AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals: who needs it and who can skip it
AZ-900, Microsoft's Azure Fundamentals exam, costs $99 in the US in November 2026. Microsoft's own training on Microsoft Learn is free, so a first attempt can cost exactly $99; with a class it is $594 to $794. Microsoft writes AZ-900 for technology professionals with some experience in an IT area such as infrastructure, databases or software development; in our view, people in non-technical roles who work with Azure can also pass it with the free training. We estimate 1 to 3 weeks of part-time study.
Key facts
- The AZ-900 exam costs $99 where it is proctored in the US; Microsoft prices exams by country. (Microsoft Learn, checked November 5, 2026)
- You need 700 to pass, and Microsoft does not publish an exact question count. (Microsoft Learn, checked November 5, 2026)
- Microsoft fundamentals certifications do not expire. (Microsoft Learn, checked November 5, 2026)
Where AZ-900 fits
AZ-900 shows you understand cloud concepts, the main Azure services and how Azure is managed and governed. It does not show that you can configure Azure. AZ-900 is optional for every Azure role certification. If you will work hands-on in Azure, you can go straight to the administrator exam; see what AZ-104 costs. In our view, AZ-900 is most useful for people who need to understand Azure without administering it.
A good fit if
- You work with Azure teams in a sales, project, procurement or support role and need to follow their decisions
- You come from another IT area, such as databases or software development, and want a first structured look at Azure
- Your organization runs on Microsoft and wants a whole team to share the same Azure vocabulary
- You want a first Microsoft certification that does not expire
Think twice if
- You will administer Azure hands-on: AZ-900 is optional, so you can start with AZ-104
- You need a credential that shows you can build or operate Azure resources
Consider instead: AZ-104 if you will run Azure day to day, or AWS Cloud Practitioner if your organization uses AWS. See Cloud Practitioner vs AZ-900.
Exam basics
The exam takes 45 minutes, and you need 700 to pass. Microsoft does not publish an exact question count; it says most of its exams have 40 to 60 questions. Microsoft expects some IT background but no specific Azure experience. Its skills outline, as of July 20, 2026, has three parts:
| Area | Weight |
|---|---|
| Cloud concepts | 25–30% |
| Azure architecture and services | 35–40% |
| Azure management and governance | 30–35% |
Fundamentals certifications do not expire, so there is no renewal cost. The $99 price applies where the exam is proctored in the US; Microsoft prices exams by country.
Getting ready for AZ-900
Microsoft Learn on your own. The self-paced learning paths that match Microsoft's AZ-900T00 course are free. Microsoft also offers a free Practice Assessment for AZ-900, which shows the style and difficulty of exam questions. A paid practice-exam set, such as Tutorials Dojo's, is optional extra practice at answering within the 45 minutes.
A live class. ONLC runs a one-day live online class, and New Horizons a live class with a lab. They suit people who want a fixed date and someone to ask; they prepare you for the same exam the free paths cover.
Prices
| Route | Provider and course | Published price | Exam fee | First attempt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free official training | Microsoft Learn, AZ-900T00 learning paths, self-paced. Checked November 5, 2026. | $0 | + $99 exam | $99 |
| Practice exams | Tutorials Dojo, AZ-900 practice exams, list price (on sale for $9.74 when checked). Checked November 5, 2026. | $12.99 | + $99 exam | $111.99 |
| One-day class | ONLC Training Centers, AZ-900 Introduction to Cloud Infrastructure, one day live online; $545 for late registration; voucher not mentioned. Checked November 5, 2026. | $495 | + $99 exam | $594 |
| Class with lab | New Horizons, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 (with Lab). Checked September 13, 2026. Voucher not included. | $695 | + $99 exam | $794 |
What to check before paying for AZ-900 training
- Whether the free paths already cover you. The learning paths that match AZ-900T00, Microsoft's official course, are free on Microsoft Learn. Ask whether a paid class follows AZ-900T00 and what it adds beyond a live instructor.
- Whether the voucher is included. ONLC's page does not mention a voucher and the New Horizons class does not include one, so add the $99 fee to either.
- When you register. ONLC lists $495 for its one-day class and $545 for late registration.
- Which skills outline the material follows. Microsoft's current outline is dated July 20, 2026; ask whether course or practice-exam material matches it.
For organizations
For a team, the free Microsoft Learn paths plus a $99 voucher per person is the lowest-cost structured route. Ask whether your Microsoft agreement includes training or exam benefits before buying classes.
AZ-900 quick answers
- How much does AZ-900 cost?
- $99 in the US as of November 2026.
- Does AZ-900 expire?
- No. Microsoft fundamentals certifications do not expire.
- Is AZ-900 training free?
- Yes. Microsoft's AZ-900 learning paths on Microsoft Learn are free.
- Is AZ-900 required before AZ-104?
- No. It is optional.
Next step
Ask for help choosing AZ-900 training
Sources
- Microsoft Learn: Azure Fundamentals certification (price, audience), checked November 5, 2026
- Microsoft Learn: AZ-900 study guide (skills and weights, passing score, free Practice Assessment), checked November 5, 2026
- Microsoft Learn: renew your certification (fundamentals do not expire), checked November 5, 2026
Prices are published list prices we recorded on the dates shown, not quotes. How we research.