Discover the Best Microsoft AZ-140 Course for You

  • Microsoft AZ-140 exam
  • Published by: André Hammer on Feb 12, 2024

Selecting the right training course is crucial for IT professionals aiming to pass the Microsoft AZ-140 exam and master Windows Virtual Desktop in Azure. 

The AZ-140 certification is a testament to your ability to plan, deliver, and manage virtual desktop experiences and remote apps, for any device, on Azure. With numerous courses available, it's essential to find one that not only covers the exam material comprehensively but also aligns with your learning style and professional goals. 

This guide will help you navigate through the options to discover the best Microsoft AZ-140 course tailored to your needs.

Understanding the Microsoft AZ-140 Exam

The Microsoft AZ-140 exam, designed for Azure administrators and architects, assesses your skills in configuring and managing a Windows Virtual Desktop infrastructure in Azure. 

It's an intermediate-level certification that requires a solid understanding of Azure services, including virtual machines, networking, storage, and security. To succeed, you'll need to demonstrate proficiency in deploying virtual desktop experiences and apps to Azure.

The exam topics range from implementing and managing virtual desktop infrastructure, maintaining and monitoring the environment, to securing data, and setting up user profiles. It's not just about knowing the material; it's about applying that knowledge in practical scenarios. 

Therefore, the right course should provide a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, ensuring you're well-prepared for both the exam and real-world challenges.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Course

Course Content and Relevance

When choosing an AZ-140 course, the relevance and comprehensiveness of the course content are paramount. The material should be up-to-date with the latest exam objectives and Azure features. A course that provides detailed coverage of the exam topics, including managing Azure Virtual Desktop environments and implementing networking and security, will ensure that you are not only prepared to pass the exam but also to excel in your role.

The content should also align with the real-world applications of Azure Virtual Desktop, so look for courses that offer practical insights and case studies. This will not only help you understand the subjects better but also how to apply them in your day-to-day operations as an Azure professional.

Ensure the course offers a thorough understanding of the AZ-140 exam subjects, aligning with both the certification requirements and practical applications.

Learning Format

The format in which a course is delivered can greatly impact your learning experience and outcomes. Live instructor-led sessions, such as those offered by Readynez, provide the opportunity for real-time interaction, immediate feedback, and in-depth discussions. This contrasts with self-paced learning, where the flexibility of watching recorded videos might be more suitable for those with unpredictable schedules.

Consider a format that caters to your learning preferences. Do you benefit from the structure and community of a classroom environment, or do you prefer the autonomy of studying at your own pace? The key is to choose a format that will keep you engaged and motivated throughout your learning journey.

Choose a learning format that resonates with your study habits and lifestyle to maintain engagement and ensure effective learning.

Hands-on Experience

In the realm of IT certifications, hands-on experience is invaluable. Theoretical knowledge is important, but the ability to apply what you've learned in practical scenarios is what truly solidifies your skills. Look for courses that include labs, real-world simulations, and opportunities to work directly with the Azure portal and related tools such as PowerShell and Azure Monitor.

These practical components should allow you to manage virtual machines, configure network connectivity, and implement security policies—activities you'll be expected to perform in the exam and in the field. A course that emphasizes hands-on learning will equip you with the confidence and competence to tackle the AZ-140 certification and professional challenges effectively.

A course with a strong hands-on component is essential to bridge the gap between theory and practice for the AZ-140 certification.

Instructor Expertise

The quality of instruction is a critical factor in the effectiveness of a course. Instructors with real-world experience and subject matter expertise can provide deeper insights and practical examples that enrich the learning experience. They can also offer personalized guidance and address complex questions, helping to clarify difficult concepts.

When evaluating courses, research the instructors' backgrounds. Look for professionals with a track record of success in Azure implementations and who are recognized by the community for their contributions. An instructor's ability to convey material in a clear and engaging manner can significantly enhance your understanding and retention of the course content.

Expert instructors bring the course content to life, providing clarity and context that are essential for mastering the AZ-140 material.

Course Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from past students can offer valuable insights into the quality and effectiveness of a course. Reviews and ratings often reflect the experiences of individuals with similar goals and challenges, making them a useful gauge for what you can expect. Look for courses with high ratings and positive testimonials that highlight aspects such as course depth, instructor support, and the overall learning experience.

Be mindful, however, of the authenticity of reviews. Seek out feedback from multiple sources, and consider reaching out to the IT community for honest opinions. A course that has consistently received praise for helping students achieve certification and improve their professional skills is likely a strong candidate for your consideration.

Positive reviews and high ratings from a diverse set of learners are strong indicators of a course's potential to meet your training needs.

