Why Study with PlanetCert?
The Latest Questions
Practice questions and exam topics aligned with the current exam objectives.
Detailed Explanations
Go beyond the answer. Master the material with comprehensive learning and professional explanations for every concept.
AI-Powered Insights
Personalized preparation guidance that adapts to your performance and identifies weak spots automatically.
Exam Information
Official specifications published by Microsoft
Exam Format
45 min
40-60
700
Beginner
Registration
$99 USD
Pearson VUE, Certiport, or online proctoring
English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Korean +9 more
Validity
No expiration
This certification does not expire; Microsoft recommends staying current with Azure updates through Microsoft Learn
AZ-900 Exam Topics and Domains
AZ-900 is organized into 3 weighted domains. Expect to work with Azure Functions, Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Advisor, Azure App Service, and more.
1
Describe cloud concepts
25-30%
Describe cloud computing
Define cloud computingDescribe the shared responsibility modelDefine cloud models, including public, private, and hybridIdentify appropriate use cases for each cloud modelDescribe the consumption-based modelCompare cloud pricing modelsDescribe serverless
- Define and explain cloud computing concepts
- Understand shared responsibility across service models
- Distinguish between public, private, and hybrid cloud models
- Identify appropriate use cases for different cloud models
- Explain consumption-based pricing and its benefits
- Compare different cloud pricing models
- Describe serverless computing and its characteristics
Describe the benefits of using cloud services
Describe the benefits of high availability and scalability in the cloudDescribe the benefits of reliability and predictability in the cloudDescribe the benefits of security and governance in the cloudDescribe the benefits of manageability in the cloud
- Explain high availability and scalability benefits
- Describe reliability and predictability in cloud services
- Understand security and governance advantages
- Identify manageability benefits of cloud platforms
Describe cloud service types
Describe infrastructure as a service (IaaS)Describe platform as a service (PaaS)Describe software as a service (SaaS)Identify appropriate use cases for each cloud service type (IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS)
- Define and differentiate IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS
- Understand shared responsibility for each service type
- Identify appropriate use cases for each service model
- Compare service models based on control, flexibility, and management
2
Describe Azure architecture and services
35-40%
Describe the core architectural components of Azure
Describe Azure regions, region pairs, and sovereign regionsDescribe availability zonesDescribe Azure datacentersDescribe Azure resources and resource groupsDescribe subscriptionsDescribe management groupsDescribe the hierarchy of resource groups, subscriptions, and management groups
- Understand Azure's global infrastructure
- Explain regions, availability zones, and datacenters
- Describe Azure's organizational hierarchy
- Identify appropriate organizational structures for different scenarios
Describe Azure compute and networking services
Compare compute types, including containers, virtual machines, and functionsDescribe virtual machine optionsDescribe the resources required for virtual machinesDescribe application hosting optionsDescribe virtual networkingDefine public and private endpoints
- Compare and select appropriate compute services
- Understand VM options and requirements
- Identify application hosting solutions
- Describe Azure networking fundamentals
- Explain connectivity and security options
Describe Azure storage services
Compare Azure storage servicesDescribe storage tiersDescribe redundancy optionsDescribe storage account options and storage typesIdentify options for moving filesDescribe migration options
- Compare Azure storage service types
- Understand storage tiers and redundancy options
- Identify appropriate storage solutions
- Describe data migration and transfer tools
Describe Azure identity, access, and security
Describe directory services in AzureDescribe authentication methods in AzureDescribe external identities in AzureDescribe Microsoft Entra Conditional AccessDescribe Azure role-based access control (RBAC)Describe the concept of Zero TrustDescribe the purpose of the defense-in-depth modelDescribe the purpose of Microsoft Defender for Cloud
- Understand Azure identity services
- Describe authentication and authorization methods
- Explain external identity scenarios
- Understand Zero Trust and defense-in-depth
- Describe cloud security monitoring
3
Describe Azure management and governance
30-35%
Describe cost management in Azure
Describe factors that can affect costs in AzureExplore the pricing calculatorDescribe cost management capabilities in AzureDescribe the purpose of tags
- Identify factors affecting Azure costs
- Use pricing calculator for cost estimation
- Describe cost management tools and features
- Understand tagging for cost allocation
Describe features and tools in Azure for governance and compliance
Describe the purpose of Microsoft Purview in AzureDescribe the purpose of Azure PolicyDescribe the purpose of resource locks
- Describe Microsoft Purview for data governance
- Explain Azure Policy for compliance enforcement
- Understand resource locks for protection
Describe features and tools for managing and deploying Azure resources
Describe the Azure portalDescribe Azure Cloud Shell, including Azure CLI and Azure PowerShellDescribe the purpose of Azure ArcDescribe infrastructure as code (IaC)Describe Azure Resource Manager (ARM) and ARM templates
- Describe Azure portal features
- Understand command-line tools (CLI, PowerShell)
- Explain Azure Arc for hybrid scenarios
- Describe Infrastructure as Code concepts
- Understand ARM and ARM templates
Describe monitoring tools in Azure
Describe the purpose of Azure AdvisorDescribe Azure Service HealthDescribe Azure Monitor
- Describe Azure Advisor recommendations
- Understand Azure Service Health monitoring
- Explain Azure Monitor and its components
- Identify appropriate monitoring tools for scenarios
How do I earn this certification?
Passing AZ-900 earns the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals certification. It sits in the Azure Fundamentals track.
Next Level Options
- AZ-104 - Microsoft Azure AdministratorNatural progression to Azure administration role
- AZ-204 - Developing Solutions for Microsoft AzurePath for developers building cloud applications
- AZ-305 - Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure SolutionsAdvanced path for solution architects (requires AZ-104 or AZ-204 first)
- AZ-500 - Microsoft Azure Security TechnologiesSpecialization in Azure security
- DP-900 - Microsoft Azure Data FundamentalsParallel fundamentals certification for data professionals
- AI-900 - Microsoft Azure AI FundamentalsParallel fundamentals certification for AI/ML professionals
Alternative Paths
- SC-900 - Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity FundamentalsComplementary fundamentals for security-focused professionals
- MS-900 - Microsoft 365 FundamentalsComplementary fundamentals for Microsoft 365 ecosystem
- PL-900 - Microsoft Power Platform FundamentalsLow-code/no-code development fundamentals
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Technology professionals new to Azure and Business stakeholders seeking cloud knowledge.
- Familiarity with IT concepts and terminology
- Basic understanding of cloud computing concepts
- Experience with any area of IT (infrastructure, database, or software development)