AZ-900 Exam Guide 2026

The AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals is the entry-level cloud certification from Microsoft, designed for professionals who want to demonstrate foundational knowledge of cloud services and how those services are provided with Microsoft Azure. This complete guide covers what the AZ-900 exam tests, the format, passing score, who should take it, how long to study, and the most effective strategies for passing on your first attempt.

What Is the AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals Certification?

The AZ-900 is Microsoft's foundational cloud certification. It validates that a candidate understands basic cloud computing concepts, core Azure services, Azure pricing, support options, and governance features. It does not require hands-on technical experience with Azure — it is intentionally accessible to non-technical professionals, business decision makers, and IT beginners.

Key facts about AZ-900:

Issued by Microsoft — one of the most recognized names in enterprise technology
Entry-level: no prerequisites, no prior Azure experience required
Counts as a Microsoft Certified credential upon passing
Highly valued for professionals moving into cloud roles, IT support, or Azure-adjacent positions
Common prerequisite or complementary certification for associate-level Azure certs (AZ-104, AZ-204)

For hands-on exam preparation, use our free az-900 practice test questions aligned to the current Microsoft exam objectives.

AZ-900 Exam at a Glance

🔴 Exam Format

Questions: 40–60 (varies by attempt)
Time: 45–65 minutes
Types: Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, scenario

🟠 Passing Score – 700/1000

Passing score: 700 out of 1000
Scale: Scaled score, not percentage
Result: Pass/Fail shown immediately

🟡 Cost

Exam fee: $165 USD (US pricing)
Retake: Available — 24hr wait for 1st retake
Vouchers: Free via Microsoft Virtual Training Days

🟢 Study Time

Beginner: 4–8 weeks
With IT background: 1–3 weeks
Free prep: Microsoft Learn + practice tests

AZ-900 Exam Topics and Format

Microsoft publishes the official AZ-900 exam skills outline, which defines the domains and their approximate weighting. As of 2026–2026, the AZ-900 covers:

1. Cloud Concepts (25–30%)
Define cloud computing and its key characteristics. Describe the shared responsibility model. Compare cloud service types: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS. Describe the differences between public, private, and hybrid clouds. Describe cloud benefits: scalability, reliability, predictability, security, governance, manageability.

2. Azure Architecture and Services (35–40%)
Describe core Azure architectural components: regions, region pairs, availability zones, resource groups, subscriptions, management groups. Describe core Azure compute services (virtual machines, containers, Azure Functions). Describe Azure networking (virtual networks, VPN Gateway, ExpressRoute, DNS). Describe Azure storage services (blobs, disks, queues, tables). Describe Azure identity, access, and security services (Microsoft Entra ID, role-based access control, Zero Trust).

3. Azure Management and Governance (30–35%)
Describe Azure cost management tools (pricing calculator, cost management, tags). Describe Azure governance features (Azure Policy, resource locks, Microsoft Purview). Describe monitoring tools (Azure Advisor, Azure Monitor, Azure Service Health).

Our how to pass az-900 exam guide provides domain-by-domain strategies, and our az-900 practice test covers all three domains with realistic questions.

Get AZ-900 for Free via Microsoft Virtual Training Days

Microsoft regularly offers free AZ-900 exam vouchers through its Microsoft Virtual Training Days program. These are free online instructor-led training events covering Azure Fundamentals content — attendees who complete the event receive a voucher for a free AZ-900 exam attempt ($165 value). Register at Microsoft's events page and search for 'Azure Fundamentals Virtual Training Day.' Vouchers are typically issued within 5 business days after completing the training. This is the most cost-effective way to take the AZ-900 — essentially free preparation and exam. Combine the free training with our az-900 practice test questions and the official az-900 overview for comprehensive preparation.

AZ-900 Study Checklist

Download the official AZ-900 exam skills outline from Microsoft Learn — study only what is listed

Complete Microsoft Learn's free AZ-900 learning path (approximately 10–15 hours total)

Take an AZ-900 practice test to identify your weakest topic areas

Focus study time on Azure Architecture and Services — the heaviest-weighted domain (35–40%)

Understand Azure pricing models, cost management tools, and governance features (30–35%)

Take at least 3 full timed practice tests before scheduling the official exam

Schedule through Pearson VUE at microsoft.com/en-us/learning/certification-exams

Start Free AZ-900 Practice Test

AZ-900 Exam Questions and Answers

What is the AZ-900 exam?

The AZ-900 is Microsoft's Azure Fundamentals certification exam — the entry-level cloud certification covering cloud computing concepts, core Azure services, Azure pricing, support options, and governance. It is designed for non-technical professionals, business decision makers, and IT beginners who want a foundational cloud credential. No prior Azure experience is required.

What is the passing score for AZ-900?

The AZ-900 passing score is 700 out of 1000. Microsoft uses a scaled scoring system — this is not equivalent to 70%. Your raw score is converted using a statistical model. Results are shown immediately after the exam. Most candidates who adequately prepare pass on their first attempt.

How hard is the AZ-900 exam?

AZ-900 is considered one of the easier Microsoft certifications, intentionally designed as entry-level. Most candidates with 1–4 weeks of preparation pass on their first attempt. The main challenge is the breadth of Azure services covered — there are many services to remember at a conceptual level. Using practice tests to identify gaps is the most efficient preparation strategy.

How long should I study for AZ-900?

Candidates with an IT background typically need 1–3 weeks of part-time study. Candidates with no IT background may need 4–8 weeks. The Microsoft Learn AZ-900 path takes approximately 10–15 hours to complete. Add 5–10 hours of practice test review to that. Take the official exam when you are consistently scoring 80%+ on practice tests.

Is AZ-900 worth getting?

Yes — for professionals entering cloud, IT, or Azure-related roles, the AZ-900 is a strong foundational credential. It validates baseline cloud literacy to employers and is a recognized starting point on the Microsoft certification path. It is also a prerequisite for many Azure associate certifications (AZ-104, AZ-204, AZ-500). For $165 (or free via Microsoft Training Days), the ROI is high.

Can I take the AZ-900 online?

Yes. The AZ-900 is available as a proctored online exam through Pearson VUE's OnVUE system — you test from home with remote proctoring. Alternatively, you can test at a Pearson VUE in-person test center. Online testing requires a compatible device, webcam, microphone, and a clean, private testing environment. Schedule at certiport.com or through Microsoft Learn's certification portal.

AZ-900 Practice Questions with Video Answers