Microsoft Azure Fundamentals [AZ-900] Exam Guide (2026)

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) - Complete Exam Guide

Introduction: Why Get Azure Fundamentals Certified?

The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) certification is your entry point into the Azure ecosystem and Microsoft's cloud platform.

This foundational certification validates your understanding of cloud concepts, Azure services, security, compliance, pricing, and support. Whether you're a business professional, technical professional, or someone transitioning to cloud computing, this certification demonstrates that you understand the fundamentals of Microsoft Azure.

Azure is one of the three major cloud platforms (alongside AWS and Google Cloud), and it's particularly strong in hybrid cloud scenarios and enterprise integration. Many organizations use Azure because of its seamless integration with Microsoft products like Office 365, Active Directory, and Windows Server. This certification proves you understand Azure's value proposition and can make informed decisions about cloud adoption.

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Exam Overview: What You're Getting Into

Exam Details at a Glance

• Exam Code: AZ-900
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Number of Questions: 40-60 questions
• Question Format: Multiple choice, multiple response, true/false, matching, drag-and-drop
• Passing Score: 700 out of 1000 (approximately 70%)
• Cost: $99 USD (or local currency equivalent)
• Validity: Does not expire (but technologies evolve- consider recertifying every few years)
• Delivery Method: Pearson VUE testing centers or online proctored exam
• Prerequisites: None—this is a foundational certification
• Language Options: Available in English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Spanish, German, French, and Portuguese (Brazil)

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What Makes This Exam Different

Unlike more technical Azure certifications, the AZ-900 exam doesn't require hands-on experience with Azure. However, it does expect you to understand fundamental concepts and be able to identify appropriate Azure services for different scenarios. This is a conceptual exam that tests your understanding of "what" and "when," not "how."

The questions are straightforward but require you to understand the differences between services and make appropriate choices based on business requirements. You'll encounter scenario-based questions that test your ability to apply Azure knowledge to real-world situations.

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Exam Domains: Breaking Down What's Tested

The AZ-900 exam is divided into three domains with varying weightings.

Domain 1: Describe Cloud Concepts (25-30% of exam)

What This Domain Covers:

This domain tests your understanding of fundamental cloud computing concepts that apply across all cloud providers, not just Azure.

Key Topics You'll Encounter:

• Cloud Computing Benefits: Scalability, elasticity, agility, global reach, disaster recovery, cost efficiency
• Cloud Service Models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Shared Responsibility Model: What Microsoft manages vs. what you manage in each service model
• Cloud Deployment Models: Public cloud, private cloud, hybrid cloud, and their use cases
• CapEx vs. OpEx: Capital expenditure vs. operational expenditure, consumption-based pricing
• Cloud Economics: Pay-as-you-go, cost predictability, economies of scale

What Success Looks Like:

You should be able to explain why organizations move to the cloud, understand the differences between IaaS/PaaS/SaaS, and know what responsibilities belong to Microsoft vs. the customer in different scenarios.

Exam Question Style:

"A company wants to migrate their on-premises servers to the cloud but wants full control over the operating system and installed applications. Which cloud service model should they choose?"

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Domain 2: Describe Azure Architecture and Services (35-40% of exam)

What This Domain Covers:

This is the largest domain and tests your knowledge of Azure's physical infrastructure, core services, and resource management.

Key Topics You'll Encounter:

• Azure Physical Infrastructure: Regions, Availability Zones, Region Pairs, sovereign regions
• Azure Management Infrastructure: Resource Groups, Subscriptions, Management Groups, Azure Resource Manager (ARM)
• Compute Services: Virtual Machines, Azure App Service, Azure Container Instances, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Azure Functions, Virtual Machine Scale Sets, Azure Virtual Desktop
• Networking Services: Virtual Networks (VNets), VPN Gateway, ExpressRoute, Azure DNS, Azure Load Balancer, Application Gateway, Azure Front Door
• Storage Services: Storage Accounts, Blob Storage, File Storage, Queue Storage, Table Storage, Disk Storage, storage tiers (hot, cool, archive)
• Database Services: Azure SQL Database, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Database for MySQL/PostgreSQL, Azure SQL Managed Instance
• Identity Services: Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), authentication vs. authorization, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), conditional access

What Success Looks Like:

You should be able to identify the appropriate Azure service for different scenarios, understand the Azure organizational hierarchy, and know basic characteristics of core services.

Exam Question Style:

"A company needs to store large amounts of unstructured data, such as images and videos, that will be accessed infrequently. Which Azure storage solution is most cost-effective?"

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Domain 3: Describe Azure Management and Governance (30-35% of exam)

What This Domain Covers:

This domain focuses on cost management, governance tools, security, compliance, and management interfaces.

