Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals
Demonstrate foundational knowledge of core data concepts and how they are implemented using Microsoft Azure data services.
Exam Details
Your Progress
0%0 of 5 steps completed
Step-by-Step RoadmapEstimated total: 3 to 4 weeks
Core Data Concepts
Understand relational vs non-relational data, batch vs streaming, and basic data formats.
What to Learn
- Structured vs semi-structured vs unstructured data
- OLTP vs OLAP workloads
- Batch processing vs stream processing
- Data roles: engineer, analyst, scientist, DBA
- Common file formats: CSV, JSON, Parquet, Avro
Resources
- Microsoft Learn: DP-900 learning path (free)
- Microsoft documentation: Core data concepts
The exam tests conceptual understanding heavily. Learn the difference between OLTP (transactional, row-by-row) and OLAP (analytical, aggregates) early as this distinction runs through the whole exam.
Relational Data in Azure
Learn Azure SQL services, how relational databases work, and when to use each service.
What to Learn
- Azure SQL Database (PaaS)
- Azure SQL Managed Instance
- Azure Database for MySQL and PostgreSQL
- Tables, views, indexes, stored procedures
- SQL query basics (SELECT, JOIN, WHERE)
Resources
- Microsoft Learn: Azure SQL fundamentals
- Azure SQL Database free tier (hands-on practice)
Know which Azure SQL service is fully managed (SQL Database) vs compatibility-focused (SQL Managed Instance). The exam tests service selection, not T-SQL coding.
Non-Relational Data in Azure
Understand NoSQL databases, Azure Cosmos DB, and blob/file/table storage.
What to Learn
- Azure Cosmos DB APIs (NoSQL, MongoDB, Cassandra, Gremlin, Table)
- Azure Blob Storage (images, videos, backups)
- Azure Table Storage (key-value)
- Azure File Storage (SMB shares)
- Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2
Resources
- Microsoft Learn: Non-relational data in Azure
- Cosmos DB free tier
Map each storage type to a use case: Blob = unstructured files, Table = simple key-value, Cosmos DB = globally distributed NoSQL apps, Data Lake = big data analytics. The exam loves matching scenarios to the right service.
Analytics in Azure
Understand Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Databricks, and the modern data warehouse pattern.
What to Learn
- Azure Synapse Analytics (SQL pools + Spark + pipelines)
- Azure Data Factory for ETL/ELT
- Azure Databricks for big data
- Power BI integration with Synapse
- Real-time analytics with Azure Stream Analytics
Resources
- Microsoft Learn: Azure data analytics
- Azure Synapse Analytics overview docs
Synapse Analytics is the biggest topic in DP-900 after the basics. Remember: Synapse = one unified analytics platform. Azure Data Factory = data movement and transformation. Stream Analytics = real-time data from IoT/event hubs.
Practice Tests and Exam Booking
Take timed practice tests, review wrong answers, and book your exam.
What to Learn
- DP-900 sample questions
- Service matching scenarios
- Batch vs streaming decision questions
- Azure data service comparisons
Resources
- PathCert DP-900 practice quiz (free)
- MeasureUp DP-900
- Udemy: Alan Rodrigues DP-900 course
Focus on service selection questions. For every Azure data service you study, note: what type of data does it store, what is the primary use case, and when would you choose it over alternatives.