Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Exam Preparation

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Exam Preparation

Welcome to the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals course, an intensive programme designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills required to pass the Microsoft AZ-900 certification exam. In today’s digital transformation era, cloud computing has become a critical component of modern IT strategies, and Microsoft Azure stands as one of the leading platforms powering this revolution.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to cloud computing concepts and Microsoft Azure’s core capabilities. Over three focused days, you’ll gain an understanding of everything from basic cloud principles to specific Azure services and governance features. The curriculum is structured to build your knowledge progressively, ensuring you develop a solid foundation in Azure fundamentals regardless of your starting point.

Through a carefully balanced combination of lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on labs, you’ll learn how to navigate the Azure portal, deploy resources, implement basic security measures, and understand cloud economics. This practical approach ensures you not only comprehend theoretical concepts but can also apply them in real-world scenarios.

By completing this course, you’ll be well-prepared to take the AZ-900 certification exam and demonstrate your understanding of cloud fundamentals, positioning yourself for success in an increasingly cloud-centric IT landscape.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand and explain core cloud computing concepts, models, and service types
• Identify and describe the key services available in the Microsoft Azure platform
• Create and manage basic Azure resources using the portal, CLI, and PowerShell
• Implement fundamental Azure networking and storage solutions
• Apply Azure identity, access, and security controls effectively
• Monitor Azure resources and implement governance strategies
• Understand Azure cost management principles and optimization techniques
• Navigate Azure management tools and subscription features with confidence
• Prepare thoroughly for the Microsoft AZ-900 certification exam

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Cloud Computing

• Defining cloud computing and its evolution in modern IT infrastructure
• Understanding the business value and economic benefits of cloud adoption
• Exploring cloud service models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Comparing cloud deployment models: public, private, hybrid, and multi-cloud approaches
• Identifying key characteristics of cloud computing (on-demand, elasticity, measured service)
• Understanding shared responsibility models in cloud environments

Module 2: Core Azure Services and Architecture

• Navigating the Azure portal interface and understanding its components
• Exploring the global infrastructure of Azure (regions, availability zones, data centers)
• Working with Azure compute services (Virtual Machines, VM Scale Sets, App Services, Container Instances)
• Understanding Azure serverless computing options (Azure Functions, Logic Apps)
• Exploring specialized compute services (Azure Batch, Azure Kubernetes Service)
• Implementing resource provisioning using Azure Resource Manager templates

Module 3: Azure Networking

• Understanding virtual networks, subnets, and address spaces in Azure
• Implementing network security with Network Security Groups and Application Security Groups
• Configuring Azure DNS for domain name resolution
• Exploring connectivity options: VPN Gateway, ExpressRoute, and peering
• Implementing Azure Load Balancer and Application Gateway for traffic distribution
• Understanding Azure Content Delivery Network for global content distribution
• Configuring basic network monitoring and troubleshooting

Module 4: Azure Storage and Databases

• Understanding Azure storage account types and their use cases
• Working with Azure Blob storage for unstructured data
• Implementing Azure Files for shared file systems in the cloud
• Exploring Azure Queue and Table storage for application needs
• Understanding Azure database services (SQL Database, Cosmos DB, MySQL, PostgreSQL)
• Implementing basic backup and disaster recovery options
• Managing data security and access control for storage services

Module 5: Azure Identity and Access Management

• Understanding Azure Active Directory and its role in identity management
• Implementing authentication and authorization mechanisms
• Configuring Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) for fine-grained permissions
• Setting up Multi-Factor Authentication for enhanced security
• Exploring Conditional Access policies and identity protection features
• Understanding the differences between Azure AD and on-premises Active Directory
• Managing application and service principals in Azure AD

Module 6: Azure Governance and Compliance

• Implementing Azure subscriptions, management groups, and resource groups
• Understanding Azure Policy for enforcing organizational standards
• Working with Azure Blueprints for consistent environment deployment
• Leveraging Azure Resource Locks to prevent accidental changes
• Exploring compliance features and regulatory standards support in Azure
• Implementing tags for logical organization of resources
• Understanding Azure resource lifecycle management

Module 7: Azure Management and Monitoring

• Exploring Azure monitoring solutions (Azure Monitor, Application Insights)
• Understanding Azure Service Health for tracking service issues
• Implementing Azure Advisor recommendations for best practices
• Working with Azure Security Center for security posture management
• Configuring alerts and notifications for critical metrics
• Understanding Azure dashboards and workbooks for visualization
• Implementing basic automation using Azure Automation and Logic Apps

Module 8: Azure Pricing and Support

• Understanding Azure subscription options and purchasing models
• Exploring Azure pricing calculator and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculator
• Implementing cost management and billing alerts
• Identifying factors that affect costs and implementing optimization strategies
• Understanding Azure Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and their implications
• Exploring Azure support plans and technical documentation resources
• Understanding Azure service lifecycle and preview features

Module 9: Hands-On Labs and Exam Preparation

• Practical exercises for creating and managing Azure resources
• Implementing basic Azure networking, compute, and storage solutions
• Configuring identity and access management scenarios
• Understanding exam format, question types, and scoring methodology
• Practicing with sample questions and scenario-based assessments
• Developing a personalized exam preparation strategy
• Final review and clarification of key concepts

Conclusion

The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals course provides a solid foundation for understanding and working with Microsoft’s cloud platform. Through a blend of conceptual learning and practical experience, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge required to pass the AZ-900 certification exam and begin your journey with Azure.

This course serves as an excellent starting point for those new to cloud computing as well as professionals looking to validate their fundamental understanding of Azure. Upon completion, you’ll be well-positioned to explore more specialized Azure role-based certifications and continue your professional development in cloud technologies.

Intended Audience

This course is ideal for IT professionals, administrators, developers, business stakeholders, and anyone interested in gaining foundational knowledge of Microsoft Azure cloud services. It's perfect for those new to cloud computing who want to validate their understanding with an industry-recognized certification, as well as technical professionals looking to establish a baseline understanding before specializing in specific Azure roles.

Prerequisites

Those attending this course should meet the following:

• Basic IT literacy and familiarity with computing concepts
• General understanding of internet and networking concepts
• A Microsoft account for accessing Azure services
• No prior Azure or cloud computing experience required