Do I need programming experience?

Not strictly; basic familiarity with tables, schemas, keys, and Azure data services is helpful.

What topics does the exam cover?

Core data concepts, relational (SQL) and non-relational (NoSQL) databases, data analytics workloads, and primary Azure services for data management and analytics.

How should I prepare?

Follow a 2–4 week plan with theory and labs on Azure SQL/Cosmos DB/Data Lake, plus quizzes/simulators to validate your readiness.

DP-900 Exam Guide: Azure Data Fundamentals

Q: Who should take DP-900?

Students and entry-level professionals seeking a strong foundation in data concepts, databases, and analytics on Microsoft Azure.

Data concepts, relational and non-relational databases, data analytics, and key Azure services to build a solid foundation.

Measured skills 2–4 week study plan Go to DP-900 course

Who it’s for & prerequisites

Ideal profiles

Students and entry-level professionals in data.
Non-technical roles seeking data literacy.
Teams starting their Azure journey in data and analytics.

Prerequisites

Basic understanding of tables, columns, keys, schema.
General cloud and analytics concepts.
Curiosity and hands-on with Azure services (optional but helpful).

Measured skills (overview)

Data concepts

Data types, OLTP/OLAP, formats; basics of security, privacy, and responsibility.

Relational DB & SQL

Logical modeling, normalization, basic querying; Azure SQL services.

NoSQL & Analytics

Key-value, document, column, graph (Azure Cosmos DB); Data Lake, Synapse, ETL/ELT.

Pathways & comparisons

DP-900 vs AI-900 — data vs AI fundamentals
Next step: AI-900 — AI foundations
Advanced: DP-100 — data science on Azure

Exam format & booking

Format

Multiple-choice and scenario-based questions.
Approx. duration: ~60 minutes (variable).
Languages: check the official page.

Note: details and scoring may change—always verify the official page.

Booking

Microsoft account; choose online or test center.
Valid ID; compliant environment for online proctoring.

Prepare with the DP-900 course

Study plan (2–4 weeks)

2 weeks (intensive)

Days 1–3: data concepts & security.
Days 4–7: relational + basic SQL (Azure SQL).
Days 8–10: NoSQL (Cosmos DB) and Data Lake.
Days 11–14: Synapse, ETL/ELT, quizzes & simulators.

4 weeks (standard)

Week 1: data concepts & models.
Week 2: relational/SQL & Azure SQL.
Week 3: NoSQL (Cosmos) & Data Lake.
Week 4: Analytics with Synapse, review, mock tests.

Open the detailed plan Read the FAQs

Recommended resources

Azure SQL & Azure Cosmos DB

Basics, data models, querying, and use-cases.

Explore services

Data Lake & Synapse

Storage, analytics, and integration with ETL/ELT pipelines.

Integrate with Azure ML

Glossary & Simulators

Quick definitions and exam‑style mock tests.

Glossary · Simulator

Ready to build your Azure data foundations?

Take the official course and certify with DP-900.

Enroll in DP-900 Back to Azure AI hub

FAQ

Who should take DP-900?

Students and entry-level roles interested in data and analytics on Azure.

Do I need to code?

No; basic SQL and data concepts are helpful.

How long and what’s the structure?

About an hour with multiple-choice/scenario questions; always check the official page for current details.

How do I prepare?

Follow the 2–4 week plan, practice on Azure SQL/Cosmos/Data Lake, and use simulators.