Microsoft DP-900 certification validates foundational Azure data concepts—core data types, relational and non-relational storage, and analytics workloads using services like Azure SQL, Blob Storage, Cosmos DB, Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, and Power BI. This guide explains the DP-900 syllabus, exam format, preparation plan, and the best ways to buy a DP-900 exam voucher in the United States—so you can target a strong, exam-style learning path.
Key takeaways
- DP-900 (Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals) measures core data concepts, relational/non-relational data, and analytics workloads with clear percentage weightings.
- The DP-900 syllabus includes structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data, transactional vs analytical workloads, and modern Azure analytics tools.
- You can buy a DP-900 exam voucher through multiple routes (vendor store, authorized reseller/training partners, voucher marketplaces), and price/support trade-offs matter.
- Use vendor-independent study resources plus free ITExamDeals mock exams to practice exam-style questions and improve speed.
- Passing a mock exam can unlock up to 70% off voucher offers on ITExamDeals.
What is Microsoft DP-900, and who is it for?
Microsoft DP-900, Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals, is an entry-level certification focused on understanding data in Azure—not building complex systems. The exam tests whether you can explain how data is represented, stored, and processed across common Azure data services.
Step-by-step: decide if DP-900 is right for you
- You’re new to Azure data. DP-900 is ideal if you want foundational knowledge before role-based certifications.
- You’re transitioning from IT basics to cloud concepts. The exam helps you speak confidently about data types, storage, and analytics workloads.
- You want a non-coding-friendly entry point. DP-900 is built around concepts like SQL vs relational modeling and when to use analytics vs transactional approaches.
- You’re mapping prerequisites for higher certifications. Many candidates use DP-900 as a starting point before exams like Microsoft AZ-104 Azure Administrator or architecture-focused learning.
Tip: If your goal is to understand what data services do and when to use them, DP-900 is a strong fit.
What is the DP-900 exam syllabus (with percentage weightings)?
The DP-900 syllabus measures four main competency areas. Use these weights to plan how much time to spend on each section.
DP-900 competency areas and weightings (current)
- Core data concepts: 25–30%
- Relational data on Azure: 20–25%
- Non-relational data on Azure: 15–20%
- Analytics workloads on Azure: 25–30%
Below is a detailed breakdown that matches the skills measured in the latest Microsoft Learn DP-900 study guide style.
What data concepts does DP-900 test?
DP-900 starts by making sure you can explain data fundamentals clearly.
Structured vs semi-structured vs unstructured data
You should be able to define and distinguish:
- Structured data: fits a rigid schema (think tables and rows).
- Semi-structured data: has a flexible structure with tags/fields (commonly JSON).
- Unstructured data: lacks a fixed schema (images, audio, free text).
Data storage types and modeling ideas
DP-900 commonly assesses foundational understanding of:
- Data storage concepts (how and why data is stored).
- Data organization (how datasets are grouped, queried, and accessed).
- Schema and structure decisions—why one dataset may be stored differently than another.
Transactional vs analytical workloads
A key DP-900 theme is understanding the workload type:
- Transactional workloads prioritize inserts/updates, consistency, and fast point queries.
- Analytical workloads prioritize aggregation, scanning, and reporting across large datasets.
Warning: Many candidates memorize services by name but miss the workload intent. DP-900 is concept-first—expect questions that connect a workload requirement to the best-fit storage/analytics approach.
What relational data on Azure does DP-900 cover?
Relational data on Azure is where DP-900 tests your SQL and relational basics.
SQL and relational concepts (foundational)
You should understand:
- Relational concepts: tables, rows, columns, and relationships.
- SQL basics: how SQL is used to query and manipulate relational data.
- Schemas and constraints at a conceptual level.
Azure SQL services (conceptual fit)
DP-900 expects you to recognize how Azure SQL services support relational data scenarios. Typical concepts include:
- Using Azure SQL for relational database needs.
- Understanding how relational databases support transactional workloads.
- Knowing what “SQL database” commonly means in Azure (relational structure + SQL querying).
