Microsoft Azure Learning Path
Explore a practical progression from Azure fundamentals to cloud administration and infrastructure design. Find the right starting point, browse instructor-led courses and explore optional specialist routes.
From cloud fundamentals to Azure architecture
Build a clear foundation in Azure, develop real-world administration skills and explore how to design secure, scalable and resilient infrastructure. Follow all three core stages or start where your current experience suggests.
This pathway is a learning recommendation, not a compulsory course sequence. An AZ-104 certification is required to earn the Azure Solutions Architect Expert credential alongside AZ-305.
Where should you begin?
You don't need to take every course. Find the description closest to your experience and jump to the stage that suits your goals.
Understand Microsoft Azure
Build confidence with cloud concepts, Azure's core services and the tools organisations use to manage cloud resources.
Introduction to Cloud Infrastructure (AZ-900)
Understand the essentials of cloud computing, Azure architecture, core services, pricing, governance and management. An accessible starting point for people new to Azure.
- Cloud concepts
- Core Azure services
- Azure management
Manage and operate Azure
Learn to deploy, secure, monitor and maintain resources. This is a natural next step for IT professionals with networking, operating systems and infrastructure experience.
Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104)
Develop the practical skills to deploy, manage and monitor Azure identities, virtual networks, storage, compute resources and governance controls.
- Azure identities and governance
- Networking and storage
- Compute and monitoring
Design Azure infrastructure solutions
Develop the judgment to design resilient, governed and secure cloud architecture. This is an advanced stage, most useful after practical Azure administration experience.
Design Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions (AZ-305)
Move from operating Azure to designing secure, resilient infrastructure solutions. Explore architectural choices for networking, identity, storage, business continuity and governance.
- Azure solution design
- Resilience and continuity
- Governance and infrastructure
Choose a direction that matches your role
Azure administration can open several specialist routes. These are optional courses and are not included in the three-stage, nine-day total above.
Azure Networking Solutions (AZ-700)
Deepen your knowledge of hybrid connectivity, routing, load balancing, network security and Azure networking design.
Explore this course →Cloud and AI Workload Security (SC-500)
Build cloud and AI security engineering capabilities, including identity, networking and workload protection.
Explore this course →Microsoft DevOps Solutions (AZ-400)
Explore release pipelines, automation, infrastructure as code, monitoring, and secure delivery practices.
Explore this course →Interested in virtual desktop infrastructure? You could also explore Azure Virtual Desktop (AZ-140). For AI-focused work, consider Introduction to AI in Azure (AI-901).
About this Azure Learning Path
Do I need to complete AZ-900 before AZ-104?
No. AZ-900 provides helpful foundational knowledge, but is not a formal prerequisite for AZ-104. If you already have practical IT and Azure experience, you may be ready to begin with the Azure Administrator course.
Does passing AZ-305 alone make me an Azure Solutions Architect Expert?
No. To earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert credential, you must also hold the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification. Consult Microsoft's official certification requirements for the latest rules.
Is this a single nine-day course?
No. These are three separate instructor-led courses, with a combined training duration of nine days if you attend every stage. Each course can be booked individually, and the optional specialist courses are additional.
Which route should I take for Azure security or DevOps?
Azure networking, cloud and AI workload security (SC-500) and DevOps solutions (AZ-400) provide relevant specialist routes depending on your role. Microsoft's DevOps Engineer Expert credential has additional certification prerequisites, so review those before choosing your exam route.
Are exams included in the listed training?
Course delivery and examination arrangements vary. Visit each ExperTrain course page to review the latest dates, pricing and information about exams or vouchers before booking.
Can ExperTrain provide private Azure training for a team?
Yes. ExperTrain can arrange instructor-led Azure training for organisations, subject to course availability and scheduling. Contact us to discuss delegate numbers and objectives.
Find your next Azure training course
Choose the level that fits your current experience, explore the latest course dates and build the skills to work confidently with Microsoft Azure.
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