Planning to start your career in Azure Cloud? Wondering where to start? If so, then you’re in the right place! This blog post contains all the information you need to know about the AZ 900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Exam.
Update: In May 2022, Microsoft announced changes in the [AZ900 Exam] Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification exam and which took effect from October, 2022. you can find out more about these changes here.
In this blog, I’m going to cover:
- What Is Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Exam?
- Who Can Do This Certification?
- Why You Should Learn About Azure?
- Basic AZ-900 Exam Information
- Pre-requisites for AZ-900 Exam
- Learning Path For Azure Fundamental
- What Has Changed?
- What Topics Should You Learn?
- Complete AZ-900 Guide Hands-on Lab
- How to Register for AZ-900 Exam
- Exam Retake Policy
Read below to know what AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Certification is all about and how earning this certification could boost your career.
What Is Az 900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification Exam
The AZ 900 exam is designed for candidates looking to demonstrate foundational-level knowledge of cloud services and how those services are provided with Microsoft Azure. This exam can be taken as an optional first step in learning about cloud services and how those concepts are exemplified by Microsoft Azure. It can be taken as a precursor to Microsoft Azure or Microsoft cloud services exams.
Here’s a step-by-step blog to help you create a completely FREE Trial Cloud Account on Microsoft Azure.
Is Microsoft Azure Certification Worth it?
A Microsoft Azure certification validates your cloud skills and demonstrates your expertise for a given role.It is predicted that around 80% of all enterprise workloads will move to the cloud by 2025. This means that there will be high demand for professionals who can develop cloud applications and manage cloud infrastructures, and a Microsoft Azure Training certification will help you gain these skills.
What are the Azure Course Objective?
With this Microsoft Certified Azure training course, you will learn the basic concepts of cloud computing and how they are implemented in Microsoft Azure. You will also learn how to manage subscriptions, billing, and access control for Azure users and groups; Implement use cases and configuration options for Azure App Service and App Service environments; Azure CLI, Powershell etc. Create Azure using Vehicle Application Service web applications; Manage security and privacy for Azure solutions.
Who Can Do This Certification?
Why You Should Learn About Azure?
- Azure is 5 times more Cheaper than AWS for Windows Server and SQL Server.
- The organization looks for those who have knowledge of Azure, Oracle Cloud, etc.
- Azure provides flexible purchasing and pricing options for all your cloud scenarios.
- Better Job Prospects & Higher Salary after the certification.
- Azure is the only consistent hybrid cloud, has more regions than any cloud provider, delivers unparalleled developer productivity, and offers more comprehensive compliance coverage.
- If you are already working on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), Microsoft and Oracle customers will soon be able to migrate and run mission-critical enterprise workloads across Microsoft Azure and Oracle Cloud, thanks to a new cloud interoperability partnership between the two companies. For more details on this, Click here.
Also read: To understand Azure Cloud Management Tools in a better way
What is the Difference Between Azure And AWS?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure are the leading cloud services today. They offer a wide variety of service clouds, whether we need services related to storage, hosting, computing services or technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning or the Internet of Things (IoT). The choice between the two depends on various business requirements; for example, an organization prefers to use Azure for PaaS and AWS for IaaS.
Basic AZ-900 Exam Information
- Certification Name: AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification.
- Exam Duration: 90 minutes
- Number of Questions: 40-60
- Passing Score: 700
- Exam Cost: $99.00 USD
Pre-requisites for AZ-900 Exam
There are no pre-requisites for taking this course. It is targeted at anyone that wants to learn more about Microsoft Azure.
Azure Fundamentals Learning Path
Here is the new learning path for AZ-900, and you can refer to Microsoft’s updated section guide here.
What Has Changed?
The changes introduced in the exam are more to bring the exam up to date rather than a complete overhaul; apart from that, the focus of the exam has also been shifted to be more towards understanding the benefits and usage of Azure cloud than just understanding the underlying theory.
- There is a change in the Percentage weightage of sections in AZ900.
- The number of Sections has been increased from four to six.
