful are the Official Practice Assessment from Learn. Microsoft itself, and Azure900practicetest.
Those not taking the test in person or through Erie County Technical School, see the instructions for online testing: How to take Microsoft Azure Exam online? – Blog Testprep Training
