I recently had to sit the AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam as part of a workplace requirement. While the experience had its highs and lows, I managed to pass, so here are my thoughts on the preparation, exam process, and whether it’s really worth your time.
Preparation: Mixing Resources to Stay Engaged
At the start of my preparation, I turned to the official Microsoft Learn platform, which offers a free, structured path for AZ-900. The content is solid, but let’s be honest, it’s quite dry. I found myself zoning out after a couple of modules. Even though the material is broken into manageable sections with knowledge checks, reading walls of text without interaction wasn’t doing it for me.
To switch things up, I looked for video-based alternatives. One of the best resources I came across was a YouTube playlist that walked through all exam topics with examples, visuals, and tips. The instructor linked helpful cheat sheets and offered practice questions too. This approach helped me retain information better and gave me confidence in understanding the “why” behind the services, not just memorizing facts.
I also tried some third-party practice tests. These were critical. The AZ-900 isn’t super difficult, but it does test your ability to interpret scenarios. Practice exams exposed me to how Microsoft phrases their questions and forced me to really think like someone managing cloud solutions, not just someone learning definitions.
Exam Experience: What to Expect on Test Day
The AZ-900 exam itself is 60 minutes long with around 40–60 questions, depending on your version. Most of the questions are multiple-choice or multi-select, but there are also a few drag-and-drop and matching types. Don’t worry, there are no labs or simulations like in higher-level certifications.
What caught me a little off guard were the scenario-based questions. These go beyond the basics and ask you to apply your knowledge in a real-world context. For instance, instead of simply knowing what Azure Cost Management is, you’ll be asked to identify the best tool for controlling spend in a specific business situation. That’s where understanding the purpose behind each service really matters.
I took the exam online via Pearson VUE, which was mostly smooth, but the proctoring process is strict. Make sure your environment is clean, quiet, and distraction-free. You’ll need to verify your ID and do a 360-degree scan of your room. It felt intense, but after the check-in process, the test went by quickly.
Was It Worth It?
In my opinion, yes, AZ-900 is worth it, especially if you’re new to Azure or cloud computing in general. It’s a great certification for technical and non-technical professionals alike. For people in sales, project management, procurement, or support roles, AZ-900 provides a solid foundation for understanding how Azure works without diving too deep into technical implementation.
It also sets the stage for more advanced certifications like AZ-104 (Azure Administrator), AZ-305 (Solutions Architect), or AZ-500 (Security Engineer). If you’re planning a cloud-focused career, this is your launchpad. Even if you don’t plan to specialize in Azure, having cloud knowledge is increasingly valuable in any tech-related role.
Plus, from a workplace perspective, having the AZ-900 under your belt shows initiative and a commitment to professional development. It’s a credential that many organizations recognize and respect.
Preparation: What Worked (and What Didn’t)
When it comes to preparing for Microsoft exams, there are countless resources available. Some are great, others not so much. Here’s what I tried:
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals – Learn Platform
This was my starting point. Microsoft’s official learning path is thorough, but honestly, I found the material painfully dull. I only made it through two of the six modules before I felt my motivation drain. That said, I did return to it for the knowledge check questions and found some topics there that weren’t covered elsewhere, so don’t ignore it completely.
The Learn Platform is structured well in theory. It divides the AZ-900 syllabus into clearly defined learning paths and submodules, each followed by short quizzes to reinforce learning. The content includes concepts like cloud computing models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), core Azure services like Virtual Machines, Azure Blob Storage, and Azure Active Directory, along with pricing, SLAs, and governance tools.
But the main issue? It reads like documentation. If you’re someone who thrives on interactive or visual learning, the platform’s text-heavy format can feel monotonous. I found myself skimming paragraphs without retaining much and constantly checking the progress bar to see how close I was to finishing each section. The platform lacks real engagement—it’s static, and there’s very little storytelling or contextual application to make the information stick.
That being said, it’s not entirely without value. If you’re preparing for the AZ-900 exam, Microsoft Learn does have its strong points:
- Official Scope: The content is fully aligned with the exam objectives. You can trust that everything presented is potentially testable. There’s no fluff.
- Free of Charge: It’s completely free, which is a big plus for those on a tight budget.
- Knowledge Checks: The quiz-style questions at the end of each unit are incredibly useful for reinforcing material and simulating the kind of multiple-choice format you’ll see in the actual exam.
