If you’re aiming to earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (Exam AZ‑900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals) certification, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from who’s the right candidate, to exam structure, domains, and preparation tips.
Why Azure Fundamentals is worth it
- It validates your foundational knowledge of cloud computing and Microsoft Azure services — ideal if you’re new to Azure or cloud roles.
- It serves as a stepping stone to more advanced Azure certifications (associate/expert roles).
- It’s accessible: no deep technical experience or coding required — it’s designed for broad audiences.
Exam overview
Here are the key facts you should know about AZ-900:
- Exam code: AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals.
- Audience: Beginner level; candidates with some IT familiarity (infrastructure, databases, software) but not necessarily with Azure.
- Skills measured (as of Oct 30, 2025):
- Describe cloud concepts: ~25–30%
- Describe Azure architecture and services: ~35–40%
- Describe Azure management and governance: ~30–35%
- Format: Multiple choice and drag-and-drop style questions.
- Duration: Generally 45 minutes to complete the exam.
- Score required: The passing score is 700 on the 1000-point scale.
- Validity/renewal: Fundamentals certifications often do not require renewal, but always check latest Microsoft policy.
Key exam domains & what to focus on
| Domain | Weight | What to study |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud concepts | ~25-30% | Definitions of cloud computing, public/private/hybrid models, IaaS/PaaS/SaaS, shared responsibility, benefits such as scalability, availability. |
| Azure architecture & services | ~35-40% | Core services: compute (VMs, containers, functions), networking (VNets, ExpressRoute), storage (Blob, Data Lake), databases; regions, availability zones. |
| Azure management, governance & pricing | ~30-35% | Azure Resource Manager, subscription & resource group management, governance tools, cost management, SLA, compliance. |
Who should take this certification?
- IT professionals beginning cloud journeys but wanting to validate foundational Azure knowledge.
- Business/management professionals who need to understand Azure cloud concepts (decision makers).
- Students or career-switchers aiming for roles in cloud computing.
- Anyone planning to move into Azure associate/expert certifications as a next step.
Study strategy & tips
- Begin with the official Microsoft Learn path for AZ-900 (free modules covering all domains).
- Use practice tests and exam sandboxes to simulate real exam conditions.
- Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorising facts — e.g., know why you’d choose a certain model or service.
- Do some hands-on in the Azure portal if possible — operations like creating a VM, configuring a VNet, exploring cost management help cement understanding.
- Review cost/pricing/region/availability topics — often undervalued but present.
- Examine real-world case studies or use-cases: how organisations use Azure for high availability, disaster recovery, hybrid cloud.
- Soft tip: According to discussions, the AZ-900 exam is considered accessible for beginners with disciplined study.
Ready to get started? Subscribe to our CertifHub Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) practice simulator to access realistic timed mocks, detailed explanations, and track your readiness.
FAQs
- Q1: Do I need experience with Azure to take AZ-900?
A: No formal experience is required. Having general IT knowledge helps (e.g., infrastructure, software, databases), but the exam is designed for beginners. - Q2: What is the passing score for AZ-900?
A: You need to score 700 out of 1000 (scaled) to pass. - Q3: How many questions are on the exam and how long does it take?
A: The exact number of questions varies; expect a mix of multiple-choice and drag-and-drop. The duration is about 45 minutes. - Q4: Is this certification valid forever? Do I need to renew?
A: Fundamentals certifications currently have no renewal requirement in many cases, but check the latest Microsoft credential policy for updates. - Q5: Which next certification should I pursue after this?
A: It depends on your career path. If you aim at Azure administration, consider the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104). If you’re more into data or AI, there are Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) or Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900). - Q6: How difficult is AZ-900?
A: Many learners consider it accessible for beginners with focused study. For example:
“AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals): Broad overview … easiest for beginners with no tech background.”
If you’re ready to build a strong foundation in cloud computing and Azure, dive into our CertifHub Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) full practice simulator now — sharpen your skills with timed exams, track your progress, and schedule your certification with confidence.
