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Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900)

Exam Overview

The Azure Data Fundamentals certification validates foundational knowledge of core data concepts and how they are implemented using Microsoft Azure data services. This exam is intended for candidates beginning to work with data in the cloud and provides foundational knowledge of cloud data services within Microsoft Azure.

Exam Details: - Exam Code: DP-900 - Duration: 60 minutes - Number of Questions: 40-60 questions - Passing Score: 700 out of 1000 - Question Types: Multiple choice, multiple select, drag and drop, hot area, case studies - Cost: $99 USD - Prerequisites: None (basic computer literacy recommended)

Exam Domains

1. Describe Core Data Concepts (25-30%)

  • Data Representation
  • Structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data
  • Data formats (CSV, JSON, XML, Avro, Parquet, ORC)
  • Data Storage Options
  • File storage, databases, data lakes
  • Relational vs non-relational data stores
  • Data Processing Solutions
  • Batch processing vs stream processing
  • ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes
  • Analytics Techniques
  • Descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, prescriptive analytics
  • Data visualization concepts

2. Identify Considerations for Relational Data on Azure (20-25%)

  • Relational Data Concepts
  • Tables, rows, columns, keys, indexes
  • Normalization, relationships, constraints
  • SQL language basics
  • Relational Database Services on Azure
  • Azure SQL Database
  • Azure SQL Managed Instance
  • Azure SQL VM
  • Azure Database for PostgreSQL
  • Azure Database for MySQL
  • Azure Database for MariaDB
  • Data Security and Compliance
  • Authentication and authorization
  • Data encryption (at rest and in transit)
  • Compliance standards (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)

3. Describe Considerations for Working with Non-relational Data on Azure (15-20%)

  • Non-relational Data Concepts
  • Key-value stores, document databases
  • Column-family databases, graph databases
  • Time series data
  • Non-relational Data Services on Azure
  • Azure Cosmos DB and its APIs
  • Azure Table Storage
  • Azure Blob Storage
  • Azure Files
  • Data Consistency Models
  • Strong consistency, eventual consistency
  • Consistency levels in Azure Cosmos DB

4. Describe an Analytics Workload on Azure (25-30%)

  • Data Ingestion and Processing
  • Batch vs real-time ingestion
  • Azure Data Factory
  • Azure Stream Analytics
  • Azure Event Hubs
  • Azure IoT Hub
  • Analytical Data Stores
  • Data warehouses vs data lakes
  • Azure Synapse Analytics
  • Azure Data Lake Storage
  • Azure Analysis Services
  • Analytics and Visualization
  • Power BI capabilities
  • Azure Databricks
  • HDInsight
  • Real-time analytics scenarios

Study Tips

  1. Week 1: Core data concepts and terminology
  2. Week 2: Relational data and Azure SQL services
  3. Week 3: Non-relational data and Azure storage services
  4. Week 4: Analytics workloads and data processing
  5. Week 5-6: Data visualization and practice tests

Key Study Resources

  • Microsoft Learn Learning Paths:
  • Azure Data Fundamentals: Explore core data concepts
  • Azure Data Fundamentals: Explore relational data in Azure
  • Azure Data Fundamentals: Explore non-relational data in Azure
  • Azure Data Fundamentals: Explore data warehouse analytics in Azure

Hands-on Practice

  • Create Azure SQL Database and run basic queries
  • Set up Azure Cosmos DB with different APIs
  • Use Azure Storage services (Blob, File, Table)
  • Create simple data pipelines with Azure Data Factory
  • Build basic reports with Power BI
  • Explore Azure Synapse Analytics workspace

Exam Strategy

  • Understand the difference between structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data
  • Know when to use relational vs non-relational databases
  • Understand data processing patterns (batch vs streaming)
  • Focus on service capabilities rather than detailed implementation
  • Practice identifying appropriate services for different scenarios

Common Gotchas

  • Distinguish between different Azure SQL deployment options
  • Understand Azure Cosmos DB consistency levels
  • Know the differences between data warehouses and data lakes
  • Understand when to use different storage types
  • Be familiar with data security and compliance concepts

Comprehensive Study Resources

👉 Complete Azure Study Resources Guide

For detailed information on courses, practice tests, hands-on labs, communities, and more, see our comprehensive Azure study resources guide which includes: - Official Microsoft Learn paths (FREE) - Top-rated video courses with specific instructors - Practice test platforms with pricing and comparisons - Hands-on lab environments and free tier details - Community forums and study groups - Essential tools and Azure CLI resources - Pro tips and budget-friendly study strategies

Key Data Services Quick Reference

Relational Data

  • Azure SQL Database: Fully managed SQL database
  • Azure SQL Managed Instance: Near 100% SQL Server compatibility
  • Azure Database for PostgreSQL/MySQL/MariaDB: Managed open-source databases

Non-relational Data

  • Azure Cosmos DB: Globally distributed, multi-model database
  • Azure Blob Storage: Object storage for unstructured data
  • Azure Table Storage: NoSQL key-value store

Analytics

  • Azure Synapse Analytics: Enterprise data warehouse
  • Azure Data Factory: Data integration service
  • Power BI: Business analytics and visualization
  • Azure Databricks: Apache Spark-based analytics platform

Remember: This exam focuses on foundational data concepts and knowing which Azure services to use for different data scenarios. Understanding data types, storage patterns, and processing approaches is key to success.