Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) practice exam & study guide

Microsoft positions Data Fundamentals as validating foundational knowledge of core data concepts and how they are implemented using Microsoft Azure data services. It is a common starting point for people beginning to work with data in the cloud.

It covers describing data (structured, semi-structured, unstructured), relational data on Azure, non-relational data, and analytics workloads — enough to understand the roles of database administrators, data engineers, and data analysts and the services each uses.

DP-900 is a fundamentals exam, so it is one of the more approachable certifications: it tests understanding of concepts and which service fits a need rather than hands-on configuration. Most candidates find it accessible with a few weeks of study.

The main challenge is breadth of terminology — distinguishing relational from non-relational stores, transactional from analytical workloads, and knowing which Azure service matches a scenario. Practising scenario questions until those distinctions are automatic is the fastest route to a pass.

Microsoft does not fix a single public question count for DP-900; it typically presents roughly 40–60 questions in a mix of formats — multiple choice, multiple response, and drag-and-drop — within about 60 minutes of working time.

Our full-length practice mock uses a 65-question, 90-minute session so you can rehearse pacing under realistic time pressure before test day.

Microsoft scores DP-900 on a scale of 1 to 1,000, and the passing score is 700. That is a scaled score rather than a raw 70%, because Microsoft adjusts for question difficulty, and there is no penalty for wrong answers, so you should never leave a question blank. Our practice mock uses a 70% threshold to give you a comparable target.

The DP-900 exam fee is set by Microsoft and varies by region — check the Microsoft certification page for current pricing, and note that fundamentals certifications like this one do not expire. Everything on this hub is free.

Data Fundamentals is aimed at anyone beginning to work with data in the cloud — business users, students, and IT professionals who want a shared vocabulary for data concepts and Azure data services.

Microsoft recommends familiarity with the concepts of relational and non-relational data and different data workloads such as transactional and analytical. No coding or database-administration experience is required.

DP-900 is relevant for aspiring data analysts, data engineers, and database administrators, and for business roles that work alongside data teams. It is a foundation for role-based data certifications such as Azure Database Administrator and Azure Data Engineer.

How much any certification affects pay depends heavily on geography, seniority, and hands-on experience, so treat any single salary figure with caution. DP-900 is best viewed as a way to demonstrate foundational data literacy rather than a guaranteed raise on its own.

Most candidates need two to four weeks at roughly an hour a day. The most efficient path is to learn the four skill areas in order, drilling the topic quiz for each before moving on, then shift to full-length timed mocks in the final stretch.

Review every explanation, including for questions you answered correctly, because DP-900 distractors are built from plausible but incorrect data concepts or services. Use the per-domain results here to find and shore up your weakest area.

Study the four skill areas above, giving the most time to core data concepts and analytics workloads, then drill practice questions area by area. Every MockAPI question reveals a full explanation and tells you why each wrong answer is wrong — the fastest way to absorb the terminology this exam rewards.

When you can answer topic drills comfortably, move to a full-length timed mock to rehearse pacing. Use the glossary to nail service names, and aim to score consistently above the pass mark on mocks before you book.

Yes. Microsoft delivers DP-900 through Pearson VUE, so you can test at a physical Pearson VUE centre or online with remote proctoring (OnVUE). The online exam requires a private, quiet room, a clear workspace, a webcam and microphone, a stable connection, and government-issued photo ID, with a proctor monitoring you and a room scan before you start.

If you do not pass, Microsoft requires a 24-hour wait before a second attempt; after that, a 14-day wait applies between further attempts, with a limit of five attempts in a 12-month period, and each attempt needs its own registration.

After DP-900, common next steps include role-based data certifications such as the Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203 track) or Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300), which build on this foundation with hands-on skills.

If your interest is broader Azure, the AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals exam pairs well, and analytics-focused learners often continue toward Microsoft Fabric certifications. Pairing any of these with hands-on practice is what turns a certificate into a career.