Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals

Foundation Level

Show a basic understanding of key data concepts associated with Microsoft Azure data services.
This certification offers an opportunity to showcase your understanding of fundamental data concepts and Microsoft Azure data services. Aimed at individuals starting their journey with cloud-based data, it is ideal for those familiar with the learning materials provided for Exam DP-900, whether through self-paced study or instructor-led training.

Candidates should have a basic grasp of relational and non-relational data concepts, as well as different types of data workloads, such as transactional and analytical. While Azure Data Fundamentals can serve as a stepping stone for advanced role-based certifications like Azure Database Administrator Associate or Azure Data Engineer Associate, it is not a mandatory prerequisite for any of them.

What is covered in the Azure Data Fundamentals course:

Harness the power of your data by earning the Azure Data Fundamentals certification.

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals certification validates your understanding of core data concepts like relational and non-relational data, big data, and analytics. It provides the foundation to work with cloud-based data, jumpstart your career, and prepare for advanced Azure technical opportunities.

Fees:

RM1,200 – RM1,425

Intakes:

5 Dec 2025

What are the key skills measured:

  • 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.

Who is this for?

  • Data Engineer.

Positions yourself at the forefront of the digital economy with Microsoft Azure Data.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 indicates that AI and Machine Learning Specialists are among the fastest-growing roles, notably a 23% expected structural labour market churn over the next five years, driven by technology adoption, including AI and cloud computing, with a projected increase in demand across industries, particularly in Asia-Pacific regions like Southeast Asia.
Additionally, Microsoft’s investments, such as the US$2.2 billion announced in 2024 to fuel Malaysia’s cloud and AI transformation (Microsoft announces US$2.2 billion investment to fuel Malaysia’s cloud and AI transformation – Microsoft Stories Asia), underscore the growing need for certified professionals.
Industry reports suggest professionals with Microsoft Azure certifications can earn up to 25% more than their non-certified peers, with PayScale data indicating an average base salary of RM 74,000 per year for Azure-skilled professionals in Malaysia.

Validates Foundational Knowledge of Data Concepts and Azure Data Services:

This certification confirms that you have a solid grasp of core data concepts—such as relational and non-relational data—and how they are applied using Microsoft Azure data services. It positions you as a strong candidate for entry-level roles like data analyst, data engineer, or database administrator by proving your readiness to work with data in a professional setting.

Supports Career Opportunities in a Region Poised for AI Leadership:

Southeast Asia is emerging as a key frontier for AI, with significant investments from global tech leaders. The certification opens doors to career opportunities in a region expected to see substantial growth in AI-driven industries.

Source: Asia News Network Article

Serves as a Stepping Stone to Advanced Certifications:

The Azure Data Fundamentals certification lays the groundwork for pursuing more advanced Azure-related credentials, such as the Azure Data Engineer Associate or Azure Database Administrator Associate. This makes it an essential starting point for building a long-term career in data and cloud technologies.

Enhances Professional Credibility and Recognition:

Being certified by Microsoft, a global leader in technology, boosts your professional credibility and signals your commitment to staying current with industry-standard data tools and practices. It also connects you to a community of certified professionals, offering networking opportunities and access to exclusive learning resources.

Why choose Trainocate?

As an authorized Microsoft training partner and winner of the 2024 Microsoft Training Partner of the Year award, Trainocate offers expert-led training and access to industry-recognized resources, ensuring you are fully equipped to pursue your certification. With our support, you’ll gain the confidence and skills needed to succeed in Microsoft AI.

Certification Details

Level:

Beginner

Required Exam:

DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals

Product:

Azure

Role:

Data Engineer

Language offered:

English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Indonesian (Indonesia), Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Chinese (Traditional), Italian

Open up new possibilities for your career

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Azure Data Fundamentals certification?

The Azure Data Fundamentals certification is an entry-level credential that validates your foundational knowledge of core data concepts and Microsoft Azure data services. It’s designed for individuals beginning to work with data in the cloud.

2. Who should take this certification?

This certification is ideal for:

  • Beginners exploring cloud-based data.
  • Professionals new to data concepts like relational and non-relational data.
  • Individuals aiming to build a foundation for advanced Azure data certifications.
3. What topics are covered in the DP-900 exam?

The exam (DP-900) covers:

  • Core data concepts (relational, non-relational, big data, and analytics).
  • Azure data services like Azure SQL Database, Cosmos DB, and Synapse Analytics.
  • Basic understanding of data workloads (transactional and analytical).
4. What entry-level roles can Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) enable in Malaysia?

Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) builds foundational knowledge suited for roles such as Data Analyst Intern, Junior Data Steward, or Support/Data Operations Specialist.

With DP-900, you show you understand core data concepts and Azure’s data services, helping you step into junior or support-focused roles when organizations begin or expand data programs.

Pro Tip: When interviewing, present DP-900 alongside a mini-project (e.g., using Azure’s free tier to load, query, and build a simple report) to illustrate your practical readiness, not just theoretical knowledge.

5. How does Microsoft’s Malaysia West cloud region launch impact demand for data fundamentals skills?

The launch of Microsoft’s Malaysia West cloud region (three data centres) is expected to generate over 37,000 jobs in Malaysia, increasing demand for foundational Azure and data skills.

With more local cloud infrastructure, organizations will require more individuals who understand Azure data services, making DP-900 more relevant and useful as a skill credential.

For data professionals or those considering moving into Azure/data roles, the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) credential helps build the confidence and credibility to support cloud data projects, assist with intake or migration tasks, and understand Azure’s data stack.

Teams building pipelines, establishing data governance, or setting up data architecture will look for candidates who are not afraid of cloud fundamentals.

Pro Tip: Mention the Malaysia West region in applications—phrases like “familiar with Azure data services and Cloud region expansion” help hiring managers see you’re aware of local infrastructure developments.

6. What return on investment (ROI) can learners expect from pursuing DP-900?

Learners should expect faster entry into Azure/data-adjacent roles and enhanced credibility and often recouping training cost via improved job opportunities, given Microsoft’s infrastructure developments.

With rising investment in cloud/AI in Malaysia and increasing demand for Azure data skills, the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) generally offers strong ROI for career starters or those switching roles.

Because employers are increasingly integrating Azure data tools into their stacks, individuals with DP-900 often move more quickly into junior data roles than those without certification. Over time, as you stack experience, this means greater earning potential and job stability. Even in non-data roles, older incumbents who show modern data literacy often get preference in digital transformation initiatives.

Pro Tip: Calculate your investment (course fees, exam, time), then track roles you apply to before and after DP-900. If you see just one step up or one faster hire, that often covers your investment.

7. What's next upon passing Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals?

Upon completion of the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900), aspiring data professionals should compliment their credential with associate-level role-based certifications in data-related fields, such as: 

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