📋 2026 Edition · Updated November 2026

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) Study Guide 2026

Q: How long does it take to prepare for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) exam?

Most candidates with relevant background take 4-8 weeks studying 1-2 hours daily. Beginners may need longer depending on their current knowledge and experience.

Q: What is included in the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) study guide?

The study guide covers the exam syllabus, domain-wise topics, study roadmap, preparation strategy, exam tips and links to practice, mock exams, readiness testing and other preparation resources.

Q: Is this Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) study guide enough to pass the exam?

The study guide is designed to organize your preparation around the exam syllabus and domains. Candidates should also use practice questions and timed simulations to test their ability to apply what they have learned.

Q: Can beginners use this Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) study guide?

Yes. The guide can be used to understand the exam domains, identify the topics to study and follow a structured preparation roadmap.

Q: How many practice questions should I do?

There is no universal number that guarantees readiness. Focus on understanding why answers are correct or incorrect and use timed practice to identify gaps in your preparation.

Q: How can I identify my weak areas?

Use the Edureify readiness diagnostic to assess your preparation and identify weaker exam domains before deciding where to spend additional study time.

Complete exam coverage for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900): syllabus, domains, key topics, study plan and practical exam preparation strategy.

40-60

Questions

45 min

Duration

700

Passing score

Domains

Start Practice Test & Get My Study Plan Take Readiness Diagnostic

Your readiness score - take the free diagnostic to unlock your personalised analysis

Overall readiness (locked)

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

Run 10-Minute Free Diagnostic →

Exam at a Glance

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) Exam Overview

Key facts about the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) exam structure, format and scoring.

🆔

azure-data-fundamentals-dp-900

Exam code

📝

40-60 questions

Total questions

⏱

45 minutes

Duration

🎯

700

Passing score

📋

4 domains

Exam domains

🏆

Certification

Credential type

ℹ️

Scoring method: Microsoft reports results on a scaled score from 1 to 1,000, and 700 or greater is required to pass; the scaled score is not a percentage of questions answered correctly, and items may carry different weights. Microsoft does not publish the split of scored and unscored items. Results are normally shown when the exam ends, with a score report showing performance by skill area; beta exam results are released later.. The exam may include unscored pilot questions - treat every question seriously.

Focus Areas

What should you study for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) exam?

Start with the domains that make up the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) exam. Use the detailed syllabus below to work through the individual topics.

⚠️

Common mistake: Candidates often memorise terminology but struggle with scenario-based questions. Focus on when to use what, not just what exists.

🔐

Describe core data concepts (29%)

Ways to represent and store data, common data workloads, and data roles.

🏗

Identify considerations for relational data on Azure (24%)

Relational concepts and the Azure relational database services.

⚡

Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure (18%)

Azure Storage capabilities and Azure Cosmos DB features and APIs.

💰

Describe an analytics workload (29%)

Large-scale and real-time analytics and data visualization with Power BI.

Full Syllabus

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) Exam Syllabus and Topics

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) exam is divided into 4 domains. Each domain covers specific skills and topics. Expand a domain to see the detailed syllabus.

Data Representation and Storage

Structured, semi-structured and unstructured data

Common data file formats

Common data stores including databases

Azure datastores for common use cases

Data Workloads and Roles

Transactional workloads

Analytical workloads

Database administrator responsibilities

Data engineer and data analyst responsibilities

~18 questions

29 marks

29% of exam weight

Relational Concepts

Features of relational data

Normalization

Common SQL statements

Common database objects

Relational Azure Data Services

Azure SQL Database

Azure SQL Managed Instance

SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines

Azure Database for PostgreSQL and MySQL

~14 questions

24 marks

24% of exam weight

Azure Storage

Azure Blob Storage

Azure Files

Azure Table Storage

Choosing a storage option

Azure Cosmos DB

Cosmos DB use cases

NoSQL API

MongoDB, PostgreSQL, Cassandra, Gremlin and Table APIs

Global distribution basics

~11 questions

18 marks

18% of exam weight

Large-Scale Analytics

Data ingestion and processing considerations

Analytical data stores such as data warehouses and lakehouses

Microsoft Fabric

Azure Databricks

Real-Time Analytics

Batch vs. streaming data

Microsoft cloud services for real-time analytics

Real-Time Intelligence in Microsoft Fabric

Event processing concepts

Data Visualization in Power BI

Power BI capabilities

Data models in Power BI

Choosing appropriate visualizations

Reports and dashboards

~17 questions

29 marks

29% of exam weight

Study Plan

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) Structured Study Roadmap

Choose a preparation timeline based on how much time you have available. For a plan based on your actual readiness and weak domains, use the personalised Edureify study experience. Get My Training Plan →

Weeks 1-2

Core Services + Highest-Weighted Domain

Deep-dive into the most heavily tested domain. Spend more time here when its exam weight is significantly higher.

