IT & Cloud
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Quick facts
| Provider | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Exam code | AZ-900 |
| Level | beginner |
| Format | Multiple choice |
| Questions | Typically 40–60 questions |
| Duration | 1h 5m |
| Passing score | 700 / 1000 |
| Exam fee | $99 (varies by country) |
| Validity | Does not expire |
| Languages | EN, DE, JA, KO, ZH, ES, FR, PT |
Overview
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) is the entry point to Microsoft's Azure certification path. It covers cloud concepts, core Azure services, and Azure pricing, governance and management at a conceptual level.
There is no technical prerequisite, and unlike Microsoft's role-based certifications, the fundamentals certification does not expire. It suits beginners, students, and non-technical staff at Microsoft-centric organisations.
Who it is for
- People completely new to cloud computing
- Non-technical staff who work with Azure teams
- Anyone wanting a gentle first step before AZ-104
Who it is not for
- People already working in Azure — skip to AZ-104.
- Those needing a hands-on role credential.
- Anyone wanting AWS or GCP.
Exam structure
| Describe cloud concepts | 25–30% |
|---|---|
| Describe Azure architecture and services | 35–40% |
| Describe Azure management and governance | 30–35% |
How the exam is weighted
- Cloud concepts 25-30%
- Azure architecture & services 35-40%
- Azure management & governance 30-35%
Realistic study time
- Non-technical / new 15-25 hours over 2-3 weeks
- Some IT 8-12 hours
Bars show relative effort, not a guarantee. Your time depends on background and study method.
What it really costs
| Exam fee | ~US$99 — varies by country |
|---|---|
| Retake | Full fee again |
| Study materials | US$0 — the free Microsoft Learn path is enough |
| Renewal | None — does not expire |
Fees change and vary by region. Confirm the current amount on the official site before you register.
Is it worth it?
Worth it as a confidence builder or a CV line for non-technical roles in Microsoft environments. Engineers aiming for cloud jobs usually move straight to the role-based AZ-104 instead.
What to do next
AZ-900 is the entry point; follow with AZ-104 (admin) or AZ-204 (developer). See the Cloud Engineer career path.
FAQ
- Is AZ-900 worth it?
- As a foundational, never-expiring certification it is a low-risk first step, especially for non-technical roles. For engineering jobs, AZ-104 carries far more weight.
- How long to prepare for AZ-900?
- Most people need one to two weeks of part-time study. It is conceptual, with no hands-on requirement.
- AZ-900 or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
- Choose the platform your target employers use. Both are entry-level, vendor-fundamentals exams of similar difficulty.
Related exams
- Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104)— Microsoft
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02)— Amazon Web Services (AWS)