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Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Quick Facts
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification opens the door for anyone eager to build a strong foundation in cloud technology. This overview provides a clear path through the exam essentials, helping you focus on what matters most and prepare with genuine confidence.
Why pursue the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) certification?
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification (exam code AZ-900) validates your understanding of the core principles of cloud computing and how they come to life within Azure. It is designed for individuals in both technical and non-technical roles who want to strengthen their knowledge of cloud concepts, Azure architecture, management tools, and governance features. By earning this certification, you gain the ability to explain key concepts like cloud service models, Azure’s global infrastructure, cost management strategies, and security fundamentals, empowering you to engage effectively with teams and projects that depend on Azure.
Who Should Pursue the Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals Certification?
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) certification is perfect if you are exploring a career in cloud technology or simply want to validate your understanding of how cloud platforms like Azure work. This entry-level exam is designed for those who may be new to cloud computing, but it is also valued by business professionals, managers, and students who want to speak the language of modern cloud technology. It is approachable for anyone with an interest in IT infrastructure, software development, or database management, and it establishes a strong foundation for more advanced Microsoft certifications.
Even if you are not in a technical role, this certification can boost your ability to make informed decisions about digital transformation, cloud adoption, and IT strategies for your team or organization.
Which career opportunities can Azure Fundamentals open for me?
While this certification is an entry point, it can open doors in a variety of career paths. You may find it especially relevant for introductory or hybrid roles such as:
- Cloud Support Associate
- Junior Azure Administrator
- Cloud Sales Specialist or Account Executive
- Technical Recruiter with a cloud focus
- Cloud Project Coordinator or Analyst
Over time, this credential serves as the first step toward becoming an Azure Administrator, Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer, or Cloud Developer. By mastering these fundamentals, you position yourself for exciting growth as cloud computing continues to transform industries.
What exam code should I register for?
The official exam you need to register for is AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals. This exam represents the most up-to-date knowledge expectations at the foundational level and covers cloud concepts alongside Azure architecture, security, management, and governance features. You will want to make sure you are preparing for AZ-900 specifically, as this demonstrates that you have studied the current body of knowledge tested by Microsoft.
What is the cost of the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam?
The exam cost is $99 USD. The final price may vary depending on your country, local currency conversions, or added taxes. It is considered an affordable option compared to more advanced certifications, making it an excellent investment for anyone looking to begin their cloud learning path. Students or educators may also qualify for discounted pricing by registering through Certiport.
How many questions will I face on exam AZ-900?
The AZ-900 exam contains approximately 60 questions. These questions are a mix of multiple-choice and multiple-select formats, with some interactive elements such as drag-and-drop or scenario-based items. Because the exam is only 45 minutes long, pacing yourself carefully is important. By practicing in advance, you will gain comfort with the exam flow and question styles.
How long do I have to complete the exam?
You are given 45 minutes to complete all questions on the AZ-900 exam. While that may sound like a short amount of time, the questions are designed for individuals at the beginner level. Efficient time management is key, and Microsoft ensures the exam flow gives you fair opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge without requiring extensive memorization.
What score do I need to pass?
The passing score is 700 out of 1000. This means you need to achieve at least 70 percent to earn the certification. The scoring system uses Microsoft’s compensatory model, which means you don’t need to pass each section individually. As long as your overall score crosses 700, you will officially earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals credential.
In which languages is the AZ-900 exam available?
Microsoft offers the exam in a wide list of languages to make it accessible worldwide. The AZ-900 certification can be taken in English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Spanish, German, French, Indonesian, Arabic, Chinese (Traditional), Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), and Russian. This ensures that whether you prefer local-language preparation or English, you will find resources and testing comfort that meets your needs.
How much experience should I have before attempting the exam?
There are no strict prerequisites for AZ-900, which makes it one of the most approachable cloud certifications available. However, Microsoft recommends that you should have familiarity with at least one area of IT, such as infrastructure, database management, or software development. Even if you come from a non-technical role, spending time with cloud fundamentals study materials will set you up for success.
What topics are covered on the AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam?
