DP-900 Study Guide 2026

DP-900 Study Guide Introduction

DP-900 is the Microsoft Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals exam. In 2026, it covers four domains: Describe core data concepts (25–30%), Identify considerations for relational data on Azure (20–25%), Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure (15–20%), and Describe an analytics workload on Azure (25–30%). A passing score of 700 on a scale of 100-1000 is required. Pricing is typically $99 USD, but this varies based on the exam’s proctoring location. A typical preparation window is 1–2 weeks, depending on your familiarity with technology. The recommended study path is the official Microsoft Learn learning path, which covers all exam objectives, followed by the free official practice assessment. As a fundamentals certification, it does not expire. This guide details official resources, including the study guide, scheduling pages, and exam policies.

Introduction: What is the DP-900 and Why Does It Matter?

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals certification, validated by the DP-900 exam, is your official entry point into the world of data in the cloud. This certification is designed for everyone, from technical professionals to business stakeholders. It proves that you have a solid, foundational understanding of core data concepts, the different kinds of data workloads, and how they are implemented using Microsoft Azure data services.

This exam solves a critical problem in the modern workplace: the data literacy gap. As every company becomes a data company, a shared understanding of data is no longer optional. Earning the DP-900 demonstrates that you can speak the language of data. It shows you understand the difference between relational and non-relational data, the fundamentals of data analytics, and the purpose of key Azure services. It’s the perfect first step for anyone looking to build a career in data, participate in data-driven projects, or simply make more informed business decisions in a world powered by information.

Quick Facts & Exam Details

Is This Certification Right for You? (Target Audience)

The DP-900 is designed for a very broad audience and is the ideal starting point for anyone interested in data. This certification is a great fit for you if you are:

• A business user or stakeholder who needs to understand the data services your organization uses to make better strategic decisions.
• A student or career changer looking to enter the high-growth fields of data analysis, data engineering, or data science.
• An IT professional (like a developer or administrator) who wants to build a foundational knowledge of Azure’s data offerings before specializing further or using this knowledge to explore related IT fields like cybersecurity.
• An aspiring data professional who plans to pursue more advanced certifications like the DP-300 (Database Administrator) or PL-300 (Power BI Data Analyst).

Exam Blueprint: Skills You’ll Be Tested On

The DP-900 exam tests your conceptual knowledge across four key domains that represent the major data workloads on Azure.

• Describe core data concepts (25–30%)
  This domain is the foundation for everything else. You will need to describe common data workloads, understand the core roles and responsibilities in a data team, and be able to clearly explain fundamental concepts like relational, non-relational, and semi-structured data.
• Identify considerations for relational data on Azure (20–25%)
  Here, you’ll focus on traditional, structured data. This involves describing relational data concepts, understanding normalization and SQL, and identifying the different Azure services for relational data, such as Azure SQL Database, Managed Instance, and SQL Server on Azure VMs.
• Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure (15–20%)
  This domain covers modern, flexible data types. You must be able to describe the capabilities of non-relational data and identify the core Azure services for it, including Azure Cosmos DB, Blob Storage, File Storage, and Table Storage.
• Describe an analytics workload on Azure (25–30%)
  This section focuses on turning raw data into insight. It tests your knowledge of data warehousing, analytics, and business intelligence. You will need to identify the components of a modern data warehouse, describe data ingestion and processing with Azure Data Factory and understand how data is visualized with Microsoft Power BI.

Your Strategic Study Plan for Success

Passing a fundamentals exam is about building a broad, not necessarily deep, understanding. A focused and efficient approach is best.

Phase 1: Build Your Foundation with Microsoft Learn (Week 1)

• The Official Learning Path is Your Guide: Your single most important resource is the free Microsoft Learn learning path for DP-900. This collection of modules is designed by Microsoft and covers every single topic on the exam blueprint. Work through it methodically.
• Focus on Concepts, Not Configuration: Remember, this is a “what is it” and “why would you use it” exam, not a “how do you configure it” exam. For each Azure service, focus on its primary purpose and the type of business problem it is designed to solve.

