How to learn Azure in 2024 – Complete Guide and Resources
Last updated: December, 2024 • 13 min read
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the best ways to learn Azure, from recommended books and courses to finding expert mentors who can accelerate your learning journey.
Before diving into learning Azure, a word of caution: While there are many resources available online, it's important to follow a structured learning path and avoid getting overwhelmed. Having a clear goal and roadmap will help you stay focused and make steady progress.
If you're looking for a more guided approach, you may want to check out our Azure mentors who can help create a personalized learning plan and provide expert guidance throughout your journey.
Getting started with Azure
In this guide, we'll cover:
- Learning Resources - Recommended books and online courses to build your Azure knowledge
- Expert Guidance - Finding mentors and joining communities
- Certifications - Professional certifications to validate your Azure skills
- Career Development - Building a portfolio and preparing for jobs
Let's explore each of these areas to help you create an effective learning path for mastering Azure.
How can I start learning Azure?
Getting started with Azure is very achievable with the right approach and resources. Here are some key steps to begin your learning journey:
- Start with fundamentals. Begin by learning the core concepts and principles of Azure. This builds a strong foundation for more advanced topics;
- Take online courses. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer structured Azure courses for beginners. These provide guided learning with hands-on practice;
- Read documentation and books. Official documentation and recommended books can deepen your understanding of Azure concepts;
- Connect with a mentor. Our experienced Azure mentors can create a personalized learning plan and guide you through your journey efficiently.
Can I learn Azure on my own?
While self-study is possible, having expert guidance can save you months of trial and error and help you avoid common pitfalls. Here's what to consider:
- Self-paced learning. Online resources and tutorials let you learn at your own speed, but it can be challenging to know if you're on the right track;
- Community support. Join online communities and forums to get help, though responses may vary in quality and accuracy;
- Professional mentorship. Working with a Azure mentor provides personalized feedback, industry insights, and accountability to keep you progressing;
- Structured approach. A mentor can create a customized learning path based on your goals and current skill level.
Can I learn Azure in one month?
While you can grasp basic concepts of Azure in a month with dedicated study, becoming proficient typically takes longer. Here's a realistic timeline:
- First month. Master fundamental concepts and basic principles of Azure;
- 3-6 months. Develop intermediate skills and work on increasingly complex projects;
- 6-12 months. Build advanced knowledge and professional-level expertise;
- Accelerated learning. Working with one of our expert Azure mentors can significantly speed up this timeline through focused guidance and industry best practices.
Learning Resources for Azure
One of the most effective ways to build a strong foundation in Azure is through carefully selected learning resources. Let's explore some key materials that can help you master this field.
Essential Reading Materials
Books remain one of the most comprehensive ways to learn Azure in depth. They provide structured knowledge and detailed explanations that are often missing from online tutorials. Here are some recommended reading approaches:
- Start with beginner-friendly books that introduce core concepts and fundamentals
- Progress to intermediate texts that cover more advanced topics and real-world applications
- Keep reference books handy for looking up specific concepts and techniques
Online Learning Platforms
Online courses provide structured learning paths with hands-on practice. Here are some recommended platforms and course types:
- Interactive courses - Learn by doing with coding exercises and projects
- Video tutorials - Watch expert instructors explain concepts step-by-step
- Practice exercises - Reinforce learning through hands-on challenges
Recommended Courses for Azure
Overview of Azure Services
Online Course on Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification (AZ-104)
Microsoft Azure Certification Training Course for Azure Administrator: AZ-104
Azure Certification Training | AZ-104: Azure Administrator Associate
Get help with your learning journey
Learning Communities and Support
Having the right support system is crucial for learning Azure. Here are some ways to get help:
- MentorCruise Community - Join our active community of learners and mentors to get support on your journey
- 1:1 Mentorship - Get personalized guidance from our expert Azure mentors
- Work Reviews - Have experienced Azure mentors review your work and provide detailed feedback
- Discussion Forums - Connect with peers to share knowledge and ask questions
Ready to accelerate your learning? Find a Azure mentor who can guide you through these steps and provide personalized support.
Expert Guidance
Learning Azure is more effective with expert guidance. Our mentors provide:
- Personalized Learning Plans - Get a customized roadmap based on your goals and current skill level
- Industry Best Practices - Learn professional standards and workflows
- Career Development - Get advice on job searching, resume building, and career advancement
Want more options? Browse all 45 Azure mentors to find the perfect match for your goals.
Professional Certifications
Earning certifications can validate your Azure skills and boost your career prospects. Here are some recommended certifications:
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals - Certifications
Hosted by learn.microsoft.com
Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned professional, mastering the basics in Microsoft Azure can help you jump-start your career and prepare you to dive deeper into the many technical opportunities Azure offers.
This certification validates your foundational knowledge of cloud concepts…
Azure Cloud Skills—Trainings and Certifications
Hosted by azure.microsoft.com
Foster a growth mindset and build cloud skills to maximize impact across your entire org—from individual career advancement to improved business outcomes. Discover technical training, certifications, and personalized learning programs that will boost the performance of your teams.
AI-900: Microsoft Certified Azure AI Fundamentals
Hosted by pluralsight.com
Hello, Cloud Gurus, and welcome to AI-900: Microsoft Certified Azure AI Fundamentals! Throughout this course, we’ll explore artificial intelligence and prepare you for the AI-900 certification exam in several ways. First, we’ll break down each section of the exam and take a look at their various…
Exam AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals - Certifications
Hosted by learn.microsoft.com
As a candidate for this exam, you’re a technology professional who wants to demonstrate foundational knowledge of cloud concepts in general and Microsoft Azure in particular. This exam is a common starting point in a journey towards a career in Azure.
You can describe Azure architectural comp…
Our mentors can help you prepare for these certifications through:
- Exam Preparation - Get structured guidance to master certification topics
- Practice Tests - Work through sample questions and mock exams
- Study Planning - Create an effective study schedule to achieve your certification goals
- Hands-on Practice - Apply certification concepts through practical exercises
Career Guidance
Beyond technical skills, succeeding in Azure requires strategic career planning. Our career mentors provide:
- Industry Insights - Get insider knowledge about Azure roles and companies
- Career Strategy - Build a roadmap to reach your professional goals
- Resume & Portfolio Review - Optimize your professional materials for Azure positions
- Interview Preparation - Practice technical and behavioral interviews with experienced professionals
- Salary Negotiation - Learn to advocate for yourself and negotiate competitive compensation
Ready to accelerate your Azure career? Connect with a career mentor to start building your professional future.
Quick Summary
- 🎯 Best for: beginners and intermediate learners
- ⏱️ Learning time: 7 certification paths available
- 💰 Required investment: Courses, books and mentorship to certification (~$500)
- 🎓 Prerequisites: None
- 🔗 Related fields: SQL, DevOps, Cloud, Kubernetes