Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) Practice Plan¶

Overview¶

Exam: DP-900 - Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals Timeline: 4-6 weeks (adjust based on your experience) Study Time: 5-8 hours per week Difficulty: Fundamentals level

This practice plan is designed for beginners with basic computer literacy who want to understand core data concepts and Azure data services.

Prerequisites¶

Basic understanding of cloud computing concepts
Familiarity with data concepts (helpful but not required)
Active Azure account (free tier available)
Comfortable navigating the Azure portal

Study Resources¶

Primary Resources: - [ ] Official Microsoft Learn DP-900 Learning Path (FREE) - [ ] Azure Data Fundamentals Documentation - [ ] README.md in this directory for detailed notes

Additional Resources: - [ ] Complete Azure Study Resources Guide - [ ] Practice tests from MeasureUp or Whizlabs - [ ] Azure free tier for hands-on practice ($200 credit)

Week-by-Week Breakdown¶

Week 1: Core Data Concepts¶

Learning Objectives: - Understand data types (structured, semi-structured, unstructured) - Learn data storage options (files, databases, data lakes) - Differentiate between batch and stream processing - Understand analytics techniques

Daily Tasks: - [ ] Day 1: Study data representation types and formats - [ ] Day 2: Learn about relational vs non-relational data - [ ] Day 3: Understand batch vs stream processing - [ ] Day 4: Review analytics techniques and visualization - [ ] Day 5: Complete Microsoft Learn module on core data concepts - [ ] Day 6-7: Review and take notes

Hands-on Labs: - [ ] Explore different data formats (CSV, JSON, XML) - [ ] Navigate Azure portal and identify data services

Practice Questions: - [ ] Complete 20-30 questions on core data concepts

Week 2: Relational Data on Azure¶

Learning Objectives: - Master relational database concepts - Understand Azure SQL service options - Learn about open-source databases on Azure - Understand security and compliance for databases

Daily Tasks: - [ ] Day 1: Study tables, keys, indexes, and relationships - [ ] Day 2: Learn Azure SQL Database, Managed Instance, SQL VM - [ ] Day 3: Explore Azure Database for PostgreSQL/MySQL/MariaDB - [ ] Day 4: Understand authentication and authorization - [ ] Day 5: Learn data encryption at rest and in transit - [ ] Day 6-7: Complete Microsoft Learn module on relational data

Hands-on Labs: - [ ] Create Azure SQL Database - [ ] Run basic SQL queries - [ ] Configure firewall rules - [ ] Explore database security settings

Practice Questions: - [ ] Complete 30-40 questions on relational data

Week 3: Non-relational Data on Azure¶

Learning Objectives: - Understand non-relational data types - Learn Azure Cosmos DB and its APIs - Explore Azure Storage services - Understand consistency models

Daily Tasks: - [ ] Day 1: Study key-value, document, column-family, graph databases - [ ] Day 2: Learn Azure Cosmos DB APIs (Core SQL, MongoDB, Cassandra, etc.) - [ ] Day 3: Explore Azure Blob Storage and Azure Files - [ ] Day 4: Study Azure Table Storage - [ ] Day 5: Understand consistency levels in Cosmos DB - [ ] Day 6-7: Complete Microsoft Learn module on non-relational data

Hands-on Labs: - [ ] Create Azure Cosmos DB account - [ ] Upload and manage blobs in Azure Storage - [ ] Create and query Azure Table Storage - [ ] Explore different Cosmos DB APIs

Practice Questions: - [ ] Complete 30-40 questions on non-relational data

Week 4: Analytics Workloads on Azure¶

Learning Objectives: - Understand data ingestion patterns - Learn about Azure analytics services - Explore data warehousing vs data lakes - Understand Power BI capabilities

Daily Tasks: - [ ] Day 1: Study Azure Data Factory and data pipelines - [ ] Day 2: Learn Azure Stream Analytics and Event Hubs - [ ] Day 3: Explore Azure Synapse Analytics - [ ] Day 4: Understand Azure Data Lake Storage - [ ] Day 5: Learn Power BI basics and visualization - [ ] Day 6-7: Complete Microsoft Learn module on analytics workloads

Hands-on Labs: - [ ] Create a simple Azure Data Factory pipeline - [ ] Explore Azure Synapse Analytics workspace - [ ] Connect to data sources with Power BI Desktop - [ ] Create basic visualizations in Power BI

Practice Questions: - [ ] Complete 30-40 questions on analytics workloads

Week 5: Integration and Practice¶

Learning Objectives: - Review all exam domains - Practice with full-length exams - Identify weak areas

Daily Tasks: - [ ] Day 1: Review core data concepts - [ ] Day 2: Review relational data services - [ ] Day 3: Review non-relational data services - [ ] Day 4: Review analytics workloads - [ ] Day 5: Take full practice exam #1 - [ ] Day 6: Review incorrect answers and study weak areas - [ ] Day 7: Take full practice exam #2

Practice Focus: - [ ] Complete 2-3 full-length practice exams - [ ] Review all incorrect answers thoroughly - [ ] Revisit Microsoft Learn modules for weak areas

Week 6 (Optional): Final Review and Exam¶

Learning Objectives: - Final review of all topics - Take practice exams - Schedule and pass exam

