As the cloud computing revolution disrupts companies around the globe, Microsoft Azure is leading the charge. The need for skilled Azure professionals is hitting the skies as organizations keep moving towards the cloud. The AZ-900 certification is the first step if you are looking to enter the world of cloud or validate your basic understanding of Microsoft Azure.
This complete guide will walk you through all you need to know about the AZ-900 certification what it is, who should take it, how to prepare, and how it compares to other Microsoft certifications, like the Azure DevOps certification.
What is the AZ-900 Certification?
Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) is an entry level certification aimed at individuals with no prior experience in cloud computing or Microsoft Azure. It is a foundational credential that confirms your knowledge of Azure cloud concepts, core services, security, pricing, and governance.
Unlike other Azure certifications, AZ 900 is aimed at hands-on technical proficiency, is knowledge-oriented, opening the door for non-technical professionals, business managers, students, and even IT novices.
Key Details of AZ-900 Certification
● Certification Name: Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
● Exam Code: AZ-900
● Duration: 60 minutes
● Number of Questions: 40–60
● Question Format: Multiple-choice, drag and drop, scenario-based
● Passing Score: 700 out of 1000
● Cost: $99 (varies by region)
● Validity: Lifetime (no expiration)
Who Should Take the AZ-900 Certification?
The AZ-900 certification is ideal for:
1. Beginners in Cloud Computing
2. IT Professionals Looking to Upskill
3. Business and Sales Professionals
4. Students and Job Seekers
Benefits of Earning the AZ-900 Certification
1. Builds a Strong Foundation in Cloud Computing
AZ-900 introduces you to fundamental cloud computing concepts, making it easier to progress to more advanced Azure certifications.
2. Increases Job Opportunities
Cloud skills are in high demand, and having an AZ-900 certification can make you a more attractive candidate for entry-level cloud roles.
3. No Technical Experience Required
Unlike other Azure certifications, AZ-900 does not require programming or hands-on cloud experience, making it accessible to non-technical professionals.
4. Cost-Effective Certification
At just $99, AZ-900 is one of the most affordable cloud certifications, providing a high return on investment.
5. Helps in Preparing for Advanced Azure Certifications
AZ-900 acts as a stepping stone to role-based Azure certifications such as:
● Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
● Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
● Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400)
AZ-900 Exam Syllabus and Topics
The AZ-900 exam covers the following key areas:
1. Cloud Concepts (25–30%)
● Principles of cloud computing
● Benefits of cloud models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
● Public, private, and hybrid cloud
2. Core Azure Services (35–40%)
● Azure compute resources (Virtual Machines, Azure App Services, Kubernetes)
● Networking services (Azure Virtual Network, Load Balancer, DNS)
● Azure storage solutions (Blob Storage, Azure SQL, Cosmos DB)
3. Security, Compliance, and Identity (25–30%)
● Azure Security Center, Azure Firewall
● Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
● Compliance standards and governance
4. Azure Pricing and Support (20–25%)
● Azure subscription models
● Cost management tools
● Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
How to Prepare for the AZ-900 Exam
1. Enroll in an Online Course
An online AZ-900 certification course will help you get a better understanding of the exam topics. Microsoft Learn has free training modules, while Udemy, Coursera, and Simplilearn have structured courses.
2. Use Microsoft Learn
AZ-900 Microsoft Learn Lite is a free self-paced learning path with interactive modules and quizzes.
3. Get Hands-On Practice with Azure Free Tier
Even though AZ-900 is not a practical exam, you should work with Azure services to get a deeper understanding. Simply register for a free Azure account and try out the azure services such as Virtual machines, Storage, and Networking, etc.
4. Review the Official Microsoft Exam Guide
Microsoft provides an official study guide outlining all the exam topics. Reviewing this guide ensures you cover every required area.
5. Take Practice Tests
Familiarizing yourself with the exam format helps increase your chances of success, and practice tests can also help you identify weak areas. You can use quality mock exams like Whizlabs, ExamTopics, and MeasureUp.
6. Join Azure Study Groups
Engaging in online communities such as Microsoft Tech Community, LinkedIn groups, or Reddit forums can help you gain insights from certified professionals.
AZ-900 vs. Azure DevOps Certification
As you progress in your Azure journey, you may want to explore more advanced certifications like the Azure DevOps certification. Here’s how AZ-900 compares:
| Feature | AZ-900 | Azure DevOps (AZ-400) |
| Level | Beginner | Expert |
| Focus Area | Cloud fundamentals | DevOps practices, CI/CD, automation |
| Hands-On Experience Needed | No | Yes |
| Ideal for | Cloud beginners, business professionals | DevOps engineers, automation experts |
| Exam Difficulty | Easy | Advanced |
If your goal is to specialize in DevOps, AZ-900 can be your first step before pursuing Azure DevOps certification (AZ-400).
Final Thoughts: Is AZ-900 Worth It?
The AZ-900 certification is great for beginners who want to know about Microsoft Azure or cloud computing. It gives you a good grounding in Cloud concepts, helps you grasp Azure services, and serves as a valuable credential on your CV.
If you want to get into IT, you are planning on starting your cloud journey, or you are on multiple AZ-900 certifications to advance like Azure DevOps certification, AZ-900 is the starting point.