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Microsoft · Data & Analytics · Entry

Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals exam guide

Exam DP-900

DP-900 proves you understand core data concepts (relational, non-relational, analytics) and the Azure services that implement them, such as Azure SQL, Cosmos DB, Azure Storage and Microsoft Fabric. It is the cheapest structured on-ramp into Azure data roles and a common first step before DP-300, PL-300 or Fabric certifications.

QuestionsSee official page
Time limit45 minutes
Passing score700 (1-1000 scale)
Exam fee$99 USD
Valid forSee official page
DeliveryPearson VUE test center or online proctored

Format: Multiple choice, multiple response, drag-and-drop, case studies and other interactive item types. Fee note: US price; varies by country. Fundamentals exams are often free through Microsoft Virtual Training Days..

Who it's for

Students, business analysts, junior developers and career changers who need to talk confidently about data workloads on Azure before specializing.

What the exam covers

Describe core data concepts27%
Identify considerations for relational data on Azure22%
Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure17%
Describe an analytics workload on Azure27%

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None

Recommended: Basic familiarity with relational and non-relational data concepts and general cloud concepts; no hands-on Azure experience is required.

Keeping it active

Fundamentals certifications do not expire, so there is no renewal requirement.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Describing relational vs non-relational data models
  • Choosing between Azure SQL Database, SQL Managed Instance and SQL on VMs
  • Explaining Azure Cosmos DB APIs and Azure Storage options
  • Describing batch vs streaming analytics
  • Understanding data warehousing and lakehouse concepts in Microsoft Fabric
  • Explaining Power BI data modeling and visualization basics

Job roles

Junior Data AnalystData Engineer (entry level)Database Administrator (trainee)Business Intelligence AnalystCloud Support Associate

Where it fits in your path

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: Work through the free Microsoft Learn DP-900 learning path modules on core data concepts and relational data.
  2. Week 2: Cover non-relational data (Cosmos DB APIs, Blob, Table and Files storage) using a free Azure account sandbox.
  3. Week 3: Study analytics workloads: Fabric lakehouse and warehouse, real-time analytics and Power BI basics; build one simple report.
  4. Week 4: Take the free Microsoft Learn practice assessment twice, review every wrong answer against the skills outline, then book the exam.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Analytics and core concepts are each roughly a quarter of the exam; do not over-invest in non-relational, the lightest domain.
  • Know which Cosmos DB API fits which scenario (NoSQL, MongoDB, Cassandra, Gremlin, Table).
  • Be clear on OLTP vs OLAP and batch vs stream processing; many questions are scenario wording around these.
  • Memorize the service-model differences between Azure SQL Database, SQL Managed Instance and SQL Server on Azure VMs (PaaS vs IaaS, compatibility).
  • Expect Microsoft Fabric terminology alongside older Synapse-era wording; the skills outline was updated in 2026.

Key terms for this exam

All 83 terms Study with thinQcards™

Commonly confused on this exam

Frequently asked questions

How much does the DP-900 exam cost?

$99 in the United States; prices vary by country. Microsoft often gives free fundamentals vouchers through Virtual Training Days.

Does DP-900 expire?

No. Microsoft fundamentals certifications do not expire and have no renewal requirement.

How hard is DP-900?

It is an entry-level, conceptual exam. Most candidates with basic IT knowledge pass after 2-4 weeks of part-time study; no coding is required.

DP-900 vs AZ-900: which first?

AZ-900 covers broad Azure cloud concepts; DP-900 focuses on data. If you are targeting data roles you can go straight to DP-900, but AZ-900 helps with general Azure vocabulary.

Is DP-900 worth it in 2026?

It is worth it as a low-cost first credential for data careers and as preparation for DP-300, PL-300 or Fabric exams; on its own it will not land a senior role.

Official page: learn.microsoft.com. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.