# Azure Free Account and Trial Services > Chapter 62 of the Courseiva AZ-900 curriculum — https://courseiva.com/learn/az-900/azure-free-account **Official objective:** 1.4 — Cloud Concepts ## Introduction This chapter covers Azure's Free Account tier, available to new Azure users. AZ-900 tests this under objective 1.4, as part of the broader cost management and pricing concepts domain. ## A Trial Membership at a Gym A gym might offer a trial membership giving new members free access for 30 days, plus some free credits to spend on personal training or equipment if they decide to stick around. Azure's Free Account works similarly — it gives new users free access to certain services for a limited time, plus some credits to explore Azure's paid services, letting you experience Azure without committing any money upfront. ## Core explanation ### What the Azure Free Account includes Azure's Free Account is designed for new users (subject to eligibility restrictions) and typically includes: free access to certain services for 12 months (like 1 GB of storage), some services that are always free regardless of account type (like Azure Functions with a limited free grant), and an initial credit (the amount varies and changes over time) to explore paid services. ### Important constraints The free tier is limited to new accounts and has usage limitations on included services — it's not suitable for a full production deployment, but is perfectly adequate for learning, prototyping, or small-scale experimentation. After 12 months or when credits run out, charges begin unless you upgrade to a paid subscription. ### Not a substitute for actual pricing research The exact services included, their usage limits, and the credit amount are details that change over time — rather than memorizing specific figures, the exam-relevant idea is understanding that Azure offers a free tier for new users to explore the platform, with specific constraints and time limits, and that pricing details should be checked against current Azure documentation rather than a static guide. ## Real-world context A student uses Azure's Free Account to learn cloud concepts and build small prototypes during a semester, taking advantage of the free tier's learning-friendly nature without cost. ## Exam focus Objective 1.4 expects candidates to understand that Azure offers a free tier for new users with certain limitations and time constraints, not to memorize the exact current services or credit amounts. A common wrong answer is assuming the free tier has no limits — it's explicitly limited in services, usage, and time. Stable terms: **Azure Free Account**. Memory trick: free tier = new-user-only, limited services, limited time (12 months or until credit runs out), then paid charges begin. ## Step by step 1. **Check current eligibility** — Azure's Free Account has eligibility requirements — check the official Azure documentation to confirm your account qualifies. 2. **Understand the included services and limits** — The free tier includes limited access to certain services — understand the usage limits so you don't accidentally exceed the free tier and incur charges. 3. **Plan for transition to paid when needed** — The free tier is time-limited and has usage caps — plan for upgrading to a paid subscription when your needs exceed the free tier. ## Common misconceptions - **Misconception:** Azure's free tier has no limitations at all. **Reality:** It's limited in which services are included, how much you can use each, and how long the free period lasts — after that, charges apply. - **Misconception:** The exact services and credit amount in the free tier never change. **Reality:** Azure updates its free tier offerings periodically — the specific services and credit amount should be checked against current Azure documentation rather than a static guide. ## Key takeaways - Azure's Free Account gives new, eligible users free or limited access to certain services for a fixed period. - Services are limited, usage is capped, and the free period is time-limited — after that, charges apply. - The exact services and credit amounts change over time and should be checked against current Azure documentation. ## FAQ **What does Azure's Free Account include?** It typically includes free or limited access to certain services for 12 months, plus an initial credit to explore paid services — though the specific services, limits, and credit amounts change over time and should be checked against current Azure documentation. **Are there eligibility requirements for the Free Account?** Yes — Azure's Free Account is available only to new accounts meeting certain eligibility criteria. Check the official Azure Free Account page to confirm your account qualifies. **What happens after the 12-month free period or when credits run out?** Charges begin for services you continue to use, unless you stop using them or delete your resources. Plan for upgrading to a paid subscription if your needs exceed the free tier. --- Interactive version with quiz and diagrams: https://courseiva.com/learn/az-900/azure-free-account