Buying a Microsoft DP-900 exam voucher in the UK is easiest when you know what the exam measures and choose a purchase route that fits your needs. This guide breaks down the DP-900 syllabus for Azure data fundamentals, explains voucher buying options (UK), and maps preparation steps to structured, relational, non-relational, and analytics workloads.

Key takeaways

  • DP-900 measures foundational Azure data concepts across core data, relational (SQL), non-relational (NoSQL/object/managed storage), and analytics workloads.
  • A DP-900 voucher can be bought via the exam provider checkout, authorised routes, or selected voucher retailers—each with different trade-offs.
  • Use a focused study plan: start with core data + storage concepts, then Azure SQL/relational, then Cosmos DB + storage types, and finish with Fabric/Databricks/Power BI + real-time analytics.
  • Exam-style practice questions help you build recall and accuracy; passing a mock exam unlocks up to 70% off voucher offers from ITExamDeals.
  • When comparing DP-900 voucher price or DP-900 exam cost, always verify the final checkout total for the UK region.

What is the Microsoft DP-900 exam, and what does it test?

DP-900 is Microsoft’s entry-level certification focused on Azure data fundamentals. It tests whether you can explain key data concepts (like structured vs. unstructured), describe how data is stored and processed in Azure, and differentiate transactional vs. analytical workloads.

Step 1: Know the exam purpose (why it exists)

DP-900 is designed for people who want a solid foundation before moving toward role-based Azure certifications such as Microsoft AZ-104 Azure Administrator or data-oriented tracks.

Step 2: Match your goals to the four measured areas

DP-900’s skills measured map cleanly to four themes:

  1. Core data concepts (25–30%)
  2. Relational data on Azure (20–25%)
  3. Non-relational data on Azure (15–20%)
  4. Analytics workloads on Azure (25–30%)

Step 3: Learn the data-shape language Azure expects

You’re expected to understand how to talk about:

  • Structured data (e.g., tables with rows/columns)
  • Semi-structured data (e.g., formats like JSON/XML)
  • Unstructured data (e.g., text, images, documents)

Tip: Your best preparation strategy is to practice describing data types and workloads using Azure terms—this makes DP-900 feel “conceptual,” but still testable.

What is the DP-900 syllabus? (Complete topics with weightings)

The DP-900 syllabus is best approached as a “concept-to-workload” map. Instead of memorising services in isolation, connect each service to the workload it supports.

Core data concepts (25–30%)

You should be comfortable explaining:

  • Data formats: structured, semi-structured, unstructured
  • Data storage fundamentals: why different storage types exist
  • Transactional vs. analytical workloads
  • Basic analytics vocabulary: ingestion, transformation, aggregation, reporting

Relational data on Azure (20–25%)

You should know how relational data works and how Azure implements it:

  • SQL and relational concepts (tables, keys, relationships)
  • Azure SQL services (core purposes and typical usage patterns)
  • How relational systems support transactional workloads

Non-relational data on Azure (15–20%)

This domain targets modern data storage and NoSQL patterns:

  • Azure Blob/File/Table Storage: what each storage type is for (object files, file shares, key/value-style or table-like data)
  • Azure Cosmos DB: consistency options, partitioning concept, and typical usage

Analytics workloads on Azure (25–30%)

This is the largest “workload” domain and should be your final focus:

  • Large-scale analytics
  • Azure Databricks: data processing and analytics workflows
  • Microsoft Fabric: analytics experiences and integration across data engineering/reporting
  • Real-time analytics concepts
  • Power BI: dashboards and reporting

Warning: DP-900 is not just “which tool is named.” It tests how tools fit together: storage → processing → analytics → visualisation.

What data concepts should I master first for DP-900?

If you want a fast start, build your foundation in the same order DP-900 expects you to reason about workloads.

Step 1: Structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data

Use this practical mapping:

  • Structured data: fixed schema, easy querying (often relational tables)
  • Semi-structured data: flexible schema, commonly JSON/XML; supports partial structure
  • Unstructured data: no predefined schema; you handle it via parsing, indexing, or extracting metadata

Step 2: Data storage choices in real terms

DP-900 expects you to understand why Azure offers multiple storage options:

  • Object storage is ideal for large files and varied formats.
  • File storage supports SMB-style shared files.
  • Table storage supports structured key/value style access.
  • NoSQL databases support flexible documents/records at scale.