Daily Tasks: - [ ] Day 1: Review notes and flashcards - [ ] Day 2: Revisit hands-on labs - [ ] Day 3: Take final practice exam #3 - [ ] Day 4: Review any remaining weak areas - [ ] Day 5: Light review, read exam tips - [ ] Day 6-7: Schedule and take exam OR rest before exam day

Final Preparation: - [ ] Review README.md for key concepts - [ ] Practice identifying which service to use for scenarios - [ ] Get good sleep before exam day - [ ] Arrive early or ensure stable internet for online exam

Key Topics Checklist¶

Core Data Concepts (25-30%)¶

Structured, semi-structured, unstructured data
Data formats (CSV, JSON, XML, Avro, Parquet)
Relational vs non-relational stores
Batch vs stream processing
ETL processes
Analytics types (descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, prescriptive)

Relational Data (20-25%)¶

Tables, rows, columns, keys, indexes
Normalization and relationships
Azure SQL Database vs Managed Instance vs SQL VM
Azure Database for PostgreSQL/MySQL/MariaDB
Authentication and authorization
Data encryption concepts

Non-relational Data (15-20%)¶

Key-value, document, column-family, graph databases
Azure Cosmos DB and its APIs
Azure Blob Storage (hot, cool, archive tiers)
Azure Table Storage
Azure Files
Consistency models in Cosmos DB

Analytics Workloads (25-30%)¶

Hands-on Lab Checklist¶

Relational Data Labs¶

Create Azure SQL Database
Connect to database with Azure Data Studio or SSMS
Create tables and insert data
Run SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE queries
Configure firewall rules

Non-relational Data Labs¶

Create Azure Storage account
Upload and manage blobs
Create containers and organize data
Create Azure Cosmos DB account
Try different Cosmos DB APIs
Work with Azure Table Storage

Analytics Labs¶

Create Azure Data Factory pipeline
Set up copy activity between sources
Explore Azure Synapse Analytics workspace
Install Power BI Desktop
Connect to Azure data sources
Create basic reports and visualizations

Practice Exam Strategy¶

Before Practice Exams¶

Complete all Microsoft Learn modules
Finish hands-on labs
Review notes at least once

During Practice Exams¶

Time yourself (60 minutes for full exam)
Mark questions you're unsure about
Read questions carefully (look for keywords)
Eliminate obviously wrong answers

After Practice Exams¶

Review ALL questions, not just incorrect ones
Understand why correct answers are right
Study the concepts behind incorrect answers
Revisit Microsoft Learn modules for weak areas

Exam Day Checklist¶

Day Before¶

Light review only, no cramming
Prepare ID and exam confirmation
Test your computer/webcam if online exam
Get good sleep (7-8 hours)

Exam Day¶

Eat a good meal
Arrive early (15-30 minutes) or log in early
Have water available
Stay calm and confident

During Exam¶

Read each question carefully
Use process of elimination
Mark questions to review later
Watch your time (60 minutes total)
Review marked questions if time permits

Tips for Success¶

Study Tips¶

Consistency is key: Study a little each day rather than cramming
Hands-on practice: Actually use Azure services, don't just read
Understand, don't memorize: Know when to use each service
Focus on scenarios: Exam questions are scenario-based
Use free resources: Microsoft Learn is comprehensive and free

Common Pitfalls to Avoid¶

Don't confuse Azure SQL Database vs Managed Instance vs SQL VM
Understand when to use relational vs non-relational databases
Know the difference between data warehouses and data lakes
Don't overlook security and compliance concepts
Understand Cosmos DB consistency levels

Key Service Decisions¶

Choose Azure SQL Database when: You need fully managed SQL with built-in HA
Choose Azure Cosmos DB when: You need global distribution and multiple APIs
Choose Blob Storage when: You need object storage for unstructured data
Choose Azure Synapse when: You need enterprise data warehousing
Choose Data Factory when: You need to orchestrate data movement

Progress Tracking¶

Week 1 Progress¶

All daily tasks completed
Hands-on labs finished
Practice questions done
Feeling confident with material

Week 2 Progress¶

All daily tasks completed
Hands-on labs finished
Practice questions done
Feeling confident with material

Week 3 Progress¶

All daily tasks completed
Hands-on labs finished
Practice questions done
Feeling confident with material

Week 4 Progress¶

All daily tasks completed
Hands-on labs finished
Practice questions done
Feeling confident with material

Week 5 Progress¶

Practice exam 1 score: _____%
Practice exam 2 score: _____%
Weak areas identified and reviewed
Ready for final week

Week 6 Progress¶

Practice exam 3 score: _____%
All weak areas addressed
Exam scheduled
Feeling confident and ready

Additional Resources¶

Official Microsoft Resources¶

Comprehensive Guide¶

Complete Azure Study Resources - Courses, practice tests, labs, communities

Practice Resources¶

MeasureUp Practice Tests (official)
Whizlabs DP-900 Practice Tests
Microsoft Learn Knowledge Checks
Free practice questions online

Community and Support¶

Microsoft Learn Q&A Forums
Reddit r/AzureCertification
Azure Discord communities
Study groups on LinkedIn

Notes Section¶

Key Concepts to Remember¶

(Use this space to write down important concepts as you study)

Difficult Topics¶

(Note any topics you find challenging and need to revisit)

Exam Day Reminders¶

(Write down last-minute tips or mnemonics)

Good luck with your DP-900 exam preparation!

Remember: This is a fundamentals exam focusing on breadth rather than depth. Focus on understanding when to use different services and their key capabilities.