Key Topics You'll Encounter:

• Cost Management: Azure Cost Management, pricing calculator, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculator, cost-saving options (Reserved Instances, Spot VMs)
• Governance and Compliance: Azure Policy, Azure Blueprints, Resource Locks, Cloud Adoption Framework
• Resource Management Tools: Azure Portal, Azure Cloud Shell, Azure PowerShell, Azure CLI, Azure Arc, Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates
• Monitoring Tools: Azure Advisor, Azure Service Health, Azure Monitor, Azure Application Insights
• Security Features: Azure Security Center (Microsoft Defender for Cloud), Azure Key Vault, Azure Sentinel
• Privacy and Compliance: Compliance offerings (GDPR, ISO, HIPAA), Trust Center, Azure Government

What Success Looks Like:

You should be able to identify cost management tools, understand governance features that enforce organizational policies, and know which security and monitoring tools to use for different purposes.

Exam Question Style:

"A company wants to prevent accidental deletion of a critical resource group. Which Azure feature should they implement?"

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The Must-Know Services: Your Priority List

Not all Azure services are equal on this exam. Focus on these core services.

Critical Services (Master These)

Compute:

• Azure Virtual Machines: IaaS compute, full control over OS
• Azure App Service: PaaS for web apps, APIs, mobile backends
• Azure Functions: Serverless compute, event-driven, pay-per-execution
• Azure Container Instances: Run containers without managing servers
• Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS): Managed Kubernetes for container orchestration

Networking:

• Azure Virtual Network (VNet): Isolated network in Azure
• VPN Gateway: Secure connection between on-premises and Azure
• Azure ExpressRoute: Dedicated private connection to Azure
• Azure Load Balancer: Distribute traffic across VMs
• Azure Application Gateway: Web traffic load balancer with WAF

Storage:

• Azure Blob Storage: Object storage for unstructured data (hot, cool, archive tiers)
• Azure File Storage: Managed file shares
• Azure Queue Storage: Message queuing service
• Azure Disk Storage: Block-level storage for VMs

Database:

• Azure SQL Database: Managed relational database (PaaS)
• Azure Cosmos DB: Globally distributed NoSQL database
• Azure Database for MySQL/PostgreSQL: Managed open-source databases

Identity:

• Azure Active Directory (Azure AD): Identity and access management, SSO, MFA
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Additional security layer
• Conditional Access: Context-based access policies

Management & Governance:

• Azure Policy: Enforce organizational standards
• Resource Locks: Prevent accidental deletion or modification
• Azure Blueprints: Package ARM templates, policies, and role assignments
• Azure Cost Management: Monitor and control spending

Monitoring & Security:

• Azure Monitor: Collect, analyze, and act on telemetry
• Azure Advisor: Personalized best practice recommendations
• Microsoft Defender for Cloud: Security posture management and threat protection
• Azure Service Health: Service status and planned maintenance

Important Services (Know These Well)

• Azure Virtual Desktop (remote desktop experience)
• Azure Front Door (global routing and CDN)
• Azure DNS (domain name hosting)
• Azure Key Vault (secrets management)
• Azure Sentinel (SIEM and SOAR solution)
• Azure DevOps and GitHub (CI/CD and source control)
• Azure Backup (centralized backup solution)
• Azure Site Recovery (disaster recovery)

High-Frequency Exam Topics

These concepts appear repeatedly across multiple questions:

1. IaaS vs. PaaS vs. SaaS - Know the differences and when to use each
2. Shared Responsibility Model - What Microsoft manages vs. customer responsibility
3. Azure Regions and Availability Zones - High availability and disaster recovery
4. Resource Groups - Logical containers for Azure resources
5. Azure Policy vs. Resource Locks - Governance and protection
6. Storage Tiers - Hot, cool, archive for cost optimization
7. Azure AD - Identity management and authentication
8. Cost Management Tools - Pricing calculator, TCO calculator, Cost Management
9. CapEx vs. OpEx - Capital expenditure vs. operational expenditure
10. Azure Support Plans - Basic, Developer, Standard, Professional Direct, Premier

Services You Can Deprioritize

These services exist but rarely appear on the AZ-900 exam:

• Most AI/ML services (beyond basic awareness)
• IoT services (IoT Hub, IoT Central)
• Advanced analytics (Synapse Analytics, Data Factory)
• Developer-specific tools (beyond basic awareness)
• Specialized services (Media Services, SignalR, etc.)

Don't ignore these completely, but don't spend extensive time on them.

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Study Strategy: Your Path to Success

Phase 1: Cloud Fundamentals (1-2 Weeks)

Start with understanding core cloud concepts that apply universally.

