What Is AZ-900? A Complete Beginner’s Guide
If you’re new to cloud computing and keep hearing the term “AZ-900,” you’re not alone — it’s one of the most talked-about starting points for anyone wanting a career in Microsoft Azure. This guide breaks down exactly what AZ-900 is, who it’s for, and what to expect, so you can decide if it’s the right first step for you.
What Does AZ-900 Stand For?
AZ-900 is the exam code for Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals. It’s Microsoft’s entry-level certification for cloud computing, designed to validate a foundational understanding of cloud concepts and how they apply specifically to Microsoft Azure. Unlike role-based certifications (such as Azure Administrator or Azure Developer), AZ-900 doesn’t require any hands-on technical experience — it’s a knowledge-based exam built for beginners.
Who Is the AZ-900 Course For?
AZ-900 is genuinely designed for anyone, regardless of technical background, including:
- Students and recent graduates exploring a career in tech
- Career switchers moving into IT or cloud computing
- IT support and help desk staff wanting to formalise their cloud knowledge
- Business professionals who work alongside technical teams and want to understand the cloud
- Anyone planning to pursue more advanced Azure certifications later (like AZ-104 or AZ-204)
There are no formal prerequisites — you don’t need prior certifications, coding skills, or IT experience to sit the exam.
What Does the AZ-900 Exam Cover?
The exam is built around three main skill areas:
- Cloud Concepts (roughly 25–30%) — What cloud computing is, the benefits of cloud services, and the differences between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
- Azure Architecture and Services (roughly 35–40%) — Core Azure components, compute, networking, storage, and database services.
- Azure Management and Governance (roughly 30–35%) — Cost management, governance tools, identity and access management, and security fundamentals.
AZ-900 Exam Format at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Format | Multiple choice, multiple response, drag-and-drop, hotspot |
| Number of questions | Approximately 40–60 |
| Exam duration | Around 45–60 minutes of exam time |
| Passing score | 700 out of 1000 (scaled scoring) |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Certification validity | Does not expire |
| Exam fee | Roughly $99 USD (pricing varies by region — check the official Microsoft pricing page for the current AUD fee) |
Why Get AZ-900 Certified?
- It’s a recognised credential. AZ-900 is one of the most widely held IT certifications globally, and employers recognise it as proof of foundational cloud knowledge.
- It opens the door to advanced certifications. AZ-900 is the natural first step before role-based certifications like AZ-104 (Administrator), AZ-204 (Developer), or AZ-305 (Solutions Architect).
- It’s accessible. No coding, no prior IT experience, and a manageable study timeline compared to associate or expert-level exams.
- Cloud skills are in demand. Organisations across nearly every industry are running workloads on Azure, and foundational cloud literacy is increasingly expected even in non-technical roles.
How to Get Started
The best way to prepare for AZ-900 is a mix of structured learning and hands-on practice in the Azure Portal — reading alone won’t be enough, since the exam tests applied understanding, not just definitions. A guided course with an experienced trainer can help you cover all three domains efficiently and build the confidence to sit the exam.
👉 Ready to get started? [Enrol in our AZ-900 course] and build job-ready Azure skills with expert-led training.