- Coverage of Gaps: While other study materials—like YouTube videos and third-party courses—focus more on practical aspects or high-level overviews, the Learn platform sometimes dives into specific terminology or Azure-native tools that others skip. For example, it covers areas like Azure Blueprints, Trust Center, and role-based access control (RBAC) in greater depth.
Later in my preparation, I circled back to Microsoft Learn specifically to review topics that weren’t deeply addressed in video tutorials or practice exams. That included regions vs. availability zones, TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) calculator usage, and details about service-level agreements (SLAs).
My advice? Don’t rely solely on Microsoft Learn unless you’re someone who genuinely enjoys textbook-style learning. Instead, treat it as a reference and review tool. Do the following to get the most out of it:
- Start with a Video Course First: Watching a visual overview before diving into the modules can help you better understand the context behind Azure services.
- Bookmark Tough Sections: If you get stuck or confused by any concept, bookmark it in the Learn portal and come back after watching a related explainer video.
- Use It as a Final Review Resource: A few days before your exam, return to the platform, skim through each module, and redo the quizzes. It’s a great confidence booster and helps you lock in terminology and foundational concepts.
While it might not win any awards for being exciting, Microsoft Learn is still an essential tool in your AZ-900 toolkit. Just don’t expect it to be your only source of preparation—pair it with engaging formats like YouTube crash courses, hands-on practice in the Azure portal, and real-world use cases to build a complete, well-rounded study plan.
Ultimately, Microsoft Learn is like the broccoli of AZ-900 prep: it’s not the most fun, but it’s packed with nutrients (information) and definitely worth consuming in small, strategic doses.
AZ-900 YouTube Playlist & Free Microsoft Practice Tests
A colleague recommended a fantastic YouTube playlist that became my main study tool, and honestly, it saved me. After struggling to stay focused with Microsoft’s official Learn platform, I was relieved to find a more visual and dynamic approach to exam prep. This playlist broke down the core AZ-900 topics in clear, bite-sized lessons, often using diagrams, analogies, and live demos inside the Azure portal. That kind of walkthrough made a world of difference.
The playlist started with basic cloud concepts like what the cloud is, the differences between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS and then gradually dove into Azure-specific services such as Compute, Storage, Networking, and Identity. But what really stood out was how the instructor tied these concepts together with real-world use cases. It wasn’t just “here’s what Azure App Services do,” but “here’s why you’d use App Services for your web app instead of spinning up a VM.”
Another huge plus? The content creator included free Microsoft-style practice tests in the video descriptions. These tests mirrored the look and feel of the actual AZ-900 exam: multiple-choice, multi-select, and drag-and-drop formats. I used these quizzes constantly, often at the end of a study session or after completing a section of the playlist. They helped me:
- Identify knowledge gaps (especially in governance and pricing models)
- Get comfortable with Microsoft’s wording of exam questions
- Build confidence and test stamina over time
One smart strategy I recommend is using the playlist and practice questions in tandem. For example, after watching a video on Azure Storage accounts, I’d jump straight into the relevant practice test questions. If I got something wrong, I’d rewatch the segment or look up an article explaining the concept in more detail. This loop of learn–test–review helped reinforce my understanding far more than passive reading ever could.
The linked study materials were also golden. The playlist author curated downloadable cheat sheets, flowcharts, and mind maps, ideal for last-minute review. Some even included bolded keywords, icons, and color-coded service groups, which made memorization easier.
What I loved most about this learning format was that it respected my time. Each video was focused, rarely longer than 15–20 minutes. This made it easy to fit a few lessons into a lunch break or evening without burnout. Compared to grinding through Microsoft Learn modules, watching a YouTube tutorial felt more like a collaborative session with a tech-savvy mentor.
If you’re prepping for AZ-900, or any Microsoft certification, for that matter, I highly recommend finding a well-reviewed YouTube playlist that aligns with your learning style. Some even include timestamps and full transcripts, making it easier to skip around or rewatch key sections.
Also, don’t overlook the value of practice exams. Microsoft offers official sample questions through their website, but the ones provided by this YouTube creator felt more scenario-based and closely mirrored what I saw on test day. Using them helped me avoid surprises and develop better test-taking strategies, like eliminating distractors and understanding exactly what the question was asking.
Pro Tip: Make Your Own Flashcards
While watching the playlist and taking practice tests, I began making my own flashcards using tools like Quizlet or Anki. I’d create cards for Azure service definitions, pricing models, and identity management features. These were perfect for reviewing on-the-go and helped reinforce trickier concepts like the differences between Azure Policy and Azure Blueprints, or Regions vs Availability Zones.
