As more and more organizations are adopting cloud-based solutions, having a strong understanding of cloud computing has become essential for IT professionals. Microsoft Azure is one of the most popular cloud platforms, and Microsoft offers various certifications to demonstrate one’s knowledge and expertise in Azure services. Two of the most popular entry-level certifications offered by Microsoft are AZ-900 (Microsoft Azure Fundamentals) and DP-900 (Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals).
While both certifications provide a foundational understanding of Azure, they differ in their focus and target audience. So, in this blog post, we will explore the differences between AZ-900 and DP-900, including the topics covered in each exam, the target audience, and the level of technical knowledge required. We will also provide advice on which certification to pursue based on your interests and career goals in the Azure ecosystem.
Overview of AZ-900 and DP-900 Exam
AZ-900 and DP-900 are both entry-level certifications offered by Microsoft to validate an individual’s understanding of cloud computing and Azure services. Where, AZ-900, also known as Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, is designed for individuals who are new to cloud computing or have a non-technical background. The certification focuses on providing a foundational understanding of cloud concepts, Azure services, security and compliance, and pricing and support.
And, DP-900, also known as Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals, is designed for individuals who are interested in data-related services and concepts in Azure. The certification focuses specifically on Azure data storage options, Azure data analytics options, and data processing options in Azure.
Importance of choosing the right certification:
Choosing the right certification is essential as it allows individuals to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in a particular area of Azure.
AZ-900 and DP-900 are both entry-level certifications that provide foundational knowledge of Azure services, but they have different focuses and target audiences. Choosing the wrong certification could lead to a mismatch between your skills and the job requirements, which could be detrimental to your career.
For example, if you are interested in a career in data-related services and concepts in Azure, pursuing the AZ-900 certification might not be the best choice for you as it does not cover these topics in-depth. On the other hand, if you are new to cloud computing or have a non-technical background, pursuing DP-900 might not be the best choice as it assumes some prior knowledge of Azure and focuses specifically on data-related services.
Therefore, it is essential to choose the certification that matches your interests, career goals, and prior knowledge of Azure. This will help you gain the right skills and knowledge required for the job role you are interested in and enhance your chances of getting hired.
So, let’s begin with the AZ-900 exam!
What is AZ-900 Exam?
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) certification is an entry-level certification offered by Microsoft that validates an individual’s foundational knowledge of cloud computing and Azure services.
The purpose of the AZ-900 certification is to provide individuals with a broad understanding of cloud concepts and Azure services. It aims to help individuals understand the basics of cloud computing, including the benefits of cloud computing, the differences between cloud and on-premises solutions, and the core Azure services available.
This certification is designed to provide a foundational understanding of Azure services, security and compliance, pricing, and support. By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate that they have the necessary knowledge to use Azure effectively and understand how it can benefit their organization.
The AZ-900 certification is an excellent starting point for individuals who are new to cloud computing or have a non-technical background. It is also a prerequisite for some of the more advanced Azure certifications offered by Microsoft.
Exam Format:
- Exam Name: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- Exam Code: AZ-900
- Passing Score: 700
- Cost: $99 USD
- Language: English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Spanish, German, French, Indonesian (Indonesia), Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Chinese (Traditional), Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian
Target audience for the AZ-900 Exam:
The AZ-900 certification is designed for individuals who are new to cloud computing or have a non-technical background. The certification is targeted towards business stakeholders, non-technical IT staff, students, and anyone who wants to gain a foundational understanding of Azure services. The target audience for the AZ-900 certification includes individuals who are interested in understanding the basics of Azure and cloud computing, including:
- Business stakeholders: individuals who are responsible for making decisions related to the adoption of cloud-based solutions in their organizations. This could include executives, managers, and business analysts.
- Non-technical IT staff: individuals who work in IT but do not have a technical background, such as project managers, business analysts, and technical writers.
- Students: individuals who are pursuing a career in IT or are interested in learning more about cloud computing and Azure services.
- Anyone who wants to gain a foundational understanding of Azure services: individuals who are interested in learning about Azure services and how they can benefit their organization or personal projects.
Furthermore, the AZ-900 certification is an excellent starting point for individuals who want to gain a foundational understanding of Azure services and cloud computing, regardless of their job role or background.