Phase 2: Reinforce and Validate (Week 2)

• Review Your Notes: After completing the learning path, review the key concepts. A great technique is to make a simple table comparing the different Azure data services (e.g., Azure SQL DB vs. Managed Instance vs. SQL on VM) and their key use cases.
• Take the Official Practice Assessment: Microsoft Learn provides a free Practice Assessment for DP-900. This is the most accurate way to gauge your readiness, identify any weak areas, and get comfortable with the exam’s question style. For those who want to explore a wider variety of questions, supplementing with other Microsoft exam resources can also be beneficial.
• Analyze Your Results: After taking the practice assessment, carefully review the explanation for every question. This is a crucial learning step that will fill in any remaining knowledge gaps.

Career and Salary Opportunities

While the DP-900 is a foundational certification, it adds significant value to a wide range of roles and serves as a critical stepping stone.

• Market Value: Data literacy is becoming a required skill in almost every professional role. This certification demonstrates that you have this literacy and can make you a more valuable team member in any project that involves data. It strengthens the resume for roles like Business Analyst, Project Coordinator, and entry-level Data Analyst.
• Salary Expectations: For roles where data literacy is becoming a key skill:
  • According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for an IT Business Analyst in the US is approximately $85,000.
  • Glassdoor reports the estimated total pay for a Data Analyst is around $77,000 per year.
    Holding the DP-900 can make you a more competitive candidate for these roles and is the first step toward the more advanced certifications that lead to higher salaries.

Exam Logistics: Policies You Need to Know

• Retake Policy: If you do not pass on your first attempt, you must wait 24 hours before retaking it. For any subsequent attempts, a 14-day waiting period is imposed. You may not take the same exam more than five times in a 12-month period. You can review the full exam retake policy.
• Certification Validity & Renewal: As a fundamentals-level certification, the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals certification does not expire. No renewal is necessary.
• Scheduling: You can schedule your exam to be taken at a testing center or online via the official Microsoft certification website.

Practical FAQs & Common Challenges

How much technical or hands-on experience is necessary for this exam?

None is required. The DP-900 is a conceptual exam. It tests your knowledge of data terms, principles, and the purpose of various Azure data services. You will not be asked to write code, use a command line, or configure anything in the Azure portal.

Which topics do most candidates find the most challenging?

The biggest challenge for newcomers is often differentiating between the various, similar-sounding Azure services. For example, you must have a clear understanding of the specific use cases for Azure SQL Database vs. Azure SQL Managed Instance vs. SQL Server on an Azure VM. Making flashcards or a comparison chart for these is a very effective study technique.

Should I take the AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) before attempting this one?

It can be helpful but is not required. The AZ-900 provides a broad overview of the entire Azure platform (compute, networking, etc.), while the DP-900 focuses specifically on the data services. If you are brand new to cloud computing, the AZ-900 is a great place to start. If you are already comfortable with cloud concepts and just want to learn about data, you can go directly to the DP-900.

Is this exam enough to get a job as a Data Analyst?

No. The DP-900 is the foundational first step that proves your conceptual knowledge. To get a job as a Data Analyst, you would typically need to prove your hands-on skills, which would involve earning a certification like the PL-300 (Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst) and building a portfolio of projects.

How long should I realistically study for this exam?

For most individuals with a general familiarity with technology, 1-2 weeks of focused study is a very realistic timeline. If you are completely new to IT concepts, you might plan for 3-4 weeks.

What are the official prerequisites for this certification?

There are no official prerequisites. The exam is open to anyone, regardless of their technical background.

What is the difference between relational and non-relational data?

This is a core concept for the exam. In simple terms, relational data is structured, like a table in Excel with fixed columns and rows (e.g., a list of customers with columns for name, address, and phone number). Non-relational data is flexible and doesn’t have a rigid structure; examples include JSON documents, images, and text files. Knowing this distinction is key to choosing the right Azure service.

Conclusion: Your Next Step

The DP-900 certification is the perfect, low-pressure way to begin your journey into the world of data on Microsoft Azure. It provides a comprehensive overview of the core concepts, builds your confidence, and gives you an official credential to prove your foundational knowledge. By following the official Microsoft Learn path and validating your skills with the practice assessment, you are setting yourself up for a successful exam experience. As you plan your future career steps, using a dedicated certification preparation platform can help you tackle more advanced credentials.”

Your path to becoming a data-literate professional starts here. Take that first step by visiting the official Exam DP-900 page on Microsoft Learn to review the skills outline and begin the free learning path.