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🎓 Certified! Why I Took the Azure Fundamentals Exam (and Why You Should Too)

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Sometimes, even as a cloud consultant living deep inside the Microsoft ecosystem, it’s good to go back to basics.

Just before the end of October, I decided it was time to sit another Microsoft certification exam—something I hadn’t done in quite a while. Spoiler: I passed. 🚀

As of today, I proudly hold the badge:
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (Exam AZ-900)

And no, it’s not “just a fundamentals badge.” It’s the foundation stone for anyone serious about Azure.

Here’s why I did it and why I think you should too.

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🛠️ Why Certify? Even If You’re Already Working in Azure?

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Let’s be honest: real-world experience beats theory any day. But certifications are more than just a line on your LinkedIn profile.

• Certifications force you to revisit the fundamentals.
  Even seasoned architects need a refresher. Understanding core Azure concepts from an official perspective sharpens your thinking and validates your experience.
• They create a common language.
  When working in multi-disciplinary teams, it helps when everyone—from sales to development—has a basic understanding of what Azure really is (and isn’t).
• They open doors.
  For newcomers, certifications like the AZ-900 are often the first step into the world of cloud computing. For veterans, they’re a formal recognition of knowledge you use daily.
• And let’s be real: digital badges look good. 😎

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🧭 What Is Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)?

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This exam is designed as an entry-level certification, perfect for:

• IT pros starting their cloud journey
• Business decision-makers wanting to understand Azure
• Developers moving from on-prem to cloud
• Or anyone who hears “Azure” in meetings and wants to finally get it

It covers:

• Core Azure concepts and services
• Pricing, SLA, and lifecycle basics
• Cloud models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
• Governance, compliance, and security
• Cost management principles

Think of it as Cloud 101 – Microsoft Edition.

It’s not overly technical, but it’s structured. If you’re new to Azure or just want to get your terminology aligned, this is the place to start.

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📅 My Certification Plans: What’s Next?

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Now that the fundamentals badge is mine, I’m not stopping there.

Next year, I’ll be tackling the more advanced certifications because let’s face it, Azure never stands still. My goal is to dive deeper into:

• Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
• Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI and Data certifications
• And whatever new exams Microsoft throws at us. 😉

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🎯 Should You Take AZ-900?

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Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: If you work with Azure or plan to this certification is worth your time. Whether you’re in consulting, development, infrastructure, sales, or leadership, having an official understanding of Azure’s foundation helps you:

• Have better conversations with clients and colleagues
• Make smarter architecture and investment decisions
• Stay competitive in the modern cloud landscape

And let’s not ignore the psychological win of earning a new badge. Motivation matters.

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💡 Final Thoughts from Mr. Microsoft

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Certifications are not the endgame, they’re a checkpoint on your cloud journey. But they’re worth it.

Taking the Azure Fundamentals exam reminded me why I love this space:
It’s always evolving. There’s always something new to learn. And every now and then, it’s good to prove to yourself (and others) that you’re keeping up.

If you’re thinking about stepping into Azure or deepening your knowledge. Start with AZ-900. It’s simple. It’s accessible. And it lays the groundwork for everything else.

Because cloud isn’t the future anymore. It’s the present.

Stay clever. Stay certified.
Your Mr. Microsoft,
Uwe Zabel

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🎓 Interested in Microsoft certifications? Check out my cloud career advice and certification tips over at zabu.cloud. And if you’re studying for AZ-900—reach out! I’m always up for a study session. 😎