TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
Azure Training & Learning Paths
Audience: Cloud Engineers, Developers, and IT Professionals.
Purpose: Curated learning paths for building Azure skills and preparing for certifications.
Learning Path Overview
Step 1: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Choose one of these foundational training options:
Option A: A Cloud Guru
License Required
A Cloud Guru requires a license. Contact your manager for access.
| Course | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals | 12.7 hours | Entry point for Azure certification journey |
Option B: Microsoft Learn (Free)
Complete the six-part Azure Fundamentals series:
| Part | Topic | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Core Azure Concepts | 1.5 hours |
| Part 2 | Core Azure Services | 2 hrs 40 mins |
| Part 3 | Solutions & Management Tools | 2 hrs 20 mins |
| Part 4 | Security & Network Features | 1 hour |
| Part 5 | Identity & Governance | 45 mins |
| Part 6 | Cost Management & SLAs | 27 mins |
Option C: Global Knowledge (ESI Discount)
| Course | Format | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (2-day) | Online Virtual | ~$500/person |
Step 2: Additional Skills
GitHub
| Course | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| First Day on GitHub | 3 hours | Git fundamentals and GitHub workflow |
Terraform
| Course | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Azure Getting Started with Terraform | 37 minutes | Terraform basics with Azure provider |
| Using Terraform to Manage Applications and Infrastructure | 16.2 hours | Advanced Terraform training (A Cloud Guru) |
Additional Microsoft Resources
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| ESI Training Portal | Training Days and Certification Prep |
| Microsoft Learn - Azure | Full catalog of free Azure courses |
| Azure Documentation | Official Azure documentation |
Certification Path Summary
| Level | Certification | Exam | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals | Azure Fundamentals | AZ-900 | Cloud concepts, core services |
| Associate | Azure Administrator | AZ-104 | Resource management, governance |
| Associate | Azure Developer | AZ-204 | Application development |
| Associate | Azure Security Engineer | AZ-500 | Security implementation |
| Expert | Azure Solutions Architect | AZ-305 | Solution design |
Quick Reference
| Skill Level | Recommended Start | Time Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | AZ-900 Fundamentals | 1-2 weeks |
| Intermediate | Role-specific certification | 4-6 weeks |
| Advanced | Expert certifications | 2-3 months |
Exam Vouchers
Contact the Cloud Operations team about exam voucher availability through the Microsoft Enterprise Skills Initiative (ESI).