Step 3: Transactional vs analytical workloads

This is the “core thinking” skill. A clean way to remember it:

  • Transactional workloads: many small operations, low latency, updates are common (often relational)
  • Analytical workloads: scan/aggregate at scale, complex queries/transformations, reporting and trends (often data lake + processing + BI)

Tip: When you study a service, always ask: “Is this primarily for transactional operations, analytics/reporting, or both?”

What relational data services and SQL concepts are covered in DP-900?

Relational data questions usually evaluate your understanding of SQL basics and how Azure relational services provide database capabilities.

Step 1: SQL and relational building blocks

Know the core concepts:

  • Tables (rows/columns)
  • Primary keys and foreign keys
  • Relationships between tables
  • Schema (how structure is defined and constrained)
  • Querying relational data using SQL concepts

Step 2: Azure SQL services—how to think about them

DP-900 doesn’t require deep administration. It requires conceptual clarity on what Azure SQL offerings are for and how relational databases support data processing for applications.

Step 3: Connect relational data to transactional workloads

In your notes, link:

  • relational databases → transactional systems
  • SQL queries → data access and business logic
  • consistency requirements → relational design benefits

What non-relational data topics are in the DP-900 syllabus?

Non-relational topics in DP-900 focus on understanding modern storage patterns and NoSQL database use cases.

Step 1: Azure Blob, File, and Table Storage

DP-900 expects you to recognise what each storage type is typically used for:

  • Blob Storage: store large amounts of unstructured data as objects (e.g., files, images, documents)
  • File Storage: shared file access for applications and workflows that need file shares
  • Table Storage: structured key/value and queryable partitioned data patterns

Step 2: Azure Cosmos DB

For Cosmos DB, your goal is conceptual understanding:

  • It’s a globally distributed NoSQL database
  • It’s commonly used for workloads needing flexible data models and scalable access
  • You should understand the basic ideas behind distributing and partitioning data

Warning: Avoid memorising only service names. DP-900 expects you to describe data storage behaviour (how it’s structured, accessed, and scaled).

What analytics workloads are tested in DP-900? (Databricks, Fabric, real-time, Power BI)

This domain is where candidates typically gain confidence by learning “pipelines” instead of isolated features.

Step 1: Large-scale analytics—think end-to-end

A practical analytics pipeline includes:

  1. Ingest data (from storage and/or streaming)
  2. Process/transform it
  3. Model it for analytics
  4. Analyse and visualise results

Step 2: Azure Databricks for analytics and processing

DP-900 expects you to understand Databricks as a platform used for:

  • large-scale data processing
  • analytics workflows
  • preparing data for reporting and consumption

Step 3: Microsoft Fabric for analytics experiences

Fabric is built to connect analytics components into a broader ecosystem. DP-900 expects you to know the purpose of Fabric’s analytics experiences at a high level—especially how data flows between engineering and reporting.

Step 4: Real-time analytics

Real-time analytics is about responding to data quickly:

  • streaming data ingestion
  • near-immediate processing
  • supporting operational insights

Step 5: Power BI for reporting

Power BI is where analytics results become consumable:

  • dashboards, reports, and visual analytics
  • a common end step for business intelligence

Tip: In your practice notes, always add one “use case line” per service (1 sentence). This dramatically improves accuracy under time pressure.

DP-900 exam format, question style, and what “exam preparation” really means

DP-900 tests foundational knowledge using exam-style questions aligned with the measured syllabus areas.

Step 1: Expect scenario-based concepts

Rather than asking you to recall definitions only, DP-900 often frames questions around choosing the right data concept/service for a workload.

