How to Pass the AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals Exam
Master Azure basics and ace the AZ-900 on your first attempt
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) exam is the ideal starting point for IT professionals looking to validate their cloud knowledge. This entry-level certification covers cloud concepts, Azure core services, pricing models, security, and governance. With a passing score of 700 out of 1000 and 40-60 questions to answer in 85 minutes, preparation is key. This guide provides a structured study plan, real Azure CLI commands to practice, and insider tips to help you pass confidently on your first attempt.
Understand the Exam Domains and Weighting
The AZ-900 exam is divided into four domains: Describe Cloud Concepts (25-30%), Describe Azure Architecture and Services (35-40%), Describe Azure Management and Governance (30-35%). Focus heavily on the second domain as it carries the most weight. Review the official Microsoft skills measured document and note that free tier services like Azure VMs, Blob Storage, and Azure Functions appear frequently in scenario-based questions.
Download the AZ-900 study guide from Microsoft's official site and print the domain breakdown to track your progress.
Set Up a Free Azure Account and Practice with CLI
Create a free Azure account at azure.microsoft.com/free to get $200 credit for 30 days. Practice using Azure CLI commands in Cloud Shell. For example, create a resource group with: az group create --name MyResourceGroup --location eastus. Then deploy a Linux VM: az vm create --resource-group MyResourceGroup --name MyVM --image UbuntuLTS --admin-username azureuser --generate-ssh-keys. This hands-on experience reinforces concepts like resource groups, regions, and availability zones.
az group create --name MyResourceGroup --location eastus
az vm create --resource-group MyResourceGroup --name MyVM --image UbuntuLTS --admin-username azureuser --generate-ssh-keysAlways delete resources after practice to avoid unexpected charges. Use: az group delete --name MyResourceGroup --yes --no-wait
Master Core Azure Services and Their Use Cases
Learn the purpose of key services: Azure Virtual Machines (IaaS), App Services (PaaS), Azure Functions (serverless), Azure Blob Storage (unstructured data), Azure SQL Database (PaaS relational), and Azure Virtual Network (networking). Understand when to use each based on scenarios like lift-and-shift migration vs. modern app development. Practice creating a storage account with: az storage account create --name mystorageaccount --resource-group MyResourceGroup --location eastus --sku Standard_LRS.
az storage account create --name mystorageaccount --resource-group MyResourceGroup --location eastus --sku Standard_LRSMemorize the difference between LRS, GRS, and RA-GRS redundancy options — this is a common exam question.
Learn Azure Pricing, SLAs, and Support Plans
Understand the Azure pricing calculator, total cost of ownership (TCO) calculator, and factors affecting costs (resource type, consumption, region, bandwidth). Study SLA concepts: 99.9% for a single VM, 99.95% for two VMs in an availability set, and 99.99% for two VMs across availability zones. Know the four support plans: Basic (free, billing only), Developer (business hours), Standard (24/7), and Professional Direct (fastest response).
Sample SLA calculation:
- Single VM: 99.9% uptime = 8.76 hours downtime/year
- Two VMs in availability set: 99.95% = 4.38 hours/year
- Two VMs across availability zones: 99.99% = 52.56 minutes/yearThe exam often tests that SLAs apply only to Azure-managed services, not to your application code or data.
Practice with Official Microsoft Learn Modules and Sample Questions
Complete the AZ-900 learning path on Microsoft Learn (free, ~10 hours). Each module includes interactive exercises and knowledge checks. After that, take the official practice assessment on the Microsoft website. Review questions on Azure Active Directory (now Microsoft Entra ID), role-based access control (RBAC), resource locks, and Azure Policy. For example, understand that a 'Deny' assignment in RBAC overrides a 'Allow' assignment.
Sample command to assign a role:
az role assignment create --assignee user@domain.com --role Contributor --scope /subscriptions/{subscription-id}/resourceGroups/MyResourceGroupFocus on scenario-based questions where you must choose the correct service or pricing tier — these make up 60% of the exam.
