Looking to master the fundamental concepts of Azure? Microsoft Azure fundamentals certification is all that you need to acquire. Read this blog to understand the preparation tips to earn Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ 900 Certification.
AZ 900 Certification is an entry-level certification to provide foundational level knowledge on various topics related to Azure, including cloud concepts, core Azure services, privacy, compliance, security concepts, and Azure pricing. Earning this certification helps individuals showcase their understanding of cloud computing principles, such as Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS). The certification also covers critical Microsoft Azure services like virtual machines, storage services, Azure Active Directory, and Azure App Service. So, if you are preparing for the AZ-900 certification exam, it is essential to follow an efficient roadmap. Here, we will provide comprehensive preparation tips to help you succeed in your exam. Let's delve in to get started!
The AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam is the building block for your Azure expertise. It tests and validates your knowledge of crucial cloud concepts, Azure services, support, and other essential aspects. This certification opens further opportunities and sets individuals on a path toward successful career advancement in the ever-evolving world of technology.
Here are the potential career benefits of acquiring an AZ 900 Azure fundamentals certification:
Boosts Professional Credibility: Obtaining a Microsoft Azure AZ-900 certification boosts your professional credibility. Statistics reveal that 91% of certified IT professionals agree that certification provides them with increased professional credibility. This certification demonstrates your competence and effectiveness, making your resume more attractive to hiring managers.
Lucrative Salaries and Rewarding Perks: Holding an Azure certification, such as AZ-900, can significantly enhance your earning potential. According to the Payscale, the average annual salary of a Microsoft-certified professional in the USA is approximately $93k. Thus, having an AZ-900 certification highlights your expertise and dedication to professional growth, resulting in improved career prospects and potentially higher pay.
Unlocks Associate-Level Certifications: The Microsoft Azure AZ-900 certification is a gateway to advanced and associate-level certifications, offering a solid foundation in Azure fundamentals. It demonstrates your commitment and credibility in cloud computing, making you a desirable candidate for various cloud job roles.
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Exam Overview
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 exam is an entry-level cloud computing certification not specific to any Azure role, and it serves as a foundation for other dedicated certifications within the Azure ecosystem. While there are no mandatory prerequisites for most Azure role certifications, it is recommended to master all certificates for a comprehensive understanding.
The AZ-900 exam consists of approximately 40 to 60 questions to be completed within 85-90 minutes. The passing score for the exam is 700 out of 1000, and there is no penalty for incorrect answers. Therefore, it is advisable to attempt all questions. The exam format includes multiple-choice questions, mark reviews, short answers, case studies, and drag-and-drop tasks.
Candidates who score below 700 will be considered as "Fail." Exam results are typically provided immediately after submission, showing only the achieved score. However, a comprehensive assessment report will be available in the following days, including the PASS/FAIL status, a performance chart, and instructions for result interpretation.
In the case of failure, there is a specific exam retake policy. Candidates can retake the exam after a minimum waiting period of 24 hours for the first attempt. In case the exam is not passed on the second attempt, a waiting period of 14 days is required before the next retake. A maximum of five retake attempts is allowed within one year for the AZ-900 examination.
AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Exam - Skills Measured
The AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Exam assesses candidates' understanding of various modules within the Azure Fundamentals curriculum. Thus, candidates need to focus on the following domains to prepare effectively for this preparation.
Cloud Concepts
This domain carries a weightage of 25-30% in the exam. Candidates should focus on comprehending the fundamental principles and benefits of cloud computing, including key terminologies and service models.
Azure Architecture and Services
With a weightage of 35-40%, this domain covers the understanding of Azure's architecture and its wide range of services.
Azure Management and Governance
Accounting for 30-35% of the exam, this domain delves into Azure's management tools and practices.
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Exam Cost
The cost of the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 exam is USD 99. However, participants of the Certified Microsoft Trainers may be eligible for some fee reduction based on specific policies. If you wish to change the date or cancel your exam, you can do so up to six days before the original exam date. However, if you decide to reschedule or cancel your exam within the 24 hours of the scheduled time, the entire fee will not be refunded.
