How to Learn Azure For Free

Become a Cloud Engineer without breaking the bank

Dear friends,

Today, I want to share my insights on learning Azure effectively. Whether you're a seasoned DevOps pro or just starting your cloud journey, this roadmap will help you navigate the vast Azure ecosystem. Let's dive in!

Why Azure Is a Smart Choice for Learning

Azure stands out in the cloud learning space for one big reason: free, high-quality training materials. As someone who creates courses for a living, I can confidently say that Microsoft's free resources often outshine paid alternatives. Here's why Azure's learning ecosystem rocks:

1. Clear certification paths

2. Comprehensive free learning materials

3. Affordable certification exams

4. Structured learning goals

The Azure Certification Roadmap

For aspiring DevOps engineers or software developers transitioning to cloud, here's the certification path I recommend:

1. AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals

2. AZ-104: Azure Administrator Associate

3. AZ-400: DevOps Engineer Expert

4. AZ-700: Azure Network Engineer Associate

5. AZ-305: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

This sequence provides a solid foundation, starting with the basics and progressing to more advanced topics. Each certification builds on the previous one, giving you a well-rounded skill set.

How to Prepare for Azure Certifications

1. Microsoft Learn

Start with the official Microsoft Learn platform. It's free and comprehensive. For each certification:

• Visit the certification page

• Go through all Microsoft Learn modules

• Complete hands-on exercises

2. John Savill's YouTube Channel

An absolute goldmine of Azure knowledge! John, a Microsoft employee, offers:

• Detailed study playlists for each certification

• Weekly Azure updates

• 4-hour study cram videos before exams

I recommend watching John's videos alongside the Microsoft Learn content to reinforce your understanding.

3. Practice Exams

Microsoft now offers free practice assessments. Use these to gauge your readiness and identify weak areas.

Pro Tips for Azure Mastery

1. Create Your Own Azure Account: Don't just rely on learning environments. Set up your own Azure account (you get $150 free credit) and experiment. This hands-on experience is invaluable.

2. Set Up a Budget: Worried about costs? Use Azure's budget feature to set spending limits and alerts. I run my home lab for pennies a month!

3. Infrastructure as Code: Start using Azure Bicep or Terraform from day one. Create a GitHub repo to document your journey and showcase your skills.

4. Join a Community: Learning with others accelerates progress. In my DevOps community, members join study groups, share accountability threads, and get direct access to experienced professionals (including yours truly!).

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Relying Solely on Theory: Don't just read and watch. Get your hands dirty with real Azure resources.

2. Neglecting Networking Fundamentals: The AZ-700 exam might seem daunting, but solid networking knowledge is crucial for any cloud professional.

3. Underestimating Multiple Choice: Azure exams are tough! Often, all answers are correct, but you need to choose the best one. Practice critical thinking.

4. Trying to Memorize Everything: Good news! Exams are now open-book. Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing details.

My Personal Learning Journey

Looking back, there are two things I'd do differently if I were starting over:

1. Experiment More: I initially stuck too closely to guided labs. Now, I recommend creating your own projects and solving real problems in your Azure sandbox.

2. Leverage Community Earlier: I studied solo, but I've since learned the power of community learning. Discussing concepts, sharing struggles, and celebrating wins with peers is incredibly motivating.

Wrapping Up

Learning Azure is a journey, but with the right approach, it's an incredibly rewarding one. Remember, the cloud landscape is always evolving, so continuous learning is key. Start with the fundamentals, get hands-on experience, and leverage the amazing free resources available.

If you're looking for a supportive community to guide your cloud journey, consider joining our DevOps group. We've got live Q&A sessions, coaching calls, study groups, and a wealth of experience to share.

The price will increase to $49 a month or $500 a year on the 1st of October.

You have 4 more days to sign up for the discounted rate. When you join for $35 a month, you will always stay at $35 a month, no matter how much the price increases in the future.

There is a 7 day money-back guarantee. Sign up now.

Mischa

P.S. What's your biggest challenge in learning Azure? Drop a comment below – I'd love to hear from you and maybe address it in a future newsletter!