If you are looking to build a career in the cloud computing industry, it is essential to have a strong understanding of Microsoft Azure. However, with so many Azure certifications available, it can be challenging to decide which one to pursue. In this article, IT Exams will compare two popular Azure certifications: AZ-900 vs DP-900, and help you determine which one is right for you.
Note: On this website, we offer numerous free Az 900 practice tests to let users familiarize themself with the real test format. Give it a try!
What are AZ-900 and DP-900 Certifications?
AZ-900, known as Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, is intended for people who are new to cloud computing or come from a non-technical background. The certification is designed to provide a fundamental grasp of cloud principles, Azure services, security and compliance, pricing, and support. DP-900, also known as Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals, is intended for individuals interested in data-related services and concepts in Azure. The certification focuses on Azure data storage options, Azure data analytics options, and Azure data processing options.
Both the AZ-900 and the DP-900 are entry-level certifications that give core knowledge of Azure services, but their objectives and target audiences differ. Choosing the incorrect certification could result in a mismatch between your talents and the job requirements, which could be harmful to your career.
For example, if you want to work in data-related services and concepts in Azure, the AZ-900 certification may not be the best option because it does not cover these topics in depth. DP-900, on the other hand, may not be the greatest choice if you are new to cloud computing or have a non-technical background because it expects some prior understanding of Azure and focuses especially on data-related services.
As a result, it is critical to select the certification that corresponds to your interests, career ambitions, and existing understanding of Azure. This can help you develop the necessary skills and information for the job role you are interested in, increasing your chances of being hired. Here is a closer look at the comparison of DP-900 vs AZ-900:
AZ-900 Exam
AZ-900 Overview
The AZ-900 certification is designed to give individuals a basic understanding of cloud concepts and Azure services. Its goal is to assist people to grasp the fundamentals of cloud computing, including the advantages of cloud computing, the distinctions between cloud and on-premises solutions, and the key Azure services that are offered.
This certification is intended to provide an overview of Azure services, security and compliance, pricing, and support. Individuals who achieve this certification can demonstrate that they have the expertise required to use Azure efficiently and understand how it can help their firm.
Individuals who are new to cloud computing or have a non-technical background can benefit greatly from the AZ-900 certification. It is also a prerequisite for some of the more advanced Azure certifications offered by Microsoft.
AZ-900 Exam Format
- Exam Name: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- Exam Code: AZ-900
- Passing Score: 700
- Cost: $99 USD
- Language: English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Spanish, German, French, Indonesian (Indonesia), Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Chinese (Traditional), Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian
AZ-900 Target Audience
The AZ-900 certification is intended for people who are new to cloud computing or come from a non-technical background. The certification is intended for business stakeholders, non-technical IT professionals, students, and anybody else interested in learning about Azure services. The AZ-900 certification is intended for individuals who want to learn the fundamentals of Azure and cloud computing, such as:
- Individuals in charge of making decisions on the deployment of cloud-based solutions in their enterprises are referred to as business stakeholders. Executives, managers, and business analysts may be included.
- Non-technical IT personnel include project managers, business analysts, and technical writers who work in IT but do not have a technical background.
- Students who are seeking a career in IT or who want to learn more about cloud computing and Azure services.
- Anyone interested in learning about Azure services and how they can help their business or personal projects: Anyone interested in learning about Azure services and how they can benefit their organization or personal projects.
AZ-900 Topic Covered
The AZ-900 exam covers a wide spectrum of cloud computing and Azure services topics. The exam is designed to assess a person’s understanding of cloud principles as well as their ability to understand and communicate cloud computing topics.
The following topics are covered in the AZ-900 exam:
- Cloud Concepts (20-25%)
- Azure Services (25-30%)
- Security, Privacy, Compliance, and Trust (25-30%)
- Azure Pricing and Support (20-25%)
AZ-900 Exam Difficulty
The AZ-900 exam is intended to assess basic knowledge of cloud computing and Azure services. Individuals with prior experience in IT or cloud computing may find it to be a relatively easier exam. The exam, however, can be difficult for individuals with little or no experience in cloud computing.
DP-900 Exam
DP-900 Overview
The DP-900 certification is designed to give users a fundamental grasp of data principles and how they can be implemented using Azure data services. Its goal is to assist people to grasp the fundamentals of data and data services, such as data storage, processing, and security.
This certification is intended for people who are new to data and data services or who come from a non-technical background. It is intended for business stakeholders, non-technical IT professionals, students, and anyone else who wants to learn the fundamentals of data concepts and Azure data services.
Individuals who achieve this certification can demonstrate that they have the essential expertise to efficiently use Azure data services and understand how they can help their firm. The DP-900 certification is also required for several of Microsoft’s more complex Azure data certifications.
