Update: the material I wrote while preparing became my workshop Introduction to Azure for Developers, and the open-source project is the Cloud Debugger, which I describe in Introducing the Cloud Debugger for Azure.
I have recently earned the Microsoft Azure Developer Associate certification (AZ-204). It is part of how I keep my Azure development skills up to date.
The Certification and What It Means for Me
The AZ-204 certification shows that I can design, build, test and maintain cloud applications and services on Microsoft Azure. These are key skills when I deliver solutions to my clients.
My Path to AZ-204 Certification
Here’s how I prepared:
- Structured Training: I began with Scott Duffy’s AZ-204 course, which gave me a solid foundation in Azure services and development practices.
- Microsoft Learn: To build on this foundation, I worked through the Microsoft Learn modules for AZ-204. They let me explore Azure services in more depth, so that I knew Azure Functions, Logic Apps, and Cosmos DB well.
- Skill Validation: To check that my knowledge was both broad and practical, I used practice tests from Microsoft and Whizlabs. The tests showed me where I needed to improve.
Getting Azure Certified the Hard Way
My goal was to understand the material well enough to apply it and teach it.
- Developing Custom Training Materials: As part of my preparation, I developed my own set of Azure training materials, including PowerPoints and hands-on exercises. This deepened my understanding, and it gave me material I can use when I train client teams.
I follow a simple rule:
You don’t fully understand something until you can explain it to someone else.
That is why I learn the material well enough to explain it to others, whether in training sessions, consultations, or collaborative projects.
- Sharing My Insights: I have been writing about what I learned in a series of blog posts that will soon be available at https://nestenius.se.
- Contributing to the Community: I am also working on an open-source project to help developers learn and troubleshoot Azure.
What This Means for My Clients
With my Azure development skills now validated, I can help my clients build cloud solutions with more confidence. Whether you need help designing cloud applications, improving your Azure services, or custom training for your team, I can help.
Contact me if you want to know more about how I can support your Azure projects.