Recently, I was being part of rather newly introduced Microsoft Blended Learning experience as part of the Microsoft Enterprise Skills Initiative. I had enrolled for Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification course - I was already certified with re-certification around the corner.
It was a great experience to be part of this blended learning experience where Microsoft Certified Trainers and Technical Evangelists sort of blend-in with the participants around the world. We engaged into whiteboard discussions and also shared plethora of materials, methods etc. for your success and development. This was for around a month or so and loved it. Learnt a lot not only from the trainers, but my fellow Azure enthusiasts. Highly recommend to check for enrollment and do get this experience.
Lately, quite a folks reached out to me asking about how did I earn the certification and what strategy and methodology I adopted from get go. While the learning style is highly subjective for individuals, I still wanted to share all about my experience, my approach towards this and key learnings. Even if this helps at-least one of you, it'll be very well worth it.
First and foremost, you'd need to accept the fact that you will never ever be "fully prepared" on all the topics (claim for majority of the population, not for aliens or super-humans). Azure or Cloud Computing, in general, is HUGE and there are plethora of services. You won't be able to get into nitty-gritty of every resource (and moreover remember them), so it's important that you study SMART.
The most crucial element is to choose the preparation material. There are tons of resources. Finding just the right balance of understanding on the topic in consideration of time is very important and daunting at times. How deep is very deep (in terms of exam scope) and how to know it's good-enough understanding? You won't and that's alright. You'll get a handle on this once you immerse yourself in the preparation.
There's no easier way to learn and retain than actually doing things hands-on the most you can even if it seems straight-forward as you read the concepts. Trust me, you'll explore many hidden learnings as you do things and will get you the required confidence in the long run. Get your personal subscription for Azure ready to try with!
"If you fail to plan, you plan to fail" - I know, sounds cliché but very true. Do plan the dates and topic as per the scope of the course. Get a rough estimate (including buffer and the most comfortable you feel without any pressure) by when you'll be ready for the exam and go ahead and book the exam date immediately! This pschologically puts a goal in your mind every day and puts you right back on the track in case you seem to be drifted away (and you will) on occassions.
Microsoft Learn is a fantastically articulated and provide you with a very well curated content. You usually find the collection of all modules on the exam page itself. Highly recommend to complete all of those modules first. However, that's not enough.
Next in line for me is Pluralsight. It has been the de-facto learning and upskilling platform for me all along. They also have a well-curated path of certifications.
As you go through the concepts from above, just think on the possible practical usage of those and devise a use-case for it in the mind (if not already given) or explore more. Once you know the "why" part of any concept, you'll retain the learnings more longer. Rote learning wouldn't take you anywhere.
In case you stumble on any Microsoft doc links for a concept understanding as an alternative resource - go for it. However, at the same time, do ensure the scope and depth you actually need to understand it and limit yourself to it. The docs have links to understand a level deeper and then again and again. While you will understand the depth, which is good, from exam perspective - you'll lose precious time to cover the breadth of other topics as well. Make sure you strike the balance right (something I realized in hindsight after losing hours and hours of study in one particular area).
There will also be topics under the same umbrella of services in Azure which could become very confusing due to subtle differences looking at high level. For example, different type of load balancers in Azure. For such, one thing that worked for me is you yourself create your own "difference tables" with only the key parameters on which they differentiates on - with precise use cases.
Process of elimination. As I mentioned above, you'll never be "fully" prepared and equipped with all the knowledge of all services out there. However, while choosing the right options from MCQ's - master the process of elimination technique. You will not know the answer, but you can pick up the right one with just some common-sense applied and discard the other ones. As you do practice tests, you'll realize more importance of this.
If you feel confident and has prepared enough, most important next in line is investment in good practice tests suite. DO NOT SKIP THIS. MeasureUp seems the most preferred one but I found it expensive. I personally went with couple of Udemy practice test courses, Whizlabs, Pluralsight, limited questions free practice tests with MeasureUp. Attempt them and you'll fail (well, I did in most). Don't be discouraged, don't distract yourself with the result. It's perfectly fine and you can expect this. With so many questions they have in the bank, they can go deep and have very high pass percentages. Remember that you'll never be fully equipped with all the knowledge. What you do with the failed result? You learn. Go back and look at the right answer and understand why others were wrong and this one was right - FOR EVERY QUESTION even if you chose them right in first place. Refer your notes on this concept to revise only that portion w.r.t question. Re-attempt the same test suite at-least twice, even if you pass the first time. This will solidify your grasp and build confidence making you ready for the final one.
Microsoft allows you to postpone the exam date you set without penalty before 24-48 hours (do check on the cancellation policy thoroughly when you receive the email when you booked it). If you need more time, don't hesitate, pressurize yourself and think too much to cancel and postpone. Just make sure you complete and learn from your practice tests (not just pass; learn).
Once this is done, again book the date and appear with full confidence. Personally, I'd suggest to take a slot on a restful weekend, early afternoon (not to soon to disturb your sleep routine, not long enough for you to remain anxious).
... and with that Congratulations!! You will pass this surely with the amount of efforts and smart work you have put-in. Be proud.
In case you didn't - THAT'S FINE ! Don't beat yourself too much about it. Remember, even if you fail, it doesn't get mentioned anywhere in your transcript. With so much flexibility, what's more to ask for, right?!
If you fail, ensure you take your second attempt in a couple of weeks time, don't delay it. You already are in "that zone" with your preparations - rebuilding that from scratch later, is very hard and time consuming. Just reflect and retrospect, re-try the practice tests and get more clarity on areas where you weren't confident or confused with the options in the earlier attempt. You should do just fine in the next one - rest assured !!
Yeah, I think that's about it. If this helps/helped, please do share in comments. Also, for any kind of feedback/suggestions/comments do sound off your thoughts in the comments section.
All the very best..!
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