Updated January 28, 2021
To master data in the cloud, you need the right foundation—a solid understanding of core data concepts, such as relational data, nonrelational data, big data, and analytics. Plus familiarity with the roles, tasks, and responsibilities in the world of data and data analytics. Are you there? Certification can help you prove it.
Certification in Azure Data Fundamentals offers the foundation you need to build your technical skills and start working with data in the cloud. Mastering the basics can help you jump-start your career and prepare you to dive deeper into other technical opportunities Azure offers.
The Azure Data Fundamentals certification validates your foundational knowledge of core data concepts and how they’re implemented using Azure data services. You earn it by passing Exam DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals.
You can use your Azure Data Fundamentals certification to reinforce your basics for other Azure role-based certifications, like Azure Database Administrator Associate, Azure Data Engineer Associate, Data Analyst Associate, or Azure Developer Associate, but it’s not a prerequisite for any of them.
What are the prerequisites?
If you’re new to the cloud or just starting out with Azure, first choose Azure Fundamentals training and certification. Find out how to Master the basics with Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals.
If you’re just beginning to work with data in the cloud, this certification is for you. You should be familiar with the concepts of relational and nonrelational data and with different types of data workloads, such as transactional or analytical.
How can you get ready?
To help you plan your journey, check out our infographic, The journey to Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals. You can also find it in the resources section on the certification and exam pages, which contains other valuable help for Azure professionals.
To map out your journey, follow the sequence in the infographic. First, decide whether this is the right certification for you.
Next, to understand what you’ll be measured on when taking Exam DP-900, review the skills outline guide on the exam page.
Sign up for training that fits your learning style and experience:
- Choose curated learning paths on Microsoft Learn. These eight (plus) hours of self-paced online learning will help you get ready for your cloud data journey.
- If you prefer to learn from an instructor, choose instructor-led training. To take the one-day Microsoft Data Azure Fundamentals course, find a Microsoft Learning Partner.
Then take a trial run with the Microsoft Official Practice Test for DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals. All objectives of the exam are covered in depth, so you’ll find what you need to be ready for any question.
After you pass the exam and earn your certification, continue mastering the basics with Azure AI Fundamentals, level up with the Azure Database Administrator Associate, Azure Data Engineer Associate, Data Analyst Associate, or Azure Developer certifications, or find the right Microsoft Azure certification for you, based on your profession (or the one you aspire to).
Celebrate your Azure talents with the world
When you earn a certification or learn a new skill, it’s an accomplishment worth celebrating with your network. It often takes less than a minute to update your LinkedIn profile and share your achievements, highlight your skills, and help boost your career potential. Here’s how:
- If you’ve earned a certification already, follow the instructions in the congratulations email you received. Or find your badge on your Certification Dashboard, and follow the instructions there to share it. (You’ll be transferred to the Acclaim website.)
- To add specific skills, visit your LinkedIn profile and update the Skills and endorsements section. Tip: We recommend that you choose skills listed in the skills outline guide for your certification.
It’s time to master the basics!
Your Microsoft Certification can help validate that you have the skills to stay ahead with today’s technology. It can also help empower you with a boost in confidence and job satisfaction—and maybe even a salary increase. Want to know more? In our blog post, Need another reason to earn a Microsoft Certification?, we offer 10 good reasons to earn your certification.
Use your Azure Data Fundamentals certification as a starting point to explore more training on Azure, SQL Server and other technologies and to chart your path forward. If you’re looking to advance your career or to jump-start a new one, the message is the same: establish your foundations. Earn your certification, and open up new possibilities for your career and for turning your ideas into solutions on Azure.
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