Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
What is Microsoft Azure Fundamentals?
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification follows a role-based pathway, affirming an individual’s foundational comprehension of Azure and its corresponding services. Attaining this certification mandates the successful completion of the AZ-900 exam, which is notably less demanding when juxtaposed with other assessments within the Azure series. This certification extends its eligibility to candidates hailing from both technical and non-technical backgrounds. Remarkably, the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification dispenses with any explicit prerequisites, eliminating the need for cloud or programming experience. It serves as an apt choice for individuals engaged in the procurement and utilization of cloud services. While this exam seamlessly paves the way for subsequent Azure certifications, it remains optional for these advanced designations. Especially for IT professionals, this certification exam stands as a promising entry point toward substantial Azure roles such as developer, system administrator, and solution architect, among others.
The content includes updates of the English version of the exam as of May 5, 2022.
Understand Cloud Concepts
A significant chunk, approximately 15-20%, of the certification exam revolves around cloud concepts. This encompasses a comprehensive grasp of Availability, which predominantly relates to the uninterrupted operational continuity of a service. The Resiliency aspect delves into a system’s capability to effectively navigate and oversee operations even under the most challenging circumstances. Perturbations such as planned or unplanned system maintenance, software updates, and unforeseen disasters contribute to these anticipated disruptions and anomalies. Latency, bandwidth, scalability, cloud agility, fault tolerance, and disaster recovery stand as pertinent cloud concepts pertinent to this specific section of the certification.
Comprehend the distinctions between Capital Expenditure (CapEx) and Operational Expenditure (OpEx), which essentially pertain to investing funds in physical infrastructure and procuring services and products, respectively. While CapEx entails an initial upfront expenditure, this characteristic doesn’t apply to OpEx.
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Start your preparation with AZ-900 Practice Exam
Describe the differences between Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
describe Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
IaaS rents hardware that runs applications and its computing and management occurs over the internet making it a flexible cloud service.
describe Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)
PaaS allows the building, testing and deployment of software applications. The development and deployment over cloud allows the user to evade the management of infrastructure involved in the creation of an application.
describe Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
SaaS is of use to the customer and its application is hosted and managed eventually for the customer.
Describe the differences between Public, Private and Hybrid cloud models
Describe Public cloud
Public Cloud resources can be availed by multiple organizations. The availability and connectivity is spanned over the internet.
Describe Private cloud
Private cloud resources are exclusive to a particular organization which is also responsible for the maintenance and management of the hardware. The connectivity is over a secure private network.
Describe Hybrid cloud
Hybrid cloud reserves certain resources for the private cloud while the rest remain available on the multiple user Public Cloud. Cost can be leveraged and the management control is retained by the private cloud.
Microsoft Azure AZ-900 Exam Information
Microsoft categorizes its exams based on distinct roles and functions. A reduced exam fee is available for Microsoft Certified Trainers or select participants of the Microsoft Imagine Academy Program and the Microsoft Partner Network Program. In order to attain the AZ-900 certification, candidates are required to achieve a minimum score of 700 points. The exam score is promptly disclosed to the candidate upon completion of the exam. Subsequently, a comprehensive evaluation of the candidate’s exam performance is furnished, along with guidelines on how to interpret the results.
Cancellation or rescheduling of the exam would be free of cost if it is done six business days prior to the schedule.
Exam Name Microsoft Azure Fundamentals | Exam Code AZ-900 |
Exam Duration 85 mins | Exam Format Multiple Choice and Multi-Response Questions |
Exam Type Cloud Computing | Number of Questions 40-60 Questions |
Eligibility/Pre-Requisite NIL | Exam Fee $99 USD |
Exam Language English | Pass Score 700 (on a scale of 1-1000) |
How to prepare for the Microsoft AZ-900 Exam?
Microsoft Learning Platform :-
The Microsoft Learning Platform serves as an invaluable hub for candidates, encompassing a comprehensive repository of pertinent information regarding Microsoft Certifications. This portal provides access to an array of components, including exam modules, registration procedures, the exam’s framework, and its associated policies, as well as pertinent updates concerning the exam schedule, and more. Within the learning path, candidates will encounter modules covering an assortment of topics, ranging from the Fundamentals of cloud computing and Introduction to Azure, to the intricacies of its architecture and services, computational aspects, data storage, network options, and prudent cost optimization techniques for Azure, among other subjects.
Microsoft Documentation :-
Microsoft Documentation serves as a distinct section with its own set of learning pages separate from the Microsoft Learning Portal. Within this documentation, one can delve into comprehensive learning pages meticulously curated for Azure Fundamentals. Here, a thorough exploration of pertinent cloud concepts including Scalability, Elasticity, Disaster Recovery, Fault Tolerance, and Agility is undertaken. Furthermore, a detailed examination of Azure services encompassing aspects like security, network configurations, computational functionalities, and storage solutions is readily accessible. The documentation stands as an excellent starting point for those embarking on their journey towards preparing for the AZ-900 exam.
Instructor-led Training :-
The Microsoft Learning Portal provides an avenue for accessing Instructor-led training tailored for AZ-900 exam readiness. Prospective candidates looking to undertake this exam would greatly benefit from consulting the training course titled “Course AZ-900 T01-A: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals.” However, it’s important to note that this course mandates a foundational understanding of general IT concepts as prerequisites. The training sessions are conveniently arranged to accommodate the candidate’s preferences and needs, with the option for a single-day session. Engaging in this training only necessitates finding a suitable training partner.
Microsoft AZ-900 Online Course
Forums and Study Groups :-
The Microsoft Learning Portal does not currently host a dedicated AZ-900 forum. As an alternative, candidates can explore external online forums across various platforms. These forums provide a platform for engaging in discussions, addressing uncertainties, and delving deeper into essential aspects of Azure Solutions.
Microsoft Exam AZ-900 Study Guide
Sample Tests :-
Engaging with sample tests can prove highly beneficial in gauging one’s level of preparation. Aspirants should strive to obtain sample tests that closely adhere to the standards and criteria of the authentic certification exam. An approach involving a comparative assessment of the available online sample tests is advisable during the selection process.
Books and Reports :-
Candidates should consider seeking out the most recent publications by Microsoft, which provide updated resources pertinent to the AZ-900 certification exam. Additionally, staying attuned to Azure notifications can offer candidates insights into any certification-related updates. This practice can be particularly enlightening and informative for those new to the subject. Unlike role-based exams that often necessitate prior field experience, AZ-900 doesn’t have such prerequisites. Engaging in the preparation process can serve as a valuable endeavor, potentially setting the stage for pursuing further certifications within the realm of Azure.