DP-900 — Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals
Microsoft

Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) Practice Questions

★★★★★★ 4.8 102 verified reviews
115 questions
June 13, 2026 updated
✓ Online quiz simulator
▶ Start Free Practice Exam

Domain coverage

  • Describe core data concepts
  • Identify considerations for relational data on Azure
  • Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure
  • Describe an analytics workload on Azure

Sample Questions (12 of 115 shown)

Q1 Describe Core Data Concepts (25–30%)
Which type of data is characterized by a predefined schema with rows and columns?
  1. Unstructured data
  2. Semi-structured data
  3. Structured data
  4. Binary data
✓ Correct Answer: C
Structured data is organized in a predefined format with rows and columns, typically stored in relational databases. Unstructured data has no predefined model (e.g., images, video), and semi-structured data has some organizational properties but no rigid schema (e.g., JSON, XML).
Q2 Describe Core Data Concepts (25–30%)
Which of the following is an example of unstructured data?
  1. A relational database table
  2. A JSON document
  3. A video file
  4. An Excel spreadsheet
✓ Correct Answer: C
Video files are unstructured data as they lack a predefined data model. Relational databases and Excel spreadsheets are structured data. JSON is semi-structured data with flexible schema.
Q3 Describe Core Data Concepts (25–30%)
JSON and XML are examples of which data type?
  1. Structured data
  2. Unstructured data
  3. Semi-structured data
  4. Relational data
✓ Correct Answer: C
JSON and XML are semi-structured data formats. They use tags or markers to separate semantic elements but do not require a rigid schema like relational databases.
Q4 Describe Core Data Concepts (25–30%)
Which data type requires a schema to be defined before data can be stored?
  1. Structured data
  2. Semi-structured data
  3. Unstructured data
  4. All data types
✓ Correct Answer: A
Structured data requires a predefined schema specifying data types, relationships, and constraints before data can be stored. Semi-structured data allows schema-on-read, and unstructured data has no schema requirements.
Q5 Describe Core Data Concepts (25–30%)
Images, audio files, and text documents are all examples of which data type?
  1. Structured data
  2. Semi-structured data
  3. Unstructured data
  4. Metadata
✓ Correct Answer: C
Images, audio files, and text documents are all unstructured data types. They have no predefined data model or organizational structure.
Q6 Describe Core Data Concepts (25–30%)
Which storage option is best suited for storing files such as documents and images?
  1. Relational database
  2. Blob storage
  3. Graph database
  4. Column-family database
✓ Correct Answer: B
Blob storage is designed specifically for storing unstructured binary data such as documents, images, videos, and backups. Relational databases are for structured data.
Q7 Describe Core Data Concepts (25–30%)
What is the primary difference between file storage and blob storage?
  1. File storage is more expensive than blob storage
  2. File storage provides a hierarchical folder structure while blob storage uses a flat namespace
  3. Blob storage is only for structured data
  4. File storage cannot be accessed over the network
✓ Correct Answer: B
File storage provides a hierarchical folder structure compatible with existing applications. Blob storage uses a flat namespace with containers and blobs, optimized for large-scale and unstructured data storage.
Q8 Describe Core Data Concepts (25–30%)
Which type of database enforces referential integrity between tables?
  1. Document database
  2. Key-value store
  3. Relational database
  4. Time-series database
✓ Correct Answer: C
Relational databases enforce referential integrity through foreign key constraints, maintaining relationships between tables. Document databases, key-value stores, and time-series databases typically do not enforce such relationships at the database level.
Q9 Describe Core Data Concepts (25–30%)
Non-relational databases are also commonly referred to as what?
  1. SQL databases
  2. NoSQL databases
  3. OLAP databases
  4. Data warehouses
✓ Correct Answer: B
Non-relational databases are commonly called NoSQL databases. "NoSQL" stands for "Not Only SQL," indicating these databases do not use traditional relational table structures.
Q10 Describe Core Data Concepts (25–30%)
Which storage option is best for applications that require complex queries with JOIN operations?
  1. Key-value store
  2. Relational database
  3. Blob storage
  4. Queue storage
✓ Correct Answer: B
Relational databases excel at complex queries involving JOIN operations that combine data from multiple tables. NoSQL and blob storage do not support JOIN operations.
Q11 Describe Core Data Concepts (25–30%)
What is the difference between structured and unstructured data?
  1. Structured data is always larger
  2. Structured data has a predefined schema, unstructured data does not
  3. Unstructured data is always in the cloud
  4. There is no difference
✓ Correct Answer: B
Structured data follows a predefined schema, while unstructured data has no predefined structure.
Q12 Describe Core Data Concepts (25–30%)
Which of the following is an example of semi-structured data? (Choose two.)
  1. JSON
  2. CSV
  3. XML
  4. SQL table
✓ Correct Answer: A, C
JSON and XML are semi-structured data formats — they contain tags/structure but flexible schemas. CSV is structured tabular data. SQL tables are structured relational data.

You've viewed 3 of 115 questions. Start the free practice exam to answer all questions with instant feedback.