The AZ-900 exam blueprint is organized into three main domains, each with a significant weighting:
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Describe cloud concepts (28 percent)
- Benefits of the cloud
- Shared responsibility model
- Cloud models: public, private, hybrid
- IaaS, PaaS, SaaS
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Describe Azure architecture and services (38 percent)
- Compute, networking, storage
- Virtual machines, containers, functions
- Azure regions, availability zones
- Identity and access management (Entra ID, RBAC, Zero Trust)
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Describe Azure management and governance (34 percent)
- Azure Portal, CLI, PowerShell
- Azure Policy, Microsoft Purview, tags
- Cost management and calculators
- Monitoring with Azure Monitor and Service Health
Understanding these areas not only helps you pass the exam, but also gives you practical cloud knowledge that can be applied immediately in the workplace.
What are the benefits of taking the Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals exam?
This certification validates that you understand the building blocks of cloud computing and Azure. That recognition boosts your credibility whether you are pursuing a new technical career or working in a business-aligned role. Beyond career credentials, it fosters confidence in cloud discussions and decision-making, allowing you to engage with engineers, customers, and stakeholders about Microsoft Azure’s role in modern businesses.
Is this a difficult exam to pass?
The AZ-900 is intentionally designed to be beginner-friendly. Microsoft wants newcomers to cloud computing to succeed and advance onto more specialized certifications. You will still need to prepare, but with structured practice and a clear study approach, most candidates find the exam to be well within reach. To sharpen your skills, make time for top-rated Microsoft Azure Fundamentals practice exams that recreate the types of questions and timing you will face.
How long is my Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification valid?
Your certification does not expire immediately after you pass. Like most Microsoft credentials, it establishes a valuable milestone on your career path. While foundational certifications are not subject to strict expiration timelines like some advanced certifications, Microsoft encourages continuous learning and renewing through advanced certifications as your skills progress.
Will I receive college credit for passing exam AZ-900?
Yes. If you pass the AZ-900 exam, you may be eligible for ACE college credit. This benefit allows you to potentially apply your certification achievement toward academic credit at participating academic institutions. It adds meaningful educational value to the credential outside of professional recognition.
Can students and educators take exam AZ-900 through different programs?
Yes. Microsoft partners with Certiport to offer discounted or special access for students and educators. This provides an excellent opportunity for academic institutions and learners to incorporate the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam into their skill-building or career-preparation journeys at an affordable cost.
Can I retake the exam if I do not pass on the first try?
Absolutely. Microsoft’s exam retake policy is designed to give you another chance quickly. If you don’t pass the first attempt, you can retake the exam after 24 hours. For future retries, the waiting period increases slightly, but ultimately you can attempt the exam multiple times until you pass.
Where can I schedule and take the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam?
You can schedule your exam through Pearson VUE testing centers or take it online with a remote proctor. Remote proctored exams allow you to test from home, provided you have a quiet space, webcam, and reliable internet connection. Students and educators can register through Certiport instead.
What should I study to feel confident for the AZ-900 exam?
Focus on these knowledge areas:
- Cloud fundamentals like scalability, high availability, and global cloud models
- Azure services including compute, storage, networking, and databases
- Security and identity principles like RBAC and Conditional Access
- Governance and cost management using Azure Policy, tags, and cost calculators
- Monitoring and operations with Azure Monitor, Service Health, and Advisor
Hands-on labs combined with structured study paths will make these topics stick. Microsoft Learn offers excellent, interactive modules to practice core skills.
What preparation resources does Microsoft offer?
Microsoft Learn provides learning paths dedicated to AZ-900, complete with videos, labs, and quizzes. The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals learning path is broken into manageable units, so you can pace yourself. In addition, you can explore the Azure free account to gain hands-on experience with key services like virtual machines, storage accounts, and identity.
What steps should I take after earning Azure Fundamentals?
Once you have secured the AZ-900, the next natural steps are certifications aligned with your career goals:
- Azure Administrator Associate for infrastructure-focused roles
- Azure Developer Associate for building and deploying in the cloud
- Azure Security Engineer Associate for securing environments
- Azure Solutions Architect Expert for high-level cloud design leadership
Every path builds further into Microsoft’s certification hierarchy and enhances your career potential in cloud computing.
Where can I learn more about the official Microsoft documents for AZ-900?
The best place to get detailed certification insights, register for the exam, and review official Microsoft prep resources is directly from the official Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification page. This resource will guide you through registration, policies, and structured learning paths managed by Microsoft themselves.
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals exam is one of the best ways to begin your journey into the cloud. It sets the foundation for future growth, demonstrates initiative to employers, and brings clarity to the fast-moving world of cloud computing. With structured preparation, hands-on learning, and the right practice tools, you’ll be exam-ready and Azure-certified in no time.
