Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Quick Facts (2025)

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification Quick Facts

Preparing for your first cloud certification can be overwhelming. This comprehensive overview simplifies everything you need to know about the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification (AZ-900) — from costs and content to what to expect on exam day.

What is the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification?

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals certification validates your foundational knowledge of cloud services and how they are provided with Microsoft Azure. It serves as an entry-level credential for individuals looking to break into the world of cloud computing and positions you for future Microsoft role-based certifications.

This credential is ideal for anyone beginning their journey into cloud technology, including IT professionals, business decision-makers, and anyone looking to understand cloud concepts and Microsoft Azure services without a deep technical background.

Who Is This Certification For?

This certification is designed for:

• IT professionals starting their cloud journey
• Business stakeholders responsible for cloud-based decisions
• Developers or system architects new to cloud platforms
• Students or career changers targeting entry-level cloud positions

Even professionals working in adjacent areas like data, cybersecurity, or DevOps can benefit from the foundational knowledge this certification provides.

What Jobs Can I Get with This Certification?

While AZ-900 isn't role-based, it opens doors to many beginner-friendly cloud and IT roles such as:

• Cloud Support Associate
• IT Administrator (Entry-Level)
• Junior Cloud Analyst
• Technical Sales Associate (Cloud-based products)
• Pre-Sales Consultant
• Cloud Project Coordinator
• Systems Support Technician
• And more...

It also serves as a strong foundation if you plan to pursue further role-based certifications like Azure Administrator (AZ-104), Azure Developer (AZ-204), or Azure Solutions Architect (AZ-305).

What Exam Should I Take?

The relevant exam for this certification is AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals.

There is no recertification version of the exam, but Microsoft sometimes updates the exam scope. Be sure to refer to the latest study guide before scheduling your test.

How Much Does the Exam Cost?

The exam costs $99 USD, though pricing may vary depending on your country or region. Microsoft sometimes offers discounts for students, educators, or as part of training bundles. You can schedule your exam through Pearson VUE or Certiport.

How Many Questions Are on the Exam?

The AZ-900 exam typically includes around 60 questions. The questions are multiple-choice and may include interactive formats such as drag-and-drop, case studies, or hot area selections. Some questions may be unscored experimental items.

How Much Time is Given for the Exam?

You have 45 minutes of active exam time. Plan for additional time before and after the exam for setup, instructions, and a survey.

What Languages is the Exam Available In?

The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam is available in over a dozen languages, including:

• English
• Japanese
• Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
• Korean
• Spanish
• French
• German
• Portuguese (Brazil)
• Arabic (Saudi Arabia)
• Russian
• Italian
• Indonesian

What's the Passing Score?

The passing score is 700 on a scale of 1–1000. This uses a scaled scoring system to balance differences across versions of the exam.

Is the Exam Hard?

While AZ-900 is considered an entry-level certification, that doesn’t mean it's a breeze. Many candidates underestimate the breadth of topics covered. You’ll need to understand core cloud principles, terminology, pricing models, Azure services, and governance tools—not just memorize definitions.

Many successful candidates report that taking realistic and high-quality Azure Fundamentals practice exams was key to passing with confidence.

What Domains Does the Exam Cover and What Are Their Weightings?

The exam measures understanding across three major domains:

1. Cloud Concepts (28%)

   • Cloud computing definitions and benefits
   • Cloud models (Public, Private, Hybrid)
   • Shared responsibility model
   • Consumption-based pricing and service types (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)

2. Azure Architecture and Services (38%)

   • Azure core architecture: regions, zones, resource groups, subscriptions
   • Compute options: containers, VMs, Functions
   • Networking services: VNet, Public/Private endpoints, VPN Gateway
   • Storage types and features, including redundancy and migration tools
   • Identity and access solutions: Microsoft Entra ID, MFA, RBAC

3. Azure Management and Governance (34%)

   • Azure cost management features and calculators
   • Governance tools: Azure Policy, resource locks, tagging
   • Deployment and monitoring tools (e.g., Azure Portal, Cloud Shell, Service Health, Azure Monitor)

Are There Any Prerequisites?

