If you’re looking to launch a career in cloud computing, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) is the ideal starting point. Whether you’re a student, career changer, non-technical professional, or someone in sales or project management, this beginner-level certification will give you a solid understanding of Azure services and cloud concepts—without requiring hands-on technical skills.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to pass the AZ-900 exam with confidence.
🧠 What Is the AZ-900 Certification?
AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals is designed to validate your foundational knowledge of cloud computing principles and how Microsoft Azure delivers these services. It’s a non-technical certification—perfect for those new to IT or cloud environments.
- Cost: ~$99 USD
- Format: 40–60 multiple-choice questions
- Time Limit: 60 minutes
- Passing Score: 700/1000
- No prerequisites required
📚 What Topics Are Covered?
Here’s a breakdown of the skills measured on the AZ-900 exam:
1. Describe Cloud Concepts (25–30%)
- What is cloud computing?
- Benefits: scalability, elasticity, disaster recovery, high availability
- Cloud models: Public, Private, Hybrid
- Service models: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS
2. Describe Core Azure Services (15–20%)
- Azure compute: Virtual Machines, App Services, Azure Functions
- Storage: Blob, File, Disk
- Networking: Virtual Networks, VPN Gateway, Load Balancer
- Azure architectural components: regions, zones, resource groups
3. Describe Core Solutions and Management Tools (10–15%)
- IoT, AI, serverless computing
- Azure tools: Azure Portal, CLI, PowerShell
- Monitoring tools: Azure Monitor, Azure Advisor
4. Describe General Security and Network Security Features (10–15%)
- Azure Firewall, NSGs, DDoS protection
- Authentication vs. authorization
- Azure Security Center, Key Vault
5. Describe Identity, Governance, Privacy, and Compliance (20–25%)
- Azure Active Directory, RBAC, MFA
- Azure Policy, Locks, Tags
- Compliance: Microsoft Trust Center, GDPR, Azure Blueprints
6. Describe Azure Pricing, SLA, and Lifecycle (10–15%)
- Azure subscriptions and support plans
- Pricing calculators
- SLAs and composite SLAs
🧰 Best Resources to Prepare
Microsoft Learn (Free)
Microsoft’s own AZ-900 learning path includes interactive modules and quizzes designed by Microsoft trainers.
Video Courses
- Udemy: “AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals” by Scott Duffy or Alan Rodrigues
- LinkedIn Learning: Offers guided video-based instruction for visual learners
- YouTube: Look for free videos that explain cloud concepts and Azure basics
Practice Tests
Use free or paid mock exams from:
- ExamTopics
- Whizlabs
- MeasureUp
🧩 Tips for Success
- Use a free Azure account to explore services hands-on
👉 https://azure.microsoft.com/free - Understand core concepts, not deep configurations
- Review the Microsoft Trust Center for compliance questions
- Focus on use cases and benefits of services, not CLI syntax or APIs
🎯 Why AZ-900 Matters
The AZ-900 certification isn't just a résumé booster—it’s a gateway to future certifications like Azure Administrator (AZ-104), Azure Data Engineer (DP-203), or Azure AI Engineer (AI-102). It proves to employers that you understand cloud principles and how Microsoft Azure supports modern business operations.
🔗 Helpful Links
📣 Share Your Journey
About the Author
Kimberly Wiethoff, MBA, PMP, PMI-ACP is a Senior Program Manager specializing in enterprise digital transformation, AI-enabled delivery, PMO leadership, and Agile program execution. Through Managing Projects the Agile Way, she helps project leaders prepare for the future of work by combining proven program management practices with emerging AI technologies.
Managing Projects The Agile Way
As you prepare for the AZ-900, connect with others and stay motivated by sharing your progress with hashtags like:
#AzureCertification #AZ900 #MicrosoftAzure #CloudComputing #CloudCareers #LearnAzure #AzureFundamentals #TechCareers #Upskill #AIForBeginners
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Author: Kimberly Wiethoff