The Microsoft Azure AZ-900 exam serves as the gateway to a promising career in cloud computing. Designed for individuals with limited or no cloud experience, this certification validates foundational knowledge of cloud concepts and Azure services. While the breadth of topics covered might seem daunting, the general consensus among test-takers is that the AZ-900 is a manageable exam when approached with the right preparation. In this post, we’ll explore the specifics of the exam, explore its difficulty level, and provide actionable tips to help you conquer the AZ-900 and kickstart your cloud journey.
Exam Overview
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Exam AZ-900 assesses your basic understanding of cloud services and how Microsoft Azure delivers them, regardless of your specific role. Suited for individuals aiming to showcase foundational knowledge in cloud services, the AZ-900 exam is suitable for those in non-technical roles such as sales, marketing, and procurement of cloud-based solutions. It’s also open to candidates with technical expertise looking to demonstrate their understanding of cloud-based services and solutions. The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 exam broadens your knowledge horizon and exposes you to explore real-world mastery.
Glossary for Microsoft Azure AZ-900 Exam Terminology
Here are some key terms and definitions related to Microsoft Azure that are relevant for the AZ-900 exam:
- Azure: Microsoft’s cloud computing platform provides a diverse array of services for constructing, deploying, and overseeing applications and services.
- Azure Active Directory (Azure AD): A cloud-based service for managing identity and access, offering authentication and authorization for applications and services.
- Azure Resource Manager: A management framework for Azure that provides a way to deploy, manage, and organize Azure resources.
- Virtual Machine (VM): A virtualized computer that runs on Azure, providing the ability to run custom software and applications.
- App Service: A platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offering on Azure that allows developers to build, deploy, and scale web applications and APIs.
- Storage Account: A service on Azure that provides a way to store and manage data, including blobs, files, queues, and tables.
- Virtual Network: A virtualized network on Azure that provides a way to connect resources and services securely.
- Azure Monitor: A monitoring service on Azure that provides insights into the performance and health of Azure resources.
- Azure Security Center: A security management service on Azure that provides visibility and control over the security of Azure resources.
- Azure Cosmos DB: Azure Cosmos DB is a distributed database service on Azure, ensuring quick response times and continuous availability for vital applications worldwide.
- Azure Functions: A serverless compute service on Azure that allows developers to run code in response to events or triggers.
- Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS): A managed container orchestration service on Azure that simplifies the deployment and management of containerized applications.
- Azure Cognitive Services: A set of AI and machine learning services on Azure that enable developers to add intelligent capabilities to their applications.
- Azure ExpressRoute: Azure ExpressRoute establishes a private, exclusive link connecting an organization’s local infrastructure to Azure datacenters.
- Azure Marketplace: An online store on Azure that provides a way to discover, try, and buy third-party software and services.
Do you feel anxious after reviewing the exam course? No worries you may also refer Cheat Sheet for AZ-900 Exam. Let’s find out how hard the AZ-900 exam is and how to pass the AZ-900 exam in the following section.
How difficult is the Microsoft Azure AZ-900 exam?
The AZ-900 exam is generally perceived as one of the more accessible Microsoft certification exams. Designed to introduce individuals to cloud concepts and Azure services, it focuses on building a foundational understanding rather than in-depth technical expertise. This makes it a suitable starting point for those new to the IT industry or looking to transition into cloud computing.
Compared to other Microsoft certifications like Azure Administrator (AZ-104) or Azure Developer (DP-203), which delve deeper into specific roles and responsibilities, the AZ-900 is significantly less complex. It’s more about understanding the big picture of cloud computing and Azure’s role within that landscape.
However, the perceived difficulty of the exam can vary depending on individual factors. Prior IT experience can undoubtedly provide a head start, as some concepts might be familiar. Additionally, effective study habits and time management play a crucial role in exam success. While the AZ-900 is generally considered achievable, a structured approach to preparation is essential.
Additionally, the extensive syllabus makes it challenging to cover everything. Technical concepts may seem daunting, but passing is achievable. Although not every topic is easy to grasp, dedicating your full attention to preparation is crucial. Focus on strengthening your weaker areas to improve your chances of success.
