Four quarters · Four steps

Learn with the Four Quarter Learning System

Build your knowledge through four purposeful passes: Overview, Review, Detail, Memorize. James Dethwick’s repeatable study method gives each quarter one job, from your first class to exam readiness.

Explore the four quarters Find your class

Understand the material, uncover gaps through practice, and prepare under realistic test conditions. Use the same system for AI-901, AZ-305, and your next technical certification.

Learner studying beside a four-stage path toward graduation, from the original 4QLS presentation

The Four Quarter Learning System

Four quarters, four steps

Each return adds a different kind of understanding. No single pass has to do everything.

4QLS overview: structured, understanding over memorizing, repeatable; four quarters and four steps — The system breaks your exam journey into four clear phases. Each quarter has a distinct purpose, and the method can be reused for another technical exam. View full-size graphic

Four nested learning passes: Q1 Overview, Q2 Review, Q3 Detail, Q4 Memorize — Four passes turn exposure into exam readiness: complete the class, re-read for detail, use practice exams to find gaps, and memorize your notes before a final simulation. View full-size graphic

Quarter 1 · Overview

Complete the full class. Focus on the main bullets and understand the topics before worrying about every detail.

Quarter 2 · Review

Read the presentation slides and handouts thoroughly. Connect the concepts and focus on the details.

Quarter 3 · Detail

Take at least four practice exams. Record a brief note for every incorrect or unclear answer. Review your notes before each attempt and repeat until you score over 95% on all four practice exams.

Quarter 4 · Memorize

Re-read the slides and handouts, then memorize your Quarter 3 notes. Take a fifth exam in a simulated test environment. Add missed questions to your notes and repeat until you score above 80% on the simulated fifth exam.

These are 4QLS readiness gates, not Microsoft exam passing scores.

See each quarter’s exit condition

Exit conditions for each of the four quarters, including over 95 percent on four practice exams and above 80 percent on a simulated fifth exam — Move forward when the quarter’s job is complete. The detailed exit conditions keep your practice purposeful. View full-size graphic

Why purposeful returns help

Knowledge builds one quarter at a time

You recognize the topics first. Later passes connect the details, reveal gaps, and prepare you to perform under pressure.

Knowledge grows across four quarters: cloudy, taking shape, clear, and exam-ready — Quarter 1 gives you the first fragment. Review connects it, practice strengthens it, and simulation prepares you for test conditions. View full-size graphic

The home-viewing analogy: first look, return visit, inspection, and final confirmation across four visits — Like viewing a home, each return reveals something new: the first impression, the relationships, hidden weaknesses, and confirmation that you are ready. View full-size graphic

Put the method into practice

Turn missed questions into readiness

In Quarter 3, take an exam, log incorrect or unclear answers, review your notes, and retest. This feedback loop sits within the four-quarter system.

Quarter 3 practice feedback loop and the two readiness gates: above 95 percent and above 80 percent — Keep a brief miss log and review it before the next attempt. Meet the Quarter 3 gate on all four exams, then the Quarter 4 gate on a simulated fifth exam. View full-size graphic

Illustrative learner path through four quarters using AZ-305 concepts — This AZ-305 example shows the same method in action: topics become connected concepts, practice explains why answers are right or wrong, and final simulation confirms readiness. The detailed Quarter 3 gate is strictly over 95% on all four practice exams. View full-size graphic

Choose your class

Apply 4QLS to your next certification

Explore each class on its own page and use the four quarters as your study roadmap.

Azure AI Fundamentals

AI-901: Introduction to AI in Azure

Build AI skills in Microsoft Foundry through core lessons, guided simulations, and bonus material on Machine Learning and AI Agent Workflow.

Explore the AI-901 class

Azure architecture

AZ-305: Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions

Study Azure architecture through service coverage, real-world scenarios, quizzes, and a structured guide.

Explore the AZ-305 class

Study resources

Get your class PDFs

Use your slides and handouts throughout the four quarters.

Enter your name and email on the download page to access the class notes, 4QLS methodology, and AI-901 resources.

Unlock class PDFs

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 completed 21 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 · MCID 43397
Azure AI Fundamentals
AWS Architecture
PMP, CPA Exams, Security+