AI Consultant · Multi-cloud architect · Microsoft Certified Trainer

I’m James Dethwick

I help organizations design AI and cloud solutions, and help learners build practical technology skills. My work brings together more than 25 years of consulting, enterprise architecture, development, and teaching.

Work with me Explore my classes Learn about 4QLS

AI and Cloud architecture and consulting · Customized training · The Four Quarter Learning System

Experience and background

James has architected global systems for S&P 500 companies and worked with cloud computing since 2009. He has taught at universities, companies, and individual levels for over 20 years.

A Microsoft Certified Trainer, AI Specialist and Azure Solutions Architect Expert, he has completed 21 Microsoft exams; his MCID is 43397. His development background includes C, Swift, Objective-C, and web technologies.

His experience spans Azure, AWS, Microsoft platforms, security, project management, hosting, and application development.

Icon Course Link
🤖 Microsoft AI Fundamentals AI-901: Intro Microsoft AI-Part 1 View course
✨ Microsoft AI-901: Intro to Generative AI & Agents - Part 2 View course
📝 Microsoft AI AI-901: Intro to Text Analysis & NLP Part 3 View course
🎙️ Microsoft AI AI-901: Intro to Speech AI Part 4 View course
👁️ Microsoft AI-901: Intro to Computer Vision AI Part 5 View course
📄 Microsoft AI-901: Intro to Information Extraction Part 6 View course
📊 Microsoft AI-901: Intro to Machine Learning Part 7 View course
🚀 Microsoft AI-901: Intro to Foundry Agents AI Part 8 View course
40Projects completed
40Happy customers
10IT certifications
27,375Cups of tea

Milestones carried over from my professional website.

Consulting and training services

Cloud Services

I will architect, assess, deploy, migrate, or help manage your cloud initiative, whether it is Azure, AWS, or another cloud provider.

Microsoft Technology

I have solid experience working with Microsoft Azure, Entra ID/Active Directory, Exchange, Server, & Systems Center.

Customized Training

Let me train your staff on the latest technology.

AI Agent Services

I fully understand the dos and don'ts of an AI agentrollout and its pitfalls.

Web Hosting Services

From a shared host to a dedicated server, I can set up and manage your Windows or Linux CMS with products like WordPress or Joomla.

Development

Let me help build your app or website.

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
Created by James Dethwick · Four quarters · Four steps

My approach to learning: 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 quartersFind 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

Technical experience

Cloud platforms, enterprise systems, development, security, and project delivery.

Project time allocation from the previous website
Skill areaShare of project time
Azure Cloud10%
AWS Cloud10%
Multi-Cloud8%
AI8%
Architecture10%
Microsoft Servers5%
Mobile Development5%
Microsoft Entra ID/Active Directory8%
Unix Servers3%
Microsoft Exchange5%
Databases (SQL)3%
Microsoft SCCM & WSUS3%
Windows Desktop Migrations3%
Website Development8%
Security3%
Project Management3%
Cpanel & WHMCS Management3%
CMS-Joomla and Wordpress8%

Projects and portfolio

AI-901_course

AI-901 Course

AI, Azure, Agents, Machine Learning

View project
Azure Cloud Architecture

AZ-305 Course

Cloud Architecture, Design, Azure, Microsoft

View project
Four Quarters Learning System

Four Quarters Learning System

Training, Cloud, Web

View project
High-End Cosmetics

High-End Cosmetics

Web, Adobe, Shopify, Mobile, Developer

View project
2webit Cloud Hosting

2webit Cloud Hosting

Servers, Cloud, Hosting, cPanel, WHMCS

View project

Credentials

Published consulting rates

Rates carried over from the existing website. Discuss availability and project scope before booking.

Study resources

Get your class PDFs (Coming Soon)

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

Get in touch

Ask about consulting, team training, or a project. Based in the USA.