Focus Areas:

• Benefits of cloud computing
• IaaS, PaaS, SaaS differences with examples
• Public, private, hybrid cloud models
• CapEx vs. OpEx and consumption-based pricing

Phase 2: Azure Core Services (2-3 Weeks)

Learn the main Azure services and when to use them.

Focus Areas:

• Compute options: VMs, App Service, Functions, Containers
• Storage services: Blob, Files, Disks, tiers
• Databases: SQL Database, Cosmos DB
• Networking: VNets, VPN, ExpressRoute

Phase 3: Identity and Security (1-2 Weeks)

Security and identity are heavily tested.

Focus Areas:

• Azure Active Directory features
• Authentication vs. authorization
• Microsoft Defender for Cloud
• Key Vault and security best practices

Phase 4: Management and Governance (1-2 Weeks)

Learn how to manage costs and enforce governance.

Focus Areas:

• Azure Policy and Resource Locks
• Cost Management tools
• Monitoring with Azure Monitor and Advisor
• Management tools (Portal, CLI, PowerShell)

Phase 5: Practice and Refinement (1-2 Weeks)

Use practice exams to identify and fix knowledge gaps.

Strategy:

• Take Practice Set 1 under exam conditions
• Analyze weak domains thoroughly
• Review study materials for weak areas
• Take Practice Set 2 and measure improvement
• Repeat until consistently scoring 85%+

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Exam Day Strategy: Maximizing Your Performance

Before the Exam

• Review service definitions and use cases the night before
• Get adequate rest—clear thinking helps with scenario questions
• Arrive early or test your online exam setup
• Have a valid ID ready

During the Exam

• Read Carefully: Scenario questions can be lengthy—identify the key requirement
• Eliminate Wrong Answers: Rule out obviously incorrect options first
• Watch for Keywords: "Most cost-effective," "highest availability," "easiest to manage"
• Don't Overthink: Questions are straightforward—go with your first instinct if you know the material
• Time Management: 60 minutes for 40-60 questions—you have time to review
• Flag and Return: Don't get stuck on difficult questions
• Review Flagged Questions: Use remaining time to revisit uncertain answers

Common Question Formats

• Multiple Choice: Select the single best answer
• Multiple Response: Select 2 or more correct answers (number specified)
• True/False: Determine if a statement is correct
• Drag-and-Drop: Match items (e.g., service to description)
• Case Studies: Read a scenario and answer multiple related questions

Common Traps to Avoid

• Confusing Similar Services: App Service vs. Functions, Azure AD vs. AD DS
• Overcomplicating Solutions: The simplest answer that meets requirements is usually correct
• Ignoring Cost Requirements: If the question asks for "most cost-effective," price matters
• Shared Responsibility Confusion: Know what Microsoft manages vs. what you manage
• Mixing Up Management Tools: Policy vs. Locks, Monitor vs. Advisor

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Resources for Success

Official Microsoft Resources

• Microsoft Learn: Free, comprehensive training modules for AZ-900
• Azure Free Account: $200 credit for 30 days to explore services
• Azure Documentation: Official service documentation
• Microsoft Learn Training Days: Free virtual training events

CloudFluently Course Package Includes

• Comprehensive Study Notes: Clear explanations of all Azure fundamentals topics
• 180 Practice Questions: Three full-length exams with detailed explanations
• Hands-On Projects: Explore Azure services with guided exercises
• Quick Reference Cheatsheets: Service comparisons, decision trees
• Flashcards: Active recall for key concepts and definitions

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After You Pass: What's Next?

Career Advancement

• Update Credentials: Add certification to LinkedIn and Microsoft Learn profile
• Pursue Role-Based Certifications: Azure Administrator, Azure Developer, Azure Solutions Architect
• Explore Specialty Certifications: Azure Security, Azure AI Engineer, Azure Data Engineer
• Join Communities: Azure Tech Community, Reddit r/Azure, local user groups

Continued Learning

• Hands-On Practice: Build projects using Azure Free Tier
• Stay Current: Azure updates constantly—follow Azure Updates blog
• Learn Hybrid Cloud: Azure Arc and hybrid scenarios
• Explore Multi-Cloud: Compare Azure with AWS and Google Cloud

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Final Thoughts: You're Ready for This

The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification is achievable with focused study and practice. This exam validates your understanding of cloud concepts and Azure services- knowledge that's valuable whether you're in sales, management, or technical roles.

Remember: this is a fundamentals exam. Questions test conceptual understanding, not deep technical implementation. Focus on understanding what each service does, when to use it, and how it fits into Azure's ecosystem.

The combination of study notes, practice exams, and hands-on exploration in this package gives you everything you need to pass confidently. Study consistently, practice with realistic questions, and trust your preparation.

Good luck, future Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals! ☁️