Mastering Azure AZ-104: My Study Plan for Success (Want a Copy?)

One of my biggest hopes as a parent is to transmit my love of learning to my children. I am 100% convinced that my 'lifelong learner' attitude is what has driven much of my success in life. I am ALWAYS learning about something.

Right now, I am prepping to take my Azure Associate Certification to solidify my cloud expertise and prepare for Azure Expert-level certifications. Yes, much of this content I know already. And yet I am studying for this certification as though I was starting from scratch.

I have a method... My secret sauce to learning quickly and effectively, and to pass certifications on the first try. Today I'd like to share it with you!

Why I’m Pursuing This Certification

In today’s rapidly evolving cloud landscape, proficiency in Azure is critical, especially in health tech, where secure, scalable, and AI-driven solutions are revolutionizing patient care. With my background in AI, automation, and cloud solutions, earning this certification is a strategic move to demonstrate my technical depth while positioning myself for leadership in AI-powered cloud transformation. Plus, let's be honest—it's also an excuse to spend even more time in the glorious land of Microsoft Learn.

If you work with me you already know that I KNOW how to set up beautiful cloud ecosystems but that doesn't negate the value of a certification. A certification is an outward demonstration of your commitment to learning, staying up to date, and assurance of your knowledge for those who have never had the opportunity of working with you before.

My Study Plan

As they say, there is a method to my madness. I can, and have, studied and passed multiple certifications in the span of seven days. That being said, I wouldn't call that ideal nor is it a sustainable goal. The following is my typical slow-paced, work-study-family life balanced study guide for a certification. It includes a mix of hands-on labs, official Microsoft resources, and real-world scenario practice. (Also, plenty of coffee. Because let’s face it, cloud mastery requires caffeine-powered brain cells.) Here’s the breakdown:

Week 1-2: Foundation & Core Concepts

• Study 50% of Microsoft Learn Paths at a slow focused pace. Take the time to stop and research elements you feel less clear on. For example, I frequently turn to Chat GPT, share a section I just read, state what I understood and prompt it to assess my understanding and give me a deeper understanding assisted with analogies.
• Complete Microsoft Docs reading recommended in each module of the Microsoft learn pathway, if just to ensure there are no changes that may affect the way in which tools function
• Hands-on labs in Azure Sandbox via Microsoft Learn. MOST modules at the associate and expert level include one or two hands on labs. DO not skip these. Even though you may have done something a hundred times before, its a good idea to have your mind walk through it one additional time prior to the exam. Sometimes in certification exams, questions will be related to the platforms themselves but not include imagery, which means you need to be able to conjure up the portal in your mind.

Week 3-4: Hands-on Implementation & Case Studies

• Study the last 50% of Microsoft Learn Paths at a slow focused pace.
• Complete associated Microsoft Docs reading.
• Hands-on labs in Azure Sandbox via Microsoft Learn.
• Complete one practice exam, closed book to assess your learning.
• Save all recommended modules to review in a collection,

Week 5-6: Exam Readiness & Practical Application

• Review ALL of the recommended review modules paying particular attention to areas you struggled with during the practice exam.
• Use chat GPT to quiz you again with 50 questions, difficulty 7/10. Then ask it to review the sections you struggled with you.
• Watch a review prep for said exam on YouTube.
• Take the Microsoft full-length practice exam again (aka stress tests for my brain)
• Review incorrect answers, reinforcing weak areas (aka humbling moments of learning) via yet another assortment of recommended modules.
• Apply learnings by building a mock cloud environment for a healthcare startup (because practice makes perfect.

How Do You Know You’re Ready to Take the Exam?

• You consistently score 80%+ on practice exams.
• You can explain concepts clearly without checking notes.
• You feel comfortable navigating the Azure portal and setting up services.
• You’ve completed hands-on labs and feel confident in applying your skills.
• You’ve reviewed Microsoft Docs and can apply best practices.
• The pool of questions for Microsoft practice exams is very small. You cannot rely on your score on this exam as a sign that you are ready to write the true exam, if you have taken it more than twice. The purchase of additional practice exams may be warranted in a case such as this.

More Than Just Passing—A Growth Mindset

Even though I’m already familiar with a lot of the content, I see this study plan as more than just a means to pass the exam. I encourage anyone studying to take a deep dive and truly maximize the opportunity:

• Explore real-world use cases that come to mind and challenge your understanding.
• Refresh your memory on lesser-used concepts—because what’s not used often can easily be forgotten.
• Stay up to date with technological advancements and new Azure features.

It’s not just about getting the certification; it’s about using the journey to become a better practitioner, a sharper problem-solver, and a more well-rounded cloud professional. So, if you’re studying, don’t just memorize -> apply, explore, and question. Your future self (and your career) will thank you.

Do’s & Don’ts for Studying and Exam Prep

? Do: Create a study schedule and stick to it. Consistency is key.

? Do: Engage in hands-on practice. Theory is great, but real-world application is even better.

? Do: Use multiple resources: Microsoft Learn, practice exams, and hands-on labs all complement each other.

? Do: Challenge yourself with use-case scenarios. Thinking like a cloud architect is just as important as knowing the theory.

? Do: Take breaks! Your brain needs rest to absorb complex concepts.

? Don’t: Rely solely on memorization: understanding is more valuable.

? Don’t: Skip practice exams. These help you identify weak areas before the actual test.

? Don’t: Cram at the last minute. Give yourself time to absorb and apply knowledge.

? Don’t: Ignore Azure updates—cloud technology evolves, and so should your knowledge!

Microsoft Learn—An Absolute Game-Changer

I have to take a moment to praise Microsoft Learn. Honestly, it’s like having an Azure encyclopedia at your fingertips. The hands-on labs, structured learning paths, and real-world examples make it an incredible resource for anyone aiming to level up their cloud expertise. If you haven’t already, dive in: it’s free, well-organized, and packed with gold nuggets of knowledge.

Want a Copy of My Study Plan?

If you’re studying for a Microsoft Certification and you'd like a checklist to success, let me know! Drop a comment and Ill send you one. I'm here to help!

Also, feel free to share this post with anyone who might find it helpful!

?? Bonus: If you’re looking for more structured learning, check out my Azure Solutions Architect collection on Microsoft Learn. I’ve curated a selection of top resources to help bridge the gap between Associate and Expert-level certifications! Let me know if you’d like the link.

(If you read this far, you’re officially my kind of person. Bonus points if you also enjoy a good AI-powered dad joke.)

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