DP-900 vs AZ-900: Azure data fundamentals or Azure cloud fundamentals?

Q: Should I take DP-900 or AZ-900 first?

Take DP-900 first if your goal is Azure data concepts, data services, and analytics vocabulary. Take AZ-900 first if you want the broader Azure cloud starting point across architecture, services, governance, and pricing.

Q: Which exam is better for a data career?

DP-900 is the better fit if your target is data analysis, data engineering, Azure databases, or analytics work.

Q: Which exam is better if I am still undecided?

AZ-900 is usually the safer first pick when you are still undecided because it covers broader Azure cloud concepts and service families.

Q: Can I take both DP-900 and AZ-900?

Yes. Many learners use AZ-900 for broad Azure context and DP-900 for the data-specific layer, but you do not need both if your lane is already clear.

Take DP-900 when you want Azure data vocabulary, databases, non-relational options, and analytics workloads. Take AZ-900 when you want the broader Azure cloud baseline across architecture, services, governance, and pricing.

Two fundamentals exams Microsoft Learn sources Role fit first Last reviewed: June 9, 2026

Start DP-900 practice Start AZ-900 practice

Both exams are beginner friendly. The faster win is choosing the one that matches the work you want next.

Choose DP-900 when...

You want Azure data concepts and service names.
You are heading toward analytics, databases, or data engineering.
You care more about data workloads than broad cloud governance.

Choose AZ-900 when...

You want the broader Azure platform starting point.
You are still deciding between admin, security, data, or AI lanes.
You need cloud models, pricing, governance, and core Azure services.

Quick answer table

Topic	DP-900	AZ-900
Best for	Azure data beginners and analytics-curious learners	Broad Azure cloud beginners
Main focus	Core data concepts, relational data, non-relational data, and analytics workloads on Azure	Cloud concepts, Azure architecture and services, and Azure management and governance
Role signal	Data analyst, database, and Azure data pathway interest	General Azure pathway interest across admin, data, AI, or security
Why Microsoft says people take it	The study guide says it can help you prepare for Azure role-based data certifications, but it is not a prerequisite	The study guide calls it a common starting point in a journey toward an Azure career
Good next move	PL-300 for analytics or deeper Azure data paths later	AZ-104, DP-900, or another Azure role lane
Practice link	DP-900 practice	AZ-900 practice

Take DP-900 if...

Microsoft Learn says DP-900 covers core data concepts, relational data on Azure, non-relational data on Azure, and analytics workloads on Azure. That makes it the better first move if you want the data lane, not the broad cloud lane. Start with the DP-900 guide or jump straight to practice.

Take AZ-900 if...

Microsoft Learn says AZ-900 is for candidates who want to demonstrate foundational knowledge of cloud concepts in general and Microsoft Azure in particular. Its measured skills are cloud concepts, Azure architecture and services, and Azure management and governance. That makes it the better first move when you want the broadest Azure entry point. Start with AZ-900 practice.

Which one feels easier?

That usually depends on your background. DP-900 feels easier if databases, analytics, and data vocabulary already make sense to you. AZ-900 feels easier if you already think in cloud infrastructure, identity, pricing, and governance terms. Neither exam is a role-based builder exam, but they solve different beginner problems.

Suggested order

If you are data-first: Start with DP-900, then move into PL-300 or deeper Azure data work.
If you are still undecided on lane: Start with AZ-900, then choose data, admin, security, or AI once the Azure baseline is steady.
If you need both kinds of fluency: AZ-900 first for broad Azure context, then DP-900 for the data layer is a reasonable sequence.

Practice on dotCreds

Use the guide when you need context. Use the practice page when you need repetition and explanations.

Both practice pages give you the free daily set first, which is the fastest way to see whether the exam fit is actually right for you.

Try DP-900 Try AZ-900

DP-900 guide

Azure data fundamentals, workloads, SQL, storage, Cosmos DB, and analytics basics.

Broader Microsoft comparison

Compare DP-900 with PL-900, PL-300, and AI-103 if you are still choosing across lanes.

FAQ

Should I take DP-900 or AZ-900 first?

Take DP-900 first for Azure data concepts. Take AZ-900 first for broad Azure cloud fundamentals.

Is AZ-900 required before DP-900?

No. Microsoft Learn does not list AZ-900 as a prerequisite for DP-900.

Which exam is better for a data career?

DP-900 is the better fit if your direction is analytics, databases, or Azure data services.

Which exam is better if I am still undecided?

AZ-900 is usually the safer first pick because it gives you broader Azure platform context.

Can I take both DP-900 and AZ-900?

Yes. Some learners want both the broad Azure baseline and the data-specific baseline.

Do I need both?

No. If your lane is already clearly data-focused, DP-900 can be enough as the fundamentals starting point.

Sources

DP-900Azure Data Fundamentals certification page DP-900DP-900 study guide AZ-900Azure Fundamentals certification page AZ-900AZ-900 study guide

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