Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals Certification Guide

The AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification is one of the best certifications for beginners to enter the world of cloud computing, designed to help you build a solid understanding of Azure and its core functionalities.

This beginner-friendly certification focuses on foundational concepts such as cloud computing principles, Azure architecture, key services, security, compliance, and cost management.

In this article, we have explained the AZ-900 certification in detail, covering the cost, syllabus, and career opportunities of the certification. We have also shared some tips to pass the Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals certification exam.

Furthermore, if you are interested in getting professional training on cloud computing, check out our cloud computing courses.

What is the AZ-900 Certification? 

The AZ-900 Certification is specifically tailored for individuals who are new to the world of cloud computing and have little to no prior technical experience.

Known as the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification, it provides a comprehensive introduction to Microsoft Azure, focusing on the core principles and services that power the platform.

This certification covers essential topics such as cloud computing concepts, the different types of cloud models, and the key Azure services that enable businesses to build and scale solutions effectively.

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AZ-900 Exam Syllabus

The important subjects and their weightage in the exam are shown below: 

1. Cloud Concepts: 15% 

2. Core Azure Services: 30% 

3. Azure Pricing, SLA, and Lifecycle: 20% 

4. Azure Governance and Compliance: 15% 

5. Azure Support and Cloud Security: 20% 

Cloud Concepts (15%): The Cloud Concepts section covers the basic principles of cloud computing, such as IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. It emphasizes the benefits of cloud computing, like scalability, cost-efficiency, and flexibility. Understanding cloud deployment models, including public, private, and hybrid clouds, is also critical. 

Core Azure Services (30%): This section focuses on key Azure services, including Azure Compute, Storage, Networking, and Database. You’ll need to understand the use cases and benefits of each service for different business needs. Basic configuration and management of these services are also tested to ensure practical knowledge. 

Azure Pricing, SLA, and Lifecycle (20%): The Pricing section covers Azure’s various pricing models, including pay-as-you-go and reserved instances, helping you understand cost optimization. It also includes the importance of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in guaranteeing uptime and service performance. Lifecycle management of resources, from creation to modification and deletion, is also a key area. 

Azure Governance and Compliance (15%): This section covers Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) for identity and access management, essential for securing cloud resources. Understanding Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Azure Policy for enforcing organizational standards is crucial. Azure Blueprints also play a role in deploying consistent and compliant infrastructure. 

Azure Support and Cloud Security (20%): The Security and Support section covers the different Azure support plans available and their benefits. You must understand key security concepts like encryption, key vaults, and network security groups. Additionally, knowing how Azure Security Center monitors and secures Azure resources is an important aspect of cloud security. 

AZ-900 Certification Cost & Validity 

The cost of the AZ-900 certification exam is 99 USD.

The price of the AZ-900 exam may vary depending on the region and local currency. It's recommended to check the official Microsoft certification page for the most current pricing details. 

If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, you must wait at least 24 hours before retaking it. The fee to retake the exam is the same as the initial exam cost, which is $99.

Once you pass the AZ-900 exam and earn your certification, it does not expire. Unlike some other Microsoft certifications that require periodic renewal (every 1-2 years), the AZ-900 certification is valid indefinitely.

AZ-900 Certification Exam Format 

Here’s a breakdown of the exam format: 

● Number of Questions: The exam consists of 40-60 questions. 

● Question Types: The questions are primarily multiple-choice, but you may encounter other formats like drag-and-drop, true/false, and scenario-based questions. 

● Duration: You have 1 hour to complete the exam. 

● Passing Score: The passing score for the AZ-900 exam is typically 70%. 

Key Benefits of the AZ-900 Certification 

The AZ-900 Certification provides foundational knowledge of Microsoft Azure, enhancing career opportunities, improving cloud literacy, and enabling effective collaboration across technical and non-technical roles. The following are the other benefits 

1. Beginner-Friendly: The AZ-900 exam is tailored for beginners, requiring no prior technical expertise. 

2. Enhances Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile: Earning the AZ-900 certification provides a credible credential that can boost your resume and LinkedIn profile, enhancing your visibility to potential employers and recruiters. 

3. Foundation for Advanced Certifications: After completing Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900, you can pursue more specialized certifications like Azure Administrator or Azure Developer. 

4. Enhanced Cloud Knowledge: It equips you with the basic concepts of cloud computing, making you more confident in discussing and utilizing Azure. 

5. Real-World Application: Preparing for the AZ-900 exam not only helps you pass the test but also equips you with practical skills that can be applied to real-world cloud scenarios. 

Tips to Pass the AZ-900 Exam

If you wish to pass the Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) certification exam in your first attempt, you should follow the given tips:

● Use Microsoft's structured learning path with modules, videos, and hands-on labs.

● Enroll in a course for in-depth knowledge and guidance from certified instructors.

● Familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types by practicing the AZ-900 practice exam.

Prerequisites for AZ-900 

As mentioned, the AZ-900 exam is designed for beginners in cloud computing, and no prior technical experience is required.

The exam is a great starting point for individuals looking to gain a foundational understanding of Azure and cloud services. There are no specific prerequisites, so anyone with an interest in learning about Azure can begin preparing for this exam. 

Why Pursue the AZ-900 Certification? 

Pursuing the AZ-900 certification can significantly enhance your career prospects, with professionals holding Azure certifications often enjoying higher salaries and better job opportunities.

For instance, Azure cloud architects earn an average annual salary of $133,721, while Azure DevOps engineers make about $126,096. Even at the foundational level, certified individuals can earn up to $79.81 per hour.

Read About Cloud Architect Job Role

Additionally, studies show that 91% of certified IT professionals believe their credentials enhance their professional credibility, making them more attractive to employers.

Salaries after AZ-900 Certification 

The AZ-900 Certification opens a range of career opportunities along with a salary spike in the rapidly growing cloud computing industry, particularly within Microsoft Azure.  

Here's a table summarizing the career opportunities and salary insights for those with the AZ-900 certification: 

Conclusion 

The AZ-900 Certification is more than just a badge of knowledge; it's a gateway to understanding Microsoft Azure's capabilities and potential. Whether you're new to cloud computing or looking to complement your technical skills, the Azure Fundamentals Certification is an excellent choice.

Start your journey today with an AZ-900 training program, explore the AZ-900 learning path, and ace the AZ-900 exam to pave the way for a rewarding career in cloud computing.