If you’re looking to earn the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification (AZ-900) in 2025 but feel unsure about where to start, you’re not alone. With cloud computing dominating the tech landscape, professionals across industries are eyeing Microsoft certifications to validate their knowledge and stay competitive. Whether you’re just entering the tech field or pivoting your career, AZ-900 is a strong foundation to begin your journey into cloud computing.
This certification is ideal for individuals who want to demonstrate foundational-level knowledge of cloud services and how those services are provided with Microsoft Azure. It’s also an excellent starting point for anyone aiming to transition into technical roles or work closely with Azure services—even if you come from a non-technical background such as sales, management, or finance. That’s what makes the AZ-900 exam so approachable: it doesn’t require any prior technical experience or in-depth coding knowledge.
Understanding the Value of Microsoft AZ-900
The AZ-900 certification doesn’t just validate your understanding of Azure; it opens the door to a variety of Azure-based career paths. Whether your goal is to become a cloud administrator, a solutions architect, or a security engineer, this certification builds the groundwork. Once you pass AZ-900, you can pursue more advanced certifications such as AZ-104 (Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate) or AZ-305 (Azure Solutions Architect Expert).
Companies increasingly prefer candidates who are Microsoft-certified, as these credentials prove that an individual not only understands the technology but also meets industry-recognized standards. For those new to cloud computing, AZ-900 provides a solid understanding of Azure concepts, core services, governance, security, and compliance, all of which are essential to navigating a cloud-first business world.
How to Start Preparing
The best way to begin preparing for AZ-900 is by exploring Microsoft Learn, which offers free, self-paced learning paths specifically aligned with the AZ-900 syllabus. These official modules are built by Microsoft and cover every key topic you’ll see on the exam.
You can also enhance your preparation by taking a Microsoft practice test. These practice exams mirror the real test’s format, difficulty level, and question structure, allowing you to assess your readiness. Additionally, many candidates benefit from watching video tutorials, joining study groups, and using mobile flashcards.
However, it’s important to avoid using Microsoft dumps – illegitimate websites that provide stolen exam questions and answers. While they may seem like a shortcut, using these dumps can lead to disqualification and even permanent bans from the Microsoft certification program. Microsoft has a strict policy against such practices, and being caught can cost you your credentials, reputation, and eligibility for future exams.
Exam Format and What to Expect
The AZ-900 exam consists of 40 to 60 questions and must be completed within 60 minutes. Most questions are multiple choice, but some may include drag-and-drop, scenario-based queries, or matching exercises. You’ll need a minimum score of 700 out of 1000 to pass.
The exam evaluates your knowledge across four core domains:
- Cloud Concepts (15-20%)
- Core Azure Services (30-35%)
- Security, Compliance, and Trust (25-30%)
- Azure Pricing and Support (20-25%)
Each domain is essential for building a well-rounded understanding of Azure’s structure, capabilities, and pricing models.
Stay Consistent and Plan Ahead
The key to passing AZ-900 lies in consistency. Create a weekly study schedule and aim to complete one topic area at a time. Take notes, highlight areas you struggle with, and revisit them using Microsoft practice tests. Many learners find success in dedicating just 30–60 minutes a day over 4–6 weeks.
And remember, certification is just the beginning. Once you’re AZ-900 certified, keep building your cloud expertise by pursuing more advanced Microsoft certifications. Whether it’s for professional development, job readiness, or personal growth, earning AZ-900 in 2025 could be the most impactful step in your cloud computing career.
Why the AZ-900 Microsoft Certification Still Matters
Cloud computing skills are among the most in-demand competencies today. Employers across the globe are actively searching for individuals skilled in cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud. If Microsoft Azure is the ecosystem you aim to specialize in, then starting with the Microsoft AZ-900 exam makes perfect sense.
Since Microsoft’s major Azure certification overhaul at the 2018 Ignite Conference, there’s been a stronger push toward role-based Microsoft certifications. With that came the retirement of several older certifications and the introduction of new ones that better align with real-world job roles. Despite the changes over the years, including those in 2020 that introduced additional Azure services and updated certification paths, AZ-900 remains the gateway certification to advanced credentials such as Azure Administrator, Azure Solutions Architect, and Azure Security Engineer.
