MICROSOFT AZ-900 / EXAM FORMAT Know the Azure format.
Practice at the right pace.
Separate question count, assessment time, and scaled scoring so you can plan a useful AZ-900 practice session.
Published by PrepForCerts · Editorial responsibility and sources · Updated
How Many Questions Are on the Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Exam? Complete 2026 Guide
Quick answer and study context
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam contains 40-60 questions . You have 45 minutes to complete the exam, and you need a score of 700/1000 to pass. The exam includes multiple-choice and multiple-response questions, testing your knowledge across all certification domains. Understanding the exact structure helps you plan your time and preparation strategy effectively.
Wondering what to expect on the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam? This guide breaks down exactly how many questions you'll face, how much time you have, and what Azure AZ-900 score you need to pass.
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification from Microsoft validates your expertise in this field. This guide covers 40-60 questions across 45 minutes, the 700/1000 passing threshold, and strategic approaches for each question type. Whether you're scheduling your first attempt or retaking the exam, understanding format details helps optimize your preparation.
- Questions
- 40-60
- Time Limit
- 45 minutes
- Passing Score
- 700/1000
- Question Types
- multiple-choice
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) exam contains 40-60 questions with an 45-minute time limit and a passing score of 700/1000. AZ-900 is Microsoft's entry-level cloud certification requiring no prior cloud experience. It never expires with regional pricing; the earlier US list-price example was $99.
Check the current Microsoft event terms for free exam vouchers through virtual training days. AZ-900 introduces cloud foundations to learners across roles and serves as the gateway to role-based Azure certs like AZ-104 and AZ-305.
Domain Breakdown
| Domain | % | ~Questions | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Concepts | 25-30% | ~14 | IaaS/PaaS/SaaS, cloud benefits, public/private/hybrid |
| Azure Architecture & Services | 35-40% | ~19 | Regions, compute, networking, storage, databases |
| Azure Management & Governance | 30-35% | ~17 | Cost management, governance tools, monitoring, identity |
Question Types
- MC and multi-select: Standard knowledge tests
- Yes/No statement sets: 3 statements, all must be correct for credit
- Drag-and-drop: Match services to descriptions
- Case studies: Rare on AZ-900 but possible
AZ-900 vs. Alternatives
| Cert | Questions | Cost | Expires? |
|---|---|---|---|
| AZ-900 | 45 minutes | $99 | No |
| AWS Cloud Practitioner | 65 / 90 min | $100 | Yes (3 yrs) |
| Google Cloud CDL | 50-60 / 120 min | $99 | Yes (3 yrs) |
Must-Know Azure Services
| Category | Services |
|---|---|
| Compute | VMs, App Service, Functions, AKS, Container Instances |
| Networking | VNet, Load Balancer, VPN Gateway, ExpressRoute, CDN |
| Storage | Blob, File, Queue, Table, Data Lake |
| Identity | Entra ID (Azure AD), MFA, Conditional Access, RBAC |
| Governance | Azure Policy, Blueprints, Resource Locks, Management Groups |
Study Preparation
- Microsoft Learn (free): AZ-900 learning path covers 100% of objectives
- Virtual Training Days: Free training events; check their current length and promotion terms
- Azure Free Account: Explore services hands-on
- 2-3 practice tests for Microsoft question style
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Exam Structure Overview
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam is designed to thoroughly assess your knowledge and skills. Here's the complete breakdown of what you'll face:
Total Questions: 40-60 Time Allowed: 45 minutes Passing Score: 700/1000 Number of Exams: 1
The exam is administered by Microsoft and can be taken at authorized testing centers or online with live proctoring. The questions are designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application of concepts.
Types of Questions You Will See
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam includes multiple-choice and multiple-response questions. Understanding each question type helps you prepare effectively:
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) The majority of questions are traditional multiple-choice with four answer options. Some questions may have multiple correct answers, which will be clearly indicated (e.g., "Select TWO answers").
Question Distribution by Domain
Questions are distributed across all exam domains based on their weight in the exam objectives. Higher-weighted domains have more questions. Review the official exam objectives to understand the percentage breakdown for each domain.
Time Management Strategy
With 40-60 questions in 45 minutes, time management is critical. Here's how to approach it:
Calculate Your Average Time Per Question Divide your total time by the number of questions to get your baseline pace. For Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, this works out to approximately 45–68 seconds per question for a 40–60-question practice session on average.
Strategy for Maximum Efficiency: 1. First Pass (60% of time): Answer all questions you're confident about. Mark difficult questions for review. 2. Second Pass (30% of time): Return to marked questions and work through them carefully. 3. Final Review (10% of time): Check your answers, especially where you were unsure.
Don't Get Stuck
If you spend more than 2 minutes on any single multiple-choice question without progress, mark it and move on. Spending too much time on difficult questions can prevent you from answering easier questions you know well.
Scoring and Passing Requirements
Understanding how Microsoft Azure Fundamentals scoring works helps you set realistic goals:
Scaled scoring The reported scaled score is not a raw percentage of correct answers. Some questions may be unscored "beta" questions being tested for future exams, but you won't know which ones—answer all questions as if they count.
