Proven framework for certification success

Master Azure exams with the 4 Quarter Learning System

A structured, scenario-based approach to studying that helps you actually understand the material, not just memorize it — designed by veteran architect and instructor James Dethwick.

Start the AZ-305 Course on Udemy → Learn how the 4QLS works

Ideal for IT professionals, cloud architects, and driven learners who want a repeatable way to prepare for any technical exam.

Course Materials

Need the class PDF?

Whether you’re new to the 4 Quarter Learning System or already enrolled in a course, here’s how to get your class handouts and study PDFs.

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Start with the AZ-305 course and follow the 4 Quarter Learning System from the very first module. You’ll get structured guidance, scenarios, and a complete study path.

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If you’ve already signed up for a course and just need to download the class PDF, you can unlock it using your name and email.

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Tip: Once you’ve unlocked the PDF, you can return to this page at any time to download it again.

The Method

What is the 4 Quarter Learning System?

The 4QLS is a structured, repeatable study method that breaks your exam journey into clear phases — so you always know exactly what to do next.

Step-by-step framework Designed for technical exams

The 5-step Study Cycle

Before we even talk about practice exams, we first make sure you’re learning in the right order:

  • Step 1
    Preview
    Look ahead at what the lecture will cover. Skim the topics and high-level bullets so your brain knows what to expect.
  • Step 2
    Attend
    Show up engaged. Listen for patterns, key decisions, and “why” behind each architecture choice — not just the slide text.
  • Step 3
    Review
    Within hours of class, lightly review your notes and slides. Fill gaps, and mark areas that felt fuzzy while it’s still fresh.
  • Step 4
    Study
    Schedule short, focused study blocks during the week. Space your practice over time rather than cramming everything the night before.
  • Step 5
    Check
    Regularly check your progress. Are your scores improving? Are there topics that always trip you up? Adjust your plan instead of repeating what doesn’t work.

The 4 Quarters: game plan to exam day

Think of your exam prep like a season with four quarters — each one with a specific focus so you don’t get overwhelmed:

1st Quarter Follow the class and understand the main bullets. Don’t worry about every detail yet — just get the big picture.
2nd Quarter Read the presentation handout thoroughly. This is where you deepen your understanding and connect the dots.
3rd Quarter Take at least four practice exams. For every missed or confusing question, write a short note and review those notes before the next attempt.
4th Quarter Re-read the handout and memorize your notes from Quarter 3. Take a final simulated exam, refine your notes again, and repeat until you’re consistently scoring in the passing range.

Why it works

Instead of “marathon cramming,” the 4QLS uses distributed practice, repetition, and reflection. You’re always moving forward with a clear purpose — from awareness, to detail, to application, to exam-level performance.

Flagship Course

AZ-305: Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions

Pair the 4 Quarter Learning System with a deep, scenario-based AZ-305 course that mirrors the real-world decisions Azure architects make every day.

What you’ll get in this course

  • Coverage of 130+ Azure services organized into 12 focused sections.
  • A study guide with over 1,000 slides to reinforce core architecture patterns.
  • 12 real-world, end-to-end scenarios with solution walkthroughs.
  • Quizzes for each section plus a final exam to benchmark your readiness.
  • Guidance from someone who’s built global architectures in the enterprise world.
Enroll on Udemy See how 4QLS powers the course

Use the 4 Quarter Learning System as your roadmap while you move through the modules, quizzes, and practice exams to stay focused and confident.

Instructor

Meet James Dethwick

The 4 Quarter Learning System comes from decades of designing systems, passing exams, and helping students succeed in technology.

Experience & background

James has worked in technology as a consultant for over 25 years, architecting global systems for S&P 500 companies and working with cloud computing since 2009.

He has passed 20+ Microsoft exams and has taught at universities, for enterprises, and with individual learners — bringing real-world context into every lesson.

As a developer, James has worked with C, Swift, Objective-C, and modern web technologies, which allows him to connect architectural principles with the realities of implementation and operations.

Certifications & credentials

  • Azure Solutions Architect Expert
  • Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), MCP
  • AWS Architecture
  • PMP, CPA Exams, Security+
Next Step

Ready to plan your next exam?

Use the 4 Quarter Learning System with any major certification — and get started with AZ-305 today.

1. Bookmark this page as your 4QLS reference.

2. Enroll in the AZ-305 course on Udemy and follow the system quarter by quarter.

3. Reuse the same framework for your next certification — once you learn the system, you can apply it again and again.

Go to AZ-305 Course on Udemy →