AZ 900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals: Exam Setup and Duration
The exam duration is approximately 2 hours, divided into different sessions. The breakdown is as follows:
Pre-exam setup, including ID verification and checking the surrounding environment: 30 minutes
Short survey and understanding exam details: 15 minutes
Actual examination: 60 minutes
Providing feedback on questions and the survey: 15 minutes
It's important to note that the time from each session cannot be carried forward, and only the 60-minute examination session is evaluated.
If you choose the online proctored exam, you must ensure your system meets the requirements. Please run the setup to check compatibility on your laptop. The exam cannot be taken from a Ubuntu machine and is incompatible with corporate network/firewall settings. You may need to use a personal laptop to meet these limitations.
To take the examination, you must have a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport, that matches the name on your certification profile. You must also take photographs of yourself for verification.
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Certification Path
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 certification is an entry-level credential designed for individuals looking to gain foundational knowledge of cloud concepts and Microsoft Azure services. This certification is ideal for professionals new to cloud computing or seeking to validate their understanding of Azure fundamentals. To successfully pursue the AZ-900 certification, developing the necessary skills and knowledge is essential to excel in the examination.
Here are the steps to follow for preparing for the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 certification before you appear for the exam:
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Step 1: Start Preparing with Microsoft Learning Path
If you are looking to prepare for the Azure 900 fundamentals exam, the Microsoft AZ-900 Learning Path is the starting point for your exam preparation. It offers free learning modules designed explicitly for AZ-900, where each chapter covers a distinct learning section, enabling you to strengthen your understanding of fundamental concepts and ultimately succeed in passing the exam.
Here is what is covered in this learning path:
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals: Describe Cloud Concepts - 3 Modules
Azure Fundamentals: Describe Azure Architecture and Services - 4 Modules
Azure Fundamentals: Describe Azure Management and Governance - 4 Modules
Microsoft Learning Path is a self-paced learning program that allows you to learn at your own flexibility and convenience. The chapters and modules within the learning path are carefully designed to ensure comprehensive coverage of the exam objectives. The modules include a combination of text-based content, videos, exercises, and assessments to cater to different learning styles and preferences.
Engaging with the Microsoft learning path not only solidifies your understanding of Azure concepts but also gains the confidence needed to excel in the examination. This resource helps you acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the Azure environment effectively.
Microsoft's documentation serves as a rich repository of information, covering concepts related to Azure and cloud services. The documentation provides invaluable theoretical knowledge essential for successfully clearing the examination. They serve as a comprehensive guide, helping individuals to gain an understanding of the core concepts and principles of the Azure platform.
The documentation not only covers the theoretical aspects of Azure Cloud but also provides practical examples with real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach enables learners to apply their knowledge and better understand how Azure core services can be implemented in various contexts. Therefore, exploring Microsoft Documentation is highly recommended when preparing for this exam.
Step 3: Consider Taking Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Virtual Training
Preparing with self-paced learning programs such as Microsoft learning path and documentation helps cover all the domains necessary to clear the AZ-900 examination successfully. However, for those seeking a more in-depth learning experience, Microsoft also offers instructor-led courses and training programs that provide a deeper understanding of the concepts. One excellent option to consider is Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Virtual Training Day.
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Virtual Training Day
This is a two-day webinar organized by the Azure Training team. The purpose of these virtual training days is to help professionals become more familiar with the Azure cloud platform. Attending the Microsoft Azure fundamentals AZ-900 training is ideal for starting your Azure journey. These webinars provide clear explanations of the content, helping you to gain a good overview of what skills will be tested on the AZ-900 exam. Furthermore, you can ask questions and clear any doubts you may have.
