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A Step-by-Step Guide to Passing the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Exam (AZ-900)

Dec 2 / Martin Yanev
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Exam (AZ-900) is designed to test your foundational knowledge of Microsoft Azure, making it an ideal starting point for anyone new to cloud computing or Azure. This exam focuses on the core concepts of cloud services and how they are provided with Azure, rather than requiring deep technical expertise. Here's what you can expect:



1. Exam Structure

The AZ-900 exam consists of multiple-choice questions, and it’s important to be aware that these questions may also include other formats like drag-and-drop or case-based scenarios. The exam is designed to be completed in about 60 minutes, and you will need to score 700 out of 1000 points to pass.The exam is split into different sections, each testing your knowledge in specific areas related to Azure. 


2. Topics Covered in the AZ-900 Exam

The exam covers five main domains. Understanding these domains will help you focus your preparation efforts and guide you toward the right study materials.

  • Cloud Concepts (15-20%)

    • Understand the principles of cloud computing and the benefits it offers.
    • Explore types of cloud models (Public, Private, Hybrid).
    • Differentiate between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.

  • Core Azure Services (30-35%)

    • Learn about Azure’s core services like Compute, Storage, Networking, and Databases.
    • Get to know services like Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Blob Storage, and Azure App Services.

  • Azure Pricing, SLA, and Lifecycle (20-25%)

    • Understand Azure pricing models, cost management tools, and billing.
    • Learn how Service Level Agreements (SLAs) work and what service lifecycle management involves.

  • Azure Governance and Compliance (10-15%)

    • Know how to implement Azure governance tools like Azure Policy and Blueprints.
    • Learn about compliance certifications and how Azure ensures security and compliance.

  • Azure Cloud Concepts and Azure Fundamentals (10-15%)

    • Get familiar with Azure’s global infrastructure, including regions, availability zones, and data centers.

3. Key Objectives

The goal of the AZ-900 exam is to evaluate your ability to:

  • Define cloud computing: Recognize key principles, benefits, and deployment models.
  • Identify key Azure services: Have a basic understanding of key offerings within Azure and their functions.
  • Understand Azure pricing and support: Be able to navigate cost management, Azure billing, and pricing calculators.
  • Comprehend Azure security: Understand Azure's approach to identity management, governance, and security.



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Key Concepts You Need to Know for AZ-900

To successfully pass the AZ-900 exam, it’s essential to grasp several key concepts related to cloud computing, Microsoft Azure services, and Azure pricing models. Here’s a breakdown of the most important concepts you need to focus on:

1. Cloud Computing Fundamentals

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services (like storage, processing power, and databases) over the internet, rather than from a local data center or server. Understanding the following core principles of cloud computing is crucial:

  • On-demand self-service: Users can access and manage cloud services as needed without requiring human intervention.
  • Broad network access: Cloud services are available over the internet and can be accessed from anywhere on devices like smartphones, tablets, or laptops.
  • Resource pooling: Cloud providers pool resources to serve multiple customers using multi-tenant models, with physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned based on demand.
  • Rapid elasticity: Cloud resources can scale up or down quickly to meet the changing demands of users.
  • Measured service: Cloud resources are measured and billed based on usage, providing cost efficiency.

2. Azure Services

Azure offers a vast array of services that cater to various needs, from compute and networking to storage and databases. You’ll need to understand the most widely used services:

  • Azure Compute Services:

    • Azure Virtual Machines: A key component for running applications and services in the cloud, providing flexibility to create and manage VMs.
    • Azure App Services: A platform for hosting web apps, mobile backends, and RESTful APIs in a fully managed environment.
    • Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS): A managed Kubernetes container orchestration service that simplifies deploying and managing containerized applications.

  • Azure Storage Services:

    • Azure Blob Storage: Used for storing unstructured data like text, images, videos, and backups.
    • Azure Disk Storage: Provides high-performance block storage for virtual machines.
    • Azure File Storage: A fully managed file share in the cloud, accessible via the SMB protocol.

  • Azure Networking Services:

    • Azure Virtual Network (VNet): Enables secure communication between different Azure resources, as well as with on-premises networks.
    • Azure Load Balancer: Distributes incoming traffic across multiple resources to ensure availability and scalability.
    • Azure VPN Gateway: Securely connects on-premises networks to Azure through site-to-site or point-to-site connections.

  • Azure Database Services:

    • Azure SQL Database: A fully managed relational database service based on Microsoft SQL Server.
    • Azure Cosmos DB: A globally distributed NoSQL database service for mission-critical applications.
    • Azure Database for MySQL/PostgreSQL: Managed databases for open-source relational database systems.


3. Azure Pricing Models

One of the key components of the AZ-900 exam is understanding Azure pricing and cost management. Azure follows several pricing models for different services, which you should familiarize yourself with:

  • Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG): You pay only for the resources you use, billed hourly or monthly. This model is flexible and cost-effective for unpredictable workloads.
  • Reserved Instances: By committing to a longer-term (1 or 3 years) usage of certain services like virtual machines, you can receive discounts compared to the PAYG model.
  • Spot Pricing: Azure offers lower prices for unused capacity, but the resources can be deallocated with little notice. This is ideal for batch jobs or non-critical applications.
  • Azure Hybrid Benefit: If you have existing on-premises Microsoft licenses (Windows Server or SQL Server), you can use them in Azure to reduce your costs.

Azure also provides tools like the Azure Pricing Calculator and Azure Cost Management + Billing to estimate and track your usage and costs. Understanding how to use these tools effectively will help you manage your Azure expenses and optimize your cloud environment.

4. Azure Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

Azure provides Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for most services to ensure availability and reliability. Each SLA specifies the guaranteed uptime for services, typically expressed as a percentage (e.g., 99.9% uptime). For example:

  • Azure Virtual Machines: Typically offers an SLA of 99.9% availability.
  • Azure Storage: Offers an SLA of 99.9% availability for Blob storage.

It's essential to understand how SLAs are calculated and how they can affect the performance and availability of your services in Azure.

5. Azure Governance and Security

Understanding Azure governance tools and security principles is vital for managing resources and ensuring compliance:

  • Azure Policy: A service that allows you to define and enforce policies across your Azure resources, ensuring they comply with organizational or regulatory standards.
  • Azure Blueprints: Provides a way to package and automate the deployment of Azure resources in compliance with your governance requirements.
  • Azure Active Directory (Azure AD): A comprehensive identity and access management service for controlling access to Azure resources, both for users and applications.
  • Azure Security Center: Provides unified security management and advanced threat protection across all Azure services.

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Creating a Study Plan for AZ-900: Tips for Success

Preparing for the AZ-900 exam requires a structured and organized approach to ensure that you cover all the necessary topics and are fully prepared for the test. Having a solid study plan not only helps you manage your time effectively but also boosts your confidence and increases your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you create a study plan for the AZ-900 exam:

1. Set a Realistic Timeline

The first step in creating a study plan is to set a realistic timeline. The AZ-900 exam covers a wide range of topics, so it’s important to allocate enough time for each area of study. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 3-4 weeks of study, depending on your familiarity with the topics. If you’re new to Azure or cloud computing, you might need to spend more time on foundational concepts like cloud principles and Azure services. Create a weekly schedule that fits your personal commitments, allowing for 1-2 hours of study each day. Consistency is key—try to study at the same time every day to establish a routine.

2. Break Down the Exam Topics

The AZ-900 exam covers several distinct domains, including cloud concepts, core Azure services, pricing, and governance. Break these topics into manageable chunks and prioritize them based on their weight in the exam. Start with the Cloud Concepts section, as it sets the foundation for understanding the rest of the content. Then, move on to the Core Azure Services, followed by Pricing and Support, and finally, Governance and Compliance. Make sure to allocate more time to complex areas, but don’t neglect lighter topics, as every section is important for your overall understanding of Azure.

3. Utilize Multiple Study Resources

Different people learn in different ways, so it’s important to use a mix of study resources that suit your learning style. Start with the Microsoft Learn platform, which offers free, interactive modules designed specifically for the AZ-900 exam. These modules are well-structured and cover all the exam objectives in depth. Additionally, consider using official Azure documentation for detailed explanations and examples. Complement your studies with online video courses or tutorials from platforms like Pluralsight or LinkedIn Learning for a more visual and structured approach. Books like “Exam Ref AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals” can also provide a more in-depth look at the material.

4. Focus on Hands-on Experience

While theory is important, practical experience is just as critical when preparing for the AZ-900 exam. Microsoft offers free access to an Azure free account, which includes limited resources that allow you to experiment with different Azure services. By working hands-on with services like Azure Virtual Machines, Blob Storage, and Networking, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how they function in real-world scenarios. This hands-on experience will also help reinforce what you learn from the study materials and make the exam content more practical and relatable.

5. Take Practice Exams

One of the best ways to gauge your preparedness is by taking practice exams. These exams simulate the real test environment and give you a feel for the types of questions you’ll encounter. They also help identify areas where you may need more review. Microsoft offers official practice exams, and there are several other third-party practice tests available online. Make sure to review the answers to practice questions thoroughly, as they can provide valuable insights into topics that require further attention. Taking multiple practice exams over time will not only improve your knowledge but also build your test-taking confidence.

6. Stay Flexible and Adjust as Needed

As you progress with your study plan, it’s important to stay flexible and adjust your plan as needed. If you find certain topics more challenging, dedicate extra time to those areas. Likewise, if you’re mastering a topic more quickly than expected, move on to the next one. Avoid cramming the night before the exam—this will only increase your stress. Instead, review key concepts, take a final practice exam, and get plenty of rest before the test day.