“Pass the Exam in 3 Hours” Video
Another resource suggested to me was a fast-track video titled “Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification Course (AZ-900) – Pass the exam in 3 hours!” I only watched about 20 minutes, but it seemed decent. Some people swear by it, so it might work for you.
Microsoft Virtual Training Days
Microsoft Virtual Training Days are an incredibly valuable resource, especially if you’re looking to earn your AZ-900 certification with minimal financial risk. These free, two-day online events are hosted by Microsoft and typically include around four hours of instructor-led video training, along with an opportunity to participate in live Q&A sessions with Microsoft-certified trainers.
The standout benefit? You receive a free AZ-900 exam voucher just for attending. That’s a pretty major perk when you consider the exam normally costs anywhere from $55 to $99 USD, depending on your region. For students, entry-level professionals, or anyone unsure about committing to the test, this alone makes the Training Days worth signing up for.
The sessions themselves are divided across two half-days (usually 2 hours each), making them easy to fit into your schedule. Microsoft often runs multiple Training Days throughout the month and across various time zones, so finding one that works for you shouldn’t be difficult.
During the event, the instructors cover a high-level overview of the AZ-900 content. You’ll learn about:
- Core cloud concepts (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Azure core services (VMs, Blob Storage, Networking)
- Azure pricing, SLAs, and lifecycle
- Governance and compliance features (RBAC, Policy, Blueprints)
- Security, identity, and cost management tools
However, here’s the reality check: don’t expect it to be enough to pass the exam on its own. The content is delivered quickly and is very surface-level, perfect for giving you a sense of what to expect but not deep enough for full understanding. Microsoft positions these Training Days as “everything you need to pass,” but in my experience, they’re best used as a revision or preview tool, rather than your sole study source.
The value of the Q&A session depends a bit on the presenters and how engaged the audience is. That said, some of the most helpful moments came from these live segments, where trainers clarified confusing topics or shared tips on how certain services show up in the real-world Azure portal vs. how they’re described on the exam.
I treated the Virtual Training Day like a motivational kick-off to my study journey. It helped frame the big picture, which made diving into the Microsoft Learn modules and YouTube playlists much easier because I already had context for many of the concepts.
Pro Tip: Don’t Forget the Free Exam Voucher
Once you complete the Training Days session, you’ll receive a follow-up email from Microsoft within a week with your free exam voucher code. Make sure you check your junk folder if it doesn’t arrive, it’s easy to miss.
Some attendees mentioned a lesser-known hack: if you don’t pass the exam, you can re-register for another Virtual Training Day, attend again, and get another free voucher. While this isn’t officially advertised, it seems to work for many people. That makes this route almost zero-risk in terms of cost. Even if you fail the first time, you get a second shot without paying out of pocket.
Ideal Use Case
If you’re still undecided about pursuing the AZ-900, a Virtual Training Day is the perfect starting point. You’ll get:
- A structured overview of what the certification entails
- Insights into how Microsoft presents and tests the content
- A risk-free opportunity to attempt the exam
- The chance to interact with certified professionals and ask questions in real time
In my case, I signed up not expecting much and came away with a better grasp of the AZ-900 blueprint, a clear roadmap for further study, and the added motivation of a free exam voucher in my inbox.
About the Exam: Structure and Surprise Questions
The AZ-900 is a fundamentals-level Microsoft certification exam, meaning it doesn’t go very deep into any one subject, but covers a broad range of Azure features.
- Question Format: Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and sentence completion
- Length: Between 40 and 60 questions (I had 37)
- Time: 45 minutes
- Passing Score: 700 out of 1000
Some questions were straightforward True/False. Others were more complex and involved multi-part answers that carried more weight in scoring. Interestingly, I encountered several questions that were not covered in any official materials or Microsoft dumps I had reviewed, including the Learn platform and the Virtual Training Days course.
This highlights an important point: Even if you’re relying on Microsoft exam dumps or free practice tests, don’t expect them to be 100% aligned with the real test. The exam content appears to be slightly ahead of the current training resources, which felt a bit sneaky.
Microsoft AZ-900 Exam vs. Other Microsoft Certifications: Which One is Right for You?
If you’re considering a career in cloud computing or IT, the Microsoft AZ-900 certification, officially known as Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, is likely on your radar. It’s often recommended as a first step into the Microsoft certification world. But how does it compare to other Microsoft exams such as AZ-104, SC-900, DP-900, or even PL-900?