Support and Resources

A comprehensive course should extend beyond lectures and include a variety of support and resources to aid your learning. This can range from study guides and exam prep materials to access to a community of peers and mentors. These resources can provide additional perspectives and insights, helping you to deepen your understanding of the material.

Support can also come in the form of technical assistance and career advice. It's important to have access to experts who can help troubleshoot issues or offer guidance on how to apply your new skills in the workplace. A course that offers robust support ensures that you have all the tools necessary to succeed in your certification journey.

A wealth of support and resources can significantly enhance your learning experience and increase your chances of AZ-140 exam success.

Cost

While the cost of a course is an important consideration, it should be weighed against the value it provides. Some courses might seem expensive upfront but offer extensive resources, access to expert instructors, and a high likelihood of passing the exam on the first try. On the other hand, more affordable options might require additional investments in study materials or retaking the exam.

Consider the cost in the context of your budget and professional development goals. Some providers, like Readynez, offer unlimited training plans for a fixed monthly fee, which can be a cost-effective option if you plan to pursue multiple certifications or need ongoing training for your team.

Flexibility and Accessibility

In today's dynamic work environment, flexibility and accessibility are key to fitting training into your busy schedule. A course that offers options such as on-demand access, localized versions in different languages, and the ability to schedule sessions at convenient times can make all the difference in your ability to commit to and complete the training.

Additionally, consider the platform's user experience and how easily you can access course materials. Providers that leverage modern learning platforms, like Readynez365, offer seamless integration with various learning assets, making it easier for you to manage your study time and progress.

Flexible and accessible course options allow you to learn at your own pace and on your own terms, accommodating your personal and professional commitments.

Core Topics That The Course Should Cover

The AZ-140 exam covers a range of core topics that your chosen course must comprehensively address. These include the implementation and management of virtual desktop infrastructure, apps, and user environments within Azure. The course should also delve into the specifics of managing user experience, client settings, and identity and security measures.

To ensure a well-rounded preparation, the course should cover monitoring and maintaining Azure Virtual Desktop environments and planning for FSLogix, which is essential for profile management. Lastly, the course should address Azure Virtual Desktop networking and data management, providing you with the necessary skills to handle all aspects of the Azure Virtual Desktop service.

A thorough course should cover all core topics of the AZ-140 exam to prepare you comprehensively for certification and practical application.

Implement and Manage Azure Virtual Desktop Host Pools

A crucial aspect of the AZ-140 certification is the ability to implement and manage Azure Virtual Desktop host pools. These are collections of virtual machines that serve as session hosts for users. The course you choose should provide detailed instructions on creating and configuring host pools to ensure optimal performance and scalability.

The training should also cover the management of host pools, including how to assign users, publish applications, and handle load balancing. This knowledge is fundamental to maintaining a responsive and efficient virtual desktop infrastructure.

Implement and Manage Azure Virtual Desktop Session Hosts

Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts are the virtual machines that users connect to in order to access their desktops and applications. A comprehensive AZ-140 course will guide you through the process of deploying these session hosts, configuring them for optimal performance, and managing their lifecycle.

Understanding how to scale session hosts based on demand and how to apply updates without disrupting user productivity are key skills that the course should impart. Mastery of session host management is essential for ensuring a seamless end-user experience in a virtual desktop environment.

Implement and Manage Azure Virtual Desktop Apps

Applications are at the heart of the Azure Virtual Desktop experience. Your chosen course should teach you how to effectively implement and manage application groups, which are used to organize and assign applications to users. It's crucial to learn how to deploy and update applications without downtime, ensuring that users always have access to the tools they need.

The course should also explore the integration of Azure Virtual Desktop with other services, such as Microsoft 365 and Azure Active Directory, for a cohesive application management strategy.

Manage Azure Virtual Desktop User Environments

Managing user environments within Azure Virtual Desktop involves configuring profiles, policies, and settings to create a personalized and consistent experience across sessions. The ideal AZ-140 course will teach you how to leverage tools like FSLogix to manage user profiles and data, ensuring that users have a seamless experience, regardless of the session host they connect to.

You'll also need to learn how to implement policies that enforce security and compliance standards while allowing users the flexibility to perform their tasks effectively. A course that covers these aspects in detail will prepare you to manage complex user environments confidently.

Manage Azure Virtual Desktop User Experience

The user experience is a critical component of Azure Virtual Desktop. A course that emphasizes this aspect will teach you how to optimize session performance and responsiveness. This includes managing resource allocation, customizing the user interface, and troubleshooting common issues that may impact the user experience.

