The exam at a glance
The AZ-900 exam typically contains 40–60 questions, with 65 minutes of scheduled seat time (which includes time for the non-disclosure agreement and post-exam survey — actual question-answering time is somewhat less). Scoring is reported on a scale of 1 to 1,000, with 700 required to pass. There is no negative marking, so an educated guess always beats leaving a question blank.
AZ-900 has no prerequisites. Anyone can register and sit the exam, though Microsoft recommends some general familiarity with cloud concepts before attempting it — this site's syllabus map and mock exams are designed to build exactly that familiarity from scratch.
Question types you will actually see
Most questions are standard multiple choice — read a scenario or statement, select the single best answer from typically four options. Microsoft also uses multiple-response questions ("select all that apply" or "choose two"), drag-and-drop matching exercises, and occasional case-study-style questions built around a short scenario with several related sub-questions.
There are no hands-on lab components on AZ-900 — every question is answered on screen, and nothing requires you to actually operate the Azure portal during the exam itself, though familiarity with the portal makes scenario questions considerably easier to visualise.
Booking and exam day logistics
Exams are purchased directly through Microsoft's certification portal, or included as part of a paid training course in some cases. Once purchased, you schedule your sitting through Pearson VUE, choosing either an online proctored session or an in-person test centre slot.
For online exams, you need a working webcam, a quiet private room with a clear desk, valid photo ID, and a stable internet connection. The proctor will ask you to scan your room and desk before starting to confirm no unauthorised materials are present.
For test centre exams, arrive at least 15 minutes early with valid photo ID. Personal items — phones, watches, bags — are stored in a locker for the duration. Scratch materials are typically provided by the centre.
What to bring and what is provided
Bring: valid government-issued photo ID matching your registration name exactly.
Provided: the computer, the exam software, scratch materials if permitted, and — for online exams — the proctoring software which you install ahead of time following Microsoft's instructions.
Not allowed: phones, smartwatches, notes, textbooks, or any communication device. For online exams, additional monitors typically must be disconnected before the proctor allows you to begin.
Results, retakes, and certification
Results appear immediately after submitting the exam, showing pass/fail status and a scaled score. An official digital badge and certificate follow shortly after via Microsoft's certification portal.
If you do not pass, you must wait 24 hours before a second attempt, with longer waiting periods for subsequent retakes. Candidates are limited to five attempts within any 12-month period.
Unlike some certifications, AZ-900 never expires — once earned, it remains valid for life with no renewal requirement or continuing education obligation.
Ready to practice under real conditions?
Our mock exams run the real 65-minute timer and scaled 1000-point scoring.