
Learn the fundamentals of Microsoft Azure in the AZ-900 introduction: explore cloud concepts, identity management, compute, storage, networking, governance and security, and exam prep through video lectures, demos, and labs.
This article is Skylines Academy's approach to navigating and studying for the AZ-900 exam.
Get a 10000ft overview of Microsoft Azure to begin your journey!
Quick demo looking at the Azure portal! This will demonstrate what to expect when you login to Azure and give you a tour of the Azure portal.
Presentation discussing the various ways you can access Microsoft Azure
Instructions for creating an Azure Trial Account
Cloud Models, Service Types, and Use Cases. This lecture extends upon the 10000ft view and goes deeper into the Cloud Service Models you need to understand for the exam. We also discuss use cases along with the shared responsibility model.
Public Private and Hybrid Cloud Models and summary comparison
Learn in detail about the shared responsibility model that organizations need to understand when adopting Azure services.
Learn about Capex and Opex consumption models
Discuss the various cloud service types and consumption models associated with them.
Learn about the benefits of Cloud Services and then move into HA (High Availability)
Learn about the core concepts of Scalability and Elasticity, a key benefit with cloud computing workloads.
Resource groups act as containers for Azure resources, organizing by lifecycle and region with RBAC and policies. Deleting a group removes all contained resources, reinforcing governance and lifecycle management.
Learn about the changes Microsoft is making to the branding of Azure Active Directory which will become Entra ID over time.
This lecture will give you a complete overview of Azure Networking
Explore Azure compute services and Azure virtual machines, learn VM categories from A to N, understand Azure compute units and vCPU mappings, and compare performance to choose the right type.
Learn to create a Windows virtual machine in the Azure portal, configure region, size, networking, disks, security rules, and export an ARM template for automation.
Explore containers and Docker as standardized packaging for software, enabling isolated microservices, 12-factor practices, rapid deployment, and horizontal scaling.
Explore serverless computing with Azure Functions, Logic Apps, and Event Grid, highlighting pay-per-use pricing, app service and consumption plans, and event-driven triggers and actions.
Compare virtual machines, containers, and serverless compute options, detailing architectures, deployment, and scaling in Azure. Highlight decoupling containers for portability and on-demand functions and APIs.
This core lecture will give you a complete overview of Azure Storage options
Learn about the various storage management tools available to you in Microsoft Azure
This additional video contains an overview of AZCopy in action! You don't need this much detail for the AZ-900 exam but this will further help to reinforce the knowledge as you're learning about the various tools and how they get used in practice
Explore core identity services in Azure, including Azure ID, Active Directory Domain Services, and intra domain services, covering authentication, single sign-on, device management, and application management.
Enable customer authentication with Entra ID B2C using social or local accounts and branded registration. Use Entra ID B2B to invite external partners and grant access to resources.
Start your journey today on this highly in demand certification brought to you by one of the top Microsoft MVPs, Certified Trainers, and Leading Consultants in the world.
Latest course *Reviewed and Updated April 2026*
What students are saying about the Refactored AZ-900 Course by Nick Colyer:
“While studying for the AZ-900, I went through three courses (and of course read Microsoft's documentation). Of the three courses I went through, this one was, by far, the best of the three. Everything was super clear.”
“Easy to understand and just in-depth enough.”
“Very clear and instructive modules. Thank you!”
“These videos are straightforward and to the point, I really like the lecture\demo format and Nick has a style that helps connect the information. I've recommended Skylines several times over the past few months to co-workers to advance their knowledge as well. Thank you!”
“I think this is a great intro to Azure and helps narrow the amount of material you need to focus on. Very clear, concise and presented well”
Course Description:
Not sure where to start with the Microsoft Azure platform? Whether an IT pro or new to the platform, this is exam is exactly what you need to form a solid foundation which will propel you on your Azure journey. The Azure Fundamentals course will provide you with all of the foundational information you need to jumpstart your knowledge of Azure.
During your journey, Refactored will lead you through a series of sections, modules, and demos to prepare you for taking, and ultimately passing, the Microsoft Azure AZ-900 exam.
Lectures will educate you on the fundamental terms and principles of the Azure platform and demos will enable you with a hands-on experience using scenarios to empower you in the real world.
What you will learn:
Understand the core cloud concepts before jumping into the Azure platform
Get to know Azure services, including the Azure portal and resource groups
Learn about the world of Azure compute
Gain a firm understanding of the important role Networking plays in Azure
Form knowledge around exciting data and storage services: types of data, Azure SQL, Cosmos DB, Azure Storage, VM Disk Storage, and more!
Get ahead of the curve with cutting edge IoT, Big Data, and Machine Learning functionalities in Azure
Understand how identity plays a key role in keeping you and your organization protected
Grasp compliance, security, and cost principles through the Azure Security Center, Pricing Calculator, and Azure Advisor
Requirements:
This course will give you all the knowledge you need about fundamental services. That being said, the course is non-technical and can be taken by anyone, whether you’re just getting to know cloud concepts and the Azure platform, or you’ve been in IT for years.
While it isn’t required, we highly recommend you spin up a free Azure account for a more hands-on experience.
Thank you for joining us!
Nick & the Refactored Team