You'll learn how to use tools like Azure Monitor and Performance Analytics to track user experience metrics and make data-driven decisions to enhance performance. By focusing on the user experience, you'll ensure that the virtual desktop environment meets the high standards expected by today's workforce.

Manage Azure Virtual Desktop Client Settings

The configuration of client settings is essential for ensuring that users can connect to their Azure Virtual Desktop environment securely and efficiently. A comprehensive AZ-140 course will cover the management of client access devices, remote display protocols, and network settings.

You'll learn how to customize the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) settings for optimal performance and how to secure client connections using multifactor authentication and conditional access policies. Managing these settings effectively is key to providing a reliable and secure virtual desktop experience.

Plan and Implement Azure Virtual Desktop FSLogix

FSLogix is a set of solutions that enhance the management of user profiles and applications on Azure Virtual Desktop. An AZ-140 course should cover how to plan and implement FSLogix to ensure that users have quick access to their profiles and applications, which is essential for a good user experience.

The course should provide guidance on setting up FSLogix profile containers and application masking, which help to streamline the user experience and reduce login times. Understanding FSLogix is crucial for managing user data effectively in a virtual desktop environment.

Monitor and Maintain Azure Virtual Desktop

Continuous monitoring and maintenance are key to the long-term success of any Azure Virtual Desktop deployment. The right AZ-140 course will teach you how to use Azure Monitor, Azure Advisor, and other tools to track the health and performance of your virtual desktop infrastructure.

You'll learn how to interpret analytics, set up alerts, and perform routine maintenance tasks to prevent issues before they affect users. This proactive approach to monitoring and maintenance ensures the reliability and stability of the virtual desktop environment.

Implement and Manage Azure Virtual Desktop Identity and Security

Identity and security are at the forefront of any Azure service, and Azure Virtual Desktop is no exception. A course aimed at passing the AZ-140 exam should thoroughly cover the implementation and management of identity services and security protocols.

You will need to learn how to integrate Azure Active Directory with Azure Virtual Desktop and implement role-based access control to secure your environment. The course should also teach you how to apply security policies and manage compliance to protect both user data and the infrastructure.

Implement and Manage Azure Virtual Desktop User Data

Effective management of user data is a key aspect of Azure Virtual Desktop that ensures users can access their files and settings across different session hosts. The course should guide you through the configuration of data storage solutions and data retention policies that align with organizational requirements and compliance standards.

You'll learn how to use Azure storage solutions to manage user data efficiently and how to implement backup and recovery strategies to prevent data loss. This knowledge is crucial for maintaining data integrity and availability in a virtual desktop environment.

Implement Azure Virtual Desktop Identity Integration

Identity integration is a critical component for managing access and authentication within Azure Virtual Desktop. The ideal AZ-140 course will delve into the intricacies of integrating Azure Active Directory and setting up single sign-on (SSO) for a streamlined user experience.

You'll gain insights into how to configure Azure AD Connect and use Azure AD groups to manage user permissions and access policies. This knowledge is essential for ensuring that the right users have access to the appropriate resources within your virtual desktop environment.

Manage Azure Virtual Desktop Networking

Networking plays a vital role in the performance and security of Azure Virtual Desktop. A course that prepares you for the AZ-140 exam should cover the configuration of network connectivity, including virtual networks, VPNs, and gateways.

You'll learn how to optimize network performance and ensure secure connections between Azure Virtual Desktop and on-premises networks. Understanding networking concepts and how they apply to virtual desktops is crucial for delivering a reliable and secure virtual desktop service.

Top AZ-140 Courses

When it comes to selecting the best course for your AZ-140 exam preparation, it's essential to consider various offerings that align with the factors discussed earlier. Here, we highlight some of the top courses available, including their unique features and benefits.

Readynez

  • Duration and Format: The course spans over 4 days and is available in both virtual classroom and physical classroom formats to suit different learning preferences​​.
  • Core Learning Objectives: Participants will learn to plan and implement Azure Virtual Desktop architecture, manage networking and storage for Windows Virtual Desktop, configure host pools and session hosts, manage user environments and applications, and monitor and maintain a Windows Virtual Desktop infrastructure​.
  • Teaching Methodology: The course employs a mix of hands-on training, presentations, labs, and tests, designed for engagement and practical application in a virtual classroom environment. A maximum number of learners per class ensures personal coaching availability​​.
  • Instructors: Readynez courses are taught by accredited expert instructors who are seasoned IT professionals and consultants certified to the highest level, bringing real-world experience into the classroom​.
  • Price: The course is included in Readynez's Unlimited Training offering, making it a cost-effective solution for those looking to access multiple Microsoft courses. The exact pricing for standalone access was not explicitly mentioned but may vary based on the package and offers available at the time of booking​.
  • Certification and Exam: The course prepares participants for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty certification. The course package includes an exam voucher, and Readynez provides a certification guarantee, offering unlimited training until the participant successfully passes the exam​.
  • Prerequisites: Ideal candidates for this course should have experience in Azure technologies, including aspects like virtualization, networking, and storage, and should possess expert Azure administration skills​.

