What is Microsoft AZ-900?
The Microsoft AZ-900 exam, officially called Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, is an entry-level certification that helps you understand the basics of cloud computing and Microsoft Azure. It is designed for beginners and is often the first step for anyone who wants to start a career in cloud technology. The exam does not test advanced technical skills but focuses on essential cloud concepts, Azure services, pricing, support, and security features.
In simple words, AZ-900 shows that you understand what the cloud is, how Azure works, and why businesses use it.
For a deeper breakdown of this exam, you can check out our full AZ-900 Certification Guide that explains everything from objectives to preparation tips.
Who should take this exam?
The Microsoft AZ-900 exam is ideal for:
- Beginners in IT who want to learn cloud basics.
- Students or career changers interested in cloud computing.
- Professionals in non-technical roles (like sales, management, or finance) who work with cloud-based products.
- Anyone who wants a recognized certificate to show their knowledge of Microsoft Azure.
You don’t need to be a developer or IT expert to take this exam.
Prerequisites and recommendations
There are no strict prerequisites for the Microsoft AZ-900 exam. Anyone can register and attempt it.
However, Microsoft recommends that you:
- Have a basic understanding of computers and networking.
- Spend some time exploring Azure free services to get hands-on experience.
Even if you have zero cloud experience, you can still prepare and pass this exam with the right study plan.
Exam objectives and domains
The AZ-900 exam is divided into different knowledge areas (domains). Each domain covers a certain percentage of the exam.
The current domains are:
- Describe Azure Management and Governance (30–35%)
- Describe Cloud Concepts (25–30%)
- Describe Azure Architecture and Services (35–40%)
Objective details by domain
1. Describe Cloud Concepts (25–30%)
- What is cloud computing?
- Types of cloud models (Public, Private, Hybrid).
- Different service models: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS.
- Benefits of cloud computing like scalability, reliability, and cost-efficiency.
2. Describe Azure Architecture and Services (35–40%)
- Azure core architectural components (regions, availability zones, resource groups).
- Core services: compute, storage, networking, and databases.
- Azure products like Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Functions, Azure SQL Database, and Azure Blob Storage.
3. Describe Azure Management and Governance (30–35%)
- Monitoring tools like Azure Monitor and Service Health.
- Azure subscriptions and management groups.
- Cost management and pricing tools.
- Azure support plans.
- Azure policies, compliance, and governance.
What changed in this version
Microsoft updates exams regularly. In the latest version of Microsoft AZ-900:
- The focus is more on practical cloud usage rather than just definitions.
- Governance, compliance, and cost tools are given more importance.
- Some older topics like outdated services have been removed.
Always check the official Microsoft page before scheduling to see the latest skills outline.
Registration and scheduling
You can register for the exam on the official Microsoft Learn website or through Pearson VUE.
Steps to schedule:
- Go to the Microsoft certification page for AZ-900.
- Click on “Schedule Exam.”
- Choose your preferred testing option (online proctored exam or test center).
- Select date, time, and pay the exam fee.
Pricing and vouchers
- The cost of the AZ-900 exam is usually $99 USD (but may vary by country).
- Sometimes Microsoft offers discounts, vouchers, or free exam offers through training events and learning programs.
- Students may also get discounted pricing.
Policies you should know
- Reschedule/Cancellation: You can reschedule or cancel up to 24 hours before the exam.
- ID Requirements: A valid government-issued ID is required.
- Exam Retake Policy: If you fail, you can retake after 24 hours. If you fail again, you must wait 14 days.
Scoring and results
- The exam is scored on a scale of 100–1000.
- You need 700 or more to pass.
- Results are shown immediately after you finish.
- A detailed score report is provided with strengths and weaknesses.
Exam day and test experience
On exam day:
- Time limit is 60 minutes.
- If you take the exam online, ensure a quiet space, good internet, and a webcam.
- If at a test center, arrive early with your ID.
- The exam has around 40–60 questions in different formats: multiple choice, drag-and-drop, scenario-based.
Study plan and resources for Microsoft AZ-900
For Microsoft AZ-900, you can make a simple study plan for beginners:
- Week 1–2: Learn cloud basics and service models.
- Week 3–4: Explore Azure services (compute, storage, networking).
- Week 5: Study governance, compliance, and pricing tools.
- Week 6: Take practice tests and review weak areas.
Resources to use:
- Training videos or study guides from trusted sources.
- Microsoft Learn (free online modules).
- Azure free account for hands-on practice.
- Practice exams by Cert Empire to get used to the question style.
To improve your preparation, we’ve also shared some powerful AZ-900 Exam Tips and Strategies that can help you study smarter and pass more confidently.
Certification validity and renewal
- The Microsoft AZ-900 certification is valid for one year.
- Renewal is free and can be done online through Microsoft Learn by passing a shorter renewal assessment.
Career outcomes
The Microsoft AZ-900 is a foundation-level certification, so it may not directly land you a technical job. However, it:
- Can boost your chances of roles like cloud support, sales, or junior IT positions.
- Helps you get started in cloud careers.
- Shows employers that you understand cloud basics.
If you’re curious about the types of roles and salary expectations after passing AZ-900, we’ve covered it in detail here: Job Roles and Salary Trends for AZ-900.
Related or next-step certifications
After AZ-900, you can move on to more technical Azure certifications such as:
- AZ-104: Azure Administrator Associate
- AZ-204: Azure Developer Associate
- AZ-305: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
These certifications build on the foundation of AZ-900 and prepare you for more specialized roles.
How does this exam compare to similar certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner: Similar beginner exam but focused on Amazon Web Services.
- Google Cloud Digital Leader: Similar beginner exam but for Google Cloud Platform.
- CompTIA Cloud Essentials+: Vendor-neutral, covers general cloud concepts but not specific to Azure.
AZ-900 is best if you plan to work with Microsoft technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the AZ-900 exam difficult?
Not really. The AZ-900 is considered one of the easiest Microsoft certifications because it only covers the fundamentals of cloud computing and Azure. With a bit of focused study, most beginners are able to pass without much trouble.
How long should I prepare for the AZ-900 exam?
On average, learners spend about 4 to 6 weeks of part-time study to feel confident. If you already have some cloud knowledge, you may need less time. Beginners should spend more time practicing with Azure’s free resources.
Can I take the AZ-900 exam online?
Yes, you can choose between two options: taking it at a test center or as an online proctored exam. If you choose online, you’ll need a quiet room, a stable internet connection, and a webcam for monitoring.
Do I need technical experience before attempting AZ-900?
No, technical experience is not required. The exam is designed for beginners, including students, non-technical professionals, and people new to cloud computing. With the right preparation, anyone can pass.
What career opportunities open up after earning AZ-900?
AZ-900 alone won’t land you advanced technical jobs, but it’s a valuable starting point. It demonstrates your understanding of cloud concepts, making you more attractive for entry-level roles in IT, cloud support, or cloud sales. Many people use it as a stepping stone to advanced certifications like Azure Administrator (AZ-104) or Azure Solutions Architect (AZ-305).
