How to Pass the Microsoft AZ-900 Exam in First Attempt [2024]? - Blog (2024)

The Microsoft AZ-900 exam is the perfect place to begin. Designed for individuals with little to no experience in cloud technologies, this exam serves as an excellent introduction to the world of Microsoft Azure. Whether you are an IT professional, a student, or someone looking to switch careers, passing the AZ-900 exam can open up a world of opportunities. In this comprehensive blog, we will share insights on how to pass the Microsoft AZ-900 exam on the first attempt. From understanding the exam structure to mastering core concepts and tips for exam day, we’ve got you covered with the latest preparation guide and questions.

Importance of passing the AZ-900 exam

Passing the Microsoft AZ-900 exam in 2024 is more than just a certification; it’s a gateway to a world of opportunities in the field of cloud computing. Here’s why passing the AZ-900 exam is essential:

1. Entry into Cloud Computing: The AZ-900 exam serves as an entry point into the world of cloud computing, specifically with Microsoft Azure. Whether you’re a student, an IT professional, or someone looking to switch careers, this certification provides you with the foundational knowledge needed to start working with cloud technologies.
2. Industry Recognition: Microsoft Azure is one of the leading cloud computing platforms globally. By earning the AZ-900 certification, you demonstrate to employers that you have a fundamental understanding of cloud concepts and are ready to work with Azure services.
3. Career Advancement: Cloud computing skills are in high demand, and professionals with Azure certifications are highly sought after in the job market. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role or explore new career opportunities, the AZ-900 certification can help you stand out from the competition.
4. Preparation for Advanced Certifications: The AZ-900 exam lays the foundation for more advanced Microsoft Azure certifications. By mastering the core concepts tested in this exam, you’ll be better prepared to pursue higher-level certifications such as the AZ-104 (Microsoft Azure Administrator) or the AZ-204 (Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure).
5. Personal and Professional Growth: Whether you’re new to cloud computing or have some experience, preparing for and passing the AZ-900 exam is a valuable learning experience. It allows you to expand your skill set, stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, and opens up new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Microsoft AZ-900 exam provides you with a solid foundation in Microsoft Azure and opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the field of cloud technology.

Understanding the Microsoft AZ-900 Exam

Now that you understand the importance of the Microsoft AZ-900 exam, let’s dive into what the exam entails. The AZ-900 exam is designed to test your foundational knowledge of cloud services and how Microsoft Azure implements them. In this section, we’ll explore the structure of the exam, the skills measured, and what you can expect on exam day.

Overview of the AZ-900 exam

The Microsoft AZ-900 exam, also known as the “Microsoft Azure Fundamentals” exam, is an entry-level certification designed for individuals who want to demonstrate foundational knowledge of cloud services and how those services are provided with Microsoft Azure. Whether you’re new to cloud computing or looking to validate your existing knowledge, the AZ-900 exam is the perfect place to start.

The Microsoft AZ-900 exam, also known as the “Microsoft Azure Fundamentals” exam, is an entry-level certification designed for individuals who want to demonstrate foundational knowledge of cloud services and how those services are provided with Microsoft Azure. Whether you’re new to cloud computing or looking to validate your existing knowledge, the AZ-900 exam is the perfect place to start.

Who Should Take the AZ-900 Exam?

The AZ-900 exam is ideal for anyone who wants to:

• Understand the basic principles of cloud computing.
• Learn about Microsoft Azure and its core services.
• Demonstrate foundational knowledge of cloud concepts, Azure services, security, privacy, compliance, and pricing.