Cloud Academy

  • Duration and Format: The course spans approximately 16 hours and 22 minutes and is available in an intermediate level format, incorporating a variety of learning methods such as courses, exams, and hands-on labs​​.
  • Target Audience: The course is designed for individuals aspiring to become Azure Virtual Desktop administrators and those preparing for the AZ-140 exam. A background in Microsoft Azure administration is recommended​​.
  • Teaching Methods: The course utilizes a blend of instructional content, practical labs, and knowledge checks to ensure understanding and application of the material​​.
  • Pricing: For specific pricing details, Cloud Academy suggests enrolling or starting a free trial to access this information​​. However, it's noteworthy that prices can vary based on the format and provider. 

Microsoft Official Course

  • Level and Duration: The course is considered intermediate-level and spans 4 days​.
  • Languages: Offered in English, Chinese (Simplified), Japanese, and Korean​.
  • Learning Outcomes: Participants will learn about planning, delivering, and managing Azure Virtual Desktop environments, including networking, host pools, session hosts, FSLogix, and automating management tasks. The course blends demonstrations with hands-on lab experiences​.
  • Target Audience: The course is targeted at individuals interested in Azure Virtual Desktop administration, including Azure Administrators, Architects, and Microsoft 365 Administrators. Key responsibilities include planning, deploying, and maintaining the Azure Virtual Desktop infrastructure​.
  • Teaching Formats: The course offers both instructor-led training and self-paced study options, catering to different learning preferences.
  • Exam Preparation: The course prepares participants for the AZ-140 exam, covering topics such as planning and implementing Azure Virtual Desktop infrastructure, security, user environments, and apps, and monitoring and maintaining the infrastructure​​.
  • Price: Pricing details are typically not provided directly on the course pages, as they can vary depending on the training provider or the format (self-paced vs. instructor-led).

Conclusion

Choosing the right AZ-140 course is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your certification outcome and professional development. By considering factors such as course content, learning format, hands-on experience, instructor expertise, reviews, support, cost, flexibility, and accessibility, you can identify a course that aligns with your learning style and career objectives.

Remember to focus on courses that offer a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that you are not only prepared for the exam but also for the challenges of managing Azure Virtual Desktop environments. 

Whether you opt for the interactive, expert-led sessions of Readynez or the self-paced flexibility of online platforms, the key is to choose a course that will equip you with the skills and confidence to excel in your role as an Azure professional.

Readynez offers a 4-day Microsoft Certified Azure Virtual Desktop Course and Certification Program, providing you with all the learning and support you need to successfully prepare for the exam and certification. The AZ-140 Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop course, and all our other Microsoft courses, are also included in our unique Unlimited Microsoft Training offer, where you can attend the Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop and 60+ other Microsoft courses for just €199 per month, the most flexible and affordable way to get your Microsoft Certifications.

Please reach out to us with any questions or if you would like a chat about your opportunity with the Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop certification and how you best achieve it. 

FAQ

What factors should I consider when choosing a Microsoft AZ-140 course?

Consider factors such as instructor's expertise, course duration, hands-on labs, and practice exams. Look for courses with real-world examples and good reviews. Evaluate the course syllabus to ensure it covers all exam objectives.

Are there any free Microsoft AZ-140 courses available?

Yes, there are free Microsoft AZ-140 courses available on websites like Microsoft Learn and coursera.org. Additionally, you can find free resources on YouTube and other online platforms.

How can I determine if a Microsoft AZ-140 course is suitable for my skill level?

Evaluate your current knowledge and experience in Microsoft Azure. Look at the prerequisites for the AZ-140 course on the official Microsoft website. If you meet the requirements and have a good grasp of Azure fundamentals, the course may be suitable for your skill level.

Do online Microsoft AZ-140 courses offer certifications upon completion?

Yes, online Microsoft AZ-140 courses offer certifications upon completion. For example, upon finishing the AZ-140 Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification course, participants receive a certification showing their proficiency in Azure administration.

Is it important to choose a Microsoft AZ-140 course with hands-on labs or practical exercises?

Yes, it is important to choose a Microsoft AZ-140 course with hands-on labs or practical exercises as these provide real-world experience and help reinforce theoretical concepts. For example, practicing setting up virtual machines in Azure environments will enhance your understanding of the material.

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