DP-900 Exam Format
- Exam Name: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals
- Exam Code: DP-900
- Passing Score: 700
- Cost: $99 USD
- Language: English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Indonesian (Indonesia), Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Chinese (Traditional), Italian
DP-900 Target Audience
The DP-900 certification, also known as Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals, is intended for people who are unfamiliar with data and data services or have a non-technical background. Individuals interested in learning the fundamentals of data and data services are the target audience for the DP-900 certification, which includes:
- Individuals in charge of making decisions about the use of data services in their enterprises are referred to as business stakeholders.
- Non-technical IT personnel include project managers, business analysts, and technical writers who work in IT but do not have a technical background.
- Students pursuing a career in IT or interested in learning more about data and data services are referred to as students.
- Anyone interested in learning about data concepts and how they can be applied using Azure data services: Anyone interested in learning about data concepts and how they can be implemented using Azure data services.
DP-900 Topic Covered
The DP-900 exam covers a wide range of data and data services topics on the Azure cloud platform. The exam is designed to assess an individual’s fundamental understanding of key data concepts and how they are applied utilizing Azure data services.
The following topics are covered in the DP-900 exam:
- Core Data Concepts (25-30%)
- Relational Data in Azure (20—25%)
- Non-Relational Data in Azure (15—20%)
- Azure Data Analytics (25—30%)
DP-900 Exam Difficulty
The DP-900 exam focuses on data basics and Azure data services. Individuals with no prior experience in data or database management may find this exam more difficult. Candidates with prior expertise or understanding in data management, on the other hand, may find this exam easier to pass.
Is It Right To Choose AZ-900?
A candidate experienced in cloud computing who is unsure about pursuing an AZ-900 career can read the following points to learn more about the certification’s numerous benefits.
The AZ0-900 certification for Microsoft Azure Fundamentals is specifically created for individuals who are just beginning their careers in cloud computing. Regardless of whether the candidate has an IT background or not, the certification will surely assist him in the proper direction.
A candidate must be aware of whether he has chosen the right field in which to flourish. A candidate must have a solid foundation and the ability to improve and expand such talents. Knowing the industry’s foundation level phrases with the AZ-900 exam could help you lay a solid basis for your future profession. Being Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 certified is an excellent step before attempting associate-level certifications.
The baseline certification, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, focuses on two main areas of expertise as part of the Microsoft role-based certification roadmap. The first is concerned with administration, solution development, and security technologies, while the second is concerned with data and Azure AI. Depending on his professional path, the applicant may end up as a Microsoft Certified Azure DevOps Engineer Expert or a Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert. As an Azure Fundamentals, 1Z0-900 certification provides a plethora of opportunities for your future career. A candidate must choose and stick to the path that appeals to him. The AZ-900 will empower you by providing you with the ability to make informed decisions.
According to studies, Azure AZ-900 certified IT professionals earn more than non-certified candidates. If a candidate is AZ-900, Azure Fundamentals certified, he can take on greater responsibilities in his existing position, particularly if he works for a cloud computing company. For example, an AZ-900 certified can mentor other team members who are new to Azure and obtain a promotion with the prospect of a higher pay scale.
Read more >> AZ 900 Salary: Average Salaries, Job Titles, and Tips to Maximize Earning Potential
Many firms and employees prefer certified applicants for specific job responsibilities, and the AZ-900 distinguishes you while competing with other candidates. Although the AZ-900 certification is not required for employment, it can help you stand out among other candidates.
Is It Right To Choose DP-900?
The Azure Data Fundamentals Certification aims to provide applicants with a thorough understanding of how data is maintained in the Azure cloud. Additionally, this certification teaches candidates how to interact with this notion utilizing other relevant Azure services. You will most likely be qualified to apply for associate-level certificates if you obtain the Azure DP-900 certification.
After passing the Data Fundamentals exam, applicants should consider pursuing certifications such as Azure Data Engineer and Azure Database Administrator. When you approach high-level certifications with mastery of Data foundations, you will receive two-star badges. The worldwide IT market is brimming with job prospects for persons who know how to work with data or use Azure services. As a result, by obtaining the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 certification, you will be able to stand out in your dedicated job interviews.
Microsoft certification on the DP-900 or Data Fundamentals validates your competence in the field. And this is how this certification will benefit you on a larger scale. If you are new to database administration, you should absolutely take this exam. If you want to learn about how data is used in Azure services, this is the ideal test or certification for you. While studying for and taking this exam, you will get an in-depth understanding of all types of databases, including semi-structured, unstructured, and structured databases. Furthermore, this qualification allows you to pursue a job in database management.
An Azure Data Engineer and an Azure Database Administrator earn $140,000 and $110,000 a year, respectively. These are the average starting salary for these job roles after combining Azure Data Fundamentals with the relevant role-based certifications. Experience is what will allow people to advance in this field. However, Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 certification is required to enter this area! As a result, if you have a strong interest in data analysis, this foundational certification is a must-have.
Which certification should you choose: DP-900 vs AZ-900?
