The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) certification is an entry-level credential offered by Microsoft, designed to validate foundational knowledge of cloud computing and Azure services.
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) is ideal for individuals new to cloud technology or those seeking to demonstrate a basic understanding of Microsoft Azure’s capabilities, including core services, security, pricing, and governance, making it a starting point for cloud-related careers or further Azure certifications.
Key Details:
- Exam Code: AZ-900
- Target Audience: Beginners, non-technical professionals, or IT staff exploring Azure (e.g., business analysts, sales professionals, or aspiring cloud practitioners).
- Level: Fundamentals (not role-specific, suitable for all industries).
What It Covers:
The AZ-900 exam, with its objectives last significantly updated in January 2023 and minor refreshes as of March 19, 2025, focuses on four main areas:
- Cloud Concepts (25-30%):
- Basics of cloud computing (e.g., IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).
- Benefits like scalability, elasticity, and high availability.
- Public, private, and hybrid cloud models.
- Azure Services (20-25%):
- Overview of core Azure offerings (e.g., VMs, Azure App Service, Blob Storage).
- AI and machine learning tools (e.g., Azure AI Studio), IoT, and analytics services.
- Azure Marketplace and compute/network/storage options.
- Security, Privacy, Compliance, and Trust (25-30%):
- Security features (e.g., Azure Defender, Key Vault, Entra ID).
- Compliance tools (e.g., Azure Policy, Microsoft Purview).
- Privacy standards and SLAs.
- Azure Pricing, SLAs, and Lifecycle (20-25%):
- Pricing models (e.g., pay-as-you-go, reserved instances).
- Tools like Azure Cost Management and TCO Calculator.
- Service lifecycle (public preview, GA) and support options.
Exam Format:
- Duration: Approximately 60 minutes.
- Question Types: Multiple-choice, case studies, and drag-and-drop questions (typically 40-60 questions).
- Passing Score: 700 out of 1000 (subject to Microsoft’s periodic adjustments).
- Cost: Approximately $99 USD (varies by region).
Prerequisites:
- No formal prerequisites or prior certifications required.
- Basic understanding of IT or cloud concepts is helpful but not mandatory.
Benefits:
- Establishes credibility for roles involving Azure, such as cloud sales, support, or entry-level administration.
- Serves as a foundation for advanced Azure certifications (e.g., AZ-104, AZ-305).
- Demonstrates familiarity with Azure’s role in digital transformation, aligning with 2025 cloud adoption trends.
As of March 19, 2025, the AZ-900 remains current with minor updates to reflect Azure’s evolving services (e.g., expanded AI tools and sustainability features), making it a relevant entry point for understanding Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem!