Below are some commonly asked questions about the DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals certification exam. Upon successfully passing this exam, you earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals certification.
What is the DP-900 certification exam?
The DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals exam validates your foundational knowledge of core data concepts and how data is implemented using Microsoft Azure services.
Candidates who pass the exam demonstrate understanding of:
- Core data concepts (relational vs non-relational data, transactional vs analytical workloads)
- Relational data workloads in Azure (Azure SQL Database, SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines, Azure SQL Managed Instance)
- Non-relational data workloads in Azure (Azure Cosmos DB)
- Analytical workloads in Azure (Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Factory, Azure Data Lake, Power BI)
This certification is designed for individuals who want to build a baseline understanding of data in the cloud. Upon successfully passing this exam, candidates earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals certification.
Is the DP-900 certification exam worth it?
The short answer is yes.
DP-900 is an excellent entry point into Microsoft’s data certification ecosystem. Preparing for this exam helps you:
- Build a solid foundation in data concepts
- Understand how Azure supports different data workloads
- Gain confidence working with cloud-based data platforms
- Prepare for more advanced certifications such as DP-203, PL-300, or AI-900
For beginners, career switchers, students, and professionals new to Azure or data, DP-900 provides structured learning and practical context that transfers directly to real-world scenarios.
How many questions are on the DP-900 exam?
The DP-900 exam typically contains between 40 and 60 questions.
Question formats may include:
- Single-choice and multiple-choice questions
- Multi-select questions
- Drag-and-drop or matching questions
- Short scenario-based questions
The exact number and format can vary from exam to exam.
How hard is the DP-900 exam?
DP-900 is considered a fundamentals-level exam and is generally easier than associate-level certifications such as PL-300 or DP-203.
That said, it still requires preparation.
The challenge comes from:
- Understanding when to use relational vs non-relational data
- Recognizing Azure services and their purposes
- Interpreting scenario-based questions
- Learning basic analytics concepts
With focused study and practice, most candidates find the exam very achievable.
Helpful preparation resources include:
- Microsoft Learn (official and free)
- The official DP-900 study guide
- Practice exams
- Community resources and blogs
- YouTube tutorials and walkthroughs
How much does the DP-900 certification exam cost?
As of early 2026, the standard exam pricing is approximately:
- United States: $99 USD
- Other countries: Regionally adjusted pricing applies
Microsoft frequently offers student discounts, academic pricing, and exam vouchers, so it’s worth checking the official Microsoft certification site before scheduling.
How do I prepare for the Microsoft DP-900 certification exam?
The most important advice is not to rush.
Recommended preparation steps:
- Review the official DP-900 exam skills outline.
- Complete the free Microsoft Learn DP-900 learning path.
- Study core data concepts (relational vs non-relational, OLTP vs OLAP).
- Learn the purpose of key Azure services such as Azure SQL Database, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Synapse Analytics, and Power BI.
- Take practice exams to confirm your readiness.
- The DP-900 exam prep hub on The Data Community has 2 practice exams: Exam Prep Hub for DP-900: Azure Data Fundamentals
Additional learning resources include:
- Courses on platforms like Udemy and Coursera
- Community-created study hubs, such as the on this site: Exam Prep Hub for DP-900: Azure Data Fundamentals
- YouTube playlists focused on DP-900 topics. See list of other resources here: Exam Prep Hub for DP-900: Azure Data Fundamentals
Hands-on labs are helpful but not strictly required for DP-900. Conceptual understanding is the primary focus.
How do I pass the DP-900 exam?
To maximize your chances of passing:
- Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorization
- Learn what each Azure data service is designed for
- Carefully read scenario questions before answering
- Eliminate obviously incorrect choices
- Manage your time effectively
Consistently performing well on reputable practice exams is usually a good indicator that you’re ready.
What is the best site for DP-900 certification dumps?
Using exam dumps is not recommended and may violate Microsoft’s exam policies.
Instead, rely on legitimate preparation resources such as:
- Microsoft’s official practice exam
- High-quality community-created practice tests
- Scenario-based questions that reinforce understanding
Legitimate preparation builds real skills that extend beyond passing the exam.
How long should I study for the DP-900 exam?
Study time varies based on background.
General guidelines:
- Prior data or Azure experience: 2–4 weeks
- Some technical background: 3–5 weeks
- Beginners or career changers: 4–8 weeks
Rather than focusing strictly on time, aim to understand all exam topics and perform well on practice tests before scheduling.
Where can I find training or a course for the DP-900 exam?
Training options include:
- Microsoft Learn: Free, official learning path
- Online platforms: Udemy, Coursera, Exam Prep Hub for DP-900: Azure Data Fundamentals, and similar providers
- YouTube: Free DP-900 playlists and walkthroughs
- Subscription platforms: Datacamp and others offering Azure or data fundamentals
- Microsoft partners: Instructor-led courses
A mix of structured learning and light hands-on exploration works well.
What skills should I have before taking the DP-900 exam?
Before attempting the exam, it helps to understand:
- Basic data concepts (tables, rows, columns)
- Differences between relational and non-relational data
- Basic analytics terminology
- General cloud computing concepts
No coding experience is required.
DP-900 is designed specifically for beginners.
What score do I need to pass the DP-900 exam?
Microsoft exams are scored on a scale of 1–1000, and a score of 700 or higher is required to pass.
Scores are scaled based on question difficulty, not simply percentage correct.
How long is the DP-900 exam?
You are given approximately 60 minutes to complete the exam, not including onboarding and instructions.
Time pressure is generally lower than associate-level exams.
How long is the DP-900 certification valid?
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals certification does not expire.
Unlike associate-level certifications, DP-900 currently does not require renewal.
Is DP-900 suitable for beginners?
Yes — DP-900 is specifically designed for beginners.
It’s ideal for:
- Students
- Career switchers
- Business professionals entering data or analytics
- Technical professionals new to Azure
No prior Azure or database experience is required.
What roles benefit most from the DP-900 certification?
DP-900 is especially valuable for:
- Aspiring Data Analysts or Data Engineers
- Business Analysts
- Students and graduates
- Cloud beginners
- Professionals exploring data careers
It also serves as a strong foundation before pursuing PL-300, DP-203, or AI-900.
What languages is the DP-900 exam offered in?
The DP-900 certification exam is commonly offered in:
English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Chinese (Traditional), Italian
Availability may vary by region.
Have additional questions? Post them in the comments.
Thanks for reading and good luck on your data journey!
The Data Community 