The exam is suitable for a wide range of roles, including:

• IT professionals
• Students
• Business decision-makers
• Sales and marketing professionals
• Anyone interested in cloud technologies

Exam Objectives and Skills Measured

The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Exam AZ-900 Updated Course Outline covers the latest topics and Microsoft Documentation –

Module 1 – Describe cloud concepts (25–30%)

The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Exam covers the latest and updated exam guide including –

Describe cloud computing

• Define cloud computing (Microsoft Documentation:What is cloud computing?andTypes of Cloud Computing)
• Describe the shared responsibility model (Microsoft Documentation:Shared Responsibility Model in Cloud)
• Define cloud models, including public, private, and hybrid (Microsoft Documentation:What is a Public Cloud?,What is a Private Cloud?andWhat is a Hybrid Cloud?)
• Identify appropriate use cases for each cloud model (Examples of cloud computing)
• Describe the consumption-based model (Microsoft Documentation:Consumption and Fixed Cost Models)
• Compare cloud pricing models (Microsoft Documentation:Azure Product PricingandAzure Cloud Services pricing)
• Describe serverless

Describe the benefits of using cloud services(Benefits of Cloud Computing Services)

• Describe the benefits of high availability and scalability in the cloud (Microsoft Documentation:Benefits and considerations of using cloud services)
• Describe the benefits of reliability and predictability in the cloud (Microsoft Documentation:Azure ReliabilityandOverview of the reliability pillar)
• Describe the benefits of security and governance in the cloud (Microsoft Documentation:Security governanceandGovernance in the Microsoft CloudandAzure governance documentation)
• Describe the benefits of manageability in the cloud (Microsoft Documentation:Cloud management in the Cloud Adoption Framework,Cloud management gateway overviewandAzure Management Guide, Before you start)

Describe cloud service types

• Describe infrastructure as a service (IaaS) (Microsoft Documentation:What is IaaS?andAzure IaaS (infrastructure as a service)
• Describe platform as a service (PaaS) (Microsoft Documentation:What is PaaS?andUse platform as a service (PaaS) options)
• Describe software as a service (SaaS) (Microsoft Documentation:What is SaaS?andAbout SaaS)
• Identify appropriate use cases for each cloud service (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) (Microsoft Documentation:Azure Cloud Services)

Module 2 – Describe Azure architecture and services (35–40%)

Describe the core architectural components of Azure

• Describe Azure regional, regional pairs, and sovereign regions (Microsoft Documentation:Azure Regions and Avaialbility ZonesandAzure Regional PairsandAzure Sovereign Clouds)
• Describe availability zones (Microsoft Documentation:Azure availability zones)
• Describe Azure datacenters (Microsoft Documentation:Datacenter security overview)
• Describe Azure resources and resource groups (Manage Azure resource groups)
• Describe subscriptions (Microsoft Documentation:Subscription decision guideandAzure subscription)
• Describe management groups (Microsoft Documentation:Azure Management Groups)
• Describe the hierarchy of resource groups, subscriptions, and management groups (Microsoft Documentation:What are Azure management groups?)

Describe Azure compute and networking services

• Compare compute types, including container instances, virtual machines, and functions (Choose an Azure compute service,Azure Container Instances,Introduction to Azure virtual machines,Introduction to Azure Functions)
• Describe Virtual Machine options, including Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Virtual Machine Scale Sets, availability sets, and Azure Virtual Desktop (Virtual machines in Azure,What are virtual machine scale sets?andWhat is Azure Virtual Desktop?)
• Describe resources required for virtual machines (Windows virtual machines in Azure)
• Describe application hosting options, including Web Apps, containers, and virtual machines
• Describe virtual networking, including the purpose of Azure Virtual Networks, Azure virtual subnets, peering, Azure DNS, Azure VPN Gateway, and Azure ExpressRoute (What is Azure Virtual Network?,Virtual Network Subnet,Azure Virtual Network Peering,Azure Peering Service Overview,What is Azure DNS?,What is Azure VPN Gateway?,Azure ExpressRouteandSignificance of Azure ExpressRoute)
• Define public and private endpoints (What is a private endpoint?)