- The weightage of the Describe cloud concepts has increased to (25–30%)
- The weightage of the Describe Azure architecture and services (35–40%)
- The weightage of the Describe Azure management and governance (30–35%)
What Topics Should You Learn in AZ900?
If you are planning to take this exam, you have to be well prepared with the topics:
- Describe Cloud Concepts
- Core Solutions & Management Tools on Azure
- Identity, Governance, Privacy & Compliance Features
- Core Azure Services
- General Security and Network Security Features
- Azure Cost Management & Service Level Agreements
Read: Microsoft Azure Certification Path
Here are Module-wise topics that you have to learn before appearing into AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification:
1. Describe Cloud Concepts
- Describe Cloud Computing
- Describe the benefits of using Cloud services
- Describe Cloud service types
For self-learning about Cloud Concepts – Principles of cloud computing, Click here
2. Describe Azure Architectures and services
- Describe the core architectural components
- Describe azure compute and networking services
- Describe azure storage services
- Describe azure identity, access, and security
For self-learning about Core Cloud Services – Azure architecture and service guarantees to Click here
3. Describe Azure management and governance
- Describe Cost Management in Azure
- Describe features and tools in Azure for governance and compliance
- Describe feature and tools for managing and deploying Azure resources
- Describe monitoring tools in Azure
Complete AZ-900 Guide Hands-on Labs
Everyone wants to learn cloud technologies these days, and the best way to learn is to perform. The AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals exam acts as a good starting point for those wanting to start their careers in the cloud.
Here is the list of our activity guides:
- Register For Azure Free Trial Account
- Explore the Learn Sandbox
- Create an Azure Service
- Create an Azure Virtual Machine
- Configure Network Access
- Create a Storage BLOB
- Estimate workload costs by using the Pricing Calculator
- Compare workload costs using the TCO calculator
- Configure a Resource Lock
How to Register for AZ-900 Exam
Registering for an AZ-900 exam is very easy; it costs you $99 USD for the registration. The registration redirects you to the Pearson VUE website, where you can schedule a time and date to give the exam.
Also read: How to Register For [AZ-900] Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification Exam
Note: To register for the AZ-900 Exam, click here
Exam Retake Policy
- First of all, if a candidate fails on the first attempt, he/she has to wait 24 hours before retaking the exam.
- Secondly, if he/she fails on the 2nd attempt, then they should wait for 14 days to retake the exam.
- A candidate can take a maximum of 5 retakes in a year.
- For every retake you need to pay again (unless you have offer which reduces the retake cost)
Do I need to repay to retake micrsoft exam?
Yes, you have to repay for the exam if you have not cleared in single take. You can get a discounted retake. For more information on discounted retake Click here
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the validity of Azure Fundamentals certification?
The Fundamentals role-based certifications (like Azure Fundamentals) have a lifetime certification validity. By contrast, the Associate, Expert, and Specialty role-based certifications expire in one year.
What is the use of Azure Fundamentals certification?
The certification validates your basic knowledge of cloud services and how those services are provided with Azure. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of cloud concepts, along with Azure services, workloads, security, privacy, pricing, and support.
What do I need to know about Azure fundamentals?
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals is a six-part learning series that includes exam preparation and a certification exam. It focuses on providing a high-level overview of core Azure cloud platform components. The Azure suite contains over 200 products and services that range from AI and machine learning to web services
How many questions are on the Azure Fundamentals certification?
The AZ 900 certification is a foundation-level certification, which indicates you don't require a complete understanding of Cloud computing or Azure. It is a Microsoft certification, so you should envision a challenge. The exam comprises 40-60 questions, which you must answer within 60 minutes
Related/References
Next Task For You
Begin your journey toward Mastering Azure Cloud and landing high-paying jobs. Just click on the register now button on the below image to register for a Free Class on Mastering Azure Cloud: How to Build In-Demand Skills and Land High-Paying Jobs. This class will help you understand better, so you can choose the right career path and get a higher paying job.
Anand Miryala says
How many attempts can be done under one purchase of AZ-900 certification ?