Exam overview

Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals is the entry point for anyone beginning their cloud data journey — and DP-900 validates your understanding of core data concepts, Azure data services, and analytics workloads without requiring hands-on implementation skills. The exam covers four domains that span the full data landscape: core data concepts (data formats, workload types, data roles), relational data on Azure (Azure SQL family, open-source databases), non-relational data on Azure (Blob Storage, Cosmos DB), and analytics workloads (data warehousing, real-time processing, Power BI visualization). As a Fundamentals-level exam, DP-900 focuses on conceptual knowledge and service differentiation rather than T-SQL syntax, SDK code, or complex case studies.

No prior cloud data experience is required to sit for DP-900. Microsoft designed this exam for candidates beginning their cloud data career journey — whether you are a business stakeholder exploring data platform options, a student building foundational knowledge, or a professional transitioning into data engineering, database administration, or data analytics. The official preparation course is DP-900T00-A, a one-day instructor-led or self-paced introduction available on Microsoft Learn. Because this is a Fundamentals-level exam, the fee is $99 USD (lower than the $165 for Associate-level exams), and Microsoft Learn documentation access is NOT permitted during the test — you must rely on memorized conceptual knowledge rather than searching documentation mid-exam.

The DP-900 exam covers four domains with relatively balanced weighting. Describe Core Data Concepts (25–30%) tests structured (relational tables), semi-structured (JSON, XML, Avro, Parquet), and unstructured data (video, audio, binaries), OLTP vs. OLAP workload characteristics, and data role responsibilities (Database Administrator, Data Engineer, Data Analyst). Identify Considerations for Relational Data on Azure (20–25%) covers relational database principles (primary/foreign keys, indexes, views, normalization vs. denormalization), Azure SQL Database (fully managed PaaS), Azure SQL Managed Instance (near-100% SQL Server compatibility), SQL Server on Azure VMs (IaaS with full OS control), and Azure Database for PostgreSQL and MySQL. Describe Considerations for Working with Non-Relational Data on Azure (15–20%) covers Azure Blob Storage (unstructured data lake), Azure Files (cloud file shares), Azure Table Storage (NoSQL key-value), and Azure Cosmos DB multi-model APIs (NoSQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, Gremlin). Describe an Analytics Workload on Azure (25–30%) covers data warehousing phases (ingestion, processing, storage, presentation), Azure Databricks, Azure Data Factory, Microsoft Fabric, batch vs. streaming processing, Azure Stream Analytics, and Power BI fundamentals (semantic models, Power Query, visualization components).

Focus your DP-900 preparation on understanding the core distinctions between data formats, Azure service families, and workload types — the exam rewards conceptual clarity over deep technical detail. Each practice question includes a detailed explanation that reinforces the conceptual distinctions — why JSON and Parquet are classified as semi-structured rather than structured, when to choose Azure SQL Managed Instance over Azure SQL Database for an application with cross-database query dependencies, which Cosmos DB API fits a document-oriented workload vs. a graph database workload, how Blob Storage access tiers (hot, cool, cold, archive) map to cost and retrieval latency requirements, and how Azure Data Factory orchestrates data movement differently from Azure Databricks' distributed processing engine. The downloadable PDF packages the same question bank for offline review, so you can study data format comparison tables, Azure SQL family decision trees, and Cosmos DB API selection guides during commutes or in environments without stable internet. Because the Fundamentals exam does not permit Microsoft Learn access, our practice questions are designed to be attempted entirely from memory — exactly the same constraint you will face at the test center.

Official Exam Domains & Weighting

To successfully pass the DP-900 exam, candidates must master the following core domains:
  • Domain 1: Describe core data concepts — 25–30%
Covers structured (relational tables), semi-structured (JSON, XML, Avro, Parquet), and unstructured data (video, audio, binary) formats and storage distinctions. Includes OLTP (high-frequency atomic read-write) vs. OLAP (large-scale aggregate computation) workload characteristics, and data role responsibilities for Database Administrators, Data Engineers, and Data Analysts.
  • Domain 2: Identify considerations for relational data on Azure — 20–25%
Focuses on relational database principles including primary/foreign keys, indexes, views, data normalization vs. denormalization. Azure SQL product family differentiation covers Azure SQL Database (fully managed PaaS), Azure SQL Managed Instance (near-100% on-premises compatibility), and SQL Server on Azure VMs (IaaS with full OS control). Open-source database services include Azure Database for PostgreSQL and Azure Database for MySQL.
  • Domain 3: Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure — 15–20%
Covers Azure Blob Storage for unstructured data lake storage with hot/cool/cold/archive access tiers, Azure Files for cloud file shares, Azure Table Storage for NoSQL key-value storage, and Azure Cosmos DB multi-model architecture with API for NoSQL, API for MongoDB, API for PostgreSQL, and API for Gremlin (Graph).
  • Domain 4: Describe an analytics workload on Azure — 25–30%
Tests large-scale data warehousing architecture phases (data ingestion, processing, storage, presentation), analytics tooling including Azure Databricks, Azure Data Factory, and Microsoft Fabric, batch vs. streaming data processing with Azure Stream Analytics, and Power BI fundamentals including semantic data models, Power Query data preparation, and visualization component selection.

