The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification covers various topics related to cloud computing, cloud concepts, and Azure services. The exam tests your understanding of Azure architecture, management, governance, and security. The AZ-900 certification, also known as Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, is an entry-level certification that validates foundational knowledge of cloud concepts and Microsoft Azure services. To obtain the certificate, you will need to pass the AZ-900 exam. An exam can be taken by anyone interested in gaining a basic understanding of cloud computing( Microsoft Azure), regardless of their technical background or job role. It is also useful for particular individuals who are new to Azure and want to start their journey in cloud computing and DevOps.
It is an entry-level certification that validates your foundational knowledge of Azure. In this summary, we will discuss the syllabus, exam details, scheduling, uses of the certification, and its differences from other certifications.
AZ -900 Exam Details
- Certification: AZ-Microsoft Azure Fundamentals.
- Price: The exam price may vary based on your location. You can check the official Microsoft certification website for the most accurate pricing information.
- Total Marks: 1,000.
- passing Marks:700.
Syllabus For AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Exam
Candidates for this exam are technology professionals who want to demonstrate foundational knowledge of cloud concepts and Microsoft Azure. These professionals can describe Azure architectural components and Azure services, such as computing, networking, and storage. They can also describe features and tools to secure, govern, and administer Azure. Candidates for this exam have skills and experience working in an area of information technology, such as infrastructure management, database management, or software development.
Syllabus According To There Weightage
- Describe cloud concepts (25–30%)
- Describe Azure architecture and services (35–40%)
- Describe Azure management and governance (30–35%)
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals: Cloud Concepts
1. Cloud Computing
- Introduction to Microsoft Azure: Key features, global presence, and the benefits it offers.
- Introduction to Cloud Computing: On-demand resource provisioning, scalability, and elasticity.
- Shared Responsibility Model: Division of responsibilities between Azure and the customer in terms of security and compliance.
2. Benefits of Cloud Services
- High Availability: High availability through redundancy and fault tolerance, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuity.
- Scalability: Scale up or down based on demand, providing flexibility and cost optimization.
- Security: Built-in security features, data encryption, and compliance certifications.
- Governance: Cloud services, such as centralized management, policy enforcement, and auditing capabilities.
3. Cloud Services Types
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Virtualized infrastructure resources such as VM, storage, and networking.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): Pre-configured development tools and services that allow developers on building applications.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): Software applications are accessible over the Internet.
Azure Fundamentals: Azure Architecture and Services
1. Core Architectural Components of Azure
- Azure Accounts: Different types of Azure accounts, including free and paid subscriptions.
- Azure Physical Infrastructure: Data centers, servers, storage devices, and networking equipment.
- Azure Management Infrastructure:Azure Portal, Azure PowerShell, Azure CLI, and Azure Cloud Shell.
- Create an Azure Resource: Creating and provisioning resources in Azure using different methods( including the Azure Portal, Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell, and Azure Resource Manager templates.)
2. Azure Compute and Networking Services
- Azure Virtual Machines: Deploy and manage virtual machines in the Azure cloud.
- Create an Azure Virtual Machine:Creating and configuring an Azure Virtual Machine.
- Azure Virtual Desktop : A service that provides virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) in the cloud.
- Azure Containers: Enable the deployment and management of containerized applications.
- Azure Functions: Serverless compute service that allows developers to run code on-demand without managing infrastructure.
- Application Hosting Options: Different application hosting options in Azure, including web apps, mobile apps, and serverless computing.
3. Azure Virtual Networking
- Azure Virtual Networking: Create and configure virtual networks in Azure, allowing users to connect and isolate their Azure resources.
- Configure Network Access: Configure network access control, including network security groups (NSGs), virtual network service endpoints, and private endpoints.
- Azure Virtual Private Networks:Provide secure connections between on-premises networks and Azure resources.
4. Azure Storage Account
- Azure Storage Services: Storage services available in Azure, including Azure Blob storage, Azure Files, Azure Queue storage, and Azure Table storage.
- Create a Storage Blob: Creation and management of storage blobs in Azure Blob storage.
Azure Fundamentals: Azure Management and Governance
1. Cost Management in Azure
- Factors That Can Affect Costs in Azure: Factors that can impact costs in Azure, such as resource usage, data transfer, and storage.
- Pricing and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Calculators: Pricing calculator and TCO calculator provided by Microsoft to estimate and optimize Azure costs.
- Azure Cost Management Tool : Helps monitor and manage costs associated with Azure resources.
2. Features and Tools for Governance and Compliance
- Purpose of Azure Blueprints :Define and deploy a standardized set of Azure resources for compliance and governance.
- Purpose of Azure Policy: Enforcement of organizational standards and compliance rules across Azure resources.
- Purpose of Resource Locks: Resource locks can be used to prevent accidental deletion or modification of critical Azure resources.
- Purpose of the Service Trust Portal: Microsoft’s security, privacy, and compliance practices.
3. Features and Tools for Managing and Deploying Azure Resources
- Tools for Interacting with Azure: Different tools for interacting with Azure, such as Azure Portal, Azure PowerShell, Azure CLI, and Azure Cloud Shell.
- Purpose of Azure Arc: Management and governance of hybrid and multi-cloud environments from a single control plane.
- Azure Resource Manager (ARM) and Azure ARM Templates: Consistent management layer for deploying and managing Azure resources, and Azure ARM templates, which allows the declarative deployment of resources.
- Monitoring Tools in Azure: Monitoring tools in Azure, including Azure Advisor (provides recommendations for optimizing resources), Azure Service Health (provides service health notifications and alerts), and Azure Monitor (provides monitoring and diagnostics for Azure resources).
How To Schedule the Exam an AZ-900 Exam?
The exam is available in both online or offline proctored modes, it is up to the candidate’s convenience. The exam can be scheduled on the official Microsoft learn-AZ-900 page and the date and Time is based on the availability of the exam slots.
Uses of Certification
- The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification is recognized and valued by employers as it validates a foundational understanding of Azure.
- The certification enhances job prospects in roles related to cloud computing, Azure administration, and development.
- It serves as a stepping stone for higher-level Azure certifications, such as Azure Administrator, Azure Developer, or Azure Solutions Architect.
- Having the certification demonstrates your knowledge and competence in cloud concepts and Azure services.
Difference Between MS-900 and AZ-900
MS-900 and AZ-900 are two different certifications offered by Microsoft, but they focus on different areas within the Microsoft ecosystem.
- MS-900-Microsoft 365 Fundamentals: The MS-900 certification is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate foundational knowledge of cloud services provided by Microsoft 365. It covers topics such as cloud concepts, core Microsoft 365 services and concepts, security, compliance, privacy, and Microsoft 365 pricing and support.
- AZ-900-Azure Fundamentals: The AZ-900 certification, on the other hand, is centered around Azure cloud services. It is targeted at individuals who are interested in understanding the basics of Azure cloud computing and services. The exam covers topics like cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, compliance, and Azure pricing and support.