Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)

What it proves

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, earned by passing exam AZ-900, shows foundational knowledge of cloud concepts in general and Microsoft Azure in particular. You can describe Azure's architectural components and core services, such as compute, networking and storage, and the features and tools used to secure, govern and administer Azure. Microsoft describes it as a common starting point for a career in Azure.

Who it is for

It is for anyone beginning with Azure: students, people moving into cloud from another IT area, and people in non-technical roles who work with cloud teams. For someone heading into cloud engineering it is optional. Take it if Azure is your first cloud and a milestone helps; skip it if you are ready for the Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104).

The exam

The exam is 45 minutes and is proctored, at a test centre or online through Pearson VUE. Students and educators can also schedule through Certiport. It is assessed in three areas: describe cloud concepts, describe Azure architecture and services, and describe Azure management and governance. The price depends on the country where you take it, so check the exam page for yours. Microsoft offers a free practice assessment and an exam sandbox that shows the question types.

What to study, and in what order

1. Read the official AZ-900 study guide linked from the certification page.
2. Work through the free Microsoft Learn training for AZ-900, which has three learning paths matching the three exam areas.
3. Use the free sandboxes in the learning modules, or an Azure free account or Azure for Students, to click through what you study: create a resource group, a storage account and a small VM, then delete the group.
4. Take the free practice assessment and revise the areas where you score lowest.

Cost and validity

The exam fee varies by country. Microsoft states that fundamentals certifications do not expire, so there is no renewal to plan.

What to do after it

Go on to the Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104), where you build and secure identities, networks, storage and compute yourself. Pair it with a small hands-on project, such as a web app in a virtual network with a managed database and a budget, because AZ-900 on its own shows vocabulary rather than the ability to build.

Common questions

Is AZ-900 required for AZ-104? No. It is optional.

Is it recognised by employers? As a sign you understand Azure's basics, yes. For cloud engineering roles, employers look for AZ-104 or above.