Describe Azure storage services

• Compare Azure storage services (Introduction to Azure Storage)
• Describe storage tiers (Storage account overview,Hot, Cool, and Archive access tiers)
• Describe redundancy options (Azure Storage redundancy)
• Describe storage account options and storage types (Storage account overview)
• Identify options for moving files, including AzCopy, Azure Storage Explorer, and Azure File Sync (azcopy copy,Get started with AzCopy,Transfer data with AzCopy and file storage,What is Azure File Sync?,Get started with Storage Explorer)
• Describe migration options, including Azure Migrate and Azure Data Box (About Azure Migrate)

Describe Azure identity, access, and security

• Describe directory services in Azure, including Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) and part of Microsoft Entra and Azure Active Directory Domain Services (Azure AD DS)
• Describe authentication methods in Azure, including single sign-on (SSO), multifactor authentication (MFA), and passwordless (Passwordless authentication options for Azure Active Directory,authentication and verification methods are available in Azure Active Directory)
• Describe external identities in Azure, including business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-customer (B2C)
• Describe Microsft Entra Conditional Access
• Describe Azure role-based access control (RBAC) (What is Azure role-based access control (Azure RBAC)?)
• Describe the concept of Zero Trust (What is Zero Trust?)
• Describe the purpose of the defense in-depth model
• Describe the purpose of Microsoft Defender for Cloud (What is Microsoft Defender for Cloud?)

Module 3 – Describe Azure management and governance (30–35%)

Describe cost management in Azure

• Describe factors that can affect costs in Azure (Plan and manage your Azure costs)
• Compare the Pricing calculator and the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculator (Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Calculator)
• Describe the Cost Management capabilities in Azure
• Describe the purpose of tags (Use tags to organize your Azure resources and management hierarchy)

Describe features and tools in Azure for governance and compliance

• Describe the purpose of Microsoft Purview in Azure
• Describe the purpose of Azure Policy (What is Azure Policy?)
• Describe the purpose of resource locks (Lock resources to prevent unexpected changes)

Describe features and tools for managing and deploying Azure resources

• Describe the Azure portal (Azure portal overview)
• Describe Azure Cloud Shell, including Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI) and Azure PowerShell (Overview of Azure Cloud Shell)
• Describe the purpose of Azure Arc (Azure Arc overview)
• Describe infrastructure as code (IaC) (IaC on Azure)
• Describe Azure Resource Manager (ARM) and ARM templates (What is Azure Resource Manager?,What are ARM templates?)

Describe monitoring tools in Azure

• Describe the purpose of Azure Advisor (Introduction to Azure Advisor)
• Describe Azure Service Health (What is Azure Service Health?)
• Describe Azure Monitor, including Log Analytics, Azure Monitor alerts, and Application Insights (Log Analytics tutorial,Azure Monitor overview,Application Insights overview)

Exam Format and Duration

• The AZ-900 exam consists of 40-60 multiple-choice questions, and you’ll have 85 minutes to complete the exam.
• The questions are presented in different formats, including multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and scenario-based questions.
• To pass the exam, you’ll need to achieve a score of 700 or higher on a scale of 1000.

Prepare and Pass the AZ-900 Exam in First Attempt

Setting up your AZ-900 Study Plan

Before you begin your preparation for the AZ-900 exam, it’s essential to create a study plan that works for you. Here’s how to get started:

• Assess Your Current Knowledge: Start by assessing your current knowledge of cloud computing and Microsoft Azure. Identify areas where you need to focus your study efforts.
• Set Clear Goals: Determine when you want to take the exam and how much time you have available for study each day or week. Set realistic goals based on your schedule and commitments.
• Break it Down: Break down the exam objectives into smaller, manageable sections. This will make it easier to study and track your progress.
• Create a Study Schedule: Develop a study schedule that includes time for reviewing study materials, practicing with sample questions, and taking practice exams.