Areas Covered in the Exam:
The AZ-900 exam covers a broad range of areas related to cloud computing and Azure services. The exam aims to test an individual’s knowledge of cloud concepts and their ability to understand and explain cloud computing concepts.
Here are the areas covered in the AZ-900 exam:
- Cloud Concepts: This topic covers the basic concepts of cloud computing, including the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing, cloud service models, cloud deployment models, and key cloud computing terms and definitions.
- Azure Services: This topic covers the core Azure services, including computing, storage, databases, and networking. It includes an overview of Azure Virtual Machines, Azure App Service, Azure Storage, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure SQL Database, and Azure Virtual Network.
- Azure Security, Privacy, Compliance, and Trust: This topic covers the security, privacy, compliance, and trust features in Azure, including Azure Active Directory, Azure Security Center, Azure Identity Protection, and Azure Compliance Manager.
- Azure Pricing and Support: This topic covers the various Azure pricing options and support plans available, including the Azure free account, Azure subscription options, Azure Cost Management and Billing, and Azure support plans.
Get complete course outline detail here!
What is DP-900 Exam?
Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) certification is an entry-level certification offered by Microsoft that validates an individual’s foundational knowledge of core data concepts and how they are implemented using Azure data services.
The purpose of the DP-900 certification is to provide individuals with a foundational understanding of data concepts and how they can be implemented using Azure data services. It aims to help individuals understand the basics of data and data services, including data storage, processing, and security.
This certification is designed for individuals who are new to data and data services or have a non-technical background. It is targeted toward business stakeholders, non-technical IT staff, students, and anyone who wants to gain a foundational understanding of data concepts and Azure data services.
By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate that they have the necessary knowledge to use Azure data services effectively and understand how they can benefit their organization. The DP-900 certification is also a prerequisite for some of the more advanced Azure data certifications offered by Microsoft.
Exam Format:
- Exam Name: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals
- Exam Code: DP-900
- Passing Score: 700
- Cost: $99 USD
- Language: English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Indonesian (Indonesia), Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Chinese (Traditional), Italian
Target Audience for DP-900:
The DP-900 certification, also known as Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals, is designed for individuals who are new to data and data services or have a non-technical background. The target audience for the DP-900 certification includes individuals who are interested in understanding the basics of data and data services, including:
- Business stakeholders: individuals who are responsible for making decisions related to the adoption of data services in their organizations.
- Non-technical IT staff: individuals who work in IT but do not have a technical background, such as project managers, business analysts, and technical writers.
- Students: individuals who are pursuing a career in IT or are interested in learning more about data and data services.
- Anyone who wants to gain a foundational understanding of data concepts and Azure data services: individuals who are interested in learning about data concepts and how they can be implemented using Azure data services.
Further, this certification is an excellent starting point for individuals who want to gain a foundational understanding of data concepts and Azure data services, regardless of their job role or background.
Areas Covered in the DP-900 Exam:
The DP-900 exam covers a broad range of areas related to data and data services on the Azure cloud platform. The exam aims to test an individual’s foundational knowledge of core data concepts and how they are implemented using Azure data services.
Here are the areas covered in the DP-900 exam:
- Core Data Concepts: This topic covers the fundamental concepts of data and how data is processed, including data types, data schemas, data ingestion, and data processing.
- Relational Data in Azure: This topic covers the relational data services in Azure, including Azure SQL Database and Azure Synapse Analytics. It includes an overview of database creation, management, and security in Azure.
- Non-Relational Data in Azure: This topic covers the non-relational data services in Azure, including Azure Cosmos DB and Azure Data Lake Storage. It includes an overview of data ingestion, management, and querying in Azure.
- Azure Data Analytics: This topic covers the analytics services in Azure, including Azure Stream Analytics and Azure HDInsight. It includes an overview of data processing and analytics using these services.
- Azure Data Integration: This topic covers the data integration services in Azure, including Azure Data Factory and Azure Databricks. It includes an overview of data ingestion, transformation, and integration using these services.
Get complete course outline detail here!
Ultimate Comparison of AZ-900 and DP-900 Exam
AZ-900 and DP-900 are both entry-level certifications offered by Microsoft, but they focus on different areas of the Azure cloud platform. Here’s a comparison of the two certifications:
- Purpose: The purpose of the AZ-900 certification is to validate an individual’s foundational knowledge of cloud computing concepts and Azure services, while the purpose of the DP-900 certification is to validate an individual’s foundational knowledge of core data concepts and how they are implemented using Azure data services.