Take Timed Practice Exams and Review Weak Areas
Use third-party practice exams from providers like TutorialsDojo or MeasureUp. Simulate the real exam environment: 60 questions, 85 minutes, no pauses. After each test, review every incorrect answer and note the domain. For example, if you miss questions about Azure Policy vs. RBAC, revisit the Microsoft Learn module on governance. Aim for 85% or higher on practice tests before scheduling the real exam.
Create a spreadsheet tracking your scores per domain. If you score below 70% in 'Describe Azure Architecture and Services', allocate extra study time there.
Schedule the Exam and Use Test-Taking Strategies
Schedule the exam through Pearson VUE or at a testing center. On exam day, read each question carefully — look for keywords like 'most cost-effective', 'high availability', or 'minimum administrative effort'. Eliminate obviously wrong answers first. You can flag questions and return to them. The exam includes case studies with multiple questions; read the case study thoroughly before answering. Remember: there is no penalty for guessing, so never leave a question blank.
Use the 'Mark for Review' feature for questions you're unsure about. Spend the last 10 minutes reviewing flagged items.
Key tips
Focus on the 'Describe Azure Architecture and Services' domain — it's 35-40% of the exam and often the hardest for beginners.
Use the Azure free account to deploy at least one VM, one storage account, and one web app. Hands-on practice solidifies concepts better than reading.
Memorize the difference between Azure Policy (enforces rules on resources) and RBAC (controls who can access resources) — this is a classic trick question.
Learn the Azure SLA tiers: 99.9% (single VM), 99.95% (availability set), 99.99% (availability zones). Know the corresponding downtime per year.
Take the official Microsoft practice assessment at least three times until you score 90%+ consistently.
Join the r/AZ900 subreddit for real exam experiences and updated question dumps — but always verify answers with official documentation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the passing score for AZ-900?
The passing score is 700 out of 1000. The exam consists of 40-60 questions, including multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and case studies. You have 85 minutes to complete it. Scores are scaled, so the exact number of correct answers needed varies per exam form.
How long should I study for AZ-900?
Most IT professionals need 2-3 weeks of study with 1-2 hours per day. If you have no cloud experience, plan for 4-6 weeks. Focus on Microsoft Learn modules (10 hours), hands-on labs (5 hours), and practice exams (5 hours). Total study time is typically 20-30 hours.
Is AZ-900 worth it for experienced IT professionals?
Yes, even experienced sysadmins benefit from AZ-900 as it provides a structured overview of Azure terminology, pricing, and governance. It's also a prerequisite for role-based certifications like AZ-104 (Azure Administrator) and AZ-305 (Solutions Architect). Many employers require it for cloud migration projects.
What are the most common topics on the AZ-900 exam?
The most tested topics include: cloud deployment models (public, private, hybrid), Azure regions and availability zones, Azure Active Directory vs. Active Directory Domain Services, Azure Policy vs. RBAC, storage redundancy options (LRS, GRS, RA-GRS), and the shared responsibility model. Case studies often involve choosing the right service for a given scenario.
Can I take the AZ-900 exam online?
Yes, you can take the exam online through Pearson VUE's OnVUE platform. You need a quiet room, a webcam, and a stable internet connection. The proctor monitors you throughout the exam. Alternatively, you can take it at a local testing center. Both options are equally valid.
Related glossary terms
Infrastructure as a Service
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing model that provides on-demand virtualized computing resources over the internet, such as virtual machines, storage, and networking, instead of owning and maintaining physical hardware.
Platform as a Service
Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud computing model that provides a complete platform for developing, running, and managing applications without the complexity of building and maintaining the underlying infrastructure.
Software as a Service
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud computing model where users access software applications over the internet on a subscription basis, without installing or maintaining the software locally.
Virtual Private Cloud
A Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) is a logically isolated section of a public cloud where you can run resources in a private, customizable network environment.
Function As A Service
Function as a Service (FaaS) is a cloud computing model that lets you run small pieces of code in response to events without managing servers or infrastructure.
Anything As A Service
A model where you rent any IT resource or service over the internet instead of owning it.
Practice with real exam questions
Apply what you just learned with exam-style practice questions.