What makes the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) certification stand out is its accessibility. Unlike many technical certifications, AZ-900 doesn’t require any previous experience in IT or cloud technology. This allows professionals from non-technical backgrounds, such as project management, finance, or sales, to enter the Azure ecosystem with confidence. The AZ-900 exam is specifically designed to cover fundamental cloud concepts, core Azure services, pricing and support, and governance and compliance features. This ensures that all candidates, regardless of background, can build a solid foundation in cloud computing using Microsoft technologies.
A Universal Starting Point for All Roles
The AZ-900 certification isn’t limited to those pursuing technical positions. It also provides incredible value to those in non-technical roles who collaborate with cloud teams or work in environments where Microsoft Azure is used. Understanding the basics of cloud services and Azure offerings makes communication easier, improves productivity, and enables professionals to make more informed decisions in their organizations.
Even for those with future goals of earning higher-level certifications like AZ-104 (Azure Administrator Associate) or AZ-305 (Azure Solutions Architect Expert), passing AZ-900 gives them a significant head start. It acts as a confidence booster and a roadmap builder, clarifying what skills and topics to focus on next.
Employer Recognition and Industry Relevance
Many hiring managers view the AZ-900 as a reliable indicator of a candidate’s commitment to learning cloud technologies. While the certification itself is entry-level, it reflects initiative, awareness of industry trends, and familiarity with the Microsoft Azure platform. In many organizations, employees are encouraged, or even required, to pass AZ-900 to ensure a consistent baseline of knowledge across departments. This is especially true for companies migrating to Azure or expanding their cloud infrastructure.
In 2025, the AZ-900 exam remains relevant in a rapidly evolving cloud landscape. Microsoft regularly updates its certifications to align with changes in technology, and AZ-900 has evolved to reflect the latest trends and services in Azure, such as hybrid cloud, Azure AI, cost management, and more.
A Safer Path to Long-Term Certification Goals
One of the hidden benefits of AZ-900 is that it teaches candidates how Microsoft certification exams work. This includes understanding the format of Microsoft exams, how to approach scenario-based questions, and how to manage time during a timed test. By starting with AZ-900, candidates get a valuable first look at the structure of Microsoft’s assessment model, giving them an advantage when they eventually sit for more difficult certifications.
Furthermore, taking Microsoft practice tests tailored for AZ-900 can provide a realistic experience of the exam environment, helping learners reduce test anxiety and improve performance. Avoiding shortcuts like Microsoft dumps, and instead focusing on legitimate study resources such as official guides, labs, and practice questions, ensures that the learning is meaningful and applicable beyond just passing the test.
A Foundation for Lifelong Learning
Finally, AZ-900 sets the stage for lifelong learning in cloud technologies. Cloud is not a static field, it’s dynamic, fast-moving, and increasingly central to business operations. Earning AZ-900 means you’ve taken the first step toward staying relevant in your career, building fluency in modern tech, and preparing yourself for future growth and opportunity in IT and business alike.
In short, whether you’re just getting started in tech or looking to future-proof your skills, the Microsoft AZ-900 certification still matters, and more than ever, it’s a wise investment for 2025 and beyond.
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900): Overview
The AZ-900 exam is ideal for those with little to no technical background. It’s not a prerequisite for higher-level Microsoft certifications, but it’s incredibly beneficial in preparing you for them. By passing this test, you demonstrate your grasp of core cloud concepts and Microsoft Azure services—something that can help you both land a job and earn credibility in a cloud-first world.
This exam is particularly valuable for professionals in roles like sales, marketing, finance, and management who work closely with technical teams or cloud-based projects. Understanding the basics of Azure empowers non-technical professionals to contribute more effectively in cross-functional teams, communicate clearly with engineers, and support decision-making processes based on a foundational understanding of cloud capabilities.
For those transitioning into IT or looking to upskill, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals provides the necessary stepping stone. It introduces essential topics like cloud deployment models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), Azure’s global infrastructure, cost and pricing models, and foundational security concepts. With this knowledge, learners can begin to understand how enterprises are using Azure to host scalable, reliable, and secure applications and services.
Key Exam Objectives
The AZ-900 exam tests your understanding across four major domains:
- Cloud Concepts (15–20%) – Learn about cloud computing principles, benefits, and service types. This includes public, private, and hybrid clouds, as well as models like IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
- Core Azure Services (30–35%) – Gain insights into Azure’s key services, such as Virtual Machines, App Services, Azure SQL Database, and Azure Storage. You’ll also learn about tools like Azure Portal, Azure CLI, and Resource Manager.
- Security, Privacy, Compliance, and Trust (25–30%) – Understand how Azure secures its infrastructure and supports compliance. Topics include identity services, the Microsoft Privacy Statement, and governance tools like Azure Policy and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC).
