MICROSOFT AZURE CERTIFICATIONS
Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900): Exam Guide, Syllabus, Study Plan & Practice Questions
Thinking of starting your cloud journey with Microsoft Azure but unsure where AZ-900 fits in? This guide covers everything — exam format, syllabus, a realistic study plan, and how to actually pass in 30 days — so your first Azure certification becomes a confident first step, not a confusing one.
Quick Answers
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) is Microsoft's lowest level, no prerequisites, introduction to cloud concepts, core Azure services, and Azure pricing and support basics. The exam is about 40–60 questions, of which about 60 minutes are allocated to the exam, and the passing score is 700 on a scaled 1000 (1–1000).As of 2026, AZ-900 is priced at $99 in the United States, and is never expiring after its completion, one of the most cost-effective and risk-free cloud certificates for newbies.
Key Takeaways
There are no hands-on labs or portal configuration required for AZ-900; it only tests conceptual knowledge.
The following tables show the 2026 AZ-900 skills outline weights.The following tables display the weights for the 2026 AZ-900 skills outline.
The AZ-900 exam will not expire after it is passed and can be renewed at any time.The AZ-900 exam is not an expiring certificate like the other role-based exams, AZ-104, for example.
The majority of successful candidates study for between 1 and 3 weeks, 1-2 hours a day, but a 30 day study plan is good for the complete beginner.
Microsoft provide free exam vouchers periodically via their Virtual Training Days events which will reduce your cost to zero.
What the AZ-900 Exam Actually Covers
The AZ-900 is based on three domains and focuses on the conceptual understanding of cloud computing rather than making any attempt to build anything. The first domain, Cloud Concepts, is 25-30% of the exam and is based on the basic concepts that form the foundation for all cloud computing (not only Azure). The third domain, Azure Management and Governance, is the heaviest on the exam, accounting for 30-35% of the total exam and is often ignored by candidates who are only focused on memorizing the Azure services. This domain covers aspects of cost management, governance concepts such as Azure Policy and Azure Blueprints, and service-level concepts which are simple to overlook but have a significant impact on the exam. There is a key difference from higher level Azure exams in that there is no lab or case study content in the exam, only multiple choice, drag and drop and hotspot questions.
AZ-900 vs. AZ-104: What's the Real Difference?
Although both are Azure-certified, they are very different from one another, with number 900 and number 104 being quite distinct. It's a Fundamentals-level, conceptual exam in which there are no prerequisites and you're tested on cloud terms, service models, and basic governance — you will never access a live Azure portal in the test. The hands-on, scenario-based AZ-104 (Azure Administrator Associate) exam will require multi-screen case studies and involve real-world scenarios in which you have to configure resources, such as a virtual network, storage account, and identity settings. To put it simply, AZ-900 is meant to be viewed as an entry into the Azure world, not as a professional qualification.To sum up, AZ-900 shouldn't be seen as an end goal rather than a stepping stone to the Azure world.
Skills You'll Build While Preparing for AZ-900
Recognizing models and types of cloud service (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
Basic knowledge of Azure key services such as Virtual Machines, App Service, Blob Storage.
Familiarity with the concepts of Azure networking (Virtual Networks, VPN Gateway)
Explain Azure cost-management and cost tools concepts
Awareness of governance concepts like Azure Policy, Blueprints, and resource locks
Core Topics Covered in AZ-900
AZ-900 Exam at a Glance
| Detail | AZ-900 | AZ-104 |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Fundamentals | Associate |
| Format | Conceptual, no labs | Hands-on, scenario-based case studies |
| Validity | Never expires | 1 year (free renewal) |
Step-by-Step Study Roadmap for AZ-900
Understand domain weightings by referring to the official AZ-900 skills outline.
Complete Microsoft Learn's free AZ-900 learning path for structured foundational content.
If you prefer guided explanations, reinforce ideas with a paid course or video series.
After every domain, take domain wise quizzes to catch up the gap early.
Try 2 - 3 full length timed mock exams in the last week.
Read the explanation for each incorrect answer, then schedule an exam when you reach 80% + .Check each wrong answer explanation, then schedule an exam once 80% +.
Book Your Free Counselling Session
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Expert Insights
“How many full-length practice exams you do is the single best predictor of success in passing. Candidates who take 3+ timed practice exams and look at all the answers that they got wrong, pass at about double the rate of those who just read the study guide. This is a pattern that Mentors always observe for a basic exam such as AZ-900.