Exam Details
Microsoft · DP-900
Prepare for DP-900: Understand core data concepts, relational data, non-relational data, and analytics on Azure.
Overview
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FAQ
The DP-900 certification validates foundational knowledge of core data concepts and how they are implemented using Azure data services. This fundamentals-level exam is designed for business analysts, aspiring data engineers, and professionals exploring data careers. You'll understand relational and non-relational databases, analytics workloads, data visualization, and Azure data services like SQL Database, Cosmos DB, and Synapse Analytics. No technical experience is required. This cert is the starting point before pursuing DP-300, DP-700, or other data-focused certifications.
You're a fit for DP-900 if you:
Not sure if you're ready? Try a free sample quiz: 10 questions, instant results, identify weak areas.
| Domain | Weight | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| Describe core data concepts | 15–20% | Understand data types, relational vs non-relational, batch vs streaming, and basic data analytics concepts |
| Describe relational data on Azure | 20–25% | Know how Azure SQL Database and SQL Managed Instance work including tables, queries, and provisioning |
| Describe non-relational data on Azure | 15–20% | Understand Cosmos DB, blob storage, and table storage for non-relational workloads |
| Describe analytics workloads on Azure | 25–30% | Know how Synapse Analytics, Data Factory, Power BI, and real-time analytics work together |
You're probably ready if you can:
You might need more prep if:
If this feels too advanced:
If you know the basics but want to build confidence:
The DP-900 typically consists of 40–60 questions. As a Fundamentals-level exam, you are allotted 45–60 minutes for the assessment, with a total seat time of 85 minutes to allow for the NDA and instructions. The format includes multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and matching. Note that Fundamentals exams do not contain labs or complex case studies.
The passing score is a scaled score of 700 out of 1000. Microsoft uses a scaled scoring system to maintain fairness across different versions of the exam. To ensure you are hitting this target, ExamOS offers scenario-based practice quizzes that mirror the logic of the actual test, helping you identify which Azure data services best fit specific business needs.
The exam curriculum is balanced across four functional pillars. The current weightings are:
The AZ-900 covers the broad spectrum of Azure (compute, networking, security). The DP-900 is a specialized fundamentals exam that dives deep into Data Literacy. It focuses on the "how and where" of data storage and processing, making it essential for anyone moving into Data Engineering, Data Science, or Database Administration.
No. Microsoft’s "Open Book" feature is only available for Associate, Expert, and Specialty level exams. Because DP-900 is a Fundamentals exam, you must rely entirely on your memory for service names and technical definitions. You will not have access to any external documentation during the test.
The registration fee is $99 USD in the United States. Pricing varies by region and local taxes. Students can often receive a free exam voucher by verifying their academic status through the "Microsoft Learn for Educators" program or by attending a "Microsoft Virtual Training Day."
If you do not pass on your first attempt, you must wait 24 hours before rescheduling. For any subsequent attempts (up to five within a 12-month period), a 14-day waiting period is required. Each retake attempt requires a new registration fee.
Microsoft Fundamentals certifications do not expire. Once you earn the DP-900 badge, it remains on your transcript permanently and does not require an annual renewal assessment. It serves as a lifelong validation of your foundational cloud data knowledge.
There are no formal prerequisites. This exam is designed for:
After mastering the fundamentals, you should progress to a role-based Associate path: