How many Microsoft fundamentals exams are there?

What are Microsoft Fundamentals Exams?

Microsoft Fundamentals exams test people on the basics of different Microsoft technologies and tools. These are entry-level tests that check if someone understands the main ideas behind Microsoft's cloud services, security features, and other tech offerings. When you take these tests, you'll need to know things like how the different parts fit together and what they're used for. They're good for people who are just starting with Microsoft products or want to display they know the basics.

The Different Types of Fundamentals Exams

Currently, Microsoft offers twelve different fundamentals exams. Each one focuses on a specific area of Microsoft technology. The Azure Fundamentals exam (AZ-900) is one of the most popular since lots of companies use Azure cloud services. There's also Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) which tests knowledge about tools like Microsoft Teams, Word, and Excel. Security is really important these days, so Microsoft built the Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals exam (SC-900). For people interested in data and artificial intelligence, there's the Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) and Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900). Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900) helps people learn Microsoft's tools for building apps and analyzing data without needing to write code.

How to Prepare for These Exams

Getting ready for a Microsoft Fundamentals exam doesn't have to be hard. Microsoft gives free online training that you can watch at your own speed. These videos and lessons break everything down into simple terms and let you practice what you're learning. You can also find study materials and practice tests online that help you get used to the kinds of questions you'll face on the real test. Most people spend about a month studying before they take their exam. It's good to take notes and try out the things you're learning if you can. Microsoft also has free practice labs where you can click around and test how things run without worrying about making mistakes.

Taking the Exams

The exams usually take about an hour to finish and have between 40 to 60 questions. You can take them at a testing center near you or do them at home on your computer while someone watches through your webcam. The questions might be multiple choice, or they might ask you to look at a picture and pick what's wrong with it. You need to get about 700 points out of 1000 to pass, but this can be different for each exam. If you don't pass the first time, that's okay - you can try again after waiting 24 hours. Each time you take the test costs about $100, but sometimes Microsoft offers discounts or free retakes.