The Complete Microsoft AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals Certification Guide for 2026
30-Day AZ-900 Study Plan
A structured study plan is one of the easiest ways to stay consistent and avoid feeling overwhelmed. You don't need to study for hours every day—dedicating 1 to 2 hours daily is enough for most beginners.
Week 1: Build Your Foundation
Focus on understanding the basics of cloud computing.
Topics to cover:
Cloud computing concepts
Public, private, and hybrid clouds
IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS
Benefits of cloud computing
Shared responsibility model
Goal: Understand why organizations use the cloud before learning Azure services.
Week 2: Learn Core Azure Services
Spend this week exploring Azure's major services.
Study:
Azure Regions and Availability Zones
Resource Groups
Virtual Machines
Azure Storage
Virtual Networks
Azure App Services
Azure SQL Database
If possible, create a free Azure account and navigate through the Azure Portal. Seeing these services in action makes them much easier to remember.
Week 3: Security, Governance, and Pricing
Now shift your focus to Azure management.
Topics include:
Microsoft Entra ID
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Azure Policy
Azure Monitor
Azure Advisor
Cost Management
Pricing Calculator
Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
These topics are commonly tested and are especially important because they demonstrate how Azure helps organizations manage and secure their cloud environments.
Week 4: Revision and Practice
The final week should be dedicated to reinforcing what you've learned.
Your checklist:
Review your notes.
Take at least three full-length practice exams.
Identify weak areas.
Revisit difficult concepts.
Avoid learning entirely new topics just before the exam.
Consistency is far more effective than last-minute cramming.
Sample Practice Questions
Here are a few examples of the type of questions you can expect on the AZ-900 exam.
Question 1
Which cloud service model allows customers to deploy applications without managing the underlying operating system?
A. IaaS
B. PaaS
C. SaaS
D. On-premises
Correct Answer: B. Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Explanation: In PaaS, Microsoft manages the infrastructure and operating system, allowing developers to focus on building and deploying applications.
Question 2
Which Azure service is primarily used for object storage?
A. Azure SQL Database
B. Azure Blob Storage
C. Azure Virtual Machines
D. Azure Functions
Correct Answer: B. Azure Blob Storage
Blob Storage is designed to store large amounts of unstructured data, such as images, videos, documents, and backups.
Question 3
What is the purpose of a Resource Group in Azure?
Answer: A Resource Group is a logical container used to organize and manage related Azure resources.
Question 4
Which Azure feature improves account security by requiring an additional verification method?
Answer: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
Question 5
Which Azure tool helps estimate the monthly cost of cloud resources before deployment?
Answer: Azure Pricing Calculator.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many candidates underestimate the AZ-900 exam because it's labeled as an entry-level certification. While the exam is beginner-friendly, success still requires preparation.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Memorizing Instead of Understanding
The exam often includes scenario-based questions. Understanding why a service is used is more valuable than memorizing definitions.
Ignoring Hands-On Practice
Even though the exam doesn't require advanced technical skills, exploring the Azure Portal helps you become familiar with Azure terminology and navigation.
Skipping Practice Tests
Practice exams improve your confidence, highlight weak areas, and help you manage your time during the real exam.
Overlooking Security and Governance
Many candidates focus heavily on compute and storage while neglecting security, identity, governance, and pricing. These topics carry significant weight in the exam.
Studying Too Many Resources
Using too many books, videos, and courses can become confusing. Choose one primary learning resource and supplement it with practice questions.
Career Opportunities After AZ-900
AZ-900 is a foundational certification, but it can open the door to several cloud-related career paths.
Some common roles include:
Cloud Support Associate
IT Support Specialist
Technical Support Engineer
Junior Cloud Engineer
Cloud Operations Associate
Systems Administrator
Azure Administrator (after earning AZ-104)
Cloud Consultant
Although AZ-900 alone may not qualify you for advanced engineering roles, it demonstrates cloud literacy and shows employers that you're serious about building cloud skills.
It's also an excellent foundation for pursuing more specialized Azure certifications.
Salary Expectations
Your earning potential depends on your experience, location, technical skills, and additional certifications.
Here are approximate annual salary ranges:Job RoleEstimated SalaryIT Support Specialist$50,000–$70,000Cloud Support Associate$55,000–$80,000Junior Cloud Engineer$70,000–$95,000Azure Administrator$90,000–$130,000Azure Solutions Architect$130,000–$170,000+
While AZ-900 won't instantly lead to these higher-paying roles, it provides a solid starting point for building a successful cloud career.
Expert Tips to Pass the AZ-900 Exam
If you're aiming to pass on your first attempt, keep these practical tips in mind:
Study consistently instead of cramming.
Understand cloud concepts rather than memorizing definitions.
Learn the differences between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
Familiarize yourself with common Azure services and their use cases.
Spend time exploring the Azure Portal.
Take multiple practice exams before scheduling your test.
Read each question carefully, especially scenario-based questions.
Eliminate clearly incorrect answers to improve your chances on multiple-choice questions.
Remember, confidence comes from preparation—not luck.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is AZ-900 suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. It's specifically designed for people who are new to cloud computing and Microsoft Azure.
2. Do I need coding experience?
No. Programming knowledge is not required.
3. How long does it take to prepare?
Most candidates can prepare in two to six weeks, depending on their schedule and prior knowledge.
4. Is hands-on Azure experience necessary?
Not mandatory, but using the Azure Portal will help you understand concepts more effectively.
5. What happens if I fail the exam?
Microsoft allows you to retake the exam. Be sure to review the latest retake policy before booking another attempt.
6. Which certification should I pursue after AZ-900?
If you're interested in administration, AZ-104 is the natural next step. Developers often move to AZ-204, while aspiring architects typically work toward AZ-305 after gaining experience.
7. Is AZ-900 worth it in 2026?
Absolutely. As cloud adoption continues to grow, foundational cloud knowledge remains valuable across technical and non-technical roles.
8. Does the certification expire?
Microsoft's certification policies can change over time, so it's always best to check the latest guidance on the official certification website.
Final Thoughts
The Microsoft AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals certification is more than just an entry-level credential—it's an investment in your future. As businesses increasingly rely on cloud technologies, understanding the fundamentals of platforms like Microsoft Azure has become a valuable skill across nearly every industry.
What makes AZ-900 particularly appealing is its accessibility. You don't need prior cloud experience, programming knowledge, or years of IT expertise to get started. Instead, the certification helps you build a solid understanding of cloud concepts, Azure services, security, governance, and pricing in a structured and approachable way.
Passing the exam won't instantly make you a cloud engineer, but it will give you the confidence and foundational knowledge needed to pursue more advanced Azure certifications and cloud-focused roles. It also signals to employers that you're committed to learning modern technologies and staying relevant in a rapidly evolving job market.
Whether you're a student exploring career options, an IT professional looking to expand your skills, or someone planning a transition into cloud computing, AZ-900 is an excellent first milestone. Pair consistent study with hands-on practice, take advantage of Microsoft's free learning resources, and use practice exams to reinforce your understanding.
Every cloud expert starts with the basics. Earning the AZ-900 certification is a practical first step toward building a rewarding career in cloud computing—and one that can open the door to countless learning and professional opportunities in the years ahead.
