Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)

Microsoft Learn AZ-900 — entry-level Azure certification with proctored final exam

AZ-900 is Microsoft's entry-level Azure Fundamentals certification. The Microsoft Learn modules are fully unproctored and free; the final exam is proctored (Pearson VUE testing centers or OnVUE remote-proctoring) and costs $99 USD. Like Salesforce Trailhead's Administrator track, this means HearQA is a clean fit for the Learn-module prep but not for the live exam itself. AZ-900 is widely-recognized as a starter Azure credential; popular as a cross-train credential for engineers from AWS or GCP, and as an entry credential for IT-support / cloud-ops career pivots.

Exam format

Questions: 40-60 questions
Duration: 60 minutes
Passing: 700 / 1000 (~70%)
Cost: $99 USD

Common pitfalls

Memorizing service names without understanding scenarios — AZ-900 questions are scenario-based; raw memorization fails
Underestimating the cloud-economics domain — Azure cost-management and TCO concepts are ~15% of the exam, often skipped in raw-tech prep
Confusing Azure-specific terminology with AWS analogs ("resource group" vs "VPC", "subscription" vs "account") — Microsoft uses precise vocabulary
Cramming the day before — the exam tests breadth over depth, and breadth requires spaced repetition
Skipping the Microsoft Learn modules in favor of YouTube prep — the official modules' phrasing matches the exam's language

Strategies that work

Complete every Microsoft Learn module in the AZ-900 track (each takes 1-2 hours)
Practice scenario-based questions, not flashcards — AZ-900 is heavily situational
Use HearQA Practice → Exam Questions sub-type to drill question-style mastery on your weakest domains
Take a Whizlabs or MeasureUp practice exam 1 week before the real exam
For the proctored final: choose OnVUE remote-proctoring if you have a quiet home space, or Pearson VUE testing center if not

How HearQA Helps

Upload Microsoft Learn module summaries + your notes + the AZ-900 study guide to your document library
During unproctored Learn-module quizzes: live HearQA surfaces module-material references (allowed since unproctored)
Practice → Exam Questions sub-type generates AZ-900-flavored scenario questions from your notes
Track per-domain conversion rate across practice sessions — see which of the four domains (cloud concepts, Azure services, security, governance) is your weakest
For the proctored final exam: HearQA is NOT permitted. Use Practice mode beforehand, then test without HearQA

Note: Use HearQA's Practice scenario for prep — not during the proctored exam itself. See when HearQA fits.

Try HearQA free

FAQ

Is HearQA allowed during the AZ-900 final exam?

No — AZ-900 is proctored via Pearson VUE / OnVUE. Both proctoring layers detect external software. HearQA is a prep tool for Microsoft Learn modules and unproctored practice, not for the live exam itself.

How does AZ-900 compare to AWS Cloud Practitioner?

Similar entry-level positioning (cloud fundamentals, ~$100 exam, 60-min format). AZ-900 leans slightly more toward governance / security domains; AWS CCP leans slightly more toward services / pricing. Most candidates pick based on which cloud their employer uses or plans to move to. Stacking both demonstrates cross-cloud literacy.

How long does AZ-900 prep take?

20-40 hours of focused study for candidates with no prior Azure exposure. Candidates with AWS / GCP experience can compress to 10-15 hours. Microsoft Learn modules take ~15 hours alone; add 5-15 hours of practice exams.

Are there higher-tier Azure certifications worth pairing?

Yes — AZ-104 (Azure Administrator) or AZ-204 (Azure Developer) are the natural next certifications. Both are also proctored. AZ-900 alone is rarely enough to land cloud roles; pair with AZ-104 or AZ-204 + practical Azure portfolio work.