There are no formal prerequisites to take the AZ-900 exam. However, Microsoft recommends that candidates have:

• General IT knowledge
• Experience with cloud computing principles (conceptually)
• Familiarity with terms like high availability, scalability, and disaster recovery
• An interest in Microsoft Azure offerings

Even absolute beginners can succeed with adequate preparation.

What Knowledge Areas Should I Focus On?

Some key focus areas during preparation include:

1. Cloud Basics

   • Deployment models (Public/Private/Hybrid)
   • Cloud service models (IaaS/PaaS/SaaS)
   • Consumption-based billing

2. Azure Core Services

   • Virtual Networking
   • Azure Virtual Machines, Web Apps, Azure Functions
   • Azure Storage Solutions

3. Identity and Security

   • Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD)
   • Conditional Access, MFA, RBAC

4. Cost Management and Monitoring

   • Azure Pricing Calculator & TCO Calculator
   • Azure Monitor, Advisor, and Service Health

5. Governance and Compliance

   • Tags, Locks, Policies
   • Microsoft Purview and Azure Arc

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few challenges to watch out for:

• Studying only terminology without understanding real-world application
• Skipping hands-on experience with the Azure Portal or CLI tools
• Under-preparing for governance, cost, or pricing topics
• Not taking any time-bound exam simulation practice tests to build confidence and stamina
• Ignoring small but important tools such as Azure Monitor, Service Health, and Azure Policy

How Can I Prepare for the Exam?

Microsoft and third-party providers offer several valuable learning resources, including:

1. Microsoft Learn Training Modules

   • Cloud Concepts (52 min)
   • Azure Architecture & Services (3 hr 25 min)
   • Azure Management & Governance (1 hr 52 min)

2. Hands-On Practice

   • Try out real tasks in the Azure Portal (free or trial account)
   • Use Cloud Shell to explore CLI and PowerShell tasks

3. Practice Assessments & Exam Sandbox

   • Simulate exam experience with interactive sample exams

4. Documentation & Tutorials

   • Explore Microsoft’s rich technical documentation and scenario-based guides

5. Practice Exams

   • Try full-length, exam-like practice tests to assess readiness
   • Review detailed answer explanations to close knowledge gaps
   • Boost exam confidence with targeted preparation using realistic Microsoft Azure Fundamentals practice exams

How Long is the Certification Valid?

At this time, the Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) certification does not expire, but Microsoft’s policy may change. Continued learning and role-based certifications are recommended to maintain current cloud knowledge.

What Comes After Azure Fundamentals?

Once you’ve mastered AZ-900, continue your Azure journey with role-based certifications such as:

• Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
• Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204)
• Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)
• Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)

These advanced paths build upon your foundational cloud skills and align with growing job market demand.

Where Can I Take the Exam?

You can take the exam in two formats:

1. Online Proctored

   • Convenient at-home option
   • Requires webcam, microphone, quiet space, and stable internet

2. Test Centers (Pearson VUE / Certiport)

   • In-person proctoring
   • Available globally with additional accommodations

Note: If you’re a student or educator, register through Certiport. Everyone else should register using a personal Microsoft account (MSA) to ensure exam records are safely accessible regardless of organizational changes.

How Do I Register?

To register:

1. Go to the official certification page
2. Choose your testing provider: Pearson VUE or Certiport
3. Select exam AZ-900
4. Pick online or onsite testing
5. Choose a day and time
6. Pay and confirm your appointment

What If I Don’t Pass?

If you don’t pass on your first try:

• You can retake the exam after 24 hours
• For second or third attempts, wait times increase
• Use the feedback from your score report to know where to focus
• Consider taking additional preparation steps like practice exams, tutorials, and labs

Where Can I Find More Information?

For full details about scheduling, exam skills, updates and more, visit the official Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification page.

This industry-recognized certification is your gateway into the world of Microsoft Azure. With the right preparation and resources, you’ll be on your way to passing with confidence. Good luck on your certification journey!