- Target audience: The AZ-900 certification is designed for individuals who want to gain a foundational understanding of cloud computing concepts and Azure services, regardless of their job role or background. On the other hand, the DP-900 certification is targeted toward business stakeholders, non-technical IT staff, students, and anyone who wants to gain a foundational understanding of data concepts and Azure data services.
- Topics covered: The AZ-900 certification covers a broad range of topics related to cloud computing and Azure services, including cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, compliance, privacy, and pricing. The DP-900 certification, on the other hand, covers a broad range of topics related to data and data services on the Azure cloud platform, including core data concepts, relational and non-relational data services, data analytics, and data integration.
- Pre-requisites: The AZ-900 certification has no prerequisites and is an excellent starting point for individuals who are new to cloud computing and Azure services. The DP-900 certification also has no prerequisites and is an excellent starting point for individuals who want to gain a foundational understanding of data concepts and Azure data services.
AZ-900 and DP-900 certifications focus on different areas of the Azure cloud platform and are designed for different target audiences. However, both certifications are excellent starting points for individuals who want to gain a foundational understanding of cloud computing and data concepts on the Azure cloud platform.
Differences in the level of technical knowledge required:
The level of technical knowledge required for the AZ-900 and DP-900 certifications is different, reflecting the different areas of focus of the two certifications.
The AZ-900 certification is more general and does not require much technical knowledge. It is designed for individuals who are new to cloud computing and Azure services and covers a broad range of topics related to cloud computing concepts and Azure services. The certification aims to validate foundational knowledge of cloud computing and Azure services, and does not require hands-on experience with the Azure platform. As a result, it does not delve into technical details or require knowledge of programming languages or tools.
The DP-900 certification, on the other hand, requires a basic understanding of data concepts and some technical knowledge. It covers a broad range of topics related to data and data services on the Azure cloud platform, including core data concepts, data analytics, and data integration. The certification aims to validate foundational knowledge of core data concepts and how they are implemented using Azure data services. While the certification does not require extensive technical knowledge or programming skills, it does require some familiarity with data and data processing concepts, as well as some technical knowledge related to data services.
AZ-900 certification requires less technical knowledge than the DP-900 certification, as it covers a broader range of topics related to cloud computing and Azure services. The DP-900 certification requires a basic understanding of data concepts and some technical knowledge related to data services, reflecting its focus on data and data services on the Azure cloud platform.
Similarities between AZ-900 and DP-900 Exam:
Despite their differences, the AZ-900 and DP-900 certifications share some similarities, including:
- Both certifications are entry-level certifications that do not require prior experience with Azure or cloud computing.
- AZ-900 and DP-900 both cover fundamental concepts related to cloud computing, including security, compliance, and governance.
- Both certifications are valuable for individuals interested in pursuing careers in cloud computing and related fields.
- These two exams are designed to validate foundational knowledge and understanding of Azure services and concepts.
- Both certifications are online, proctored exams that can be taken from anywhere in the world.
While the AZ-900 and DP-900 certifications are different in terms of their areas of focus and technical knowledge required, they share some similarities in terms of their target audience, purpose, and format.
Factors to consider when choosing between the two certifications:
In summary, when choosing between the AZ-900 and DP-900 certifications, it is important to consider your long-term career goals, prior experience, technical knowledge, time and resources, and personal interests. This will help you determine which certification is the best fit for you. Here are some of the key factors to keep in mind:
- Career goals: Consider your long-term career goals and the job roles that interest you. If you are interested in data analytics or data engineering, the DP-900 certification may be a better fit. If you are interested in cloud administration, cloud engineering, or cloud architecture, the AZ-900 certification may be a better fit.
- Prior experience: Consider your prior experience with cloud computing and data services. If you have limited experience in either area, the AZ-900 certification may be a good place to start. If you have more experience with data services or cloud computing, you may be better suited for the DP-900 certification.
- Technical knowledge: Consider your technical knowledge and comfort level with technical concepts. The DP-900 certification requires a basic understanding of data concepts and some technical knowledge related to data services, while the AZ-900 certification does not require as much technical knowledge.
- Time and resources: Consider the amount of time and resources you have available to study for the exam. The AZ-900 certification covers a broader range of topics than the DP-900 certification, so it may require more time and effort to prepare for.
