The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) certification is a recognised entry-level credential for individuals seeking to validate their foundational knowledge of cloud concepts and Microsoft Azure services. For candidates preparing for this examination, a variety of resources are available, including free practice questions designed to simulate the exam format and assess readiness. These resources are typically provided by third-party educational platforms and are not officially endorsed by Microsoft. The following information outlines the nature, structure, and availability of these practice questions based on publicly accessible data.
Understanding the AZ-900 Examination Structure
The AZ-900 exam is a single certification test that assesses a candidate's understanding of fundamental cloud concepts and Microsoft Azure. According to data from multiple educational platforms, the actual examination consists of 40 to 60 questions. Candidates are allotted 85 minutes to complete the test, and a passing score of 700 out of 1000 is required. The exam content is divided into three primary domains: Describe cloud concepts (25-30%), Describe Azure architecture and services (35-40%), and Describe Azure management and governance (30-35%). This structure is consistently referenced across the provided sources, indicating a reliable baseline for candidates to understand the scope of the examination.
Availability and Format of Free Practice Questions
Several platforms offer free practice questions to help candidates prepare for the AZ-900 exam. These resources vary in the number of questions provided and the requirements for access.
One platform provides 25 free practice questions. These questions are described as scenario-based, mirroring the format of the actual exam. They cover all three major exam domains and include detailed explanations for both correct and incorrect answers. The questions are created by a Microsoft certified professional and are intended to reflect current exam objectives and question patterns. No sign-up is required to access these 25 questions.
Another source offers 10 free practice questions with no sign-up required. This platform also provides access to a larger bank of over 300 questions, detailed explanations, and practice exams through a paid subscription model. The free questions are presented as a starting point to give candidates a sense of the exam's style.
A third resource mentions printable practice questions and emphasises value for money, though specific details on the number of free questions available are not explicitly stated in the provided data. The platform highlights features such as verified answers and research by industry experts.
Strategic Use of Practice Questions for Exam Preparation
The provided data suggests that while free practice questions are useful, they may not be sufficient on their own to guarantee a passing score. One source recommends that candidates should practice with at least 400 to 500 questions to ensure comprehensive coverage of all exam objectives and variations in question phrasing. This recommendation is based on the premise that the actual exam contains 40-60 questions, and a larger pool of practice questions helps build pattern recognition, identify weak areas, and reduce test anxiety.
For candidates who are unsure of their readiness, some platforms offer guidance based on practice test scores. For example: * A score of 80% or higher may indicate readiness, and candidates are advised to take full-length practice tests and schedule the exam within 1-2 weeks. * A score between 60% and 79% suggests more study is needed, with a focus on reviewing specific domains and practising additional questions. * A score below 60% indicates a need for more extensive preparation, potentially following a structured study plan for 2-4 weeks.
The data also notes that the AZ-900 exam is considered an entry-level certification and is one of the easier Azure exams. With proper preparation using practice questions, most candidates are expected to pass on their first attempt. The recommended study time is typically 2-4 weeks of dedicated daily study.
Features of Practice Question Platforms
Beyond the questions themselves, several platforms offer additional tools to support exam preparation. These may include: * Timed Practice Exams: Simulating the real exam environment with a countdown timer. * Detailed Explanations: Providing reasoning for each answer choice to deepen understanding. * Score Reports and Analytics: Helping candidates identify areas for improvement. * Study Notes and Flashcards: Offering summaries and quick-reference materials for key concepts. * Mobile Applications: Allowing for study on the go, with some platforms offering a mobile version that functions similarly to the website. * Study Plan Generators: Some platforms provide personalised study schedules based on a candidate's timeline and experience.
It is important to note that while these features are described by the platforms, their effectiveness is subjective and not independently verified in the provided source material.
Considerations for UK-Based Candidates
For UK-based candidates, the primary consideration is the accessibility of these online resources. The platforms mentioned operate on websites, and their services, including free and paid question banks, are generally available to users worldwide, including the UK. However, candidates should be aware that these are third-party resources and are not official Microsoft training materials. Microsoft's own learning path, which includes Microsoft Learn modules, is frequently recommended as a complementary resource for conceptual understanding. The provided data suggests that candidates who score lower on practice tests should review Microsoft Learn modules for specific topics where they are weak.
Conclusion
Free practice questions for the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) exam are available from several third-party educational platforms. These resources typically offer a limited number of free questions (e.g., 10 to 25) to give candidates a preview of the exam format and style. The actual AZ-900 exam consists of 40-60 questions with an 85-minute time limit. While free questions are a useful starting point, comprehensive preparation often requires a larger pool of practice questions (400-500) and may be supplemented with structured study plans, timed exams, and review of official Microsoft Learn content. Candidates should treat these practice resources as study aids and evaluate their readiness based on consistent performance in practice tests.