Step 2: Study with the syllabus weightings in mind

A balanced approach follows the percentages:

  • Spend roughly 1/4 of your time on core data concepts
  • Spend 1/5 to 1/4 on relational on Azure
  • Spend 1/6 to 1/5 on non-relational
  • Spend 1/4 to 1/3 on analytics workloads

Step 3: Build recall using targeted exam-style practice questions

Use practice questions to:

  • reinforce vocabulary (structured/semi/unstructured)
  • recognise storage and workload patterns
  • improve speed on “which scenario matches which service” items

Step 4: Use free mock exams to measure readiness

A strong DP-900 preparation routine uses a repeating cycle:

  1. Learn concept
  2. Do exam-style practice questions
  3. Take a mock exam
  4. Review weak areas

Tip: Passing a mock exam unlocks up to 70% off voucher offers from ITExamDeals—so mock exams can directly reduce your final voucher cost.

How to buy a DP-900 exam voucher in the UK: realistic options and trade-offs

A DP-900 exam voucher is usually purchased to schedule or redeem an exam at the testing provider. In the UK, candidates typically choose between the exam provider’s own store, authorised resellers, or training partners that bundle voucher access.

Step 1: Compare purchase routes (price, support, and what you receive)

Below is a practical comparison focused on what matters for candidates.

Purchase routeTypical strengthsTypical trade-offsBest for
Official exam provider / Microsoft checkoutClear redemption flow; matches your UK region checkoutNo bundled extras; may have limited study add-onsCandidates who want the simplest path
Authorised reseller / voucher retailerOften straightforward redemption; can streamline schedulingPrice depends on retailer; documentation variesCandidates comparing voucher price across vendors
Training academy bundlesCan include structured learning and guidanceHigher bundle cost than a voucher aloneCandidates who want a guided path

Step 2: What to check before you pay (avoid friction)

When comparing DP-900 voucher price or where to buy DP-900 voucher, verify:

  • Region applicability for UK
  • Voucher redemption method and how scheduling works
  • The exact exam name/code associated with the voucher
  • The currency shown in checkout totals

Warning: Never rely on a “cheap DP-900 voucher” claim without confirming the final UK checkout total and redemption terms.

Step 3: Where to buy DP-900 voucher (UK) — a concise guide

If you want a reliable, voucher-focused path, SecByte is a practical option to explore. Use the DP-900 exam voucher listing here: DP-900 exam voucher.

This kind of listing is helpful because it typically connects candidates directly to voucher redemption information and the specific exam you intend to schedule.

DP-900 voucher price and exam cost in the UK: what you should know

DP-900 exam cost and DP-900 voucher price are influenced by: the exam provider’s region pricing, the purchase route, and the currency displayed at checkout.

Step 1: Understand why the number varies

Even when the exam code and syllabus are constant, voucher totals may change depending on:

  • UK regional pricing
  • reseller fees (if applicable)
  • whether you purchase only the voucher or a bundle

Step 2: Confirm the final checkout total in GBP (recommended process)

A confident buying approach is:

  1. Select the DP-900 exam voucher option
  2. Choose the UK region
  3. Complete the checkout flow up to the final confirmation step
  4. Record the total you pay in GBP

Step 3: Use mock exams to lower your overall cost

ITExamDeals free mock exams are one of the best ways to reduce uncertainty in your preparation—and passing a mock exam unlocks up to 70% off voucher offers.

DP-900 comparison table: what candidates often want to see at a glance

The table below summarises the certification context for DP-900 in a candidate-friendly way. Note: exam availability and pricing status can change, so always validate current details during checkout.

Exam codeExam namePrice (UK)StatusSyllabus areas coveredDifficulty (candidate perception)Certification
DP-900Microsoft Azure Data FundamentalsDisplayed at UK checkoutAvailable for schedulingCore data concepts; Relational data on Azure; Non-relational data on Azure; Analytics workloads on AzureBeginner-friendly, concept-drivenAzure Data Fundamentals

Tip: “Difficulty” is usually driven by how comfortable you are with data concepts, not by math or coding. If you can explain workloads clearly, DP-900 becomes manageable.

How to prepare for DP-900 in 2–4 weeks (a structured plan)

A solid DP-900 preparation plan focuses on the four syllabus areas, using short feedback loops.