Gathering study resources

To effectively prepare for the AZ-900 exam, you’ll need access to a variety of study resources. Here are some recommended resources to help you get started:

• Microsoft Learn platform: Microsoft Learn offers free, interactive training modules designed to help you prepare for Microsoft Azure certifications. The platform covers all the exam objectives in detail and includes hands-on labs and exercises to reinforce your learning.
• Official AZ-900 Exam page: Visit the official AZ-900 exam page on the Microsoft website to access exam details, including the skills measured, exam policies, and registration information.
• Instructor-Led Training: Microsoft provides instructor-led training which is basically online learning and training sessions by expert certified instructors. This particular training cannot be more advantageous to all those who have tiny slots between their ongoing chores. Further, these are totally on-demand classrooms where you arrange classes at your convenience and learn at your pace.
• Practice tests and exam preps: Practice tests and exam dumps can be valuable study tools, but it’s essential to use them responsibly. While practice tests can help you assess your knowledge and identify areas for improvement, relying solely on exam dumps is not recommended, as they may contain inaccurate or outdated information.
• Recommended books and online courses: There are several books and online courses available that cover the AZ-900 exam objectives in detail. Look for resources that are up-to-date, comprehensive, and aligned with the exam objectives.
• Microsoft Azure For Beginners by Adney Ainsley
• Microsoft Azure Ultimate Beginners Guide by Kennan Bismar
• Microsoft Azure Tutorial for Beginners by Dennis Hutten
• Beginner’s Guide to Microsoft Azure

Core Concepts to Master AZ-900 Exam

Before taking the AZ-900 exam, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of the core concepts related to cloud computing and Microsoft Azure. In this section, we’ll cover the key concepts you need to master to pass the exam.

Learning Cloud Concepts

Cloud computing offers numerous benefits to organizations, including cost savings, scalability, and increased flexibility. Here’s what you need to know about cloud concepts:

Understanding the benefits and considerations of using cloud services:

• Benefits of Cloud Services:
  • Cost Savings: Cloud computing eliminates the need for upfront infrastructure investment, reducing capital expenses.
  • Scalability: Cloud services can scale up or down based on demand, allowing organizations to quickly adapt to changing needs.
  • Flexibility: Cloud services offer flexibility in terms of resource provisioning, allowing organizations to pay only for the resources they use.
  • Reliability: Cloud service providers offer high levels of reliability and uptime, ensuring that applications and data are always accessible.
• Considerations for Using Cloud Services:
  • Security: Organizations must consider security implications when moving to the cloud, including data protection, access control, and compliance.
  • Compliance: Compliance with industry regulations and standards is essential when using cloud services, particularly for industries with strict data privacy requirements.
  • Data Sovereignty: Organizations must consider where their data is stored and ensure compliance with local data protection laws and regulations.

Core Azure Services

Microsoft Azure offers a wide range of services to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes. Here’s an overview of the core Azure services you need to know for the AZ-900 exam:

Overview of Azure services (compute, storage, networking, and databases):

• Compute Services:
  • Virtual Machines (VMs): Azure Virtual Machines allow you to deploy and manage virtualized Windows and Linux servers in the cloud.
  • Azure App Service: Azure App Service is a fully managed platform for building, deploying, and scaling web applications and APIs.
  • Azure Functions: Azure Functions allow you to run event-driven code without having to manage infrastructure.
• Storage Services:
  • Blob Storage: Azure Blob Storage is a massively scalable object storage service for storing large amounts of unstructured data.
  • Azure Files: Azure Files offers fully managed file shares in the cloud, accessible via the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol.
• Networking Services:
  • Virtual Network (VNet): Azure Virtual Network allows you to create isolated networks in the cloud, with control over IP addresses, DNS settings, security policies, and routing.
  • Azure Load Balancer: Azure Load Balancer distributes incoming network traffic across multiple servers to ensure high availability and reliability of applications.
• Database Services:
  • Azure SQL Database: Azure SQL Database is a fully managed relational database service that offers high availability, security, and scalability.
  • Azure Cosmos DB: Azure Cosmos DB is a globally distributed, multi-model database service that provides high availability, low latency, and scalability for mission-critical applications.

Security, Privacy, Compliance, and Trust

Security is a top priority for organizations moving to the cloud. Microsoft Azure offers a range of security features and services to help organizations protect their data and applications.

