I'm trying to figure out the best approach to study for certification exams these days. Back in the 2000s, I would just buy the Exam Cram book for the cert, read it, and try out the practice questions. Nowadays, with tons of resources available like YouTube videos and various study sites, it's hard to know which ones are reliable. I recently prepared for the AZ-900 cert using Microsoft Learn, but I heard that their practice tests are pretty easy. Does anyone have a go-to study resource or does it vary from one exam to another?
5 Answers
AZ-900 is pretty straightforward; I finished mine in about 25 minutes! But exams like the Cisco ENCOR are a whole different game—expect to be in the hot seat for a full three hours with practical simulations.
For the AZ-900, I suggest using the Microsoft practice tests. They give you a clear idea of what the actual exam will look like since it’s not that hard to begin with. Just remember that more technical exams like the AZ-104 will have a broader range of questions and might include scenarios that test your practical understanding of the products.
Check out John Savill's materials; they're free and fantastic for Azure certifications. But remember, the best resources might depend on which cert you're aiming for. For example, I'm currently tackling the RHCSA using Sander Van Vugt's content on O'Reilly and it's been super helpful!
Just a heads up: these tests are more about understanding Microsoft's value propositions rather than actual software skills. The answers often lean towards 'buy more products' rather than hands-on usage.
I highly recommend CBT Nuggets for courses; they're really solid! Microsoft Learn can feel a bit basic for some topics, so if you want something more in-depth, definitely check out other platforms.
Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely look into John Savill's stuff.