Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900)
Entry-level Microsoft Azure certification covering relational, non-relational, big data and analytics fundamentals on Azure.
- Exam fee
- $99
- Typical salary
- $80K–$105K
DP‑900 is a solid stepping stone for beginners who want to prove basic Azure data knowledge. If you already have deep data engineering experience, a more advanced certification may be a better use of time.
What DP-900 covers
Entry-level data certification covering relational/non-relational data, big data, and analytics on Azure.
Key topics covered: Relational data concepts, Azure SQL services, Non-relational data on Azure, Analytics workloads, Data visualization basics.
Best suited for: Beginners interested in data engineering, database administration, or analytics on Azure.
Common career paths: Junior Data Analyst, Data Engineer Trainee, Business Intelligence Analyst.
DP-900 exam details
Exam domains
- Relational data concepts
- Azure SQL services
- Non-relational data on Azure
- Analytics workloads
- Data visualization basics
At a glance
- Exam fee
- $99
How to prepare for DP-900
| Stage | What to do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understand the certification outline Read the official DP‑900 exam description and note the main domains that will be tested. | Week 1 |
| 2 | Learn core data concepts on Azure Study relational and non‑relational data fundamentals, Azure SQL services, and basic big‑data concepts using Microsoft Learn modules. | Week 2‑3 |
| 3 | Hands‑on practice Create simple Azure resources, load sample data, and run basic queries and visualizations to cement the theory. | Week 4 |
| 4 | Review and fill gaps Re‑visit any weak areas, use practice quizzes, and ensure you can explain each topic in plain language. | Week 5 |
| 5 | Timed practice exam Take a full‑length practice test under exam conditions to gauge readiness and adjust study focus. | Week 6 |
Jobs and salary with DP-900
People holding this certification commonly report pay around $80K–$105K. Pay depends heavily on role, location and total experience. See the salary breakdown.
Roles this certification supports
DP-900 questions answered
What is the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) certification?
Entry-level Microsoft Azure certification covering relational, non-relational, big data and analytics fundamentals on Azure. It is issued by Microsoft and sits in the Data & AI field.
Is Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) hard?
Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) is rated Beginner. Most candidates can prepare without prior professional experience in the field.
How much does the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) exam cost?
The listed exam fee is $99. Fees vary by country and change over time, so confirm the current price with Microsoft before you book.
What salary can I expect with Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900)?
Professionals with Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) commonly report pay in the $80K–$105K range. Actual pay depends on role, location and total experience.
How should I prepare for Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900)?
Start with the official exam outline, build hands-on practice for each domain, then finish with timed practice questions. The study plan on this page breaks this into steps.
Alternatives to DP-900
| Certification | Vendor | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer | Google Cloud | Advanced |
| Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) | Microsoft | Beginner |
| AWS Machine Learning Specialty (MLS-C01) | Amazon Web Services | Advanced |
| IBM Data Science Professional Certificate | IBM | Beginner |
| IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate | IBM | Beginner |