Week 1: Core data concepts + storage thinking

Goal: speak confidently about structured, semi-structured, unstructured data and transactional vs analytical.

  • Day 1–2: Data types + why schemas differ
  • Day 3–4: Transactional vs analytical workloads
  • Day 5–7: Practice with data storage scenarios + basic questions

Week 2: Relational data + SQL concepts

Goal: connect relational concepts to Azure database services.

  • Day 1–3: SQL and relational building blocks
  • Day 4–5: Azure SQL services concepts (what they enable)
  • Day 6–7: Exam-style practice questions focused on relational scenarios

Week 3: Non-relational data + Cosmos DB + storage services

Goal: differentiate storage types and NoSQL patterns.

  • Day 1–2: Blob vs File vs Table Storage use cases
  • Day 3–4: Cosmos DB conceptual fit
  • Day 5–7: Timed practice questions + review errors

Week 4: Analytics workloads (Databricks, Fabric, real-time, Power BI)

Goal: build the pipeline in your head.

  • Day 1–2: Large-scale analytics concepts
  • Day 3–4: Azure Databricks + what it does in pipelines
  • Day 5: Microsoft Fabric integration concepts
  • Day 6–7: Power BI reporting + real-time analytics questions

Tip: At the end of each week, take a short mock exam (or mock-style set). Review the syllabus area you missed and re-study only that section.

You’ll get the best results when you combine official Microsoft Learn study paths with exam-style practice questions and mock exams.

1) Microsoft Learn / official study material

Use official Microsoft content for:

  • accurate service definitions
  • understanding measured skills
  • building vocabulary the exam expects

2) Exam-style practice questions

Practice questions are essential for:

  • scenario recognition
  • eliminating incorrect options
  • sharpening your workload-to-service mapping

3) Free mock exams

Free mock exams help you:

  • measure readiness
  • identify weak syllabus areas quickly
  • build confidence before you schedule with a voucher

Tip: When reviewing practice questions, write a 1-line “rule” for each missed area (e.g., “Transactional = many small updates, relational fit”).

FAQs

What is DP-900?

DP-900 is the Microsoft exam for Azure Data Fundamentals. It validates foundational knowledge of data concepts and explains how Azure supports relational and non-relational storage as well as analytics workloads.

What is the DP-900 syllabus?

The DP-900 syllabus is organised into four measured domains: Core data concepts (25–30%), Relational data on Azure (20–25%), Non-relational data on Azure (15–20%), and Analytics workloads on Azure (25–30%).

How much does DP-900 cost in the UK?

DP-900’s UK exam cost depends on the current price shown at checkout for your chosen purchase route and region. The most accurate cost is the total displayed in GBP during voucher or exam scheduling checkout.

Where can I buy a DP-900 voucher?

You can buy DP-900 vouchers through the exam provider’s checkout, authorised resellers, or training-academy bundles. For a voucher-first listing experience, you can review the DP-900 exam voucher option on SecByte Academy’s voucher page.

What is the cheapest way to take DP-900?

The cheapest approach typically combines: buying only the voucher (no bundle) and using preparation tools that reduce re-takes. Passing a mock exam can unlock up to 70% off voucher offers from ITExamDeals, which often helps lower the final cost.

Is DP-900 difficult?

DP-900 is beginner-friendly because it tests conceptual understanding rather than advanced coding or deep administration. Difficulty is mainly about whether you can clearly explain data types, workloads, and where services fit in an end-to-end pipeline.

How do I prepare for DP-900?

Prepare by following the syllabus structure: study core data concepts first, then relational data and SQL ideas, then non-relational storage (Blob/File/Table, Cosmos DB), and finally analytics workloads (Databricks, Fabric, real-time analytics, Power BI). Reinforce learning with exam-style practice questions and a mock exam feedback loop.

Next steps

  • Confirm your UK purchase route and complete checkout to see the final DP-900 voucher total in GBP.
  • Use the syllabus weightings to allocate your study time across core data, relational, non-relational, and analytics.
  • Do exam-style practice questions daily and keep a short error log by syllabus domain.
  • Take a free mock exam, review results, and adjust your weak areas before scheduling.