If you’ve been considering a career in cloud computing or looking to formalize your existing experience with Microsoft Azure, you’ve likely come across the AZ-900 certification. Often, the first step is the most intimidating, but as the official overview for this exam suggests, it is designed specifically for beginners.
We analyzed the official “Cloud Computing with Microsoft Azure” AZ-900 summary to break down exactly what this certification entails and why it might be the perfect starting point for your cloud journey.
Designed for absolute beginners (no IT experience required!), this exam validates your understanding of basic cloud concepts and Azure services. It’s also a great fit for professionals coming from other cloud platforms like AWS.
What’s on the Exam?
The AZ-900 is broken down into four key areas. Here is what you need to know, along with how much of the exam each section covers:
1. Describe Cloud Concepts (15-20%)
The “why” of the cloud. You’ll learn about cloud models (Public, Private, Hybrid), consumption-based pricing (CapEx vs. OpEx), and the differences between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
2. Describe Core Azure Services (30-35%)
The heaviest weighted section. This covers the main building blocks of Azure, including core compute (VMs, Functions), storage (Blob Storage), networking (Virtual Network), and databases (Cosmos DB, SQL Database).
3. Security, Privacy, Compliance & Trust (25-30%)
A critical focus area. Topics include identity services (Azure AD, MFA), security tools (Security Center, Key Vault), and compliance resources like the Trust Center.
4. Azure Pricing & SLAs (20-25%)
The business side of Azure. You’ll learn how to estimate costs with the Pricing Calculator, understand Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and the difference between services in “Preview” vs. “Generally Available.”
The Bottom Line
With no prerequisites and a clear study path, the AZ-900 is a low-pressure, high-value way to build your confidence and prove your foundational knowledge of the cloud. It’s the first step on your Azure journey.