Start your cloud Certification with Azure Fundamentals, Here's how!
Tags: azure, cloud, career, certification
Published: 2020-07-02 18:39:00


# *The global cloud computing market is expected to reach $623.3 billion by 2023.*
<div style="text-align:right;"><a href="https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/cloud-computing-market.asp">source</a></div>

**Hope** you are doing well and staying safe amidst the Covid19 pandemic. Though it has generated lots of professional and personal challenges it has also provided an opportunity to improve your skill sets. Cloud computing is an area that has been consistently growing and has a lot potential with global markets expected to reach $623.3 billion by 2023. 

Though AWS has a leading market share, Azure has been consistently growing in the enterprise space. Read [more](https://techcrunch.com/2020/01/29/microsoft-shares-rise-after-it-beats-revenue-profit-expectations-azure-posts-62-growth/). 


Let’s start with understanding Azure 

## What is Azure?

Azure is a Microsoft’s cloud offering—with solutions including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) that can be used for services such as analytics, virtual computing, storage, networking, and much more. It can be used to replace or supplement your on-premise servers.

## What is Azure Fundamentals Certification?
Azure Fundamentals is a beginner’s level certification to prove your knowledge of cloud concepts, core Azure services, Azure pricing, SLA and lifecycle and the fundamentals of cloud security, privacy, compliance and trust. This certification aims at both technical and non-technical audiences who are beginning their cloud journey.

## Why should you consider taking the exam?
Microsoft certification exams are a great way to build your resume and let the world know about your level of expertise.

Azure Fundamentals is a great way to start the Azure Certification if you are in a non-technical role like sales or marketing.

Also, if you are in technical role and planning to take Azure Developer, Architect or Administrator certifications, it helps to familiarize you to the test environment and formats, which will give you confidence while attempting those exams.

## What should you prepare?

* Cloud concepts **(15-20%)**
* Core Azure services **(30-35%)**
* Security, privacy, compliance, and trust **(25-30%)**
* Azure pricing Service Level Agreements, and Lifecycles **(20-25%)**

Visit [Microsoft's Learn](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/exams/az-900) for latest curriculum changes.

Download exam [skills outline](
https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RE3VwUY).


# How to prepare for the exam?

I recommend starting with Microsoft’s self-paced learning course. Available [here](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/azure-fundamentals/).

It’s a 9+ hour gamified course with videos and text content.  It is the most updated content and has knowledge check under each module which is helpful in clearing your concepts and gives you sneak peek on the type of questions to be expected.

  **Tip**: *Review the knowledge check questions a day before the exam, you may get lucky and get a few similar questions.* 


I also recommend *Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Exam Reference* by Jim Cheshire. I just skimmed through a few chapters as I was short on time, but it has apt and concise content with helpful tips for the exam.

* [Read here](https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/exam-ref-az-900/9780135732199/cover.xhtml)
* [Buy Here](https://www.amazon.com/Exam-AZ-900-Microsoft-Azure-Fundamentals/dp/0135732182)

There are also other courses available on [Pluralsight](https://app.pluralsight.com/library/), [Udemy](https://www.udemy.com/course/az900-azure/), [Oriely](https://learning.oreilly.com/videos/microsoft-az-900-certification/10009AZ900454545), [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=azure+fundamentals+az-900) and [more](https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/azure-fundamentals-course-az900/).


# Test Format

* It’s a one-and-a-half-hour test.
* You get 30-40 multiple choice questions. 
* The questions may span different formats like 
  * Single correct answer, 
  * Multiple correct answers, 
  * Correct option matching, 
  * Fill in the correct options, and likewise.
  
To clear the exam, you must score **700/1000** *(Note: it’s not 70%, Microsoft uses a proprietary algorithm to arrive at the score)*.


# Ready to schedule your exam? 

You can schedule your exam [here](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/exams/az-900).

Microsoft is launching a **special discount** for people affected by Covid19

*"Job seekers who have completed training for these Microsoft-specific technical roles and can attest that they have been unemployed or furloughed due to COVID-19 can secure an industry-recognized Microsoft Certification at a __discounted fee of USD15__. Testing candidates will have the ability to schedule an exam between __September 2020 and December 31, 2020__ and will have until March 31, 2021 to appear for and complete the exam. [More](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/skillingoffer)."*


Discounts are also available for **students, instructors & Microsoft Conference participants**. You should also check with your employer for corporate discounts or test vouchers.

# Taking the exam
You have an option to take the exam at PearsonVue test center or you may choose to take the exam at your home or office.

I took the exam online at my home. Below listed are a few things you should keep in mind before scheduling an online exam
1. Ensure you have a good internet connection, a working mic and a webcam on your system.
2. Do run a system [precheck](https://systemcheck.proctorcam.com/systemcheck?candidateId=275463246) before you schedule the exam.
3.	You should have a valid Govt Identification. 
4.	Prepare your environment.
    * Remove any notes/books from your test area.
    * Remove any electronics like extra screens, monitors etc. 
    * Ensure no one disturbs you while you are taking the test.

**Tip**: *Make sure you attempt all the questions as there is no penalty for a wrong answers.*

You will get your **score** right after completing your test and the transcripts are sent via email. Also, you get a link to claim your Azure Fundamentals Badge via [acclaim](https://www.youracclaim.com/). 

Before I go, All the best! Please reach out if you have any queries or feedback. 
Do let me know how it goes!!!

![Alt Text](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/i/isg3b92wqq7pazxw4rn0.jpg)