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Microsoft · DP-900 · Fundamentals

Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) — Practice Questions and Mock Exam

The DP-900 certification demonstrates foundational knowledge of core data concepts and how they are implemented using Azure data services.

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Official DP-900 exam: 700 out of 1000 points to pass.

Checked against Microsoft · September 2026 · Current exam version

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Describe an analytics workload1 / 5

A data team is building a real-time fraud detection system. Which pattern best describes an architecture where events are processed and analyzed as they arrive, before being stored?

AlexFull explanation from Alex

Stream processing analyzes data continuously as events arrive, enabling real-time decisions like fraud detection. Unlike batch processing (which accumulates data and processes at intervals) or data warehousing (optimized for historical analysis), stream processing delivers sub-second latency. In Azure, Event Hubs ingests event streams, and Stream Analytics applies SQL-like queries with windowed aggregations (tumbling, hopping, sliding windows) for real-time pattern detection. Data archival stores data long-term but does not process it in flight. Key differentiator: stream = continuous, real-time; batch = scheduled, accumulated. Ref: https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/stream-analytics/stream-analytics-solution-patterns

Sourcelearn.microsoft.com

Describe core data concepts3 / 5

Which characteristic differentiates a graph database from a document database?

AlexFull explanation from Alex

Graph databases store entities as vertices (nodes) and connections as edges, optimized for traversing complex relationships — the defining characteristic that separates them from document databases. Document databases store self-contained JSON/BSON documents optimized for individual record operations but require expensive application-side joins for relationship queries. A graph excels at queries like "find friends-of-friends who purchased X" via edge traversal. Azure Cosmos DB for Apache Gremlin implements property graphs with the TinkerPop framework. Distractors: graphs do not require fixed schemas (flexible by design), do not use columnar format (that's columnstore indexes), and do not store JSON documents (that's document databases). Ref: https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/cosmos-db/gremlin/introduction

Sourcelearn.microsoft.com

Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure4 / 5

Azure Cosmos DB supports multiple API models to access data. Which API should be used when migrating an existing MongoDB application to Azure Cosmos DB?

AlexFull explanation from Alex

Azure Cosmos DB API for MongoDB provides wire protocol compatibility, allowing existing MongoDB applications to connect by simply updating the connection string — no code changes required. It supports MongoDB Query Language (MQL), aggregation pipelines, and standard MongoDB drivers/SDKs. Benefits over self-managed MongoDB: turnkey global distribution, elastic autoscaling, 99.999%% SLA, and automatic indexing. Distractors: API for Cassandra targets Cassandra workloads (CQL), API for Table targets Azure Table Storage migrations, and API for NoSQL is the native Cosmos DB API recommended for new projects. Always choose the API matching your existing application's data model. Ref: https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/cosmos-db/mongodb/introduction

Sourcelearn.microsoft.com

Identify considerations for relational data on Azure5 / 5

Which type of index in Azure SQL Database stores data in a compressed columnar format optimized for analytical queries with large aggregations?

AlexFull explanation from Alex

A clustered columnstore index (CCI) stores data in compressed columnar format, achieving up to 10x compression and 10x query performance gains for analytical (OLAP) workloads. Unlike rowstore indexes that read entire rows, columnstore reads only the columns referenced in a query, dramatically reducing I/O for aggregations over large datasets. Batch mode processing further accelerates performance. Supported in Azure SQL Database, Synapse dedicated SQL pools, and SQL Server. A clustered rowstore index stores data row-by-row (traditional B-tree). A nonclustered rowstore index is a secondary lookup structure. Full-text search indexes enable keyword searching — none of these use columnar compression. Nonclustered columnstore indexes enable hybrid HTAP on rowstore tables. Ref: https://learn.microsoft.com/sql/relational-databases/indexes/columnstore-indexes-overview

Sourcelearn.microsoft.com

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Conversation preview · DP-900

Stream processing

  1. You

    What pattern analyzes fraud events as they arrive?

  2. Alex · AI tutor

    Stream processing handles incoming events continuously.

    Read the Microsoft documentation ↗
  3. You

    How is that different from batch processing?

  4. Alex · AI tutor

    Batch processing groups data for a later run. This example needs analysis as events arrive.

    Read the Microsoft documentation ↗

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DP-900 · Question excerpt

Stream processing

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A data team is building a real-time fraud detection system. Which pattern best describes an architecture where events are processed and analyzed as they arrive, before being stored?