Understanding Azure security features and services:

• Azure Active Directory (AAD):
  • Azure Active Directory is a cloud-based identity and access management service that helps organizations securely manage user identities and access to resources.
  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): RBAC allows organizations to define granular access control policies for Azure resources, ensuring that only authorized users have access to sensitive data and applications.
• Azure Security Center:
  • Azure Security Center provides unified security management and advanced threat protection across hybrid cloud workloads.
• Data Protection and Compliance:
  • Azure offers a range of data protection and compliance features, including encryption at rest and in transit, data masking, and compliance with industry regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO.

Azure Pricing, SLA, and Lifecycle

Understanding Azure pricing, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and the Azure subscription lifecycle is essential for organizations planning to use Azure services.

Pricing structure and considerations:

• Azure Pricing Models:
  • Azure offers several pricing models, including pay-as-you-go, reserved instances, and enterprise agreements.
  • Organizations must consider factors such as resource usage, service level agreements, and support options when estimating Azure costs.

Service Level Agreements (SLA):

• Azure SLAs:
  • Azure offers SLAs for various services, guaranteeing uptime, performance, and data durability.
  • Organizations must understand SLA terms and conditions to ensure that Azure services meet their business requirements.

Azure Subscription Lifecycle:

• Azure Subscriptions:
  • Azure subscriptions are the billing containers for Azure services.
  • Organizations must manage their Azure subscriptions effectively to control costs, track resource usage, and ensure compliance with Azure policies.

By mastering these core concepts, you’ll be well-prepared to pass the Microsoft AZ-900 exam and demonstrate your foundational knowledge of cloud computing and Microsoft Azure.

Tips for AZ-900 Exam Day

Preparing for the AZ-900 exam is crucial, but so is being ready for the exam day itself. Here are some tips to help you stay focused and perform your best:

Final review tips

• Review Exam Objectives: Take some time to review the exam objectives and ensure you’re comfortable with all the topics. Focus on any areas where you feel less confident and spend some extra time studying those.
• Use Practice Tests: Take one final practice test to assess your readiness for the exam. Pay attention to areas where you may need to do some last-minute review.

Time management strategies

• Manage Your Time: The AZ-900 exam is timed, so it’s essential to manage your time effectively. Pace yourself during the exam and make sure you’re not spending too much time on any one question.
• Skip Difficult Questions: If you come across a question that you’re unsure about, don’t spend too much time on it. Instead, mark it for review and move on to the next question. You can always come back to it later if you have time.

What to expect on exam day?

• Check Your Equipment: Make sure your computer and internet connection are working correctly before the exam. It’s also a good idea to test your webcam and microphone if you’re taking the exam remotely.
• Review Exam Rules: Familiarize yourself with the exam rules and policies before starting the exam. This will help ensure a smooth testing experience.

Relaxation techniques

• Take Deep Breaths: If you start to feel anxious during the exam, take a few deep breaths to help calm your nerves.
• Stay Positive: Remember that you’ve prepared for this exam and that you’re ready to do your best. Stay positive and focused throughout the exam.

AZ-900 Practice Questions and Mock Exams (2024)

Practice questions and mock exams are essential tools for exam preparation. Here’s why they’re important and where to find them:

Importance of practice questions:

• Assess Your Knowledge: Practice questions allow you to assess your knowledge and identify areas where you may need to do some additional review.
• Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Format: Practicing with exam-style questions helps you become familiar with the format and structure of the AZ-900 exam.

5.2 Where to find practice questions?

• Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Learn offers a variety of free practice questions and quizzes to help you prepare for the AZ-900 exam.
• Online Platforms: Several online platforms offer practice questions and mock exams for the AZ-900 exam to assist you in the preparation

Expert Tips

In conclusion, preparing for the Microsoft AZ-900 exam requires time, dedication, and a strategic approach. By setting up a study plan, gathering the right resources, and practicing with practice questions and mock exams, you’ll be well-prepared to pass the exam on your first attempt. Remember to stay calm, manage your time effectively, and stay focused on exam day. With the right preparation and mindset, you can ace the AZ-900 exam and take the first step toward a successful career in cloud computing.