Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Prove your foundational knowledge of cloud concepts and Azure services. Perfect for anyone new to cloud computing.
Exam Details
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Step-by-Step RoadmapEstimated total: 2 to 4 weeks
Understand Cloud Concepts
Start with the basics. Learn what cloud computing is, different service models, and deployment models.
What to Learn
- What is Cloud Computing?
- IaaS vs PaaS vs SaaS
- Public, Private, Hybrid Cloud
- Shared Responsibility Model
- CapEx vs OpEx
Resources
- Microsoft Learn: Cloud Concepts module
- John Savill's Azure Fundamentals video
Don't skip this! These concepts appear in many exam questions. Understand the analogy: IaaS = renting land, PaaS = renting a house, SaaS = staying in a hotel.
Learn Core Azure Services
Explore the main Azure services: Compute, Networking, Storage, and Databases.
What to Learn
- Azure Virtual Machines
- Azure App Service
- Azure Container Instances
- Azure Blob Storage
- Azure Virtual Network
- Azure SQL Database
- Azure Cosmos DB
Resources
- Microsoft Learn: Core Azure Services
- Azure Portal Free Account (hands-on!)
Create a free Azure account! Hands-on practice is 10x more effective than reading. Try creating a VM, storage account, and SQL database.
Security, Compliance & Identity
Learn how Azure handles security, compliance frameworks, and identity management.
What to Learn
- Azure Active Directory
- Multi-Factor Authentication
- Azure Security Center
- Azure Firewall
- GDPR, HIPAA compliance in Azure
- Azure Policy
- Trust Center
Resources
- Microsoft Learn: Security module
- Azure Compliance Documentation
Know the difference between Authentication and Authorization. Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) is very important for the exam.
Azure Management & Governance
Learn how Azure is managed at scale, including the portal, CLI, ARM templates, and governance tools.
What to Learn
- Azure Portal
- Azure CLI & PowerShell
- Azure Resource Manager
- ARM Templates
- Azure Monitor
- Azure Advisor
- Azure Policy
- Management Groups
Resources
- Microsoft Learn: Management & Governance module
Know the Azure management tools: Portal (GUI), CLI (command line), PowerShell, ARM Templates (infrastructure as code). You don't need to memorize commands.
Pricing, SLAs & Lifecycle
Understand Azure pricing models, SLAs, and the Azure service lifecycle.
What to Learn
- Azure Pricing Calculator
- Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
- Azure Cost Management
- Service Level Agreements
- Azure Preview & GA lifecycle
Resources
- Azure Pricing Calculator (online tool)
- Microsoft Learn: Cost & SLA module
Use the Azure Pricing Calculator yourself! The exam asks questions about TCO and cost optimization. Know that SLAs for services in different availability zones are higher.
Practice Tests & Review
Take multiple practice tests, identify weak areas, and review those topics.
What to Learn
- Full practice exams
- Review incorrect answers
- Focus on weak areas
- Flashcard review
Resources
- MeasureUp Practice Tests
- Whizlabs AZ-900 Practice Tests
- Microsoft Official Practice Assessment
Aim for 80%+ on practice tests before booking the real exam. Read ALL answer explanations, even for questions you got right.
Exam Day
Book and take the AZ-900 exam. Passing score is 700/1000.
What to Learn
- Check-in 30 minutes early
- Read questions carefully
- Flag uncertain questions and return
- Use remaining time to review
Resources
- Pearson VUE Exam Center
- Online Proctored Exam Option
Get good sleep the night before. The exam is 45 minutes with ~40-60 questions. Don't overthink, go with your first instinct on uncertain questions.