What Our Customers Say 102 verified reviews

4.8 ★★★★★★ Based on 102 reviews
★★★★★★
Amazing resource for DP-900! The unlimited practice attempts and detailed tracking helped me focus my study time effectively.
— Thomas B.
★★★★★★
The most realistic DP-900 practice test I have ever used. The question style and difficulty match the real exam perfectly.
— Brian J.
★★★★★★
I’ve purchased a few Microsoft exam dumps over the years and this DP-900 one is easily the best quality.
— Samuel T.
★★★★★★
The DP-900 explanations are gold. I learned almost as much from reviewing wrong answers as from the correct ones.
— Julian M.
★★★★★★
DP-900 is no joke but this question bank prepares you well. The detailed rationales made sure I understood every concept.
— Savannah R.
★★★★★★
The domain-based breakdown in the DP-900 questions really helped me identify which areas needed more work.
— Elena R.

Log in to rate this exam and leave a review.

Submitted for moderation before publishing. Keep it helpful and respectful.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common technical pitfall is confusing the placement of different data formats — such as mistakenly identifying JSON or CSV as structured instead of semi-structured. Candidates also frequently blend the features of the Azure SQL Family, struggling to identify exactly when a scenario dictates using Azure SQL Managed Instance over Azure SQL Database. Differentiating when to deploy Azure Blob Storage vs. Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 often trips up beginners, as does understanding the difference between Azure Databricks (distributed data processing) and Azure Data Factory (data orchestration). Our practice questions reproduce these exact distinction-based questions with clear comparison tables.

Start by completing the four core learning paths mapped under Course DP-900T00-A on Microsoft Learn. Once finished, leverage the official, free DP-900 Practice Assessment tool on Microsoft Learn. This assessment gives you infinite retake opportunities alongside extensive rationales for every right and wrong answer, aligning directly with the actual style of the live exam. Our practice tests complement these resources by providing additional scenario-based questions that test the same conceptual distinctions from different angles.

Unlike Microsoft's role-based and specialty credentials (which expire after one year and require an annual online renewal), Microsoft Fundamentals certifications — including DP-900 — never expire and do not require renewal. Once you pass the exam, the credential remains valid indefinitely on your Microsoft Learn transcript.

If you do not pass on your first attempt, you must wait at least 24 hours before rescheduling. For any subsequent attempt, a mandatory 14-day cooling-off window is enforced between each following attempt. You are restricted to a maximum of five total registration attempts within any rolling 12-month period. Each attempt requires the standard $99 USD exam fee unless protected by an Exam Replay voucher.

The mock exam includes classification questions where you must correctly identify data formats as structured (relational tables), semi-structured (JSON, XML, Avro, Parquet), or unstructured (video, audio, binary files). Azure service differentiation questions test your ability to select the correct service for a given scenario — for example, choosing Azure SQL Database for a modern cloud-native application vs. Azure SQL Managed Instance for an application requiring cross-database queries and SQL Server Agent vs. SQL Server on Azure VMs for full OS control. Cosmos DB API selection questions require you to match workload patterns (document-oriented, MongoDB-compatible, graph database) to the correct API endpoint. Analytics workload questions test your understanding of batch vs. streaming processing, and the roles of Azure Data Factory vs. Azure Databricks vs. Azure Stream Analytics. Every practice question includes a detailed explanation with comparison tables that reinforce the key distinctions.

Yes, our complete DP-900 practice test is available as a downloadable PDF package that includes all concept classification questions, scenario-based differentiation exercises, and detailed answer explanations with comparison tables. The PDF covers every domain: Describe Core Data Concepts (structured/semi-structured/unstructured formats, OLTP vs. OLAP, data roles), Identify Considerations for Relational Data on Azure (Azure SQL Database vs. Managed Instance vs. SQL Server VM, PostgreSQL, MySQL), Describe Non-Relational Data on Azure (Blob Storage tiers, Azure Files, Table Storage, Cosmos DB APIs), and Describe Analytics Workloads on Azure (Azure Databricks, Data Factory, Microsoft Fabric, Stream Analytics, Power BI). Download the PDF for offline review during commutes or in restricted network environments — studying from memory without documentation access replicates the exam condition exactly.

DP-900 is the only Microsoft data certification that requires no hands-on experience and tests purely conceptual knowledge. DP-300 (Azure Database Administrator) requires T-SQL proficiency and tests hands-on Azure SQL administration. DP-600 (Fabric Analytics Engineer) requires multi-engine query skills (SQL, KQL, DAX, PySpark) and tests end-to-end Fabric analytics implementation. PL-300 (Power BI Data Analyst) focuses on Power BI report creation and DAX measures. DP-900 is the starting point: pass it to establish foundational data literacy, then choose a role-based path (database administration, analytics engineering, Power BI analysis) for deeper technical certification. Only DP-900 (and other Fundamentals-level exams) grant permanent, non-expiring certification.