AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Study Guide

Exam Overview

• Certification: Azure Fundamentals
• Exam Code: AZ-900
• Target Audience: Technology professionals wanting to demonstrate foundational knowledge of cloud concepts and Microsoft Azure
• Experience Required: No prerequisites - entry-level certification

Skills Measured (as of January 23, 2024)

1. Describe Cloud Concepts (25-30%)

Describe Cloud Computing

• Define cloud computing
• Describe the shared responsibility model
• Define cloud models (public, private, hybrid)
• Identify appropriate use cases for each cloud model
• Describe the consumption-based model
• Compare cloud pricing models
• Describe serverless

Describe the Benefits of Using Cloud Services

• Benefits of high availability and scalability in the cloud
• Benefits of reliability and predictability in the cloud
• Benefits of security and governance in the cloud
• Benefits of manageability in the cloud

Describe Cloud Service Types

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
• Platform as a Service (PaaS)
• Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Identify appropriate use cases for each cloud service type

2. Describe Azure Architecture and Services (35-40%)

Describe Core Architectural Components

• Azure regions, region pairs, and sovereign regions
• Availability zones
• Azure datacenters
• Azure resources and resource groups
• Subscriptions
• Management groups
• Hierarchy of resource groups, subscriptions, and management groups

Describe Azure Compute and Networking Services

• Compare compute types (containers, virtual machines, functions)
• Virtual machine options (VMs, Scale Sets, availability sets, Virtual Desktop)
• Resources required for virtual machines
• Application hosting options (web apps, containers, VMs)
• Virtual networking (virtual networks, subnets, peering, DNS, VPN Gateway, ExpressRoute)
• Define public and private endpoints

Describe Azure Storage Services

• Compare Azure Storage services
• Describe storage tiers
• Describe redundancy options
• Describe storage account options and storage types
• Options for moving files (AzCopy, Storage Explorer, File Sync)
• Migration options (Azure Migrate, Azure Data Box)

Describe Azure Identity, Access, and Security

• Directory services (Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft Entra Domain Services)
• Authentication methods (single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, passwordless)
• External identities (B2B and B2C)
• Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
• Azure role-based access control (RBAC)
• Concept of Zero Trust
• Purpose of defense-in-depth model
• Purpose of Microsoft Defender for Cloud

3. Describe Azure Management and Governance (30-35%)

Describe Cost Management

• Factors affecting costs in Azure
• Compare Pricing Calculator and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Calculator
• Cost management capabilities in Azure
• Purpose of tags

Describe Features and Tools for Governance and Compliance

• Purpose of Microsoft Purview in Azure
• Purpose of Azure Policy
• Purpose of resource locks

Describe Features and Tools for Managing and Deploying Resources

• Azure portal
• Azure Cloud Shell (CLI and PowerShell)
• Purpose of Azure Arc
• Infrastructure as code (IaC)
• Azure Resource Manager (ARM) and ARM templates

Describe Monitoring Tools

• Purpose of Azure Advisor
• Azure Service Health
• Azure Monitor (including Log Analytics, alerts, and Application Insights)

Key Study Resources

Official Microsoft Learn Paths

• Azure Fundamentals learning path
• Azure documentation
• Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework for Azure

Practice Resources

• Free Practice Assessment available on Microsoft Learn
• Exam sandbox for familiarization with exam format
• Azure free account for hands-on practice

Community Resources

• Microsoft Q&A forums
• Azure Community Support
• Microsoft Learn Tech Community
• Exam Readiness Zone videos
• Azure Fridays video series

Exam Details

• Passing Score: 700
• Question Format: Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, case studies
• Exam Duration: 60 minutes (90 minutes for non-native English speakers)
• Languages Available: Multiple languages including English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian
• Exam Cost: $99 USD (varies by region)

Preparation Tips

Recommended Study Time

• 2-4 weeks for beginners
• 1-2 weeks for those with IT experience
• Focus on hands-on labs and practical experience

Key Areas to Focus On

1. Understanding cloud concepts and models
2. Azure core services and architecture
3. Security and identity fundamentals
4. Cost management and governance
5. Basic networking concepts

Hands-On Practice

• Create a free Azure account
• Practice with Azure Portal navigation
• Deploy basic resources (VMs, storage accounts, web apps)
• Configure basic security (RBAC, network security groups)
• Use Azure Cost Management tools

Certification Path

• This is a fundamentals certification - no renewal required
• Serves as foundation for role-based certifications:
  • Azure Administrator (AZ-104)
  • Azure Developer (AZ-204)
  • Azure Solutions Architect (AZ-305)
  • Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500)

Additional Notes

• The exam covers features in General Availability (GA)
• May include questions on commonly used Preview features
• Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorization
• Real-world scenarios are emphasized in exam questions