Understand the correct answer.

Stream processing

Stream processing fits the requirement to analyze incoming events as they occur.

Read the Microsoft documentation ↗

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Your DP-900 mock exam

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Question counts and mock exam settings from the current Pass-IT catalog.

Exam domains

What you practice for DP-900.

Exam topics, relevant practice and sources you can check.

Data fundamentals25–30% of the exam56 QuestionsPass-IT questions

This section explains how data is represented, stored and used, and who works with it.

  • Distinguish structured, semi-structured and unstructured data by how consistently their contents are organized.
  • Recognize common file formats and data stores, including databases, and identify Azure storage choices for common needs.
  • Explain how transactional workloads record business activity and analytical workloads help examine data.
  • Distinguish the responsibilities of database administrators, data engineers and data analysts.
Official Microsoft objectives
Relational data in Azure20–25% of the exam76 QuestionsPass-IT questions

Understand the structure of relational databases and the Azure services that host them.

  • Explain relational data, common database objects and why normalization helps organize related information.
  • Recognize common SQL statements and what they do to database definitions or stored data.
  • Compare Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance and SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines, and identify Azure services for open-source databases.
Official Microsoft objectives
Non-relational data in Azure15–20% of the exam72 QuestionsPass-IT questions

This section covers Azure storage options and the uses of Azure Cosmos DB.

  • Explain Azure Blob Storage and Azure Files, and recognize their different approaches to storing and accessing content.
  • Describe Azure Table Storage and its use for non-relational structured data.
  • Identify uses for Azure Cosmos DB and explain the role of its APIs in working with data.
Official Microsoft objectives
Analytics and visualization25–30% of the exam108 QuestionsPass-IT questions

Follow the path from collecting and processing data to presenting useful results.

  • Explain data ingestion, processing and analytical storage choices for large-scale analytics, including Azure Databricks and Microsoft Fabric.
  • Distinguish batch processing from streaming and identify Microsoft cloud services for real-time analytics.
  • Describe Power BI’s capabilities and data models, and choose visualizations suited to the data.
Official Microsoft objectives
Question formats you can practice
Multiple Choice
Select one answer.
Multiple Response
Select multiple applicable answers.
True / False
Decide whether statements are true or false.
Drag & Drop
Match items to the appropriate targets.
Dropdown
Choose the appropriate entry from a dropdown list.

These are Pass-IT practice formats. Check the Microsoft certification page for the official exam information.

The ranges describe the weighting of exam topics. See Official Microsoft objectives for the current exam objectives.

Frequently asked questions

Your preparation

How much study time should I plan for DP-900?

For planning, Pass-IT estimates roughly 10–25 hours. Relevant experience may put you toward the lower end; starting from scratch may put you toward the higher end. Your needs may fall outside this range. This is not a time requirement from Microsoft or a promise that you will be exam-ready within that time.

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What language are Pass-IT questions in?

Questions in the app are currently in English. Translations of the sample questions on this page apply only to this preview. Check with Microsoft for the languages available for the official exam.

How long does my DP-900 access last?

Access covers this certification for 12 months. You pay once, with no automatic renewal.

When does the money-back guarantee apply?

The guarantee refunds the Pass-IT purchase price for this certification. You need eligible paid access and a Readiness Score of at least 80% from your practice results when you take the exam. This score can only reach 80% after at least 50 answered questions and is not a validated probability of passing. Take the exam during your access period and submit official proof of failing within 14 days. Guarantee terms

About the DP-900 exam

Where can I take the DP-900 exam?

Pearson VUE online proctored or at authorized testing centers worldwide.

How long is the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals exam?

The DP-900 exam has 50 questions and a 45-minute time limit.

Does DP-900 expire?

No. Microsoft fundamentals certifications do not expire and require no renewal, so DP-900 stays valid indefinitely once you pass.

How long does it take to prepare for DP-900?

Around 15 hours suits most people with some IT background. The recurring stumbles are OLTP versus OLAP and ETL versus ELT, which are quick to learn and easy to mix up under time pressure.

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Money back if you fail with at least 80% Readiness, for eligible purchases under the guarantee terms.

Guarantee terms

The guarantee refunds the Pass-IT purchase price for this certification. You need eligible paid access and a Readiness Score of at least 80% from your practice results when you take the exam. This score can only reach 80% after at least 50 answered questions and is not a validated probability of passing. Take the exam during your access period and submit official proof of failing within 14 days.

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