This in-depth comparison will guide you through the differences between AZ-900 and other Microsoft certifications, helping you determine if AZ-900 is the best starting point and how to effectively prepare using resources like the AZ-900 practice test and AZ-900 exam dumps.
Why AZ-900 Is a Popular Entry Point
The AZ-900 exam is designed for beginners with little to no prior knowledge of cloud services or Microsoft Azure. It’s ideal for students, professionals from non-technical backgrounds, and those transitioning into IT roles.
Topics covered include:
- Cloud concepts (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Core Azure services
- Azure pricing and lifecycle
- Identity, governance, compliance, and security
Passing the AZ-900 exam demonstrates your foundational understanding of cloud principles – a valuable asset in today’s digital-first business environment.
AZ-900 vs. AZ-104 (Azure Administrator Associate)
While AZ-900 teaches the “what and why” of Azure, AZ-104 covers the “how.” This certification is role-based and intended for professionals managing Azure resources daily.
AZ-104 covers:
- Virtual machines
- Azure networking
- Azure Active Directory (AAD)
- Resource monitoring
AZ-900, on the other hand, doesn’t require hands-on configuration skills. It’s theory-heavy and exam takers can prepare efficiently using the AZ-900 practice test and basic study materials or AZ-900 exam dumps for reinforcement.
Best choice? Choose AZ-900 if you’re just starting. Move to AZ-104 when you’re ready for more hands-on cloud management.
AZ-900 vs. SC-900 (Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals)
SC-900 is another foundational exam that focuses specifically on security and identity services across Microsoft platforms.
SC-900 covers:
- Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD)
- Microsoft Defender
- Purview and Microsoft compliance tools
While AZ-900 touches on these, it’s not a security-focused exam. If you’re planning a career in cybersecurity or compliance, SC-900 is more relevant. However, AZ-900 certification provides a broader overview that’s perfect for general cloud understanding.
AZ-900 vs. MS-900 (Microsoft 365 Fundamentals)
Many confuse AZ-900 and MS-900, as both are beginner-level.
Key difference:
- AZ-900 focuses on Azure cloud infrastructure
- MS-900 focuses on Microsoft 365 services like Teams, Exchange, SharePoint
If you’re in business, sales, or operations and work with Office 365, MS-900 may be better. But for infrastructure roles, AZ-900 is a superior foundation.
Use an AZ-900 practice test to get comfortable with terminology and question types, especially if your background isn’t technical.
AZ-900 vs. DP-900 (Azure Data Fundamentals)
DP-900 is great for those entering data roles such as data analyst or engineer. It covers:
- Relational and non-relational databases
- Azure data services: Azure SQL, Cosmos DB
- Big Data and analytics
In contrast, AZ-900 addresses these services only at a high level.
Best path? Start with AZ-900 if you need general Azure knowledge. Use DP-900 to drill into data workloads. Many candidates use both together to broaden their skill set.
AZ-900 vs. PL-900 (Power Platform Fundamentals)
Microsoft’s Power Platform is a set of low-code tools for business users:
- Power BI (analytics)
- Power Automate (workflow)
- Power Apps (apps)
- Power Virtual Agents (chatbots)
PL-900 certification is ideal for business analysts and consultants. AZ-900 does not cover Power Platform beyond basic integration.
For those unsure which path to choose, take an AZ-900 exam dump or PL-900 mock test to see which exam’s content aligns with your career goals.
AZ-900 vs. AI-900 (Azure AI Fundamentals)
Interested in AI and machine learning? Then AI-900 might be your pick.
AI-900 focuses on:
- Azure Machine Learning
- Cognitive Services (vision, speech, language)
- Responsible AI
If your future is in data science, AI-900 is essential. But AZ-900 remains a great prerequisite as it introduces you to Azure infrastructure needed to host AI workloads.
AZ-900 vs. Advanced Role-Based Certifications
Microsoft offers more advanced certifications, such as:
- AZ-305 (Azure Solutions Architect Expert)
- DP-203 (Azure Data Engineer)
- SC-300 (Identity & Access Administrator)
These require years of experience, deep technical knowledge, and passing multiple exams. AZ-900 does not lead directly into these but offers the essential foundation.
Before attempting those, candidates often take AZ-900 practice tests to build familiarity with Azure’s structure, resource types, and service models.