Summarizing the differences
To summarize, the following are the significant distinctions between the AZ-900 and DP-900 certifications:
- Focus: The AZ-900 certification focuses on cloud computing principles and services, whereas the DP-900 certification focuses on data services foundations.
- Technical knowledge required: Compared to the DP-900 certification, which assumes a fundamental comprehension of data concepts, the AZ-900 certification requires less technical expertise.
- Job roles and career paths: Those interested in cloud administration, architecture, or engineering should pursue the AZ-900 certification, whereas those interested in data analytics or data engineering should pursue the DP-900 certification.
- Topics covered: The AZ-900 certification covers topics such as cloud computing principles, core Azure services, security, compliance, and pricing, while the DP-900 certification covers topics such as data concepts, relational data services, non-relational data services, analytics services, and data integration.
- Exam difficulty: The level of difficulty is the most significant distinction between the DP-900 and AZ-900 tests. The DP-900 exam is more difficult and needs a more in-depth understanding of Azure technology. The AZ-900 exam is simpler and focuses on your grasp of Microsoft Azure’s key services.
Factors to consider
It is critical to evaluate your long-term career goals, prior experience, technical expertise, time and resources, and personal interests when deciding between the AZ-900 and DP-900 certifications. This will assist you in determining which certification is ideal for you. Here are some important considerations to bear in mind:
- Career objectives: Consider your long-term professional aspirations as well as the work roles that attract you. The DP-900 certification may be a better fit if you are interested in data analytics or data engineering. The AZ-900 certification may be a better fit if you are interested in cloud administration, cloud engineering, or cloud architecture.
- Prior experience: Consider your previous experience with cloud computing and data services. If you have little expertise in either field, the AZ-900 certification could be a smart place to begin. You may be better qualified for the DP-900 certification if you have more experience with data services or cloud computing.
- Technical knowledge: Consider your technical competence and level of familiarity with technological topics. The DP-900 certification demands a fundamental understanding of data concepts as well as some technical knowledge connected to data services, but the AZ-900 certification does not.
- Time and resources: Think about how much time and money you have to study for the exam. Because the AZ-900 certification covers more topics than the DP-900 certification, it may take more time and effort to prepare for.
- Personal interests: Consider your particular interests and the areas of cloud computing or data services in which you are most interested in learning more.
Match your interests and career objectives
Matching your hobbies and career goals to the appropriate certification is a critical step in making the most of your certification journey. Here are some pointers to help you match your hobbies and professional aspirations to the appropriate certification:
- Determine your interests: Begin by determining your cloud computing and data services interests. Do you like dealing with data, or do you prefer cloud infrastructure and services? This can assist you in determining which certification is ideal for you.
- Consider your career objectives: Consider your long-term professional objectives as well as the work roles that attract you. Examine job advertisements and descriptions to determine which certifications are most in demand for the professions you want.
- Exam goals: Pay special attention to the exam objectives for each certification. This will give you an idea of the topics covered in each exam and assist you in determining which certification best matches your interests and professional aspirations.
- Read the following study materials: Read the study materials for both certifications to have a better understanding of the information covered. This will assist you in determining which certification is more fascinating and relevant to your career objectives.
- Seek guidance: Seek guidance from experts or colleagues who have completed the certifications. They can advise you on which certifications are most relevant to your job objectives and interests.
In short, considering the related factors will assist you in determining which certification is ideal for you. Both the AZ-900 vs DP-900 certifications are good possibilities for those interested in a career in cloud computing or data analytics. DP-900 digs further into data analytics and requires a higher technical background, whereas AZ-900 is primarily focused on cloud concepts and principles.
FAQs
Do I need AZ-900 before AZ-500?
Despite the fact that Microsoft does not require any prerequisites for the AZ-500 test. If you are just starting out in the cloud, you should take the AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals test.
Can I take AZ-900 from home?
You can take the exam at home or in a testing center. Please keep in mind that all tests are proctored, and you must meet these conditions before taking the exam.
Is AZ-900 good for a resume?
Whether you want to start a career in cloud computing or change careers, completing the Azure Fundamentals AZ 900 certificate will help you develop a solid foundation. It serves as a stepping stone to other Azure certifications. It is an excellent addition to your CV.
Which certification is best after DP-900?
After passing DP-900, you can take a variety of examinations to deepen your knowledge and competence on the Azure Platform. However, the Microsoft Certified Data Engineer path is the most likely.
Is DP-900 hard to pass?
DP-900 exams can be quite difficult, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of material to cover. While you can never know everything, here are some resources that specialists recommend and how they help students pass the exam.
How to get DP-900 certification for free?
Navigate to the Microsoft Certification Dashboard. Enter your Microsoft account and password to log in. Click the Certifications and Exams option on Your Dashboard, then select Browse all exams from the dropdown menu to find your exam. When you’ve decided, proceed to Edit your certification profile.
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