How hard is DP-900? +
DP-900 is an entry-level exam, but it is broader than many expect. Describing an analytics workload is 25-30%, covering Microsoft Fabric, Azure Databricks, streaming and Power BI. Similar-sounding services, such as Blob Storage, Azure Files, Table Storage and Cosmos DB APIs, or the three Azure SQL deployment options, make 'which one fits?' questions harder than they look.
What is the DP-900 exam format? +
DP-900 is a short exam of about 45 minutes, proctored online or at a Pearson VUE center. Expect multiple choice, drag-and-drop and similar item types. Fundamentals exams typically have fewer questions than associate exams. Check the Microsoft Learn page for current details. Because there are fewer questions, a single weak skill area has a bigger effect on your result.
What is the DP-900 passing score? +
You need 700 on Microsoft's scaled 1 to 1000 scale. That is not 70% correct, since items are weighted differently. Your score report shows performance by skill area: core data concepts, relational data, non-relational data and analytics workloads. Use that breakdown to target any retake.
How much does DP-900 cost and does it expire? +
Fundamentals exams cost $99 in the US, and pricing varies by country. Azure Data Fundamentals does not expire and needs no renewal. There are no prerequisites. It is optional - you do not need it before taking an associate exam such as DP-300 or DP-700.
What changed in the latest DP-900 update? +
The skills measured were updated on July 21, 2026, with changes to representing data, Azure storage capabilities and real-time analytics. Older practice questions may emphasize areas that have since moved. Check your materials against the current study guide on Microsoft Learn. Microsoft Learn's free learning path is updated to match the outline.
How long should I study for DP-900, and can I retake it? +
Most candidates need 1-3 weeks. Spend extra time on analytics and on telling similar storage options apart. If you fail a Microsoft exam, you can retake it after 24 hours. After that, each further retake requires a 14-day wait, with a maximum of five attempts in any 12-month period.