Relational and non-relational data concepts
RecommendedMicrosoft expects you to know the difference between relational and non-relational data, and between transactional and analytical workloads.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900)
Validates foundational knowledge of core data concepts, relational and non-relational data, and analytics workloads on Azure.
Summary
DP-900 is Microsoft's entry-level Azure data certification, for people new to data or cloud. It tests whether you can describe core data concepts, relational and non-relational data services, and analytics on Azure, including Microsoft Fabric, Databricks and Power BI.
Good fit if
- You are new to data or cloud
- You plan to take PL-300 or Fabric and want the vocabulary
- You work alongside data teams and want their terms
Look elsewhere if
- You know data basics and need hands-on skills: PL-300 or Fabric Data Engineer
- Your employer uses Snowflake: SnowPro Core
Salary & jobs
Prerequisites
Cost
Renewal
Azure Data Fundamentals does not expire.
- Validity
- No expiry
- Renewal requirement
- None
- Renewal fee
- None
Alternatives
AZ-900$99 required · Entry
The broader Azure starting point if you want cloud concepts first.
AI-901$99 required · Entry
The same entry level, focused on Azure AI.
Data+$264 required · Entry
A vendor-neutral entry-level data certification.
SnowPro Core$175 required · Entry
The starting point if your target employer runs on Snowflake.
FAQ
Does the DP-900 certification expire?
No. Microsoft Fundamentals certifications do not expire.
How many questions are on the DP-900 exam?
Microsoft says most of its exams have 40 to 60 questions. You get 45 minutes.
Is DP-900 required for PL-300 or a Fabric certification?
No. Microsoft says it helps you prepare for role-based data certifications but is not a prerequisite for any of them.
Should I take AZ-900 or DP-900 first?
Either works. If you have no cloud background, AZ-900 first makes some DP-900 topics easier.
Last updated October 2026