Official exam guideDomain 1 completeCore conceptsPractice questions

Week 3

Domain 2 - Hands-on Practice

Focus on scenario-based study and reinforce concepts through practical application where applicable.

Domain 2Scenario walkthroughsHands-on practicePractice questions

Week 4

Domain 3 - Deeper Concepts

Work through complex concepts and decision scenarios.

Domain 3Scenario drillsPractice examReview

Week 5

Remaining Domains + Weak Area Targeting

Identify your weaker domains and spend focused time closing those gaps.

Remaining domainsDiagnosticTargeted reviewStudy notes

Week 6

Full Simulations + Final Preparation

Use timed simulations to test your preparation and review the reasoning behind incorrect answers.

Full mock examsWrong-answer reviewFinal reviewExam logistics

Exam Strategy

Tips to pass Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) on your first attempt

Practical advice for applying what you know, managing questions and preparing for exam conditions.

🗓

Analytics workloads (25-30%) weigh as much as core data concepts, so study Microsoft Fabric, Azure Databricks, streaming and Power BI, not only databases.

🔍

Build a comparison table of Azure SQL Database, SQL Managed Instance and SQL Server on Azure VMs, and of Blob, Files, Table Storage and Cosmos DB.

⏭

Use materials aligned to the July 21, 2026 outline, which revised data representation, Azure storage and real-time analytics objectives.

📊

The exam allows 45 minutes; with relatively few questions, one weak area can decide the result.

🔁

You need 700 on a 1-1,000 scaled score; Microsoft Learn's free DP-900 learning path tracks the current outline.

Recommended Resources

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) Study Resources

Use a focused set of resources alongside the study guide rather than trying to study from everything available.

Official

Official Exam Guide

Start with the authoritative exam objectives and blueprint.

→ Vendor website

Practice Tests

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) Practice Test

Practice questions with explanations and domain-level performance analysis.

→ Start free practice test

Mock Exam

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) Mock Exam

Timed preparation under realistic exam-style conditions.

→ Take free mock exam

Training

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) Certification Training

Structured preparation with personalised learning support and adaptive practice.

→ Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) certification online training

AI Tutor

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) AI Tutor

Get help understanding concepts and work on weak areas with AI-powered learning support.

→ Try Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) AI tutor

Reference

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) Cheat Sheet

Quick-reference summaries for final revision.

→ Get free cheat sheet

Diagnostic

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) Readiness Test

Assess your preparation and identify weaker exam domains.

→ Check my readiness

⚠️

Avoid brain dumps. Sites selling real or stolen exam questions may violate certification-provider rules and can leave candidates studying outdated material.

Reviews

What candidates say after passing

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900)

How long does it take to prepare for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) exam?

Most candidates with relevant background can structure their preparation over several weeks, depending on their existing knowledge, available study time and exam difficulty. Use the study roadmap above as a starting point and use the readiness diagnostic to identify where you need more preparation.

What is included in the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) study guide?

The guide covers the exam overview, domains, detailed syllabus and topics, study roadmap, exam preparation tips and links to practice, mock, readiness, cheat-sheet, AI Tutor and training resources.

Is this Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) study guide enough to pass the exam?

The guide is designed to organize your preparation around the exam syllabus. You should combine it with practice questions and timed simulations so that you can test both your knowledge and your ability to apply it.

Can beginners use this Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) study guide?

Yes. Start with the exam overview and domain breakdown, then work through the detailed topics using the study roadmap. Candidates with less experience may need additional time for foundational concepts.

How can I identify my weak areas?

Take the Edureify readiness diagnostic to assess your preparation and identify the domains where you need to focus more.

How does AI improve my preparation?

Edureify AI can help explain concepts, identify weaker areas from practice performance and support a more personalised preparation process.

Ready to prepare for Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900)?

Find your weak areas and build a more focused preparation plan.

Start My Free Diagnostic →

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Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) Study Guide 2026

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) Exam Overview

What should you study for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) exam?

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) Exam Syllabus and Topics

Know if you'll pass Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) before exam day

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) Structured Study Roadmap

Tips to pass Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) on your first attempt

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) Study Resources

What candidates say after passing

Frequently asked questions about Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900)

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