- Personal interests: Consider your personal interests and what areas of cloud computing or data services you are most interested in learning about.
Match your Interests and career goals to find the right certification:
Matching your interests and career goals to the right certification is an important step in ensuring that you get the most out of your certification journey. Here are some tips for matching your interests and career goals to the right certification:
- Identify your interests: Start by identifying your interests in cloud computing and data services. Do you enjoy working with data or are you more interested in cloud infrastructure and services? This can help you determine which certification is the best fit for you.
- Consider your career goals: Consider your long-term career goals and the job roles that interest you. Research job postings and descriptions to see which certifications are most in-demand for the positions you are interested in.
- Look at the exam objectives: Take a close look at the exam objectives for each certification. This will give you an idea of the topics covered in each exam and help you determine which certification aligns best with your interests and career goals.
- Read study materials: Read study materials for both certifications to get a better sense of the content covered. This can help you determine which certification is more interesting and relevant to your career goals.
- Seek advice: Seek advice from industry professionals or colleagues who have taken the certifications. They can provide insights into which certification is most relevant to your career goals and interests.
Select Certification based on your background and experience:
Choosing between the AZ-900 and DP-900 certifications can be challenging, especially if you are unsure which certification is the best fit for your background and experience. Here are some pieces of advice on which certification to pursue based on your background and experience:
- If you have little to no experience with cloud computing or data services, the AZ-900 certification may be a better fit for you. The AZ-900 certification provides a broad overview of cloud computing concepts and services, making it a great place to start if you are new to the field.
- If you have some experience with cloud computing or data services, you may want to consider the DP-900 certification. The DP-900 certification focuses on the fundamentals of data services and requires a basic understanding of data concepts, making it a great option for those with some technical knowledge.
- Thirdly, if you are interested in data analytics or data engineering, the DP-900 certification is a better fit. This certification provides a solid foundation in data services, data analytics, and data engineering, making it a valuable credential for those pursuing careers in these areas.
- For those who are interested in cloud administration or cloud architecture, the AZ-900 certification may be a better fit. This certification covers a broad range of cloud computing concepts and services, making it a great option for those interested in cloud administration, architecture, or engineering.
- Finally, if you are still unsure which certification is the best fit for you, consider taking a practice exam for both certifications. This will give you a sense of the content covered in each exam and help you determine which certification aligns best with your interests and career goals.
Note:
When deciding which certification to pursue based on your background and experience, consider your level of experience with cloud computing and data services, your interests, and your long-term career goals. This will help you determine which certification is the best fit for you.
Summarizing the differences between AZ-900 and DP-900
To recap, here are the key differences between the AZ-900 and DP-900 certifications:
- Focus: The AZ-900 certification focuses on cloud computing concepts and services, while the DP-900 certification focuses on the fundamentals of data services.
- Technical knowledge required: The AZ-900 certification requires less technical knowledge compared to the DP-900 certification, which assumes a basic understanding of data concepts.
- Job roles and career paths: The AZ-900 certification is more suitable for those interested in cloud administration, architecture, or engineering, while the DP-900 certification is more suitable for those interested in data analytics or data engineering.
- Topics covered: The AZ-900 certification covers topics such as cloud computing principles, core Azure services, security, compliance, and pricing, while the DP-900 certification covers topics such as data concepts, relational data services, non-relational data services, analytics services, and data integration.
Conclusion
Choosing the right certification for your career in Azure is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your professional development. Both the AZ-900 and DP-900 certifications offer valuable credentials for individuals looking to gain a deeper understanding of cloud computing and data services on the Azure platform.
To determine which certification is the right fit for you, consider your level of experience with cloud computing and data services, your interests, and your long-term career goals. If you are new to cloud computing and data services, the AZ-900 certification may be a good starting point, while the DP-900 certification is more suitable for those with some technical knowledge or experience in data services.
It’s also important to consider your career aspirations when choosing a certification. If you are interested in cloud administration, architecture, or engineering, the AZ-900 certification may be the better fit, while the DP-900 certification is more suitable for those interested in data analytics or data engineering.
Ultimately, the key to success is to choose the certification that aligns best with your interests, skills, and career goals. Both certifications offer valuable credentials and can help you advance your career in Azure, so it’s important to take the time to evaluate your options and make an informed decision.
