2. Learn Certification Paths

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Brandon McMillan edited this page Jul 20, 2026 · 10 revisions

Want to test your skills and become certified? The following section provides Learning Paths to help you achieve various certifications for Azure Virtual Desktop and Azure Infrastructure initiatives.

Resources:

Legend: 🟢 Beginner | 🟡 Intermediate | 🔴 Advanced

🎯 AZ-140: Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty Track

🟡 Level: Intermediate | ⏱️ Study Time: 40-60 hours | 💰 Exam Cost: $165 USD

Prerequisites: Experience with Azure administration, Windows Server, and virtualization

📚 Required Learning Paths:

Learn Course	Level	Time
AZ-140: Plan an Azure Virtual Desktop implementation	🟡 Intermediate	⏱️ 5h
AZ-140: Implement an Azure Virtual Desktop infrastructure	🟡 Intermediate	⏱️ 6h
AZ-140: Manage access and security for Azure Virtual Desktop	🟡 Intermediate	⏱️ 4h
AZ-140: Manage user environments and apps for Azure Virtual Desktop	🟡 Intermediate	⏱️ 5h
AZ-140: Monitor and maintain an Azure Virtual Desktop infrastructure	🟡 Intermediate	⏱️ 4h

🟢 AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Track

🟢 Level: Beginner | ⏱️ Study Time: 10-15 hours | 💰 Exam Cost: $99 USD

Perfect for: Anyone new to Azure or cloud computing

📚 Required Learning Paths:

Learn Course	Level	Time
AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals: Describe cloud concepts	🟢 Beginner	⏱️ 3h
AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals: Describe Azure architecture and services	🟢 Beginner	⏱️ 4h
AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals: Describe Azure management and governance	🟢 Beginner	⏱️ 3h

🟡 AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate Track

🟡 Level: Intermediate | ⏱️ Study Time: 30-40 hours | 💰 Exam Cost: $165 USD

Recommended before AZ-140 - Builds core Azure admin skills

📚 Required Learning Paths:

Learn Course	Level	Time
AZ-104: Prerequisites for Azure administrators	🟢 Beginner	⏱️ 4h
AZ-104: Manage identities and governance in Azure	🟡 Intermediate	⏱️ 5h
AZ-104: Implement and manage storage in Azure	🟡 Intermediate	⏱️ 5h
AZ-104: Configure and manage virtual networks for Azure administrators	🟡 Intermediate	⏱️ 6h
AZ-104: Deploy and manage Azure compute resources	🟡 Intermediate	⏱️ 6h
AZ-104: Monitor and back up Azure resources	🟡 Intermediate	⏱️ 5h

🔴 AZ-305: Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Track

🔴 Level: Advanced | ⏱️ Study Time: 50-70 hours | 💰 Exam Cost: $165 USD

Prerequisites: AZ-104 or equivalent experience strongly recommended

📚 Required Learning Paths:

Learn Course	Level	Time
AZ-305: Microsoft Azure Architect Design Prerequisites	🟡 Intermediate	⏱️ 8h
AZ-305: Design identity, governance, and monitor solutions	🔴 Advanced	⏱️ 10h
AZ-305: Design business continuity solutions	🔴 Advanced	⏱️ 8h
AZ-305: Design data storage solutions	🔴 Advanced	⏱️ 9h
AZ-305: Design infrastructure solutions	🔴 Advanced	⏱️ 12h

🟡 AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies Track

🟡 Level: Intermediate-Advanced | ⏱️ Study Time: 35-50 hours | 💰 Exam Cost: $165 USD

Great for: Security-focused AVD deployments

📚 Required Learning Paths:

Learn Course	Level	Time
AZ-500: Manage identity and access	🟡 Intermediate	⏱️ 8h
AZ-500: Secure networking	🟡 Intermediate	⏱️ 8h
AZ-500: Secure compute, storage, and databases	🟡 Intermediate	⏱️ 9h
AZ-500: Manage security operations	🟡 Intermediate	⏱️ 8h

🟡 SC-300: Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator Track

🟡 Level: Intermediate | ⏱️ Study Time: 30-40 hours | 💰 Exam Cost: $165 USD

Recommended for: AVD identity and Conditional Access expertise

📚 Required Learning Paths:

Learn Course	Level	Time
SC-300: Implement an identity management solution	🟡 Intermediate	⏱️ 8h
SC-300: Implement an authentication and access management solution	🟡 Intermediate	⏱️ 9h
SC-300: Implement access management for applications	🟡 Intermediate	⏱️ 7h
SC-300: Plan and implement identity governance strategy	🟡 Intermediate	⏱️ 8h

🎓 Recommended Certification Paths

For AVD Specialists:

AZ-900 (optional) → AZ-104 → AZ-140

For Enterprise Architects:

AZ-104 → AZ-305 → AZ-140

For Security-Focused Roles:

AZ-104 → AZ-500 + SC-300 → AZ-140