Overview
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals is an entry-level certification from Microsoft that confirms a candidate understands cloud concepts in general and Microsoft Azure in particular. It is earned by passing a single exam, AZ-900, and is commonly the first step before moving on to role-based Azure certifications such as Azure Administrator or Azure Solutions Architect. The certification covers general cloud concepts, core Azure services, and the tools Azure provides for security, privacy, compliance, pricing, and support.
Who can apply
Microsoft sets no formal prerequisite for AZ-900. It is open to anyone — including people with no previous Azure or IT certification — though Microsoft describes the typical candidate as someone already working in an area of IT, such as infrastructure, database management, or software development, who wants to show foundational Azure knowledge.
Exam pattern
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exam code | AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals |
| Question count | Around 40 to 60 questions |
| Question types | Objective formats such as multiple choice, multiple answer, and drag-and-drop |
| Exam duration | 45 minutes for the questions themselves |
| Total appointment time | About 65 minutes, including check-in, instructions, and surveys |
| Delivery | Online at home or office with a webcam, or at a Pearson VUE test centre |
| Scoring | Scaled score from 1 to 1000 |
| Passing score | 700 or higher |
| Languages | English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Korean, Spanish, German, French, Indonesian, Arabic, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian |
Syllabus
The AZ-900 study guide groups the exam content into three skill areas:
| Skill area | Weight |
|---|---|
| Describe cloud concepts | 25–30% |
| Describe Azure architecture and services | 35–40% |
| Describe Azure management and governance | 30–35% |
"Describe cloud concepts" covers cloud computing models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), the shared responsibility model, and the benefits of cloud computing such as high availability, scalability, and elasticity. "Describe Azure architecture and services" covers Azure's physical and logical structure (regions, availability zones, resource groups, subscriptions, management groups) and core services for compute, networking, and storage. "Describe Azure management and governance" covers cost management tools, governance and compliance features such as Azure Policy and role-based access control, and monitoring tools such as Azure Monitor.
Marking and results
AZ-900 is scored on a scale of 1 to 1000, and a score of 700 or more is needed to pass. A candidate who fails must wait 24 hours before a first retake, and a 14-day gap is required between each later attempt, up to a maximum of 5 attempts within a 12-month period counted from the first attempt. A fee applies to each retake.
Fees
For 2026, the standard price for AZ-900 is listed at $99 USD for an exam taken in the United States. Microsoft sets the price per country or region, so the exact amount a candidate pays is shown in the candidate's own currency at checkout when scheduling the exam.
How to apply
A candidate schedules AZ-900 from its certification page on Microsoft Learn by selecting "Schedule exam." Most candidates book through Pearson VUE; students, members of an academic institution, or those also taking a Microsoft Office Specialist exam can book through Certiport instead. The exam can be scheduled up to 90 days in advance, and a candidate can have at most two Microsoft certification exams scheduled at a time. It can be taken online, from home or an office with a webcam and microphone, or in person at an authorised Pearson VUE test centre.
After the exam
Unlike Microsoft's role-based and specialty certifications, which expire one year after being earned and need a renewal assessment, Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals does not expire — once earned, it stays valid with no renewal required.
Preparation tips
Microsoft Learn offers a free, self-paced "Introduction to Cloud Infrastructure" training series built specifically for AZ-900, in four parts matching the exam's skill areas: cloud concepts, Azure architecture and services, Azure management and governance, and a set of guided, hands-on projects. Microsoft also provides a free exam sandbox, where a candidate can get used to the AZ-900 interface and question types before the real exam, and an optional paid practice assessment that mirrors the style and difficulty of the actual questions.
Does AZ-900 have any prerequisites?
No. Microsoft sets no required prior certification or experience for AZ-900; anyone can register for it.
Does the Azure Fundamentals certification expire?
No. Unlike Microsoft's role-based and specialty certifications, which expire one year after being earned, Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals does not expire.
How is AZ-900 scored?
On a scale of 1 to 1000, with 700 or higher needed to pass.
Is Microsoft Learn training for AZ-900 free?
Yes. The "Introduction to Cloud Infrastructure" learning path on Microsoft Learn, built for AZ-900, is free, as is the exam sandbox that previews the exam interface.