If you're preparing for the Microsoft AZ-900 exam—Azure Fundamentals—this guide is for you. Whether you're new to cloud computing or transitioning from another platform, we've analyzed the top-rated az 900 course options to help you pass on your first try. You'll get a clear roadmap, a comparison of the best prep courses, and honest reviews based on curriculum, hands-on labs, instructor quality, and real-world value.
Quick Pick
Our top recommendation is Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Certification Course by Microsoft on edX. It's free to audit, created by Microsoft themselves, and covers every exam objective with structured modules, practice quizzes, and real-world scenarios. The course includes hands-on labs via Azure Sandbox, making it ideal for visual and practical learners. While the verified track costs $99 (as of 2026), it includes a shareable certificate and unlimited access, making it the most authoritative and cost-effective choice for serious candidates.
Comparison Table
| Course | Provider | Price (USD) | Duration | Certificate | Level | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) | edX (by Microsoft) | Free (audit), $99 (verified) | 4 weeks (6–8 hrs/week) | Yes (verified track) | Beginner | 4.8/5 |
| Exam AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals | Coursera (by Microsoft) | Free (7-day trial), $49/month | 15 hours | Yes | Beginner | 4.7/5 |
| AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals | Udemy (by Scott Duffy) | $129.99 (frequent discounts to $14.99) | 8.5 hours | Yes | Beginner | 4.6/5 |
| Microsoft Azure Fundamentals - Pass the AZ-900! | Udemy (by Neil Millines) | $139.99 (often on sale for $12.99) | 10 hours | Yes | Beginner | 4.7/5 |
| AZ-900 Exam Prep: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals | Pluralsight (by Sharon Bennett) | $29/month or $299/year | 6 hours | Yes | Beginner | 4.5/5 |
| Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) | LinkedIn Learning (by David Elfassy) | $31.99/month or $269.88/year | 3h 52m | Yes | Beginner | 4.6/5 |
| AZ-900 Certification: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals | A Cloud Guru (by Matthew Ulasien) | $49/month or $399/year | 8 hours | Yes | Beginner | 4.6/5 |
Detailed Reviews
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) – edX (by Microsoft)
This official course from Microsoft on edX is the most comprehensive free option for AZ-900 prep. It's part of the Microsoft Professional Program and covers all four exam domains: cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, and pricing/support.
Designed for absolute beginners, it includes video lectures, knowledge checks, and hands-on labs using Azure Sandbox—no credit card required. The course is self-paced and takes about 4 weeks at 6–8 hours per week.
- Created and maintained by Microsoft
- Includes real Azure environment access
- Aligned with current exam objectives (2026)
- Free to audit; $99 for verified certificate
The main drawback is that the free version doesn’t include a certificate. However, if you're serious about certification, the $99 verified track is worth it for the credential and unlimited access. This course is ideal for learners who want an official, no-risk entry into Azure.
Exam AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals – Coursera (by Microsoft)
Part of the Microsoft Azure Professional Certificate series, this course is offered through Coursera and developed by Microsoft. It covers all exam topics with short videos, quizzes, and a practice exam at the end.
The course is concise—only 15 hours total—and includes content on cloud fundamentals, core services, security, compliance, and pricing models. It’s ideal for learners on a tight schedule or those already familiar with cloud basics.
- Free with 7-day Coursera trial
- Access to hands-on projects via Qwiklabs
- Shareable certificate upon completion
- Part of a larger Azure specialization
Priced at $49/month after the trial, it's more expensive if you take longer than a week. However, the integration with Qwiklabs provides real Azure experience, which is rare at this level. Best for those who prefer guided, structured learning with interactive labs.
AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals – Udemy (by Scott Duffy)
Scott Duffy’s AZ-900 course on Udemy is one of the most popular, with over 250,000 enrollments and consistently high ratings. Updated regularly, it covers all exam domains with clear visuals and real-world analogies.
The course includes 8.5 hours of on-demand video, downloadable resources, and a 180-question practice exam. Duffy explains technical concepts in plain language, making it accessible to non-technical roles like project managers or sales professionals.
- Lifetime access after one-time payment
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Practice tests mirror exam format
- Regular updates for 2026 exam changes
The downside is the lack of real Azure labs—everything is demo-based. While great for theory, it won’t give you hands-on experience. Still, for $14.99 on sale, it’s one of the best value picks for exam-focused learners.
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals - Pass the AZ-900! – Udemy (by Neil Millines)
Neil Millines, a Microsoft MVP, designed this Udemy course to be exam-ready fast. At 10 hours, it’s slightly longer than others but dives deeper into compliance, identity, and pricing scenarios that trip up many test-takers.
The course includes whiteboard-style explanations, quizzes after each section, and a full-length practice test. Millines emphasizes how Microsoft phrases questions, helping learners avoid common traps.
- Highly detailed on security and compliance
- Clear visuals and real exam examples
- Updated for 2026 exam blueprint
- One-time purchase with lifetime access
Like other Udemy courses, it lacks interactive labs. However, Millines’ teaching style is methodical and reassuring, making it ideal for nervous first-time exam takers. Priced at $12.99 on sale, it’s a solid choice for thorough prep.