How to prepare for the AZ-900 exam?
We will now discuss some of the prominent Learning Resources for Microsoft Azure Exam AZ-900. Now that we have all the exam details in hand lets move forward to your learning resources. These resources are built to aid your learning process and supplement your preparations. There are numerous resources waiting for you in the market. But remember to make a wise choice as they determine how well you pass the exam. Here are a few resources that will enrich your knowledge.
Microsoft Learning Platform
Your primary learning source should be the Microsoft learning platform. Therefore, visit the official website of the Microsoft Azure AZ-900 exam exam. It’s wise to start with the most reliable source for authentic information about the exam. Ensure you align with the vendor regarding exam details and objectives.
Microsoft Documentation
Next, explore Microsoft documentation to grasp the fundamentals of Microsoft Azure. This resource not only provides a clear understanding of Azure basics but also delves into the various scales of different Azure services. This way, you’ll gain insights into new Azure technologies directly from the experts. For more visit: Exam AZ-900 Microsoft Documentation
Undestand AZ-900 Exam Format
The Microsoft AZ-900 is a 60 minutes exam so you need to up your speed. Many are confused as to how many questions will be there in the AZ-900 exam. As per the exam guide, you can expect about 40 to 60 questions in your exam. These questions are in Multiple Choice and Multi-Response Format. As you answer the questions, use the method of elimination. Figure out and eliminate the wrong choice, and voila! you have the right answer. More importantly, concentrate on the AZ-900 passing score which is 700 (on a scale of 1000). Further, if you find any question complicated, you can try that later after completing the exam. Note, that there is no negative marking. So you should definitely attempt all the questions. Lastly, the exam will cost you $99 USD.
Exam Topics AZ-900
Next, we come to the most important section- The Course Outline which includes the exam topics A-900 covers. This course outline familiarises you with the exam framework. The goal is to help candidates prepare for the exam by identifying the specific content of each topic that may be assessed.
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Exam AZ-900 Updated Course Outline!
Module 1 – Describe cloud concepts (25–30%)
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Exam cover the latest and updated exam guide including –
Describe cloud computing
- Define cloud computing (Microsoft Documentation: What is cloud computing? and Types of Cloud Computing)
- Describe the shared responsibility model (Microsoft Documentation: Shared Responsibility Model in Cloud)
- Define cloud models, including public, private, and hybrid (Microsoft Documentation: What is a Public Cloud?, What is a Private Cloud? and What is a Hybrid Cloud?)
- Identify appropriate use cases for each cloud model (Examples of cloud computing)
- Describe the consumption-based model (Microsoft Documentation: Consumption and Fixed Cost Models)
- Compare cloud pricing models (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Product Pricing and Azure Cloud Services pricing)
- Describe serverless
Describe the benefits of using cloud services (Benefits of Cloud Computing Services)
- Describe the benefits of high availability and scalability in the cloud (Microsoft Documentation: Benefits and considerations of using cloud services)
- Describe the benefits of reliability and predictability in the cloud (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Reliability and Overview of the reliability pillar)
- Describe the benefits of security and governance in the cloud (Microsoft Documentation: Security governance and Governance in the Microsoft Cloud and Azure governance documentation)
- Describe the benefits of manageability in the cloud (Microsoft Documentation: Cloud management in the Cloud Adoption Framework, Cloud management gateway overview and Azure Management Guide, Before you start)
Describe cloud service types
- Describe infrastructure as a service (IaaS) (Microsoft Documentation: What is IaaS? and Azure IaaS (infrastructure as a service)
- Describe platform as a service (PaaS) (Microsoft Documentation: What is PaaS? and Use platform as a service (PaaS) options)
- Describe software as a service (SaaS) (Microsoft Documentation: What is SaaS? and About SaaS)
- Identify appropriate use cases for each cloud service (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Cloud Services)
Module 2 – Describe Azure architecture and services (35–40%)
Describe the core architectural components of Azure
- Describe Azure regional, regional pairs, and sovereign regions (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Regions and Avaialbility Zones and Azure Regional Pairs and Azure Sovereign Clouds)
- Describe availability zones (Microsoft Documentation: Azure availability zones)
- Describe Azure datacenters (Microsoft Documentation: Datacenter security overview)
- Describe Azure resources and resource groups (Manage Azure resource groups)
- Describe subscriptions (Microsoft Documentation: Subscription decision guide and Azure subscription)
- Describe management groups (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Management Groups)
- Describe the hierarchy of resource groups, subscriptions, and management groups (Microsoft Documentation: What are Azure management groups? )
Describe Azure compute and networking services
- Compare compute types, including container instances, virtual machines, and functions (Choose an Azure compute service, Azure Container Instances, Introduction to Azure virtual machines, Introduction to Azure Functions)
- Describe Virtual Machine options, including Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Virtual Machine Scale Sets, availability sets, and Azure Virtual Desktop (Virtual machines in Azure, What are virtual machine scale sets? and What is Azure Virtual Desktop?)