- Azure Pricing, SLA, and Lifecycle (20–25%) – Learn how Azure pricing works, what Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are, and how to estimate and optimize cloud costs using tools like the Azure Pricing Calculator and Cost Management.
All of these topics are taught at an introductory level, making the AZ-900 a great first step for anyone unfamiliar with Azure or cloud technologies in general.
How to Assess Your Readiness
To ensure you’re ready to take the AZ-900 exam, it’s essential to assess your progress using a Microsoft practice test. These tests mimic real exam conditions, allowing you to become comfortable with the format and time constraints. They also provide valuable feedback on which topics you’ve mastered and which ones require further study.
Using legitimate Microsoft practice tests is a far more effective and ethical approach than relying on Microsoft dumps, which are not only unreliable but can lead to disqualification or permanent bans from Microsoft’s certification program. Authentic practice tests are aligned with the current syllabus and are regularly updated to reflect new Azure services and changes to the exam format.
Practice tests can also help you improve your test-taking strategies. For instance, you’ll become better at managing time, eliminating incorrect answers, and handling scenario-based questions that test your application of knowledge rather than simple memorization.
Learning Resources
Microsoft provides official learning paths through the Microsoft Learn platform, which offers free, interactive modules and hands-on labs. These learning paths are aligned directly with the AZ-900 syllabus, making them a trusted resource. Additionally, you can enroll in instructor-led training if you prefer structured classroom instruction.
To reinforce your learning, consider supplementing Microsoft’s content with third-party resources such as YouTube tutorials, study guides, mobile apps, and flashcards. These can help solidify your understanding of Azure’s terminology and features.
AZ-900 Exam Format and Domains
Let’s break down the structure and syllabus of the Microsoft AZ-900 exam:
- Number of questions: 40–60 (mostly multiple choice and multiple response)
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Passing score: 700 out of 1000
- Cost: $99 (may vary by location)
Tip: If you’re a student or affiliated with the Microsoft Imagine Academy, Microsoft Partner Network, or are a Microsoft Certified Trainer, you may be eligible for a discounted exam fee.
The exam measures your skills across four core domains:
- Cloud Concepts – 15-20%
- Core Azure Services – 30-35%
- Security, Privacy, Compliance, and Trust – 25-30%
- Azure Pricing, SLA, and Lifecycle – 20-25%
This balanced structure ensures you gain a complete understanding of the Azure ecosystem. Microsoft practice tests can help familiarize you with question formats and test your grasp of each domain.
AZ-900 Prerequisites and Difficulty Level
The great news? There are no prerequisites for taking the AZ-900 exam. However, a basic understanding of cloud services and Azure’s role in enterprise computing will definitely give you an edge.
Don’t underestimate the exam, though. Despite being a foundational test, many find the Microsoft AZ-900 certification to be a challenge, particularly if they lack a technical background. That’s why using trusted resources like official Microsoft study guides, Microsoft exams prep tools, and hands-on labs is crucial. Avoid shortcuts like Microsoft dumps that claim to offer real exam questions. These not only violate Microsoft’s exam policies but also don’t equip you with the real-world knowledge needed to succeed.
The AZ-900 exam, officially known as Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, is designed to validate your foundational knowledge of cloud concepts, core Azure services, Azure pricing, SLA, lifecycle, and basic security and compliance features. While it’s considered an entry-level certification, it still requires solid preparation. The test is ideal for non-technical candidates who are interested in learning how cloud computing works and how Azure provides solutions in that space. This makes it especially valuable for salespeople, project managers, and business analysts who engage with cloud-based solutions but don’t necessarily work in engineering roles.
That said, IT professionals and students also use AZ-900 as a stepping stone toward more advanced certifications like AZ-104 (Azure Administrator), AZ-204 (Developer), or AZ-500 (Security Engineer). If you’re planning a long-term career in Microsoft Azure or cloud computing in general, the AZ-900 gives you the perfect foundation on which to build.
In terms of difficulty level, the exam isn’t overly technical but does include scenario-based questions that test your ability to apply knowledge, rather than simply recall facts. Expect multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop scenarios, and some case studies. Most questions revolve around real-world use cases such as when to use Azure Functions versus Logic Apps, or what pricing tier fits a small business versus a large enterprise. If you’re completely new to cloud computing, even these simple distinctions can feel tricky at first.