AZ-900 Exam Prep: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals – Pluralsight
Created by Sharon Bennett, a cloud architect and Microsoft expert, this Pluralsight course is part of the "Become an Azure Administrator" learning path. It’s concise—only 6 hours—and highly technical, assuming some prior IT knowledge.
The course covers core services, identity management, governance, and pricing models. It includes closed captions, transcripts, and offline viewing, making it accessible for various learning styles.
- High-quality production and editing
- Integrated with Pluralsight’s skill assessments
- Excellent for visual learners
- Certificate of completion included
However, Pluralsight requires a subscription—$29/month or $299/year—so it's costlier if you only need one course. Best suited for professionals already using Pluralsight for team training or career development.
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) – LinkedIn Learning
Taught by David Elfassy, a Microsoft Regional Director, this LinkedIn Learning course is short at just under 4 hours. It’s designed for professionals who need a quick, high-level overview before the exam.
The course covers cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing. Videos are well-produced, with clear graphics and concise explanations. It includes a LinkedIn badge upon completion, useful for profile visibility.
- Highly mobile-friendly
- Integrates with LinkedIn profiles
- Free 1-month trial available
- Downloadable exercise files
Due to its brevity, it doesn’t go deep on hands-on labs or practice exams. It’s best as a refresher or supplement, not a primary study resource. At $31.99/month, it’s affordable only if you’re already subscribed.
AZ-900 Certification: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals – A Cloud Guru
A Cloud Guru’s AZ-900 course, led by Matthew Ulasien, includes video lessons, practice exams, and hands-on labs via their sandbox environment. The platform is known for its engaging, conversational teaching style.
The course covers all exam domains with a focus on real-world application. Labs let you deploy virtual machines, set up resource groups, and explore Azure Portal—critical for understanding concepts beyond memorization.
- Interactive labs with real Azure tasks
- Practice exams with explanations
- Mobile app for on-the-go learning
- Community forums and support
At $49/month or $399/year, it’s pricier than Udemy but cheaper than Pluralsight. If you value hands-on practice and a supportive learning environment, A Cloud Guru is a strong contender despite the subscription model.
How to Choose
Selecting the right az 900 course depends on your learning style, budget, and goals. Here’s a practical framework:
- Learning Style: Visual learners benefit from Udemy and Pluralsight, while hands-on learners should prioritize edX or A Cloud Guru for sandbox access.
- Budget: If free is essential, go with edX’s audit option. For one-time payment, Udemy’s frequent $10–$15 deals are unbeatable. Subscriptions (Pluralsight, A Cloud Guru) make sense if you’re pursuing multiple certifications.
- Time Availability: Short on time? LinkedIn Learning (under 4 hours) or Coursera (15 hours) offer fast tracks. For deeper understanding, edX or Udemy courses provide more depth.
- Exam Focus: If passing the test is your only goal, prioritize courses with practice exams—Udemy (Scott Duffy, Neil Millines) and A Cloud Guru excel here.
- Hands-on Experience: Real Azure labs are rare at this level. edX (via Sandbox) and A Cloud Guru offer the best practical experience, which is crucial for long-term retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AZ-900 exam hard?
No, the AZ-900 is considered an entry-level exam. It tests foundational knowledge of cloud concepts and Azure services, not deep technical skills. With 20–30 hours of study using a quality az 900 course, most beginners can pass. The exam includes multiple-choice and scenario-based questions, and Microsoft provides a free practice assessment.
Do I need hands-on Azure experience before taking AZ-900?
No hands-on experience is required, but it helps. The exam is theory-focused, covering concepts like IaaS, PaaS, security, and pricing. However, using free Azure labs (like those in edX or A Cloud Guru) improves understanding and retention. Microsoft offers a free Azure account with $200 credit for 30 days to explore the platform.
How long should I study for AZ-900?
Most learners need 20–30 hours over 2–4 weeks. If you're new to cloud computing, plan for 30 hours. Those with AWS or Google Cloud experience may need only 15–20 hours. A structured az 900 course with practice tests can shorten prep time significantly.
Does the AZ-900 certification expire?
Yes, as of 2023, Microsoft certifications expire after one year. You must renew via a free online assessment to keep your credential active. This applies to AZ-900 and all role-based certifications. Renewal ensures you stay current with Azure’s evolving features.
Can I get a job with just AZ-900?
The AZ-900 alone won’t land you a technical Azure role, but it’s a strong resume booster for non-technical positions like sales, support, or project management in tech companies. It shows initiative and foundational cloud knowledge. Most IT professionals use it as a stepping stone to role-based certs like AZ-104 or AZ-305.
Bottom Line
The best az 900 course depends on your needs, but Microsoft’s edX offering stands out for its authority, hands-on labs, and free access. For fast, affordable prep, Scott Duffy’s Udemy course is a top value pick. Whichever you choose, combine video learning with practice exams and free Azure labs to maximize your chances of passing on the first try.