Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900
Follow a topic roadmap built from the published exam blueprint, with lessons, practice exercises and practice exams.
Demonstrate foundational knowledge of core data concepts and related Microsoft Azure data services.
What you'll learn
Every objective DP-900 publishes, and what it asks you to be able to do.
- Describe core data conceptsDescribe ways to represent data. Identify options for data storage. Describe common data workloads. Identify roles and responsibilities for data workloads.
- Identify considerations for relational data on AzureDescribe relational concepts. Describe relational Azure data services.
- Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on AzureDescribe the capabilities of Azure storage. Describe the capabilities and features of Azure Cosmos DB.
- Describe an analytics workload on AzureDescribe common elements of large-scale analytics. Describe considerations for real-time data analytics. Describe data visualization in Microsoft Power BI.
The exam at a glance
- Length
- 45 minutes
- Validity
- Does not expire
- Style
- Multiple choice
Not published in the certifying body’s exam page snippet; the page identifies it as an exam for demonstrating knowledge of core data concepts and Microsoft Azure data services.. Based on DP-900. Pass mark is 700.
Sitting the exam
The part nobody publishes in a syllabus. For DP-900 the logistics are study strategy: what you are allowed to read while the clock runs changes how you should practise, and what a second attempt costs changes when you should book.
How it is marked
- You need to achieve a score of 700 or higher in order to pass the exam.
Read off the official exam page on 10 September 2026. Rules change without notice, so confirm anything you are about to spend money on.
What the exam covers
Microsoft publishes the objectives but not a weight for each one, so treat these as equally likely to come up.
Course content
13 topics
1. Foundational Data Concepts
Understanding what data is, how it can be represented, and the fundamental difference between relational and non-relational data
2. Data Workload Types
Understanding transactional workloads (OLTP) versus analytical workloads (OLAP) and their characteristics
3. Ways to Represent Data
- Describe ways to represent data
4. Data Storage Options
- Identify options for data storage
5. Common Data Workloads
- Describe common data workloads
6. Data Roles and Responsibilities
- Identify roles and responsibilities for data workloads
7. Relational Concepts
- Describe relational concepts
8. Azure Relational Data Services
- Describe relational Azure data services
9. Azure Storage Capabilities
- Describe the capabilities of Azure storage
10. Azure Cosmos DB Capabilities and Features
- Describe the capabilities and features of Azure Cosmos DB
11. Large-Scale Analytics Elements
- Describe common elements of large-scale analytics
12. Real-Time Data Analytics
- Describe considerations for real-time data analytics
13. Data Visualization in Power BI
- Describe data visualization in Microsoft Power BI
What to know before you start
- Familiarity with the concepts of relational and non-relational data
- Understanding of different types of data workloads such as transactional or analytical
Other Microsoft certifications
All Microsoft certificationsFrequently asked questions
How much does the DP-900 exam cost?
Fee on Microsoft's site, and worth checking there before you book.
How long is the DP-900 exam?
45 minutes. Not published in the certifying body’s exam page snippet; the page identifies it as an exam for demonstrating knowledge of core data concepts and Microsoft Azure data services..
How many questions are on the DP-900 exam?
Not published in the certifying body’s exam page snippet; the page identifies it as an exam for demonstrating knowledge of core data concepts and Microsoft Azure data services.. The sitting is 45 minutes long. Check the current count with Microsoft before you book.
How long is DP-900 valid?
It does not expire, so there is no renewal date to plan for.
Is the DP-900 exam hands-on?
No. It is a written exam, so the skill it tests is recognising the right design or command rather than executing it under time pressure.
What is on the DP-900 exam?
4 objectives: Describe core data concepts, Identify considerations for relational data on Azure, Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure, Describe an analytics workload on Azure. Microsoft does not publish a weight per objective.
What should I know before starting DP-900?
Familiarity with the concepts of relational and non-relational data. Understanding of different types of data workloads such as transactional or analytical.
Exam details from Microsoft, checked August 2026. Always confirm on their page before booking.
What learners say about Acelro
About Acelro rather than the DP-900 exam: what learners made of the gap analysis, the roadmap and the projects.
“The roadmap makes me focus on a learning curve, no matter the length.”
“Acelro has been really great for me, an inspiring experience. I've gained a lot of confidence doing projects I thought were rocket science.”
“The gap analysis maps your actual skills against what the current job market is asking for. Nobody else made it that clear where I stood.”