How DP-900 connects relational storage to use cases
Be ready for questions that ask you to choose the best option when you know:
- the data is structured,
- the workload is transactional or requires consistent relational queries,
- SQL querying is a central requirement.
What non-relational data on Azure does DP-900 cover?
Non-relational data focuses on flexibility, scale, and schema variance.
When non-relational storage makes sense
Expect conceptual questions about why non-relational storage is used when data is:
- semi-structured or unstructured,
- changing frequently,
- accessed in high scale patterns,
- or needs to support different access methods.
Azure Blob, File, and Table Storage (core ideas)
DP-900 includes major Azure storage categories:
- Azure Blob Storage: object storage for large amounts of unstructured data (files/blobs).
- Azure File Storage: file shares, often used when “classic file semantics” are important.
- Azure Table Storage: key/value/NoSQL-style table storage for structured-but-non-relational needs.
Azure Cosmos DB (core ideas)
DP-900 also tests your understanding of Cosmos DB at a high level:
- A globally distributed NoSQL database concept.
- How it supports non-relational workloads.
- Understanding it as a service designed for high-scale and flexible data access patterns.
Tip: For DP-900, focus on “best-fit” reasoning. If the scenario emphasizes flexible schemas, scalable ingestion, or NoSQL-style access patterns, you’re likely in Cosmos DB or storage services territory.
What analytics workloads on Azure does DP-900 include?
Analytics workloads are where DP-900 connects data to decision-making.
Large-scale analytics (core concepts)
Be able to explain the purpose and value of analytics workloads:
- scanning large datasets,
- aggregating and transforming data,
- enabling reporting and insights.
Azure Databricks (conceptual fit)
DP-900 covers the role of Databricks as a platform for analytics workflows. You should recognize it in contexts involving:
- large-scale data processing,
- data engineering and analytics patterns,
- and transforming data into analytics-ready formats.
Microsoft Fabric (analytics platform overview)
DP-900 includes Microsoft Fabric concepts, especially around how organizations deliver analytics experiences. Think in terms of a unified analytics ecosystem rather than a single database.
Real-time analytics (streaming scenarios)
DP-900 tests understanding of real-time analytics as a workload type:
- data arrives continuously,
- insights need to be updated quickly,
- and the solution must support low-latency processing.
Power BI (reporting and visualization)
Power BI is commonly associated with analytics consumption:
- turning modeled data into dashboards and reports,
- enabling end-user business insights,
- and supporting interactive data exploration.
How is the DP-900 exam formatted, and what should I expect?
DP-900 tests fundamentals using a scenario-based approach. The exam typically uses question formats such as multiple choice and other concept-checking options.
Step-by-step: plan around the real exam experience
- Read scenarios carefully. DP-900 often asks you to connect requirements (structured vs unstructured, transactional vs analytical) to the best data service category.
- Prioritize concepts over memorization. Focus on definitions and “why this service fits.”
- Practice decision-making under time. Use exam-style practice questions and timed mock exams.
- Review incorrectly answered topics immediately. Turn mistakes into a targeted mini-study plan.
Tip: If a question mentions “reporting, dashboards, or aggregations,” it’s usually steering you toward analytics workloads and visualization tools like Power BI.
DP-900 exam overview at a glance (comparison table)
Below is a candidate-friendly comparison table. For “price,” DP-900 exam pricing can change by location and Microsoft’s current store policies—use the official Microsoft exam page in your region to confirm the latest USD amount.
| Exam code | Exam name | Price (US) | Status | Syllabus areas covered | Difficulty (high-level) | Certification earned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DP-900 | Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals | Varies—confirm current USD on Microsoft’s exam store page | Active listing (verify current status on Microsoft) | Core data concepts (25–30%), Relational data (20–25%), Non-relational data (15–20%), Analytics workloads (25–30%) | Beginner-friendly fundamentals with scenario reasoning | Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals |
How do I prepare for DP-900 (a practical roadmap)?