- Describe resources required for virtual machines (Windows virtual machines in Azure)
- Describe application hosting options, including Web Apps, containers, and virtual machines
- Describe virtual networking, including the purpose of Azure Virtual Networks, Azure virtual subnets, peering, Azure DNS, Azure VPN Gateway, and Azure ExpressRoute (What is Azure Virtual Network?, Virtual Network Subnet, Azure Virtual Network Peering, Azure Peering Service Overview, What is Azure DNS?, What is Azure VPN Gateway?, Azure ExpressRoute and Significance of Azure ExpressRoute)
- Define public and private endpoints (What is a private endpoint?)
Describe Azure storage services
- Compare Azure storage services (Introduction to Azure Storage)
- Describe storage tiers (Storage account overview, Hot, Cool, and Archive access tiers)
- Describe redundancy options (Azure Storage redundancy)
- Describe storage account options and storage types (Storage account overview)
- Identify options for moving files, including AzCopy, Azure Storage Explorer, and Azure File Sync (azcopy copy, Get started with AzCopy, Transfer data with AzCopy and file storage, What is Azure File Sync?, Get started with Storage Explorer)
- Describe migration options, including Azure Migrate and Azure Data Box (About Azure Migrate)
Describe Azure identity, access, and security
- Describe directory services in Azure, including Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) and part of Microsoft Entra and Azure Active Directory Domain Services (Azure AD DS)
- Describe authentication methods in Azure, including single sign-on (SSO), multifactor authentication (MFA), and passwordless (Passwordless authentication options for Azure Active Directory, authentication and verification methods are available in Azure Active Directory)
- Describe external identities in Azure, including business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-customer (B2C)
- Describe Microsft Entra Conditional Access
- Describe Azure role-based access control (RBAC) (What is Azure role-based access control (Azure RBAC)?)
- Describe the concept of Zero Trust (What is Zero Trust?)
- Describe the purpose of the defense in-depth model
- Describe the purpose of Microsoft Defender for Cloud (What is Microsoft Defender for Cloud?)
Module 3 – Describe Azure management and governance (30–35%)
Describe cost management in Azure
- Describe factors that can affect costs in Azure (Plan and manage your Azure costs)
- Compare the Pricing calculator and the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculator (Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Calculator)
- Describe the Cost Management capabilities in Azure
- Describe the purpose of tags (Use tags to organize your Azure resources and management hierarchy)
Describe features and tools in Azure for governance and compliance
- Describe the purpose of Microsoft Purview in Azure
- Describe the purpose of Azure Policy (What is Azure Policy?)
- Describe the purpose of resource locks (Lock resources to prevent unexpected changes)
Describe features and tools for managing and deploying Azure resources
- Describe the Azure portal (Azure portal overview)
- Describe Azure Cloud Shell, including Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI) and Azure PowerShell (Overview of Azure Cloud Shell)
- Describe the purpose of Azure Arc (Azure Arc overview)
- Describe infrastructure as code (IaC) (IaC on Azure)
- Describe Azure Resource Manager (ARM) and ARM templates (What is Azure Resource Manager?, What are ARM templates?)
