This is how I prepared for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty exam (AZ-140)!

Dear Azure Virtual Desktop Friends,

When I saw that the AZ-140 exam is no longer in beta, there was no waiting for me. I wanted to take this exam for a long time and was full of anticipation. Because I thought: You've already worked so much with Azure Virtual Desktop, this will be a piece of cake.

As usual, WRONG Tom! When I read the skills measured, I knew now you really have to work hard, otherwise it will not end well! Thus in my mind back to the field one ;-).

What I can really recommend, create a complete Azure Virtual Desktop infrastructure. With everything that goes with it such as (is just a small excerpt):

1. check the licenses
2. thoughts about the Active Directory (on-premises or in Azure).
3. domain join
4. what operating system are supported
5. profiles
6. apps
7. security
8. monitoring
etc.

The more time you take to build a complete infrastructure, then manage it and test access, the better you will be able to answer the questions on the exam. I have used the individual points in the skills measured as a ("shopping list") checklist for myself, so that no topic is forgotten.

Now to my preparations for the exam:

1. First of all, I looked at the Exam Topics to get a first impression of the scope of topics.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/azure-virtual-desktop-specialty/

Please take a close look at the skills assessed:

https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RE4MFTM

2. So that I can prepare for an exam I need an Azure test environment (this is indispensable for me). You can sign up for a free trial here.

https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/free/

Next, I set up a Microsoft 365 test environment. You can sign up for a free trial here.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/business/compare-all-microsoft-365-business-products

I chose the "Microsoft 365 Business Premium" plan for my testing.

3. Now it goes to the Microsoft content.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/example-scenario/wvd/windows-virtual-desktop-fslogix

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/example-scenario/wvd/windows-virtual-desktop

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cloud-adoption-framework/scenarios/wvd/

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cloud-adoption-framework/scenarios/wvd/strategy

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cloud-adoption-framework/scenarios/wvd/migrate-assess

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cloud-adoption-framework/scenarios/wvd/manage

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cloud-adoption-framework/scenarios/wvd/govern

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cloud-adoption-framework/

4. Register for the exam early. This creates some pressure and you stay motivated.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/exams/az-140

5. Please also have a look at thomasmaurer website this is also very helpful!

https://www.thomasmaurer.ch/2021/02/az-140-study-guide-windows-virtual-desktop-on-microsoft-azure/

6. I have compiled a list of links and scripts which were very helpful for me!

https://github.com/tomwechsler/Azure_Virtual_Desktop

7. A really great resource with video courses is Virtual Training Series from Microsoft!

https://partner.microsoft.com/en-US/training/virtual-training-series#/

8. I have created a Youtube playlist (in German) about Azure Virtual Desktop

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi0MTIjZai_yrUtTPG1al88vH0yOr98C8

9. A great resource with very helpful information is the AVD Community!

https://wvdcommunity.com/

I know you've probably read and heard this many times: read the exam questions slowly and accurately. Well, that was the key to success for me. It's the details that make the difference between success and failure.

One final tip: When you have learned something new, try to explain what you have learned to another person (whether or not they know your subject). If you can explain it in your own words, you understand the subject. That is exactly how I do it, except that I do not explain it to another person, but record a video for YouTube!

I hope this information helps you and that you successfully pass the exam. I wish you success!

Kind regards, Tom Wechsler