DP-900 preparation works best when you combine (1) the syllabus, (2) scenario practice, and (3) rapid review.
Step-by-step: a DP-900 study plan you can follow
- Map time to weights. If analytics workloads are 25–30%, allocate at least that proportion of your study time.
- Build a “service intent” cheat sheet. For each concept, write:
- what the data looks like (structured/semi/unstructured),
- what the workload needs (transactional vs analytical vs real-time),
- and which Azure service category fits.
- Practice with exam-style questions daily. Short sessions beat occasional long cramming.
- Run at least one timed mock exam. Use the result to identify weak areas.
- Use targeted review cycles. Re-do question types you missed and restudy only the relevant concepts.
Warning: Avoid studying DP-900 as pure flashcards. The exam emphasizes scenario-to-service mapping, so your preparation should include frequent mixed-topic practice.
Recommended study resources (vendor-independent and effective)
- Microsoft Learn DP-900 modules and learning paths (use them as your canonical source for official concept coverage and skill mapping).
- Microsoft official documentation for the Azure services named in DP-900 (Azure SQL concepts, Storage types, Cosmos DB overview, Databricks/Fabric/Power BI basics).
- Exam-style practice questions from reputable providers.
- Free ITExamDeals mock exams: practice under realistic conditions. Passing a mock exam unlocks up to 70% off voucher offers, which can reduce the cost of booking your next attempt.
How much does the DP-900 exam cost in the United States?
DP-900 exam cost in the US is determined by Microsoft’s current pricing for your region and the currency shown on Microsoft’s official exam store.
Step-by-step: how to confirm DP-900 exam cost (fast)
- Go to the Microsoft DP-900 exam page in the Microsoft exam store.
- Select/confirm the United States pricing context.
- Read the displayed exam fee in USD.
- If a voucher price is being compared, compare the voucher’s total to the same exam fee context.
Tip: If you’re comparing voucher prices, always confirm that the voucher is valid for the same exam code (DP-900) and the correct market.
Where can I buy a DP-900 exam voucher in the US?
You have multiple realistic purchase routes. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize simplicity, support, or price transparency.
Step-by-step: choose the best voucher route for your situation
- If you want the most straightforward redemption: buy from the official vendor store.
- If you want support and scheduling help: consider authorized resellers/training partners.
- If you want to compare market competition: evaluate voucher sellers that explicitly list validity for the DP-900 exam.
DP-900 voucher buying routes: trade-offs table
| Purchase route | Typical strengths | What to verify before buying | Support level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft official exam store | Highest clarity on exam validity and redemption | DP-900 exam code, region/currency validity | Direct vendor support | Cert candidates who want minimal friction |
| Authorized reseller / training partner | Often includes guidance for exam booking | Authorized status, correct exam code, redemption instructions | Usually better than marketplaces | Candidates who want help or packaged prep |
| Voucher marketplaces / third-party sellers | Potential price competition | Voucher validity, DP-900 exam code matching, region/market constraints | Varies by seller | Candidates focused on comparing total cost |
Where to buy DP-900 exam voucher (and a recommended option for voucher pricing)
For many US-based candidates looking for a simple voucher purchasing flow, SecByte is a practical route to consider for a DP-900 exam voucher: DP-900 exam voucher. This helps you compare voucher options in a single place while keeping the process focused on exam-code validity.
How do I find a “cheap” DP-900 voucher without getting burned?
“Cheap” only matters if the voucher is valid for DP-900 and redeemable in your market. The right approach is a checklist-driven comparison.
Step-by-step: cheap DP-900 voucher checklist
- Confirm exam code = DP-900
- Confirm exam name matches “Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals”
- Check region/currency constraints for US redemption
- Compare total cost including any stated fees (if shown)
- Verify redemption instructions so scheduling is straightforward
- Avoid unsupported claims like “a much stronger chance of passing” or anything that sounds like exam security violations
Warning: Avoid sellers that don’t clearly state DP-900 validity and redemption steps. Pricing savings should never come at the cost of redeemability.
