Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 Review: Is It Worth Taking?
DP-900 remains Microsoft's beginner Azure Data Fundamentals credential, covering core data concepts, representation, non-relational data, Azure storage, analytics and real-time analytics.
A useful first Microsoft data credential if you are beginning cloud data work—not a job-ready data engineering certification.
DP-900 remains Microsoft's beginner Azure Data Fundamentals credential, covering core data concepts, representation, non-relational data, Azure storage, analytics and real-time analytics.
Explore Cloud Computing courses and programs on edX
Compare flexible online cloud computing learning options from universities and industry partners on edX. Use this as training alongside the credential path discussed in this guide.
What does it really take?
Microsoft pricing varies by region. Use the current July 2026 DP-900 study guide before paying for third-party training.
Does the career stage fit?
Microsoft positions DP-900 for candidates beginning to work with data in the cloud. It assumes familiarity with the learning material rather than professional data-engineering experience.
What this credential validates
Core data concepts
Understand foundational data ideas.
Data representation
Understand relational and non-relational models.
Azure storage
Understand Azure data storage capabilities.
Analytics
Understand analytics and real-time workloads.
Best when the credential matches real cloud work.
DP-900 is best as a learning and orientation credential. It helps you choose a deeper data engineering, analytics or database path.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Beginner positioning
- Current 2026 objectives
- Clear Azure data foundation
- Good career-exploration credential
- Strong official Learn resources
Cons
- Fundamentals only
- Not job-ready alone
- Microsoft-specific
- Can be redundant for experienced data professionals
- Requires deeper role-based skills afterward
Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 Review: Is It Worth Taking? questions
Is DP-900 still current in 2026?
Yes. Microsoft updated the DP-900 skills measured in July 2026.
Is DP-900 for beginners?
Yes. Microsoft labels Azure Data Fundamentals as beginner level.
What does DP-900 cover now?
Core data concepts, ways to represent data, non-relational data on Azure, Azure storage, analytics workloads and real-time analytics.
Can DP-900 get you a data job?
Not by itself. It validates fundamentals, not full data-engineering or analyst capability.
Should I take AZ-900 before DP-900?
Not mandatory. AZ-900 is broader Azure fundamentals; DP-900 is focused on data.
What should come after DP-900?
Move toward the role you want: Power BI, data engineering, databases, analytics or another Microsoft data path.
A useful first Microsoft data credential if you are beginning cloud data work—not a job-ready data engineering certification.
DP-900 is best as a learning and orientation credential. It helps you choose a deeper data engineering, analytics or database path.