If you’ve been looking for a practical way to build Azure skills, Cloud Academy (a QA company) gives Visual Studio subscribers hands-on learning that fits into busy schedules. 

Whether you’re new to Azure, expanding your cloud expertise, working towards certifications or preparing for more advanced projects, this benefit helps you learn by doing. 

What you’ll find in Cloud Academy 

The Cloud Academy benefit gives Visual Studio subscribers a flexible learning experience that adapts to different learning styles and schedules, providing: 

• Hands-on Azure labs that reinforce real-world skills 

• Certification-focused learning paths 

• Interactive assessments to validate your understanding 

• Structured learning paths alongside open sandbox environments for experimentation 

• AI-powered on-demand guidance and assistance 

With the Cloud Academy benefit, you’re not just consuming content. You’re practicing in environments that help prepare you for the work you’ll be doing every day. 

Prepare for Azure certifications 

If certification is one of your goals, Cloud Academy brings together lessons, hands-on labs, and assessments into a single learning experience. 

One example is the AZ-104 Exam Preparation: Microsoft Azure Administrator course. It’s specifically designed to help you prepare for the AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator certification exam while strengthening the practical Azure administration skills you’ll use on the job. 

Learning resources available through Cloud Academy that will ready you for Azure certifications include: 

• AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals 

• AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator 

• AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure 

• AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions 

• AZ-305: Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions 

By combining guided instruction with hands-on practice, you can build both the knowledge and confidence to apply these skills in production environments. 

Cloud Academy can also help you focus on real-world Azure scenarios that build skills you can apply immediately. Examples include containerized application deployment and management, Azure Functions and workflow automation, Azure Container Registry, storage cost optimization, Microsoft Entra ID security improvements, Azure AI, prompt engineering, and more. 

As Azure continues to evolve, Cloud Academy helps you stay current while building confidence that carries over to real projects. Whether you’re exploring Azure AI, building cloud-native applications, improving your DevOps skills, or preparing for your next certification, you can make steady progress without stepping away from your day-to-day responsibilities. 

Activate your benefit today 

If you’re an eligible Visual Studio subscriber, don’t overlook this valuable learning resource already included with your Visual Studio Subscription. 

Visit the Visual Studio Subscriptions portal to access your Visual Studio Subscription benefits and activate your Cloud Academy benefit today.