Describe monitoring tools in Azure
- Describe the purpose of Azure Advisor (Introduction to Azure Advisor)
- Describe Azure Service Health (What is Azure Service Health?)
- Describe Azure Monitor, including Log Analytics, Azure Monitor alerts, and Application Insights (Log Analytics tutorial, Azure Monitor overview, Application Insights overview)
Instructor Led Training
Count yourself fortunate, as Microsoft offers instructor-led training with certified instructors. Specifically, the AZ-900 training proves highly advantageous for those with limited time amidst their ongoing tasks. These on-demand classrooms allow you to schedule classes at your convenience, enabling you to learn at your own pace. For more visit – Microsoft Instructor-Led Paid
Online Course
We acknowledge the significance of online courses, and that’s why we present the Microsoft Azure AZ-900 Online Course to boost your preparations. With unlimited validity, this course provides comprehensive coverage. Additionally, you’ll have access to 161 videos, delivering over 10 hours of learning content. So get ready to excel with the Online Course and Microsoft Exam AZ-900 Study Guide!
Books are your Best Friends!
Books play a crucial role in certification preparation. There are well-established books available in the market that have been leading resources for years. Our recommendation is to choose AZ-900 exam books from reliable sources for effective preparation.
- Firstly, refer Microsoft Azure For Beginners by Adney Ainsley
- Secondly, you must refer Microsoft Azure Ultimate Beginners Guide by Kennan Bismar
- Also, refer Microsoft Azure Tutorial for Beginners by Dennis Hutten
- Lastly, refer Beginner’s Guide to Microsoft Azure
Evaluate with Practice Tests
Practice tests are invaluable during exam preparation. The AZ-900 Practice Test offers a clear understanding of your current standing, pinpointing your strengths and weaknesses. It is advisable to start practicing after completing the syllabus. This approach builds confidence, ensuring a stress-free experience during the actual exam. Start Practising Now!
Expert tips to pass the Microsoft Azure AZ-900 Exam
Microsoft Azure AZ-900 is a fundamental level exam for professionals who want to learn the basics of Azure Cloud services. Here are some expert tips to help you pass the exam:
- Understand the exam objectives: Review the exam objectives thoroughly and make sure you have a good understanding of the concepts.
- Get hands-on experience: Try out the Azure services and get hands-on experience with them. This will help you understand the concepts better and also give you an idea of how they work in real-world scenarios.
- Use Microsoft documentation: Microsoft provides excellent documentation for Azure services. Use it to learn more about the services and their features.
- Study sample questions: There are many sample questions available online that can help you prepare for the exam. Make sure you understand the concepts behind each question and why the correct answer is correct.
- Take online courses: Explore numerous online courses that delve into the content of the AZ-900 exam. Enroll in these courses to enhance your comprehension of the subject matter.
- Join Microsoft forums: Join Microsoft forums and communities to discuss Azure topics with experts and get help with any questions you may have.
- Practice time management: The AZ-900 exam has 60 questions, and you have 85 minutes to complete them. Practice time management by taking mock exams and setting a timer.
- Relax and stay focused: Take deep breaths and stay focused during the exam. Don’t panic if you come across a difficult question. Skip it and come back to it later.
Conclusion
Conquering the Microsoft Azure AZ-900 exam is certainly achievable with the right mindset and preparation. While the exam covers a broad spectrum of cloud fundamentals, its focus on foundational knowledge makes it a relatively accessible entry point into the world of Azure. By understanding the exam format, concentrating on key areas, and implementing effective study strategies, you can increase your chances of success significantly. Remember, hands-on experience is invaluable, so complement your studies with practical exercises. With dedication and the right resources, you’re well on your way to earning the AZ-900 certification and taking your cloud career to new heights.
Elevate your career and start your preparation with the Microsoft Azure AZ-900 practice exam. Learn and Prepare Now!