To prepare effectively, it’s a good idea to explore Microsoft Learn—a free, interactive training platform that offers tailored modules for the AZ-900. These lessons are bite-sized, well-structured, and regularly updated by Microsoft itself. Pair that with video courses from platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning, and you’ll have a strong study foundation. If you’re more of a hands-on learner, consider using a free Azure account to explore the platform and practice using services like virtual machines, resource groups, and Azure portal navigation.
Another pro tip: focus on understanding how Azure services solve business problems. This kind of understanding is far more valuable than memorizing definitions. You should also spend time reviewing the Microsoft Exam Skills Outline, which lists all the topics covered. This ensures you don’t waste time on areas that won’t appear on the test.
In conclusion, while the AZ-900 may seem like a beginner-level certification, it carries significant weight, especially for those looking to break into cloud roles or understand Azure from a strategic or managerial perspective. With the right preparation and mindset, it’s absolutely achievable, and it can open the door to even more advanced Azure certifications and cloud career paths.
Exam Retake Policy
Failed the AZ-900 exam on your first try? Don’t worry, you can retake it. Microsoft allows:
- A 24-hour wait after the first attempt
- A 14-day wait for each subsequent retake
- A maximum of five attempts within a 12-month period
Keep practicing using legitimate Microsoft practice tests to improve your performance with each attempt.
Can You Cancel or Reschedule the AZ-900 Exam?
Yes, you can reschedule or cancel your exam through the Microsoft Certification dashboard. If you do so at least six working days in advance, there’s no penalty. However, if you cancel within five days of your test, a fee may apply.
Does the Microsoft AZ-900 Certification Expire?
As of now, AZ-900 has no expiration date. Unlike associate-level and expert-level certifications like AZ-104 (Azure Administrator) or AZ-305 (Azure Solutions Architect) that require renewal, your Azure Fundamentals certification remains valid indefinitely. However, do note that Microsoft may retire and replace certifications as the technology evolves. Always stay informed by checking the Microsoft Certification site for updates.
Should You Use Microsoft Dumps?
Absolutely not. While it might seem tempting to rely on so-called “Microsoft dumps,” doing so could jeopardize your entire certification journey. According to Microsoft’s exam policy:
“Candidates using brain dumps may be banned from the Microsoft Certification Program and have their credentials revoked.”
Not only is this unethical, but it also deprives you of the learning experience. Instead, stick to legitimate Microsoft practice exams, instructor-led training, Microsoft Learn modules, and hands-on labs.
Is the AZ-900 Certification Worth It?
If you’re new to cloud computing or the Microsoft ecosystem, AZ-900 is a smart investment. For just $99 and a few hours of your time, you gain a valuable understanding of cloud concepts and Azure services – skills that are increasingly in demand.
On the other hand, if you already have extensive experience with Azure, then AZ-900 might not be necessary. You can skip directly to higher-level certifications like AZ-104 or AZ-305 without taking AZ-900 first.
But for beginners, this certification provides:
- A clear learning path
- Enhanced job eligibility
- A strong foundation for future Microsoft exams and certifications
Microsoft Azure vs. Other Cloud Certifications: How Does It Really Measure Up?
AZ-900 vs. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers its own foundational-level exam: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02). This certification is designed to test your overall awareness of the AWS platform, covering similar principles such as shared responsibility, cloud economics, and global infrastructure.
Here’s how they differ:
- Platform Focus: AZ-900 is tightly integrated with Microsoft Azure, while AWS Cloud Practitioner centers around Amazon’s services like S3, EC2, and IAM.
- Exam Structure: AZ-900 contains 40–60 questions with various formats (including case-based). AWS Cloud Practitioner also uses multiple-choice and multiple-response but focuses more on service identification.
- Learning Curve: AZ-900 arguably offers a gentler slope for non-technical learners, while AWS’s version leans more heavily into architecture and pricing structures.
Verdict: Choose AZ-900 if you are entering an Azure-driven environment or organization. AWS Cloud Practitioner makes more sense for those pursuing Amazon’s ecosystem or preparing for AWS Solutions Architect or Developer certifications.
AZ-900 vs. Google Cloud Digital Leader
Google Cloud offers its equivalent entry-level exam: the Cloud Digital Leader certification. This is geared toward professionals needing to evaluate Google Cloud’s capabilities for business transformation.
Where the differences stand out:
- Cloud Philosophy: Google Cloud’s certification focuses on digital transformation, AI, and data analytics use cases. AZ-900 is more infrastructure and service-model driven.
