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MicrosoftAZ-900

Azure Fundamentals in Seoul

Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.

Salary uplift
+$6k
Exam cost
$165
Duration
65 min
Passing score
700
Difficulty
beginner
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◆ 01 / About

What is Azure Fundamentals?

The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification (AZ-900) is the entry point into cloud computing for IT professionals and career changers alike. It validates your understanding of core cloud concepts, Azure services, pricing models, and governance — no technical background required. In Seoul, where digital transformation is accelerating across finance, manufacturing, and tech sectors, foundational cloud credentials are increasingly expected even for non-technical roles. Companies like Samsung, LG, Kakao, and a growing wave of Seoul-based startups are migrating workloads to Azure, creating strong demand for professionals who can speak the language of cloud. AZ-900 is the fastest way to establish that credibility.

At $165 USD for the exam, the AZ-900 has one of the strongest ROI profiles of any entry-level certification. With the average IT salary in Seoul sitting around $55,000/yr, a documented $6,000/yr salary uplift represents roughly an 11% increase — from a single beginner-level exam. Most candidates in Seoul complete preparation in eight to twelve weeks studying part-time. The certification is valid for two years, and renewal keeps your profile current in a competitive hiring market. Whether you are a recent graduate targeting Seoul's tech sector or a mid-career professional pivoting into cloud roles, AZ-900 is a low-risk, high-return investment that signals cloud readiness to employers immediately.

◆ 02 / Exam details

Exam details

Exam cost
$165 USD
Duration
65 min
Passing score
700
Renewal
Every 2 yrs

Prerequisites: None required

◆ 03 / Study plan

12-week study plan

1
Cloud Concepts and Core Azure ServicesWeeks 1–4
Study cloud computing models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) and the shared responsibility model using Microsoft Learn free modulesLearn the core Azure services: Compute, Networking, Storage, and Databases — focus on what each service does and real-world use casesComplete the Microsoft Learn 'Azure Fundamentals' learning path Part 1 and Part 2, taking notes on service categories
2
Security, Compliance, Pricing, and GovernanceWeeks 5–8
Study Azure identity services including Azure Active Directory, Multi-Factor Authentication, and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)Review Azure compliance offerings, governance tools like Azure Policy and Blueprints, and the Trust CenterUnderstand Azure pricing models, the Total Cost of Ownership calculator, and the Azure Cost Management tool
3
Practice Exams and Exam ReadinessWeeks 9–12
Take at least three full-length practice exams and review every incorrect answer against the official Microsoft documentationFocus revision on your weakest domain — most candidates underestimate the SLA, pricing, and support plan questionsSchedule your exam at a Pearson VUE test center in Seoul or book online proctoring, then do a final timed mock exam 48 hours before
◆ 04 / Exam tips

Exam tips

Know the difference between CapEx and OpEx cold — Microsoft tests this concept repeatedly in scenario-based questions about why organizations move to the cloud.

Do not just memorize Azure service names; understand what problem each service solves. AZ-900 questions frequently describe a business scenario and ask which Azure service fits best.

Pay close attention to Azure SLAs, support plan tiers, and the Azure Service Level Agreement documentation — these are commonly underestimated topics that appear more on the exam than most candidates expect.

Use the official Microsoft Learn AZ-900 learning path as your primary study resource — the exam is written by Microsoft, and the free Learn modules directly reflect the question domains and language used on the actual test.

On exam day, flag and skip any question you are unsure about and return to it later — the AZ-900 is not adaptive, so you can review and change answers before final submission, which is a significant advantage to use deliberately.

◆ 05 / FAQ

Frequently asked questions

AZ-900 is genuinely beginner-friendly. Microsoft designed it for people with no prior cloud or IT experience. The concepts are conceptual rather than technical — you will not write code or configure systems. Most non-technical candidates pass after six to ten weeks of part-time study using the free Microsoft Learn modules. It is considered one of the most accessible entry points into the IT certification world.
◆ 06 / Other certifications in Seoul