Step 4: Build Practical Experience by Working on Real-World Azure Projects
Now that you’ve a solid understanding of core Azure services and technologies, putting your knowledge into action in a practical setting is essential. Real-world Azure projects provide valuable hands-on experience, allowing you to develop the necessary skills to navigate Azure's ecosystem effectively.
Top 5 Microsoft Azure Projects for Practice for Beginners
Project 1: Azure Data Factory and Databricks End-to-End Project
This project aims to demonstrate integrating and using two robust Microsoft Azure services. - Azure Data Factory and Databricks. Work on this project to learn how to create end-to-end data pipelines and how to use advanced analytics skills to extract essential insights from data.
Project 2: Airline Dataset Analysis using PySpark GraphFrames in Python
This project aims to analyze airline data using PySpark and GraphFrames comprehensively. The project focuses on constructing the graph, applying graph algorithms, and visualizing the results to understand the airline network better.
Project 3: Azure Stream Analytics for Real-Time Cab Service Monitoring
This project aims to develop a comprehensive monitoring system for a cab service using Azure Stream Analytics. It uses real-time data processing and analysis techniques to provide timely insights and actionable information to manage and monitor cab service operations efficiently.
Project 4: Analyze Yelp Dataset with Spark & Parquet Format on Azure Databricks
This project aims to analyze the Yelp dataset using Apache Spark and the Parquet file format on Azure Databricks. Working on this project will help you develop sentiment analysis, data cleaning, exploratory data analysis, and predictive modeling skills.
Theoretical knowledge is not enough to crack any Big Data interview. Get your hands dirty on Hadoop projects for practice and master your Big Data skills!
Project 5: Building Data Pipelines in Azure with Azure Synapse Analytics
The project aims to leverage the capabilities of Azure Synapse Analytics to build efficient and scalable data pipelines in the Azure cloud environment. Work on this project to harness the power of Azure Synapse Analytics to build efficient and scalable data pipelines. These pipelines will facilitate data ingestion, transformation, and analysis, empowering organizations to make data-driven decisions and gain valuable insights from their data assets.
Step 5: Take up Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ 900 Practice Test
Finally, you’re just a step away from scheduling your exam - Taking up the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 practice test. Taking practice tests before attending the exam is recommended as it helps you understand the exam pattern and difficulty level. Engaging in online practice tests also enables you to evaluate your preparation status, identify areas where you need improvement, and reinforce what you already know. So, before you sit for the exam, give yourself enough time to take practice tests and fine-tune your understanding of the concepts.
ProjectPro: Your AZ-900 Certification Companion
If you're seeking resources to gain practical experience to master Azure concepts, look no further than ProjectPro. ProjectPro provides the perfect solution by offering hands-on practice with Microsoft Azure projects, enabling you to acquire the practical skills and expertise necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving world of cloud computing. Whether you want to become a certified Microsoft professional or expand your knowledge and expertise, ProjectPro offers over 270 Data Science and Big Data projects. These projects will add a skill set to your understanding of Azure before you appear for Microsoft Azure or Microsoft cloud services exams. So, why wait? Subscribe to ProjectPro Repository today to start your journey toward becoming a certified professional.
Generally, the AZ900 certification exam is an entry-level exam designed to assess fundamental knowledge of Azure concepts. However, the difficulty level of the AZ 900 Azure fundamentals exam can vary depending on your prior knowledge and experience with Azure.
2. Is AZ 900 worth it?
AZ-900 fundamentals is a foundational level certification that demonstrates your understanding of cloud concepts azure architecture and management. So, whether you pursue a career in cloud computing or work with Azure, the AZ 900 certification can be beneficial in showcasing your knowledge and enhancing your job prospects.
3. Can I take AZ 900 from home?
Yes, you can take the AZ 900 exam from the comfort of your home. Microsoft Azure portal offers online proctoring options that allow you to take the exam remotely. However, you must meet the technical requirements, such as having a stable internet connection and a suitable computer setup, and follow the guidelines provided by Microsoft for online proctoring.
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