- Technical Detail: AZ-900 includes more context on virtual networking, compute, storage, and identity. Google’s Digital Leader leans toward conceptual use cases for cloud-powered businesses.
- Business Orientation: Digital Leader is excellent for non-technical decision-makers and consultants. AZ-900 balances business with IT fundamentals.
Verdict: Opt for AZ-900 if you plan to advance into technical Azure roles later. Google Cloud’s certification is ideal for understanding cloud from a business modernization perspective, rather than implementation.
AZ-900 vs. IBM Cloud Foundations
The IBM Cloud Foundations badge is another introductory-level credential that covers cloud computing concepts specific to IBM’s cloud ecosystem.
Key points of comparison:
- Content Breadth: IBM focuses on hybrid cloud and AI integration, whereas AZ-900 addresses more comprehensive Azure-specific features and industry compliance.
- Industry Usage: IBM Cloud is more common in sectors such as banking and government, while Azure is widely adopted across various industries including healthcare, education, and enterprise IT.
- Exam Availability: IBM’s credential is less structured in terms of exam delivery and more training-course based, whereas AZ-900 follows a strict certification pathway backed by Microsoft Learn.
Verdict: Choose AZ-900 for a broader career trajectory in the cloud space. IBM Cloud Foundations can be valuable in niche environments but has limited crossover compared to Microsoft Azure’s footprint.
AZ-900 vs. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Foundations Associate
Oracle offers the OCI Foundations Associate as its beginner certification. It introduces candidates to Oracle Cloud’s services, architecture, and governance.
Unique distinctions include:
- Platform Depth: AZ-900 provides deeper clarity into pricing tools, security posture, and network models. OCI Foundations stays high-level, often sticking to descriptions and basic principles.
- Market Reach: Microsoft Azure enjoys widespread enterprise use, whereas Oracle Cloud remains more concentrated in businesses already embedded in Oracle technologies (e.g., databases and ERPs).
- Role Expansion: Earning AZ-900 is often the first step toward advanced roles such as cloud admin, developer, or architect. Oracle’s path is more focused on integration with Oracle-based enterprise stacks.
Verdict: Unless you’re entrenched in the Oracle environment, AZ-900 offers greater flexibility and transferable cloud knowledge.
AZ-900 vs. CompTIA Cloud Essentials+
Cloud Essentials+, from CompTIA, is a vendor-neutral certification aimed at those looking to understand the business impact of cloud technology.
Contrast points:
- Neutrality vs. Vendor Specificity: AZ-900 is Azure-specific. Cloud Essentials+ covers the broad landscape of cloud computing, SaaS, hybrid models, DevOps impact, without promoting a specific platform.
- Career Pathing: AZ-900 connects seamlessly to Microsoft’s role-based certifications. Cloud Essentials+ stands more as a general-purpose primer, often used to validate foundational knowledge before committing to a platform like AWS or Azure.
Verdict: Go for Cloud Essentials+ if you’re still undecided about your cloud platform. Choose AZ-900 if your goal is to specialize within the Microsoft environment.
The Broader Picture: What Makes AZ-900 Unique?
Among all cloud foundations certifications, AZ-900 stands out due to its combination of technical insight and business relevance. Microsoft structures the exam to appeal to both IT professionals and business decision-makers.
Here’s what sets it apart:
- Strong alignment with real-world cloud adoption
- Balanced approach to services, pricing, and governance
- Useful as a pre-requisite for over 10+ Microsoft certifications
- Easy access to AZ-900 practice tests, learning paths, and Microsoft Learn modules
Final Thoughts
The Microsoft AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals certification is a great starting point if you’re looking to establish yourself in cloud computing. Avoid relying on unethical shortcuts like Microsoft dumps, and instead, opt for official Microsoft practice tests, study materials, and interactive labs to prepare thoroughly.
Whether you’re a student, a professional switching careers, or someone aiming to future-proof their IT skills, AZ-900 offers a reliable and affordable gateway into the world of Microsoft certification.
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification is more than just an entry-level credential, it’s a way to show employers, teams, and peers that you’re committed to understanding cloud technology. Whether you’re hoping to enhance your resume, shift into a technical role, or support cloud adoption within your organization, AZ-900 gives you the tools and credibility to take that next step.
By leveraging Microsoft practice tests, official learning paths, and hands-on experience, you can approach the AZ-900 exam with confidence and lay the groundwork for future success in Microsoft Azure and beyond.
