Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900)

In today's fast-paced, data-driven world, a foundational understanding of data is no longer just for specialists—it's essential for anyone working with modern technology. The Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) certification provides a solid grounding in core data concepts and how they are implemented using Microsoft Azure, one of the world's leading cloud platforms.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for a broad audience, including technical and non-technical professionals who need to understand the basics of data. This includes developers, data analysts, and business users who interact with data and cloud services. The DP-900 is an ideal entry point for anyone looking to start a career in data or cloud computing. It sets the stage for more advanced roles like data engineering, data science, and database administration.

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for this course. It is a fundamental-level course designed for beginners. However, a basic understanding of computer and internet usage is recommended. No prior knowledge of data concepts or cloud computing is required.

What you will learn

The DP-900 is valuable because it demystifies complex data concepts. It introduces you to the basics of relational and non-relational data, big data, analytics, and data warehousing. More importantly, it shows you how these concepts are put into practice within the Azure ecosystem. This includes working with services like Azure SQL Database, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Synapse Analytics, and Azure Data Factory. Earning this certification proves that you have the foundational knowledge to work with data on the cloud, a skill that is becoming a prerequisite for many jobs.

Course Outline: Azure Data Fundamentals

The DP-900 exam and training course are structured to cover the most important foundational aspects of data services on Azure. The content is broken down into the following key modules:

Core Data Concepts (25-30%)

• This section covers the basics of data workloads, including relational and non-relational data.
• You'll learn about different types of data, such as structured, semi-structured, and unstructured, and the various roles involved in working with data.

Working with Relational Data on Azure (20-25%)

• This module focuses on relational data concepts and services in Azure.
• It teaches you how to identify and describe relational data workloads, and how to use relational data offerings like Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and Azure Database for MySQL/PostgreSQL.

Working with Non-Relational Data on Azure (15-20%)

• Here, you'll learn about the different types of non-relational data and the appropriate Azure services for them.
• You'll explore key-value, document, and graph data stores, and understand how to use services like Azure Cosmos DB and Azure Blob Storage.

An Analytics Workload on Azure (25-30%)

• This section is dedicated to big data analytics.
• You’ll learn how to identify and describe data warehouse workloads and the components of a modern data analytics solution. It also covers concepts like data ingestion, processing, and visualization, and the services that support them, such as Azure Synapse Analytics and Azure Databricks.

Why Get Certified?

Choosing to pursue the DP-900 certification is a strategic move for your career. In addition to validating your skills, it provides several direct benefits:

• Career Advancement: The certification is a recognized credential that can open doors to new opportunities and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.
• Enhanced Skill Set: You’ll gain a practical understanding of how to work with different types of data on the Azure platform, which is a highly sought-after skill in the current job market.
• Foundation for Future Learning: The DP-900 is the first step on the path to more advanced Azure data certifications, such as the DP-100 (Data Scientist), DP-203 (Data Engineer), and DP-300 (Database Administrator) certifications. It provides the essential knowledge you need to succeed in more specialized roles.

By earning the DP-900 certification, you're not just learning about data—you're preparing yourself for the future of technology, where every role is becoming a data role.