How Hard is the AZ-900 Exam? A Comprehensive Guide for South African Candidates
Introduction
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) exam is an entry-level certification that validates a candidate’s foundational knowledge of cloud computing concepts and Microsoft Azure services. It is designed for individuals who are new to cloud computing or those who want to enhance their understanding of Azure. While the exam is not particularly difficult, it requires a solid grasp of the core concepts and a thorough preparation strategy. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the AZ-900 exam, including its difficulty level, exam format, and tips for successful preparation.
Exam Difficulty Level
The AZ-900 exam is generally considered to be an easy to moderate-level exam. However, the difficulty level can vary depending on the candidate’s prior knowledge and experience with cloud computing and Azure. Candidates with a strong understanding of IT fundamentals and some exposure to cloud concepts will likely find the exam relatively straightforward. Those who are new to cloud computing may need to invest more time in preparation.
Exam Format
The AZ-900 exam consists of 40-60 multiple-choice questions. The questions are divided into four domains, each covering a different aspect of cloud computing and Azure:
- Cloud Concepts (35-45%)
- Core Azure Services (30-40%)
- Security, Privacy, Compliance, and Trust (20-30%)
- Azure Pricing and Support (5-10%)
Candidates have 60 minutes to complete the exam.
Exam Content
The AZ-900 exam covers a wide range of topics related to cloud computing and Azure, including:
- Cloud Concepts:
- Definition and benefits of cloud computing
- Cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Cloud deployment models (public, private, hybrid)
- Core Azure Services:
- Azure compute services (virtual machines, containers)
- Azure storage services (blob storage, file storage)
- Azure networking services (virtual networks, load balancers)
- Azure database services (SQL Database, Cosmos DB)
- Security, Privacy, Compliance, and Trust:
- Azure security features (identity and access management, encryption)
- Azure privacy and compliance standards
- Azure trust center
- Azure Pricing and Support:
- Azure pricing models
- Azure support options
Preparation Tips
To prepare effectively for the AZ-900 exam, candidates should follow these tips:
- Understand the Exam Objectives: Review the official Microsoft exam objectives to ensure that you are familiar with the topics covered on the exam.
- Study the Official Microsoft Learning Path: Microsoft provides a comprehensive learning path that covers all the exam objectives. This path includes online courses, videos, and hands-on labs.
- Use Practice Tests: Take practice tests to assess your knowledge and identify areas where you need additional study. Microsoft offers free practice tests on its website.
- Join Study Groups: Collaborate with other candidates to discuss exam topics and share study materials.
- Attend Training Courses: Consider attending instructor-led training courses to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts.
- Hands-on Experience: If possible, gain hands-on experience with Azure services through a free Azure account or trial subscription.
Exam Availability in South Africa
The AZ-900 exam is available in South Africa through Pearson VUE testing centers. Candidates can schedule their exam online or by phone. The exam fee is $99 USD.
Conclusion
The AZ-900 exam is an accessible and valuable certification for individuals who are new to cloud computing or those who want to enhance their understanding of Azure. While the exam is not particularly difficult, it requires a solid grasp of the core concepts and a thorough preparation strategy. By following the tips outlined in this guide, candidates can increase their chances of success and achieve their Azure certification goals.