My Path to the AZ-305 Azure Solutions Architect Certification
The Beginning of My Journey
Every journey starts with a single step. Mine towards becoming a Certified Azure Solutions Architect was no different. In this piece I’m going to share my experiences, the hurdles I encountered, and how I overcame them to earn my AZ-305 Azure Solutions Architect certification.
The Decision to Pursue the Certification
Choosing to pursue the Azure Solutions Architect Certification was a pivotal moment in my career. I was aware it would demand a significant commitment of time and effort, but I was up for the challenge. It took me two years, starting with my AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, then moving on to AZ-104 Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate before I embarked on my AZ-305 Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert journey.
The journey was challenging. Each exam required a significant commitment from me and my family, involving many early mornings, late nights, and dedicated weekends around a busy work schedule and family obligations. But I was passionate about Microsoft Azure and wanted to work with it every day. So I embarked on a two-month mission to earn my AZ-305 Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert and my SC-100 Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert to achieve both my cloud goals and Azure Architect accreditations for the summer of 2024.
Some Background
I’ve been in technology since 1999 when I landed my first tech job. This past June, I celebrated my 25th year working in technology, and what a roller coaster it’s been! I’ve been using a computer since 1982 when I got a Commodore 64 instead of the Coleco Vision I really wanted. But given the choice, I wanted the computer and those text adventure games like Zork and Deadline. That’s what really piqued my interest as a kid. Cloud computing is just another extension of what that little kid chose over a video game console. I’ve always had the desire to learn technology and dive into the worlds and adventures it would take me down.
Preparing for the Exam
Preparation is key when it comes to certification exams. I developed a study plan that covered all the necessary topics and allowed me to practice my skills.
The AZ-305 is broken down into the following sections:
- Designing identity governance and monitoring solutions
- Designing data storage solutions
- Designing business continuity solutions
- Designing infrastructure solutions
My strongest areas were ‘Design Identity Governance and Monitoring Solutions’ and ‘Designing Infrastructure Solutions’. ‘Designing Data Storage Solutions’ was the toughest area of the exam based on my results. But I passed!!
I used the following tools/sites to study and take practice tests until I was confident in the material I would be evaluated on:
Overcoming Challenges
Every journey has its obstacles, and mine was no exception. However, these challenges only served to make my eventual success even sweeter. The biggest challenges I faced while preparing for the exam were noise and distraction. That’s where my AirPods Pro (2nd generation) came in. The noise cancellation on these little earbuds was astounding. I could drown out the background noise, the air conditioner, the dog barking, and the kids fighting over the TV.
The Day of the Exam
The day of the exam was a test of not just my technical knowledge but also my ability to stay calm under pressure. I booked my exam using the online proctor option. This is an amazing post-covid option. It used to be that I would have to drive an hour plus each way to a test center to take my certification. But now you can do it right at home. What a wonderful thing for a person like me who lives in upstate New York with little access to the closest test centers.
I booked the exam for 7am in the morning on a Saturday. I checked in 30 minutes early. I took the selfie, then the pictures of all sides of my workspace, and uploaded them to Person Vue. When I was let into the exam, I was 168 in the queue. 168? I ended up waiting over one hour and fifteen minutes to become number one in the queue. By the time I was let into the exam, I had stayed very still in front of the camera the entire time, watching the queue update every 60 seconds.
When I was let into the exam, I was a bit frustrated and needed a bio break but did not have the opportunity and pushed on with the exam. I could have used the break option in the test but was concerned about the time it would take me to complete.
I did not use the Microsoft Learn option during the exam. I read mixed reviews on the feature and didn’t find I really needed to look anything up.
At the end, I did not take the survey and when I saw the Microsoft Fireworks and the words “Congratulations, you passed!” I screamed in joy; it was the light at the end of the journey for now…
Lessons Learned
The most significant insight I gained was the importance of managing my pace. Undertaking three exams in quick succession may have been a bit overwhelming but in the end, the effort was well worth it.
Conclusion
Earning the Azure Solutions Architect Certification was a challenging but rewarding journey. It required hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn. But in the end, it was all worth it. Having gone through this process, it has opened my mind to new possibilities and has expanded my vision for my career. I would like to work and strive towards working with more cloud technologies and focus on cybersecurity in the future.
As I look ahead, I find myself contemplating two potential paths. One option is to delve deeper into the realm of identity and access management by pursuing the Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate certification. This would allow me to specialize in managing, governing, and securing identity and access in Azure Active Directory.
Alternatively, I’m considering embarking on a journey down the Azure DevOps path. This would involve honing my skills in developing, deploying, and maintaining applications on Azure, ultimately leading to the Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert certification.
Both paths offer exciting opportunities and challenges, and I’m eager to see where my Azure journey takes me next.
More about me can be found on my LinkedIn page @ www.linkedin.com/in/boehmjesse
Email me @ IAM@jesseboehm.com