Using AZ-900 Practice Tests to Prepare
Practice tests are one of the best ways to prepare for AZ-900. They help:
- Simulate real exam conditions
- Reinforce key concepts
- Identify knowledge gaps
- Reduce test-day anxiety
Sites like Exam-Labs offer AZ-900 practice test collections, including updated question sets, explanations, and performance analytics. These can be used as pre-exam checklists or mock assessments.
Should You Use AZ-900 Exam Dumps?
While many candidates search for AZ-900 exam dumps, it’s essential to use them ethically and as supplementary material, not a shortcut.
Reliable AZ-900 dumps from trusted sources can help you:
- Understand question formats
- Reinforce what you’ve already studied
- Practice time management
But they shouldn’t replace deep learning. Always pair them with Microsoft Learn, Exam-Labs practice tests, and official documentation.
How AZ-900 Fits Into Microsoft’s Certification Guide
Microsoft certifications are grouped into three levels:
- Fundamentals – AZ-900, SC-900, DP-900, etc.
- Associate – AZ-104, AZ-204, DP-203
- Expert – AZ-305, SC-100, etc.
AZ-900 fits neatly into the Fundamentals tier and is an excellent prerequisite for many Associate and Expert certifications.
As outlined in the official Microsoft certification guide, AZ-900 is not mandatory but highly recommended as a starting point. It sets the context for advanced learning and can be completed with 1–2 weeks of prep using AZ-900 practice tests and Microsoft Learn.
Who Should Take the AZ-900 Exam?
- Beginners entering the IT or cloud industry
- Project managers, business analysts, or sales teams working with cloud products
- Professionals switching to cloud-based roles
- Students exploring cloud careers
- Executives wanting to understand Azure’s business value
Final Thoughts: Is AZ-900 Worth It?
Absolutely. The Microsoft AZ-900 certification is:
- Budget-friendly
- Beginner-accessible
- Recognized globally
- A stepping stone to deeper certifications
Whether you’re building your cloud career or simply exploring Azure, the AZ-900 exam gives you the foundation you need. Supplement your learning with AZ-900 practice tests, review AZ-900 exam dumps responsibly, and consult the official Microsoft certification guide to map your next step.
If you’re looking for one certification to launch your Microsoft journey – AZ-900 is the perfect place to start.
My Thoughts: Frustrations and Final Verdict
I’ll admit, I wasn’t thrilled to take this certification. I ranted a bit on Twitter during my prep, mostly because I found the content dry and irrelevant to my role. Let’s be real: Microsoft certifications like AZ-900 force you to learn about every corner of Azure, from pricing calculators to governance, even if it has no relevance to what you’ll actually do.
“The vast majority of the cloud is amazingly boring, drab and shite! The fun thing is building solutions with it, not the boring fuckin’ paper work…” – Me, 2022
And I stand by that.
In my role, I don’t get to touch identity management, pricing models, or cloud governance. I get a resource group and build stuff. So spending time memorizing details about services I’ll never use felt like a chore. It was hard to stay motivated when I knew much of the content wouldn’t apply to my day-to-day work.
But…
Would I Recommend It?
If you’re new to Azure or cloud in general, or your company wants you to have baseline knowledge, then yes, the Microsoft AZ-900 certification can serve a purpose. It’s an entry point. Just don’t expect it to be thrilling or highly technical.
That said, don’t rely solely on the Virtual Training Days. Combine it with Microsoft practice tests, YouTube walkthroughs, or even Microsoft dumps from reliable sources to get a sense of the question patterns. Also, take advantage of any free exam vouchers when you can, this greatly reduces the risk and pressure.
Final Thoughts: Free Is Good
The best part about AZ-900? I didn’t have to pay for it. If your company supports this or you get a free voucher, go for it. It gives you insight into what Microsoft Azure offers, even if it’s not immediately useful to your job.
Would I ever pay for this certification with my own money? Probably not. But for others who are starting their cloud journey or looking to pad their resume with Microsoft certifications, it can be a decent stepping stone.
If you’re thinking of taking the AZ-900, my advice is to use multiple learning methods. Combine official materials with videos and practice tests. Don’t just aim to memorize; focus on understanding how Azure services connect and support business goals.
Also, don’t stress too much about the difficulty. With a few weeks of consistent, well-rounded study, most people can pass on their first try. The key is active engagement: quizzes, sandbox environments, and repetition.
Passing AZ-900 gave me a confidence boost, a clearer understanding of Azure, and a stronger position in my role at work. It’s an accessible, valuable certification for anyone starting their cloud journey.
