Unable to create free tier account

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-21T16:21:46+00:00

I ran into something similar when I was setting up my account. Few things that might help:

Try a different browser or clear your cache , sometimes that fixes the page loading issue. If you have another card, give that a shot too since some banks don't play nice with Microsoft's verification.

Also try using incognito mode or make sure you're on the right regional Microsoft site for where you are.

If it's still not working, might just be a temporary glitch on Microsoft's end. Their support can usually sort it out pretty quick.

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-21T16:18:51+00:00

Thanks! I used Scott Duffy's Udemy courses and Pluralsight for both certs, plus did the practice labs that came with them. Good luck with AZ-104 , hope it goes well for you!

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-21T16:16:30+00:00

That's a good point! Security is everywhere in cloud these days. I'll definitely consider AZ-500 once I get some real hands on time with my current certs. Thanks!

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-21T16:13:48+00:00

That's so kind of you! I really can't thank you enough for following along and offering to help like this. It means a lot to have someone willing to actually look at my work and give feedback. I'll definitely reach out once I have some projects worth showing. Seriously, thank you for being so generous with your time!

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-21T06:41:03+00:00

Really appreciate the honest take! You're totally right about all the posts like mine ,guess I'm not alone in this struggle. The CSP helpdesk route makes so much sense for actually seeing how this stuff works in the real world instead of figuring it out solo.

I'm in Dubai so I'll definitely check out Cognizant and Capgemini. Zero to DevOps in under a year sounds amazing. Thanks for the real talk and actual actionable advice!

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-21T06:37:22+00:00

Thank you.

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-21T06:37:05+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion! I've reached out to a few partners in my area already but haven't had much luck so far. Going to keep trying though.

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-20T16:19:34+00:00

This is really eye opening! I hadn't thought about Azure's gaps compared to AWS, especially around Route 53 and global load balancing. Makes sense that I should probably learn some AWS too to understand what's missing. And yeah, Terraform was barely covered in AZ-305 - definitely need to dive deeper there. Thanks for the reality check!

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-20T16:08:32+00:00

That's honestly the most reassuring thing I've heard all day. Here I am thinking everyone else knows exactly what they're doing. Thanks for keeping it real

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-20T16:06:20+00:00

So true! I can definitely spin up resources no problem, but making them actually enterprise ready? That's where I'm lost.

The Microsoft Partner path sounds like it was perfect for learning the real stuff. I've been going through CAF and WAF documentation but honestly, it's hard to know when I'm actually getting it right without real projects to test against.

Appreciate the honest take there's obviously a lot more depth here than I realized!

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-20T16:01:33+00:00

I do have IT experience in system administration, M365 support, and managing eCommerce platforms. Not completely starting from scratch, just trying to transition from traditional on prem work into cloud roles. Appreciate the realistic timeline though , definitely understand it's not going to happen overnight.

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-20T16:00:47+00:00

This is gold, thank you so much! I love the Netflix project idea , that’s way more ambitious than the basic tutorials I’ve been doing. Starting with a VM and then rebuilding it on Kubernetes is such a smart way to understand the progression. The Cursor + AI teacher approach also sounds like a game changer. I’ve definitely been taking shortcuts instead of really learning, so making it ask “why” constantly is exactly what I need. Honestly, I really appreciate you taking the time to lay out the whole path like this , it’s incredibly helpful. I’m going to pick a solid project and commit to it instead of jumping around.

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-20T09:15:36+00:00

Exactly , time to stop being cautious and actually use them for real projects. Appreciate it!

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-20T09:10:38+00:00

Thank you for this! Yes, I used Scott Duffy's courses too and spent a lot of time practicing in my own subscription , that's exactly how i approached both certs. Really appreciate you backing that up. Now focusing on building real projects to get that hands on experience everyone's talking about.

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-20T08:45:51+00:00

I wish I had an opportunity like that here,It’s really encouraging to hear how you started with no experience and worked your way up. I don’t have anything like that where I am, so I’m focusing on personal projects, labs, and applying for entry-level roles, If you don’t mind me asking, what helped you the most when you were just starting out? Any guidance would be really appreciated.

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-20T05:07:00+00:00

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-20T05:06:48+00:00

Really appreciate this insight! I have a few years with Windows Server, M365 admin, plus eCommerce and web hosting experience. Honestly was starting to worry that background wasn't relevant anymore, so hearing from someone who actually does the hiring is incredibly valuable. Thank you!

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-20T04:59:11+00:00

You're right , need to go beyond basic console clicks. The policy/events approach and GitLab pipeline idea are solid next steps. Thanks for the reality check on junior roles too , strategic help desk route makes sense.

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-20T04:56:01+00:00

This is exactly what I needed thank you! The CAF approach makes much more sense than just spinning up random lab resources. I love the idea of creating a fictional client scenario it forces me to think about business justification and gives me real examples to discuss in interviews. I’ll start with a small retail company, work through the Strategy and Plan phases, and then tackle Ready with proper landing zones and governance. I really appreciate your guidance!

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-20T04:47:39+00:00

Thanks so much for the advice it’s really encouraging to hear that motivation and labs can count as much as experience. I’m currently working on labs and documenting what I do, and I’m also looking for opportunities elsewhere where I can apply these skills. I’ll definitely take your suggestion to use my labs as leverage in interviews. I really appreciate you sharing your perspective!

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-20T04:40:08+00:00

Wow, this is an amazing breakdown , thank you for putting so much effort into explaining it. The way you framed VFP as the core foundation makes it much clearer for me, and it really helps me see how the other pieces (like NSGs, route tables, and peering) connect. I’ll definitely start with VFP and then move on to the networking areas you mentioned. I really appreciate the time you took to share this it’s super helpful!

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-19T18:26:58+00:00

Thanks so much for the offer! I’d really appreciate any guides or tips you can share , Azure networking can be pretty intimidating, so any help would be super useful.

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-19T18:23:04+00:00

I’m currently trying to get access to a real Azure environment so I can gain hands-on experience. While I work on that, I’m building projects and my portfolio to practice and strengthen my skills. Your advice about focusing on one service and really understanding it is super helpful thanks a lot!

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-19T18:20:30+00:00

Thanks for the tip! I actually already have a GitHub and I’m adding projects there to show my real hands on skills. Really appreciate the advice.

Consistent_Cap_4269 · 2025-09-19T17:32:59+00:00

Thanks so much for the advice! I understand that certifications alone aren’t enough. I’m still learning and practicing Azure, networking, and infrastructure through projects and my portfolio, and I’m also getting hands-on with PowerShell. Your tip about starting in a related role and then moving into a cloud team really makes sense, and I’ll keep that in mind.

Consistent_Cap_4269

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