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
- Cost
- 99 USD
- 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.
Where you sit it
- An exam proctor will oversee the session, and interactive tasks may be included.
How it is marked
- You need to achieve a score of 700 or higher in order to pass the exam.
If you do not pass
- A waiting period of 24 hours is required before attempting a failed exam for the second time.
- Subsequent retakes require a 14-day waiting period between all attempts up to five total.
- Candidates are restricted from taking any given exam more than five times in a 12-month span starting from the initial attempt.
- An individual who fails the exam five times becomes eligible to try again 12 months following the initial attempt date.
- Passing the exam prevents a candidate from retaking it unless the certification expires.
- Candidates must pay to retake the exam if applicable.
- Waivers for the retake waiting period are only granted if internet connectivity issues or equipment failures occurred and a Pearson VUE case was created.
Booking it
- Registrations can be scheduled through Pearson Vue or Certiport depending on student or educator status.
- Using a personal MSA account for registration is strongly recommended to prevent records from becoming unrecoverable if leaving an organization.
- The price is determined by the country or region where the exam proctoring takes place.
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
18 topics
1. Foundational Data Concepts
Understanding what data is, how it differs from information, and basic data terminology
2. Ways to Represent Data
- Describe ways to represent data
3. Introduction to Relational Data
Core relational database concepts including tables, rows, columns, and keys
4. Relational Data Relationships
Understanding how tables relate to each other and normalization principles
5. Relational Data Concepts
- Describe relational concepts
6. Introduction to Non-Relational Data
Core non-relational database concepts including NoSQL and key-value models
7. Non-Relational Data Models
Graph and column-family database models
8. Data Storage Options
- Identify options for data storage
9. Understanding Data Workloads
Distinguishing between transactional (OLTP) and analytical (OLAP) workloads
10. Common Data Workloads
- Describe common data workloads
11. Data Roles and Responsibilities
- Identify roles and responsibilities for data workloads
12. Relational Data Services on Azure
- Describe relational Azure data services
13. Azure Storage Capabilities
- Describe the capabilities of Azure storage
14. Azure Cosmos DB
- Describe the capabilities and features of Azure Cosmos DB
15. Large-Scale Analytics Elements
- Describe common elements of large-scale analytics
16. Real-Time Data Analytics
- Describe considerations for real-time data analytics
17. Data Visualization with Power BI
- Describe data visualization in Microsoft Power BI
18. Power BI Data Modeling
Creating and managing data models in 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?
99 USD. Confirm it on Microsoft's page before you book: exam fees change.
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.
DP-900 vs SC-900: what is the difference?
DP-900: 45 minutes, 99 USD, multiple choice, foundational level. SC-900: 45 minutes, 99 USD, multiple choice, foundational level. Both are Microsoft exams with their own guide on this site.
Exam details from Microsoft. 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.
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