Microsoft Azure Fundamentals—Is It Worth It?

Microsoft Azure has become a cornerstone of cloud computing solutions across diverse industries. The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification offers an exceptional entry point when you're seeking to establish a foundational knowledge of this in-demand technology. Use this guide to understand the structure of the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals program, explore the valuable competencies you'll acquire, and address frequently asked questions to get started or continue on your path toward cloud expertise.

What is Microsoft Azure Fundamentals?

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals is a six-part learning series that includes exam preparation and a certification exam. It focuses on providing a high-level overview of core Azure cloud platform components. The Azure suite contains over 200 products and services that range from AI and machine learning to web services [1]. Learners will also gain hands-on experience through exercises. The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification content includes:

• Cloud computing concepts, cloud services, hybrid cloud models, and cloud-based solutions

• Core Azure architectural components

• Azure management tools and governance features

• Networking services and compliance features

• Microsoft service level agreements and cost management

Once you feel proficient in these areas, you can register for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 exam, which covers the concepts above. Your certification will show employers or clients your expertise in the Azure cloud platform.

Prepare for the exam with the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Exam Prep Specialization:

Learn more: Azure Certification: What it Is, Career Benefits, and How to Get Certified

Is Azure Fundamentals worth it?

A Certification in Microsoft Azure Fundamentals is valuable when you want to acquire or prove foundational knowledge of cloud services and Azure functions. Benefits of earning an Azure Fundamentals Certification include:

• In-demand skills: Many companies and enterprises are migrating to cloud-based solutions, increasing the demand for professionals with cloud expertise. 

• Potential to earn college credit through the American Council on Education (ACE): College credits through ACE recognize the number of hours you spend completing the certification.

• Flexible continued education: Continued education can help you master the ever-expanding set of technical skills you need to be competitive in the job market. A 100 percent online learning experience you can complete independently or with instructor guidance benefits those with a busy lifestyle. 

Can you get a job with Azure Fundamentals?

An Azure Fundamentals certification can be an excellent way to make your resume stand out to potential employers. Certifications from industry leaders like Microsoft can help demonstrate your knowledge of cloud computing models, cloud governance strategy, cloud migration, and more. Skill-based hiring practices are rising and are expected to continue gaining popularity.

Are Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification holders in high demand? 

Cloud technologies are in high demand, and Microsoft Azure is one of the leading cloud platforms. Nearly 56 percent of organizations worldwide use Azure as their cloud provider, according to Statista, and Microsoft reports over 95 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Azure [2,3].

What jobs can you get with a Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification?

You can work in nearly any industry with Azure Fundamentals certification. Microsoft Azure provides cloud solutions for many industries, including but not limited to:

• Financial services

• Government

• Health care

• Manufacturing

• Retail

• Energy

• Media and entertainment

• Agriculture

• Gaming

• Banking

Cloud computing falls under computer and information technology occupations for the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It reports the median annual US salary for occupations in this field as $104,420, more than two times the national average salary across all occupations [4]. Gaining Azure Fundamentals certification can enhance your employability and success in many cloud-based IT roles. Review a selection of cloud-related job titles and their average US base salaries in the list below.

• Cloud developer: $96,255 [5]

• Security engineer: $133,586 [6]

• Data engineer: $103,539 [7]

• Cloud engineer: $113,959 [8]

How difficult is the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification exam?

The Azure Fundamentals program is designed for beginners or professionals who are new to the Azure platform. Before taking the certification exam, you should have foundational level knowledge of information technology (IT), familiarity with the concepts of cloud computing, and a basic understanding of application development, networking, and storage services. You must also have a working knowledge of Azure architecture, services, management, and governance. You can take the Azure Fundamentals learning series or enroll in other online AZ-900 Certification exam preparations to meet these prerequisites.

How many questions are on the Azure Fundamentals exam?

The Azure Fundamentals exam has 40 to 60 questions, depending on the latest update when you sit for the test. Question formatting ranges from multiple-choice to drag-and-drop. The exam is scored out of 1,000, and you must obtain a score of 700 or higher to pass. 

How long does Azure Fundamentals take?

You'll have 45 minutes to complete the exam, and you should expect to be seated for 65 minutes to account for signing in and following up afterward. The exam is online and proctored, and you'll have a chance to take a five-minute break if needed.

Does the Azure Fundamentals Certification expire?

According to Microsoft documentation, the Azure Fundamentals Certification does not expire [9]. However, other offerings, such as role-based and specialty certifications, do expire after one year. These types of certifications are eligible for renewal as long as the renewal process begins before the expiration date. 

Where to start: Azure Fundamentals learning paths

To prepare for the certification exam, you can study independently, take instructor-led courses, or combine the two. Within these learning paths are both paid and free options.

Free Azure Fundamentals training

You can learn the core concepts of Azure by accessing Microsoft's collection of three learning paths. The coursework is online and includes both text and video instruction throughout 11 modules. This free training version is self-paced, so you can take the time you need. 

Paid Azure Fundamentals training

Microsoft also offers preparation for the Azure Fundamentals exam through instructor-led classes. You'll learn the same concepts as in its self-paced modules with the added benefit of a live instructor. You will have access to lectures, hands-on labs, and demonstrations to aid your learning. The course takes one day to complete and is primarily virtual. Prices vary by location.

Azure Fundamentals practice tests

After learning the basic concepts, practice tests are an excellent approach to preparing for the exam. Practice tests designed by Microsoft professionals assess all the objectives you'll encounter on your exam. You can access an official practice assessment and exam sandbox—an interactive experience demo—on the Microsoft website.

Get 50% off your Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Certification exam when you prep with Coursera 

Explore core cloud concepts and familiarize yourself with Microsoft Azure services, architect components, and application design with the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Exam Prep Specialization on Coursera. This official Microsoft prep course is designed to help you prepare for the exam, and upon completion, you'll be able to use your earned certificate for a 50 percent discount on the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Certification Exam.