AZ-900 Study Guide
Free Resources for prepping for the Azure Fundamentals Exam
About This Study Guide
This guide was going to be my first paid article on Substack.
I began preparing an AZ-900 study guide several weeks ago. I’ve been working in Azure as a consultant for almost 10 years now and my plan was to use the knowledge I had along with accumulated reference material from that time to prepare a study guide that would help anyone who desired to pass the AZ-900 exam. As I was supplementing the material I already had, I realized something: There is already enough material free on the internet to get past this exam.
So, I pivoted. What you see below is what I believe to be all you need to pass this exam.
How to use this guide
It could not be simpler. The guide is broken down into each topic area that the exam will test you on. Each topic will link directly to the Microsoft Learning Module for that topic. Additionally, there will be two additional links for (most) sub-topics:
The official Microsoft documentation on the subject matter. To be perfectly honest, this alone would be enough to pass this exam. The exam tests fundamentals and a basic understanding of each subject contained in the official documentation will contain what you need to know
This guy’s YouTube channel: John Savill (for most topics). Why this guy? A couple reasons. First, he is easy to understand and explains topics clearly and concisely. Second, he uses visuals along with teaching to help reinforce learning pathways. Third, his content is the newest amongst YouTube content on this subject. Fourth, his video series on AZ-900 aligns to the breakdown of the topics and subjects tested in the exam.
What I want you to do for each subject
Take the Microsoft Learn Module
Read and study the documentation page
Watch the related John Savill video
Ask me questions in the comments or on Twitter for clarification or better understanding
It’s that simple. Do I really think that is all you will need to pass this exam? Yes, I really do think that. If you can understand the topics in those pages and videos and are able to recall the information when asked about it on the exam, I believe you will pass.
DISCLAIMER
I feel like I need to just state a couple of things very clearly.
I am not guaranteeing you will pass. This guide is simply providing you a pathway to study. Passing is up to you.
I am not guaranteeing you a job once you pass. This certification, nor any other, will not get you a job by itself.
This guide is current as of the October 28th, 2022, exam revision. Always check the version of the exam you are taking to make sure it is correct. Microsoft frequently updates their exams and while I will make every effort to update this guide to reflect the most current exam revision, I cannot guarantee it will always match the current exam version.
Introducing The Exam
AZ-900 is a FUNDAMENTALS exam. This means it tests base-level knowledge. Taken directly from Microsoft about this exam
Candidates for this exam should have foundational knowledge of cloud services and how those services are provided with Microsoft Azure. The exam is intended for candidates who are just beginning to work with cloud-based solutions and services or are new to Azure.
Azure Fundamentals exam is an opportunity to prove knowledge of cloud concepts, Azure services, Azure workloads, security and privacy in Azure, as well as Azure pricing and support. Candidates should be familiar with the general technology concepts, including concepts of networking, storage, compute, application support, and application development.
Azure Fundamentals can be used to prepare for other Azure role-based or specialty certifications, but it is not a prerequisite for any of them.
Let me cut through the marketing bull for you and tell you a few example scenarios where the knowledge this exam tests for may be useful:
I have very little Azure cloud knowledge and I need to get the basics
I am trying to break into the tech industry and want to compliment another set of certifications
I work for an Org that uses Azure and I want to stand out amongst my peers who are not Azure certified
I DO NOT think this exam is useful if you are already working in Azure regularly or specializing in another cloud provider like AWS. Your time would be better spent on more advanced exams. The Azure Fundamentals exam is Microsoft’s entry point into their cloud knowledge sphere. Only you know if this fits your situation.
On to the material!
Studying for the exam
Describe Cloud Concepts
Topics from this section will contribute to 25-30% of your total score
Describe Cloud Computing
Cloud models / Video
Benefits of cloud
Service Types
Know what appropriate uses for each are
Describe Azure Architecture and Services
Topics from this section will contribute to 35-40% of your total score
Describe the core architectural components of Azure
Regions
Azure Regions
Availability Zones / Video - Big topic, make sure you understand clearly
Resource Groups / Also read here to understand organization in Azure / Video
Describe Azure compute and networking services
Azure Compute / Video
Virtual Machine Options
Resource Requirements / Video
Application Hosting - Know the different ways an app can be hosted. Basically read this link Hosting apps on Azure
Web Apps - know the specifics about “web” apps vs just App Services
App hosting with virtual machines - Understand this as it differs from the above
Virtual Networking / Video
Describe Azure Storage Services
Moving files into Azure storage
Migration Options / Video
Describe Azure Identity, Access, and Security
Directory Services - The two below are different, make sure you understand that. Ask questions in the comments if you have them
Authentication Methods / Video
Describe Azure management and governance
Topics in this section will contribute 30 - 35% of your score total.
To understand governance as a concept, read my article below for a primer.
Cost management
Features and tools for governance and compliance
Features and tools for managing and deploying Azure resources
Monitoring tools
Azure Monitor / Video
Practice Test
Click here for a free practice test from Microsoft
Wrap Up
Again, what I want you to do:
Take the Microsoft Learn Module for each topic
Read and study the documentation page for the specific subjects
Watch the related John Savill video
Ask me questions in the comments or on Twitter for clarification or better understanding
Put in the work. Study hard. And good luck!
Tag me on Twitter or in the comments if you pass the exam using this guide!
- Azure Chad