DP-900 syllabus topic breakdown (what to study, in what order)
Use this breakdown to turn the syllabus into a study checklist.
1) Core data concepts (25–30%)
Focus on:
- Structured vs semi-structured vs unstructured data
- Data storage basics
- Transactional vs analytical workloads
- How these concepts guide service selection
2) Relational data on Azure (20–25%)
Focus on:
- SQL and relational concepts (tables, rows, schema concepts)
- Azure SQL service intent for relational workloads
- When relational storage is the best-fit option
3) Non-relational data on Azure (15–20%)
Focus on:
- Blob/File/Table Storage conceptual differences
- Cosmos DB’s role for NoSQL-style workloads
- When flexible schemas and scale matter
4) Analytics workloads on Azure (25–30%)
Focus on:
- Large-scale analytics patterns
- Azure Databricks conceptual role
- Microsoft Fabric overview concepts
- Real-time analytics idea (streaming and quick insights)
- Power BI for reporting and visualization
Quick service mapping cheat sheet (concept-first)
Use this as a fast mental model while you answer scenario questions.
| Scenario signal (what the question says) | What DP-900 expects you to think about | Common Azure concepts to recall |
|---|---|---|
| “Structured data,” “tables,” “SQL queries,” relational model | Relational data and SQL | Azure SQL (relational intent), SQL basics |
| “Unstructured data,” “large objects,” “blob-style storage” | Object storage | Azure Blob Storage |
| “File shares,” “classic file access semantics” | Files in Azure | Azure File Storage |
| “NoSQL,” flexible schema, high-scale access patterns | Non-relational database | Azure Cosmos DB |
| “Dashboards,” “reporting,” interactive BI | Analytics consumption | Power BI |
| “Real-time insights,” streaming events | Low-latency analytics | Real-time analytics concepts |
How to use mock exams to improve your score faster
DP-900 improves dramatically when you use mock exams as a feedback loop.
Step-by-step: a high-impact mock exam routine
- Take a timed mock exam after covering each competency area.
- Review every incorrect answer and label it:
- concept misunderstanding,
- scenario mapping mistake,
- or recall gap.
- Re-study only the labeled weaknesses.
- Take a second shorter practice set focused on the weak categories.
- Track progress by topic (core, relational, non-relational, analytics).
Tip: Passing a mock exam unlocks up to 70% off voucher offers on ITExamDeals—this can be a motivating way to line up your next booking once your practice scores stabilize.
FAQs
What is DP-900?
DP-900 is the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals exam. It validates foundational knowledge of data concepts and Azure data services, including relational and non-relational storage as well as analytics workloads.
What is the DP-900 syllabus?
The DP-900 syllabus is organized into four main competency areas: 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?
DP-900 exam cost in the United States depends on Microsoft’s current pricing shown on the official Microsoft exam store page for your region. Compare any voucher price against the current USD fee displayed there.
Where can I buy a DP-900 voucher?
You can buy a DP-900 voucher from the Microsoft official exam store, from authorized resellers/training partners, or from voucher sellers that clearly specify DP-900 validity and US redemption instructions.
What is the cheapest way to take DP-900?
The cheapest approach is usually a combination of (1) comparing total voucher price across valid purchase routes and (2) booking after you’re ready. Use exam-style mock exams first; once you pass, you can often unlock significant voucher offers through ITExamDeals.
Is DP-900 difficult?
DP-900 is designed as a beginner-friendly fundamentals exam. Difficulty typically comes from scenario reasoning (transactional vs analytical, structured vs unstructured), so consistent practice with exam-style questions matters more than memorizing service features.
Next steps
- Build a one-page checklist of the four DP-900 competency areas and their percentage weights.
- Study data concepts first: structured/semi-structured/unstructured and transactional vs analytical.
- Practice relational and non-relational scenarios with mixed-topic exam-style questions.
- Take a timed free mock exam and then run a targeted review on the weak areas.
- When ready, compare DP-900 voucher options by confirming exam code validity and US redemption instructions before checkout.