Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- 451 questions
- Expert-level explanations
- Simulation exam mode
- Customized exam mode
- Pass-or-money-back guarantee
- Last updated: 10/18/2025
As we stand at the threshold of 2026, the cloud is no longer just "someone else’s computer." It has evolved into a global AI Agent Factory. Whether you are a technical pro or a business leader, the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) is the essential benchmark for anyone looking to navigate this new era.
At CertVista, we’ve updated this guide to reflect the official January 14, 2026 Microsoft Exam Refresh, ensuring you aren't studying outdated 2024 concepts.
Our team's perspective: why AZ-900 is non-negotiable in 2026
The job market has undergone a massive shift. In 2024, "Cloud Literate" was a bonus; in 2026, "AI-Cloud Literate" is the baseline.
The CertVista Insight: We’ve noticed a 40% increase in non-technical roles (Marketing, HR, and Sales) taking the AZ-900. Why? Because you cannot govern or sell AI solutions if you don’t understand the Entra ID security or CapEx/OpEx models that power them.
The January 2026 exam refresh: what's new?
Microsoft has officially streamlined the AZ-900 objectives to focus more on benefits and real-world usage rather than raw theory. If your current study guide still mentions "Azure Active Directory," put it down—it’s obsolete.
Updated exam domains & weighting
| Domain | Weight | 2026 Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Describe Cloud Concepts | 25–30% | FinOps, Sustainability, & Consumption-based models. |
| Azure Architecture & Services | 35–40% | Microsoft Fabric, AI Agents, & Azure Arc. |
| Azure Management & Governance | 30–35% | Microsoft Purview, Zero Trust, & Entra ID. |
2026 cloud titan comparison: choosing your ecosystem
In 2026, the choice between Azure, AWS, and Google comes down to your "AI Philosophy."
| Feature | Microsoft Azure (AZ-900) | AWS (Cloud Practitioner) | Google Cloud (Digital Leader) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Market Share | ~25% (High Enterprise Growth) | ~31% (Market Leader) | ~11% (Niche/Data Focus) |
| AI Flagship | Azure AI Foundry (GPT-4o) | Amazon Bedrock (Claude) | Vertex AI (Gemini 2.0) |
| Best For... | Enterprise, AI Agents & Hybrid | Startups & Massive Scale | Data Science & ML Research |
| Renewal | Free (Annual Online Quiz) | Paid (Full Exam Every 3 yrs) | Paid (Full Exam Every 3 yrs) |
The real value: why it's worth it now
By the end of 2025, cloud adoption has hit 80% of all enterprise workloads. The ROI for the AZ-900 has never been clearer:
- The Salary Bump: Entry-level Azure-certified roles in North America now average $94,500, while senior architects with this foundation reach $160k+.
- The "Filter" Effect: Most 2026 HR AI-recruiters are programmed to prioritize candidates who hold at least one foundational cloud credential.
- The "Entra" Advantage: Mastery of Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) is now the most sought-after skill in identity management.
Proprietary data: where students fail (2025-2026 data)
We’ve analyzed over 15,000 CertVista practice attempts to find the "Danger Zones":
- The "Shared Responsibility" Trap: 38% of students struggle with who manages the "Physical Network" in a SaaS model (Answer: Microsoft).
- Governance vs. Compliance: Many candidates confuse Azure Policy (enforcement) with Microsoft Purview (data governance).
- The Scenario Shift: In 2026, questions are rarely "What is a VM?" They are now: "Your company needs to move 50TB of data with zero downtime; which migration service should you use?"
Your 4-week study roadmap
- Week 1: Vocabulary & Concepts. Focus on CapEx vs OpEx and the 6 Benefits of Cloud (Scalability, Elasticity, etc.).
- Week 2: Core Services. Dive into the Azure Portal. Create a free account and look at Azure AI Foundry.
- Week 3: The Governance Pillar. Master Resource Groups, Locks, and Tags. Understand the Service Trust Portal.
- Week 4: CertVista Simulation. Take our practice exams. Focus on the Drag-and-Drop and Scenario question types.
Prepare with CertVista AZ-900
Don't walk into the testing center guessing. CertVista AZ-900 provides the only practice environment updated for the January 14, 2026 objectives.
- Scenario-Based Questions: Mirroring the 2026 difficulty level.
- Interactive Type Simulations: Master the "Hot Area" and "Drag-and-Drop" questions.
- Detailed Explanations: We don't just tell you the answer; we explain the architectural "Why."
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While Microsoft is retiring some Fundamentals (like MS-900 in March 2026), the AZ-900 is being refreshed and expanded as the core foundation for all Azure paths.
Microsoft’s 2026 policy remains: you can retake the exam 24 hours after the first attempt. However, we recommend a 7-day review period using our targeted "Weak Area" reports.
In the US, it is $99. However, many regions offer discounts based on local economy (as low as $55).
Pro-tip: Check for "Microsoft Virtual Training Days" to see if free vouchers are still available for your region.