Correct-answer counts: AWS does not publish a fixed count that guarantees a pass. Answer every question, review the reasoning, and use the exam domains to identify study gaps.
Score Report
After the exam, you receive a score report showing your performance by domain. If you don't pass, this report helps identify weak areas for focused study before your retake. Even if you pass, reviewing domain scores can guide your professional development.
How to Prepare for 40-60 Questions
Preparing for 40-60 questions across all domains requires a strategic approach:
1. Master the Exam Objectives Every question is tied to the official exam objectives. Get the current objectives from Microsoft and use them as your study checklist.
2. Practice with Realistic Questions Complete at least 500+ practice questions before your exam. Focus on questions that match the exam format, including multiple-choice and multiple-response questions.
3. Time Your Practice Exams Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions. This builds stamina and helps you calibrate your pacing for the real exam.
4. Focus on Weak Domains Use practice test results to identify domains where you score below 80%. Concentrate additional study time on these areas.
5. Understand, Don't Memorize With 40-60 questions covering diverse scenarios, memorization alone won't work. Focus on understanding concepts so you can apply them to novel situations.
Study Tips
Practice in the Azure portal—many questions reference the actual interface and navigation.
Understand Microsoft's shared responsibility model for cloud security.
Microsoft role-based certifications focus on job tasks. Practice the skills you would use daily in that role.
Azure fundamentals certifications are excellent preparation for role-based certifications in the same path.
Microsoft Learn modules are free and align directly with exam objectives—use them extensively.
Microsoft exams may include case studies that require analyzing detailed scenarios.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Spending excessive time on difficult questions early, leaving too little for easier ones.
Neglecting official documentation in favor of third-party summaries.
Assuming prior experience alone will carry you through without dedicated study.
Focusing too heavily on areas you're already comfortable with instead of weak spots.
Underestimating scenario-based questions that require applying concepts creatively.
Not allocating enough time for hands-on lab practice alongside theoretical study.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions?
40-60 in 45 min with MC, yes/no sets, drag-and-drop.
Passing score?
A scaled score of 700 out of 1,000. This is not the same as answering 70% of questions correctly.
Easy?
Yes, one of the easiest cloud certs.
vs AWS CP?
Similar difficulty. AZ-900 cheaper and never expires.
Expires?
No. Fundamentals certs never expire.
Study time?
2-4 weeks for IT pros; 4-6 for non-technical.
Cost?
Microsoft exam pricing varies by country or region. Check the official AZ-900 booking page and the conditions of any student price or promotion.
Worth it?
Yes. Affordable gateway to Azure ecosystem.
Practice Azure Fundamentals Questions
Build cloud knowledge with adaptive AZ-900 practice questions.
Start Free Practice Test →How many questions are on the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam?
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam features 40-60 questions . With 45 minutes allowed, time management is crucial. Note that some exams include unscored beta questions being tested for future use.
Are all Azure AZ-900 exam questions scored?
Microsoft may include unscored "beta" or "pilot" questions for future exam development. Since you can't identify which questions are unscored, treat every question as if it counts toward your final Azure AZ-900 score.
What types of questions are on Azure AZ-900?
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam includes multiple-choice and multiple-response questions. Multiple-choice questions form the majority of the exam. Some questions require selecting multiple correct answers, which will be clearly indicated.
How much time do I have for the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam?
With 40-60 questions in 45 minutes, you have approximately 45–68 seconds per question for a 40–60-question practice session on average. Some questions require more time than others, so pace yourself strategically.
Can I skip questions and come back later on Azure AZ-900?
Yes, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals allows marking questions for review and returning to them later. Many successful candidates answer confident questions first, then revisit challenging ones.
What score do I need to pass Microsoft Azure Fundamentals?
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals requires 700/1000 to pass. This scaled score is not a raw percentage of correct answers. Target 85%+ on practice exams before scheduling your attempt.
How many questions can I miss on Azure AZ-900?
Based on the 700/1000 passing score, you need the required scaled result, not a raw correct-answer percentage. Microsoft does not publish a fixed number of missed questions that guarantees a pass.
Are Azure AZ-900 questions randomized?
Yes, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals draws questions from a large pool and randomizes order. No two exam experiences are identical. This prevents memorization of specific question sequences.
Ready to Practice Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Questions?
Test your knowledge with unlimited adaptive Microsoft Azure Fundamentals practice questions. Simulate the real exam experience and identify areas for improvement.
Check the current provider guidance
AZ-900 allows 45 minutes for the assessment. Microsoft Fundamentals certification does not expire. Exam retakes require 24 hours after the first failed attempt and 14 days for later attempts, with five attempts maximum in 12 months. The 700 scaled passing score is not 70% correct.
Study timelines and practice-score targets on this page are planning examples. They do not predict an exam result. Check cloud trial limits and pricing, set a budget, and remove lab resources when you finish.
Official certification and renewal details · Provider exam policy