Training guide
Azure Fundamentals: AZ-900 Exam and Study Guide
A guide to the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam for beginners, with a simple plan to prepare.
EU Job Hub Editorial Team · Updated 1 October 2026 · Based on Microsoft Learn certification pages and exam guides
Introduction
Azure Fundamentals is the entry-level Microsoft cloud certification. You earn it by passing the AZ-900 exam. It tests basic cloud ideas and the main Azure services.
It suits people with no cloud experience. This guide explains what to expect and how to prepare. It replaces an older page with a long template.
Quick Information
| Provider |
Microsoft |
| Exam |
AZ-900 |
| Level |
Fundamentals |
| Focus |
Cloud concepts, Azure services, security, privacy, pricing and support |
| Validity |
Does not expire, according to a third-party summary |
| Prerequisites |
None |
Key Points at a Glance
- AZ-900 is an entry-level exam with no prerequisites.
- It covers cloud concepts, Azure services, security, pricing and support.
- Fundamentals certifications do not expire, according to a third-party summary.
- Microsoft recommends but does not require it before AZ-104.
- Free learning paths and practice tests are available on Microsoft Learn.
What the Certification Shows
It shows that you know basic cloud ideas and how Azure is organised. It also shows that you understand the basics of security, privacy, pricing and support.
It is a signal of interest and baseline knowledge. It does not show that you can run Azure.
What the Exam Covers
Third-party guides list three areas: cloud concepts, Azure architecture and services, and Azure management and governance.
You learn terms such as regions, resource groups and subscriptions. You also learn how cost tools and support plans work.
Who Should Take It
It suits students, career changers, sales and project staff and managers who work with cloud teams.
If you plan to become an administrator, it is a good first step before AZ-104.
Does It Expire
Role-based Microsoft certifications expire each year and renew free. A third-party summary says fundamentals certifications, such as AZ-900, never expire.
Check your Microsoft Learn transcript for the exact status of your own certificate.
Cost
The fee varies by country. Check the price on the Microsoft Learn exam page before you book.
Microsoft runs offers and learning events from time to time. Read the terms carefully.
A Four-Week Plan
Week one: cloud concepts. Week two: Azure services and architecture. Week three: security, pricing and support. Week four: practice questions and a full review.
Use the free learning path and the free practice assessment on Microsoft Learn.
Hands-On Practice
Open a free or trial account with a spending limit. Create a resource group, deploy a small service and delete everything at the end.
Doing this once makes the vocabulary much easier to remember.
Mistakes to Avoid
Do not treat it as a technical exam. It tests broad ideas.
Do not skip pricing topics. Cost questions are common.
Do not rely on leaked questions.
Using It in Europe
Add the certificate and the year to your Europass CV. Entry roles include IT support, junior cloud support and sales roles in cloud companies.
Pair it with a small project to stand out.
Key Terms Explained
Cloud computing: using computing power over the internet instead of owning servers.
Region: a geographic area with Azure data centres.
Resource group: a container that holds related resources.
Subscription: the billing and access unit in Azure.
Shared responsibility: Microsoft secures the cloud. You secure what you put in it.
Cost management: tools that show and limit what you spend.
How to Study Without Cloud Experience
Use plain pictures. Draw a company, its servers and the cloud, and label what changes when you move to Azure.
Say each term aloud in one sentence. If you cannot, read it again.
After AZ-900
Many learners go on to AZ-104 if they want to run Azure. Others choose data, security or AI fundamentals exams.
Pick the path that matches the jobs you want. Read three job ads and note the exams they name.
Keep a short log of what you built in your lab. It helps in interviews.
Questions to Ask Before You Pay
Check the current price and the exam page for your country. Ask whether your school or employer will pay.
Write down your goal first. Take the exam only if it moves you towards that goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AZ-900 hard?
It is an entry-level exam for beginners.
Do I need experience?
No.
Does it expire?
A third-party summary says fundamentals certifications do not expire.
What should I take next?
Many learners take AZ-104 if they want to be administrators.
Find Jobs
Job titles to search for include IT support, junior cloud support and cloud sales assistant. Search current vacancies on the EURES portal.
Official Course Page
Read the current details on the Microsoft Learn Azure Fundamentals page.
Disclaimer
This guide is independent and is not affiliated with Microsoft. Prices, course lists and exam rules change, so check the official page before you pay or enrol. A certificate does not give you the right to work in any country.
