Microsoft · Professional Certification · Foundational
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Crydd Score 83
Demand High
Career Value Moderate
Recognition High
AZ-900 at a glance
- Provider
- Microsoft
- Credential type
- Professional Certification
- Exam required
- Yes
- Category
- Cloud
- Level
- Foundational
- Cost
- $99
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Time to earn
- 2–4 weeks
- Validity
- Does not expire
- Format
- Proctored exam, 45 minutes
- Prerequisites
- None
What is AZ-900?
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification: cloud concepts, Azure's core architecture and services, and how Azure is managed and governed, including cost management, compliance and monitoring tools.
Skills it covers
- Cloud concepts
- Azure services overview
- Pricing
- Governance basics
Is AZ-900 worth it? The Crydd Verdict
CS 83Choose it if
You are new to cloud computing, or work alongside Azure teams in sales, support or management, and want a quick, recognised grounding before a technical Azure certification.
Consider alternatives if
You already administer cloud resources: go straight to AZ-104. If your organisation runs on AWS, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is the equivalent first step.
Why we say so
It is one of the most widely held cloud certifications, costs $99 and does not expire, which makes it a low-risk first credential; on its own it proves vocabulary rather than hands-on skill.
Market demand
Often listed as a nice-to-have for entry-level IT and cloud-adjacent roles; hiring for technical Azure roles looks for AZ-104 and above.
Where AZ-900 takes you
- Cloud Engineer
- IT Support Specialist
- Business Analyst
Career roadmaps show where this certification fits in each path. See the roadmaps.
Related certifications
Curated connections from the catalog — each labelled with how it relates to AZ-900, so you know why it’s here.
Careers AZ-900 leads to
The professional paths this certification genuinely serves — browse every relevant credential for each.
A sensible order
Where AZ-900 sits on the path — build up, then step on.
Recommended next after AZ-900
A step up on a shared path