If I fail an exam, how soon can I retake it?:
If you attempt this exam and couldn’t pass for the first time, you need to wait for at least 24 hours before exam retake. If this happens to you for the second time, the waiting time for the next exam can extend to 14 days. In this way, you can take a maximum of 5 retakes in a year.
Sabarinath says
If I failed a second time can I take an azure exam free or should I need to pay
Rahul Dangayach says
Hi Sabarinath,
Yes, You must have to pay to retake the exam.
Please check the Microsoft Exam Retake policy below:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/exam-retake-policy
Hope this helps.
Thanks and Regards
Rahul Dangayach
Team K21 Academy
Charlie Stevens says
To pass your az-900 exam with latest and up to date number of exams questions. you must be very dedicated and passionate about preparing your exam.
Odo Kingsley Nnaemeka says
Good day from Africa,
I wish to know if someone attempt exam and couldn’t make it the first time, on retaking it will he make another payment?
Rahul Dangayach says
Hi Odo,
Yes, You must have to pay to retake the exam.
Please check the Microsoft Exam Retake policy below:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/exam-retake-policy
Hope this helps.
Thanks and Regards
Rahul Dangayach
Team K21 Academy
terence ho says
are the compiled quizzes sufficient to prepare for the exam? I understand the level of difficulty between quiz and actual exam w/o going through the practice test. Please advise
Rahul Dangayach says
Hi Terence,
Regarding this, I would suggest you don’t depend on quiz questions only please focus on the topics and concepts which are necessary as the exam point of view if you know the concept you are easily able to answer the query.
Hope this helps.
Thanks and Regards
Rahul Dangayach
Team K21 Academy
Nitheesha reddy says
I couldn’t attempt the exam for the first time due to network issues. Do I have to pay penalty?
Rahul Dangayach says
Hi Nitheesha,
If you are unable to attempt the exam due to some technical glitch would suggest you to check with the Support team, if they can schedule your exam else you need to register again.
Hope this helps.
Thanks and Regards
Rahul Dangayach
Team K21Academy
Gayathri says
Hi Rahul, we have one question which have 2 (a, b) options correct out of 5options.but I have chosen a, c options. Shall I get partial mark for option a or it will consider as 0 marks
Izhar Alam says
Hi Gayathri,
Here is some general information about exam scoring:
• Most questions are worth one point, regardless of what you must do to answer
the question. If a question is worth more than one point, this information will be stated in the question.
• There is no penalty for guessing. If you choose an incorrect answer, you simply do not earn the point(s) for that item. No points are deducted for incorrect answers.
• Some questions on the exam may not be included in the calculation of your score. To gather data to update and improve the quality of each exam, we present new content to candidates without counting the results toward their score. However, as soon as we have the necessary data to evaluate the quality of the question, items that meet Microsoft’s psychometric standards will be scored. Microsoft will not inform candidates which questions are unscored; as a result, you should answer every question as if it will be scored.
Hope this helps
Thanks and Regards
Izhar Alam
Team K21Academy
Shahrul says
The latest ‘skill measured’ released by Microsoft from their website:
• Describe cloud concepts (25–30%)
• Describe Azure architecture and services (35–40%)
• Describe Azure management and governance (30–35%)
Please review and re-confirm. Thank you.
Rahul Dangayach says
Hi Shahrul,
Yes, there are a few changes made by Microsoft in Azure AZ-900, percentage waitage, and topics.
We have updated our team and they will update this blog soon.
Thanks and Regards
Rahul Dangayach
Team K21Academy
Eswari says
Hi ,
I failed in my first attempt and i used the micorsoft voucher for this time. Should i need to pay to retake my exam? Can i get another voucher to take the second attempt free of cost ?
Thanks
Rahul Dangayach says
Hi Eswari,
If you used a voucher for your first attempt, you may need to purchase another voucher for your second attempt, please check the link HERE for registering AZ900 exam.
Hope this helps.
Thanks and Regards
Rahul Dangayach
Team K21Academy
Eswari Kumaresan says
Thanks Rahul. much appreciated