The short version
AZ-900 gives you 45 minutes of exam time, you pass with a scaled score of 700 or more out of 1,000, and the exam is proctored. If you fail, you can retake it after 24 hours. Microsoft does not publish the exact number of questions for this exam.
Time and number of questions
Microsoft lists 45 minutes of exam time for AZ-900. For fundamentals exams it also lists a “seat time” of 65 minutes. Seat time includes reading the instructions, accepting the candidate agreement, answering the questions, and leaving optional comments at the end. Plan your booking around the longer figure.
Microsoft does not state a question count for AZ-900. Its general guidance is that most Microsoft certification exams have between 40 and 60 questions, and that the number can change as the exam is updated. If you see a fixed number quoted elsewhere, treat it with caution.
Microsoft built five minutes of break time into the exam time and removed questions to make room for it. The break clock still runs, so a steady pace matters.
Passing score and how scoring works
Technical exam scores run from 1 to 1,000, and 700 or higher passes. It is a scaled score, and Microsoft says it may not equal 70% of the points. Easier sets of questions need more points to pass and harder sets need fewer, so “I got 72% correct” does not tell you whether you passed.
More scoring rules from Microsoft:
- On multi-part questions you usually get one point per correct part. You can earn all, some, or none of the points.
- There is no penalty for guessing. Wrong answers do not subtract points, so answer every question.
- Some questions may not count toward your score. Microsoft uses them to gather data about new items, and you cannot tell which ones they are. Treat each as if it counts.
- For most exams you see results within minutes. The score report shows your overall score, pass or fail, and a bar chart per skill area. Microsoft says you cannot add the bars up to work out a percentage.
Microsoft does not tell you which questions you missed. After a failed attempt, use the bar chart to decide which domain needs the next study session.
Question types
Microsoft does not announce question types for a specific exam. It points to its exam sandbox, a demo of the exam interface where you can try the kinds of questions that may appear. The general list on Microsoft’s exam experience page includes multiple choice, drag and drop, hot area, build list, and case studies. Microsoft does not say which of these appear on AZ-900. Try the exam sandbox once, so the screens are familiar on the day. Our question types guide explains how to approach each format.
Languages
The exam is offered in English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Spanish, German, French, Indonesian (Indonesia), Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Chinese (Traditional), Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), and Russian. Microsoft updates the English version first and says localized versions follow approximately eight weeks later. If the exam is not offered in your language, Microsoft says you can request an extra 30 minutes.
Delivery
The exam is proctored. You schedule through Pearson VUE, and students and educators can schedule through Certiport. Microsoft recommends registering with a personal Microsoft account rather than a work or school account, because exam records tied to an organizational account can be lost when you leave that organization.
Fundamentals exams do not give you access to Microsoft Learn during the test. Unscheduled breaks are allowed, but the exam clock keeps running while you are away, and you cannot return to questions you saw before the break. Decide before the exam how you will handle that. Our exam day guide covers the practical side. Microsoft also offers accommodations if you use assistive devices or need extra time.
The price depends on the country or region where the exam is proctored, so check the price at booking.
Retakes
Microsoft’s policy for fundamentals exams:
- After a first failed attempt, wait 24 hours.
- After that, wait 14 days between attempts, up to five attempts.
- You cannot take the same exam more than five times within 12 months of the first attempt.
- You cannot retake an exam you have already passed unless the certification has expired.
- You pay for each retake where a fee applies.
Microsoft can waive the waiting period only if you had an internet or equipment failure during the exam and a Pearson VUE case was created.
Updates to the exam
The skills measured list on Microsoft’s study guide is dated July 20, 2026. Its change log marks three sub-areas as “minor” changes: compute and networking, tools for managing and deploying resources, and monitoring tools. The rest is unchanged. Microsoft also says most questions cover generally available features, though preview features can appear if they are commonly used. Look at the study guide again before you book.
More guides for AZ-900
- AZ-900 Domains Explained With Weightings
- AZ-900 Sample Questions With Answers
- Is AZ-900 Hard? An Honest Look
- AZ-900 Prerequisites: What to Know First
- AZ-900 Renewal and Retakes Explained
- Is AZ-900 Worth It? An Honest Look
- AZ-900 Cheat Sheet: Key Facts to Review
- AZ-900 vs AI-901: Which First?
- AZ-900 vs SC-900: Which Exam First?
Next step
Now that you know the rules, the study plan shows how to spend your weeks. When you want a timed run, try our AZ-900 practice tests.
Frequently asked questions
Is 700 the same as 70%?
No. It is a scaled score, so it does not map to a fixed share of correct answers.
Can I use Microsoft Learn during the exam?
No. Microsoft says Learn access is available on role-based exams, not on fundamentals exams.
Is there a penalty for wrong answers?
No. Microsoft states that incorrect answers do not subtract points.