Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals credential artwork

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)

Validates foundational knowledge of cloud concepts, Azure architecture and services, and Azure management and governance.

Summary

AZ-900 is Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification, for people new to cloud computing. It tests whether you can describe cloud concepts, core Azure services, and Azure's cost, governance and monitoring tools, rather than configure anything.

Good fit if

  • You are new to cloud computing
  • You work in sales, support or business roles involving Azure
  • You want the Azure vocabulary before AZ-104

Look elsewhere if

Salary & jobs

Prerequisites

No required prerequisites. Anyone can book the exam.

Some experience in an area of IT

Recommended

Microsoft describes candidates as having worked in infrastructure management, database management or software development.

Cost

USD · US pricing
$99
Each retake costs the full $99. Students can get academic pricing after verifying their status on Microsoft Learn.

What holders say

Renewal

Azure Fundamentals does not expire.

Validity
No expiry
Renewal requirement
None
Renewal fee
None
Microsoft Certification renewal ↗

Alternatives

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner credential artwork
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner$100 required · Entry

The equivalent starting point if your target employer runs on AWS.

Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals credential artwork
AI-901$99 required · Entry

The same entry level, focused on Azure AI services.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate credential artwork
AZ-104$165 required · Intermediate

The hands-on Azure administration certification, if you already work in IT.

FAQ

Does the AZ-900 certification expire?

No. Microsoft Fundamentals certifications do not expire, so there is no renewal assessment or fee.

How many questions are on the AZ-900 exam?

Microsoft says most of its exams have 40 to 60 questions. You get 45 minutes to answer them, and one question can contain several statements.

Do I need AZ-900 before AZ-104?

No. AZ-900 is optional. If you already work with servers, networks or another cloud, you can start with AZ-104.

How much does AZ-900 cost?

$99 in the US. The price depends on the country where you test, and each retake costs the same fee.

Last updated October 2026