Free and Paid Resources to Prepare for AZ-900

When preparing for the AZ-900 exam, it’s essential to utilize a mix of free and paid resources to ensure comprehensive coverage of the exam material. One of the most valuable free resources available is Microsoft Learn, which offers interactive, self-paced learning paths specifically designed for the AZ-900 exam. These modules cover all key topics, including cloud concepts, core Azure services, pricing, and governance, with step-by-step guidance and hands-on exercises. Additionally, Microsoft’s official documentation is a great way to dive deeper into specific services and features that are likely to appear on the exam.

In addition to the official resources, practice tests play a crucial role in your preparation. Peakinder.com offers free and paid practice tests that simulate the real exam environment. These practice exams cover a range of Azure certifications, including AZ-900, and are designed to help you assess your readiness. By regularly taking these practice tests, you’ll become familiar with the question format, identify areas where you need more study, and gain confidence in answering exam-style questions. The detailed explanations for each answer will also deepen your understanding of Azure services and cloud concepts.

If you're looking for structured study guides and books, Exam Ref AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals is a great paid resource that breaks down all the core concepts tested in the AZ-900 exam. The book offers detailed chapters and review questions to reinforce your learning. Alternatively, video-based platforms like Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning offer paid courses designed specifically for the AZ-900 exam. These courses provide in-depth explanations and demonstrations, making it easier to understand complex Azure topics through visual learning.

For hands-on practice, consider leveraging the Azure free account, which provides access to a limited set of Azure resources. This allows you to explore key Azure services like Virtual Machines, Storage, and Networking in a practical, real-world environment. Combining official Microsoft resources, third-party study materials, and hands-on practice will give you a well-rounded understanding of the Azure platform, increasing your chances of passing the AZ-900 exam on your first attempt.


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Practice Tests: The Secret to Confidence on Exam Day

Taking practice tests is one of the most effective strategies for preparing for the AZ-900 exam, as it provides you with a simulation of the actual exam experience. These tests help you get familiar with the format and structure of the questions, which can reduce anxiety and boost your confidence on exam day. By regularly practicing with questions that closely resemble the ones you'll face in the real exam, you'll develop a better understanding of what to expect, helping you stay calm and focused during the test.

In addition to familiarizing you with the exam format, practice tests are an excellent tool for reinforcing your knowledge and identifying gaps in your understanding. As you take practice exams, you’ll pinpoint areas where you may need to focus more attention. Whether it's core Azure services, pricing models, or governance tools, these tests help you assess your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to adjust your study plan accordingly. Repeated exposure to these questions will solidify key concepts, making it easier for you to recall them during the actual exam.


Furthermore, practice tests enable you to track your progress over time. By taking a practice exam at the beginning of your study period and periodically throughout your preparation, you can measure how much you've learned and how your performance improves. If you notice a significant increase in your score after completing several tests, it’s a clear indication that you’re ready for the real exam. This sense of progression boosts motivation and provides a tangible way to monitor your preparation.

At Peakinder.com, we offer a variety of free and paid practice tests for the AZ-900 exam, designed to mimic the actual exam environment. These tests provide immediate feedback, helping you understand why an answer is correct or incorrect. This is a valuable opportunity to review specific topics in-depth, allowing you to focus on the areas that require the most attention. Whether you’re taking practice tests on Peakinder.com or other platforms, they are an essential component of your study strategy, ensuring you walk into the AZ-900 exam feeling confident and well-prepared.


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Exam Day: What to Do and How to Stay Calm

When exam day arrives, it's natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. However, managing stress effectively is key to performing well on the AZ-900 exam. The first step to ensuring a calm and focused exam experience is to get a good night’s sleep before the test. Rest is crucial for cognitive function, memory retention, and concentration, so avoid staying up late cramming. Aim for at least 7–8 hours of sleep the night before the exam to ensure you're mentally sharp and prepared to tackle the test with confidence.

On the morning of the exam, make sure to have a healthy breakfast. Foods that provide sustained energy, like whole grains, fruits, and protein, will help you maintain focus and prevent a mid-exam energy slump. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, but avoid excessive caffeine, as it can lead to jitteriness and anxiety. Plan your route ahead of time to avoid any last-minute stress. Arriving at the exam location early will give you time to settle in, review any last-minute notes, and calm your nerves before you begin.

When you start the exam, take a deep breath and remember that you've prepared thoroughly. Read each question carefully and pace yourself. The AZ-900 exam is designed to be completed in 60 minutes, so try to spend about a minute or two on each question. If you encounter a difficult question, don’t panic. Mark it and move on to the next one, then come back to it after you’ve completed the rest of the exam. This strategy ensures that you won’t waste valuable time on questions that may be confusing or tricky.

During the exam, stay calm by focusing on the task at hand. If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths to re-center yourself. Remind yourself that you’ve already put in the work and that the exam is simply a way to demonstrate your knowledge. Keep a positive mindset and avoid negative self-talk. After completing the exam, take a moment to review your answers, especially for questions you were unsure about. If time allows, carefully recheck your responses before submitting the exam. By staying calm, managing your time wisely, and trusting in your preparation, you'll give yourself the best chance of success on the AZ-900 exam.


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