Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900): Everything You Need to Know

In today’s cloud-first world, understanding cloud technologies is more important than ever—whether you're an IT professional, business decision-maker, or someone exploring a career in tech. Microsoft Azure, as one of the leading cloud platforms globally, offers a wide range of services and tools that power modern businesses. If you're looking for a place to start your cloud journey, the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) certification is your ideal entry point.

This beginner-friendly certification is designed for individuals with little to no technical background who want to understand the basics of cloud computing and Microsoft Azure services.

What is the AZ-900 Certification?

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals certification is intended to validate foundational-level knowledge of cloud services and how those services are provided with Microsoft Azure. It is suitable for anyone interested in cloud computing, regardless of their job role.

Unlike other Microsoft certifications that require hands-on experience, the AZ-900 exam is accessible to both technical and non-technical professionals, including students, sales and marketing professionals, and project managers who interact with cloud-based products.

Who Should Take the AZ-900 Exam?

This certification is perfect for:

Beginners exploring a career in cloud computing

Professionals from non-technical backgrounds looking to understand cloud basics

IT decision-makers seeking a high-level overview of Azure

Technical staff preparing to pursue role-based Azure certifications

It provides a broad understanding of cloud concepts, Azure services, pricing and support models, security, compliance, and governance.

Key Topics Covered in the Exam

The AZ-900 exam tests your knowledge in the following key areas:

Cloud Concepts – Understanding cloud computing principles and deployment models

Core Azure Services – Overview of Azure architecture, products, and solutions

Azure Pricing and Support – Knowledge of pricing calculators, support plans, and service-level agreements

Azure Governance and Compliance – Understanding of resource management and compliance tools

Security, Privacy, and Trust – Core security features of Azure, including network security, identity, and role-based access control

How to Prepare for the AZ-900 Exam

There are plenty of resources available for preparing for the AZ-900 certification:

Microsoft Learn: Free, self-paced learning paths from Microsoft

Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Pluralsight offer instructor-led video courses

Practice Tests: Reviewing sample Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Exam Questions can help you get familiar with the exam format and reinforce your understanding of the topics

While hands-on experience isn’t required, using a free Azure trial account can be helpful to explore the Azure portal and get a practical sense of the services.

Exam Details
The AZ-900 exam is designed to test your foundational knowledge of Microsoft Azure services, cloud concepts, and pricing models. It’s structured to be accessible for beginners with no prior technical experience.

Exam Code: AZ-900

Duration: Approximately 60 minutes

Number of Questions: 40–60

Passing Score: 700 out of 1000

Cost: Around $99 USD 
Exam Format: Multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and scenario-based questions

Final Thoughts

The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) certification is a valuable starting point for anyone looking to understand cloud technology and Microsoft Azure’s role in it. Whether you're planning to build a career in cloud computing or simply want to gain foundational knowledge, earning the AZ-900 credential is a smart move in 2025. It sets the stage for more advanced certifications and demonstrates your commitment to staying relevant in a cloud-driven world.