What the DP-700 exam tests and how to register
The DP-700 is Microsoft's exam for Azure Data Fundamentals. It tests your knowledge of core data concepts, cloud databases, and how to work with data in Azure. You do not need to be a working data engineer to pass it — the exam is designed for people new to data work who want to understand Azure's data tools.
To register, go to the Microsoft Learn website and search for "DP-700". You will find a link to schedule your exam through Pearson VUE, which runs the testing centers. You can take the exam at a physical testing center or online from home. The exam costs around $99 USD, though prices vary by region. You will need a valid government ID to check in.
Registration opens up exam slots about three months in advance. If your preferred date and location fill up, you can reschedule to an earlier or later date, or choose a different testing center. Most people find an available slot within two weeks of when they want to test.
Key Takeaways
- The DP-700 exam covers Azure data services, relational and non-relational databases, and basic data analytics — not programming or advanced administration.
- You register through Pearson VUE on the Microsoft Learn website, and the exam costs approximately $99 USD depending on your region.
- Study materials include free Microsoft Learn modules, practice exams, and study guides that Microsoft publishes for this certification.
- The exam is 40 to 60 questions, takes about 60 minutes, and you need a score of 700 out of 1000 to pass.
- You can test at a Pearson VUE center or take the exam online from home, and results are available when ready after you finish.
Study materials Microsoft provides for free
Microsoft publishes free learning paths on Microsoft Learn that cover every topic on the DP-700 exam. Search for "Azure Data Fundamentals learning path" on the Microsoft Learn website. The path includes modules on Azure storage, SQL databases, Cosmos DB, and data analytics tools. Each module has videos, text explanations, and interactive exercises where you work with real Azure services in a sandbox environment.
Working through the modules takes about 4 to 6 hours total. You do not need an Azure subscription to complete them — Microsoft provides temporary access to a test environment. After you finish each module, you can take a short knowledge check to see if you understood the material.
Microsoft also publishes a study guide document for the DP-700 that lists every skill the exam measures. read it from the exam details page on Microsoft Learn. The guide breaks down the exam into sections — for example, "Describe non-relational data workloads" or "Describe data analytics workloads" — and tells you which Microsoft Learn modules cover each section.
Practice exams and where to find them
Microsoft offers a free practice exam on their website. Search for "DP-700 practice exam" on Microsoft Learn. The practice exam has the same number of questions as the real exam and covers the same topics. It does not count toward your certification, but it shows you the question format and tells you which areas you need to study more.
Third-party sites like Udemy, Pluralsight, and Examtopics also sell practice exams for the DP-700. These are not made by Microsoft, but they follow the same exam objectives. Most cost between $10 and $30. Read the reviews before you buy — some practice exams are more accurate than others at predicting what you will see on test day.
Take the practice exam under real testing conditions: sit at a desk, use a timer, do not look up answers, and do not take breaks. When you finish, review every question you missed and read the explanation. If you score below 700 on the practice exam, spend another week studying the weak areas before you register for the real exam.
What topics appear on the exam
The exam covers five main areas. The first is core data concepts — what data is, the difference between structured and unstructured data, and how databases store information. The second is relational databases, which includes Azure SQL Database and how to query data with SQL. The third is non-relational databases like Cosmos DB and Azure Table Storage.
The fourth area is data analytics, which covers Azure Synapse Analytics, Power BI, and how to build reports from data. The fifth is data security and compliance — encryption, access control, and how Azure protects data. You do not need to write code or build anything from scratch. The exam tests whether you understand what each tool does and when to use it.
Microsoft publishes the exact percentage of questions for each area. For example, about 25 percent of questions cover relational databases, and about 20 percent cover analytics. Use these percentages to decide how much time to spend on each topic. If analytics is only 20 percent of the exam, do not spend half your study time on it.
How the exam works on test day
When you arrive at the testing center, check in 15 minutes early. Bring your government ID and your confirmation email from Pearson VUE. The proctor will scan your ID, take your photo, and walk you through the rules. You cannot bring notes, a calculator, or any materials into the testing room. If you test online from home, the proctor will ask you to show your desk, your room, and your ID on camera.
The exam starts with a brief tutorial on how to use the testing software. You will see one question at a time. Most questions are multiple choice — pick the best answer from four options. Some questions ask you to select multiple correct answers, and the screen will tell you how many to choose. You can flag questions and come back to them later. The timer counts down from 60 minutes, and you can see how much time is left at any moment.
You do not have to answer every question. If you are stuck, flag it and move on. Many people finish with 10 to 15 minutes left. Use that time to review flagged questions. When time runs out, the exam ends automatically and your score appears on the screen within seconds.
Passing score and what happens after you pass
You need a score of 700 out of 1000 to pass the DP-700. The score is not a percentage — it is a scaled score that Microsoft calculates from your raw number of correct answers. You will see your score when ready after the exam ends. If you pass, you will also see a message saying you earned the Azure Data Fundamentals certification.
Within 24 hours, your score report will appear in your Microsoft Learn profile. You can read a certificate PDF from there and share it on LinkedIn or your resume. The certification is valid for one year. After one year, you can retake the exam to renew it, or let it expire.
If you do not pass, you can retake the exam. There is no waiting period — you can register for another attempt the same day. Most people who fail the first time pass on the second attempt after studying the weak areas for another week or two.
Common mistakes to avoid when studying
The biggest mistake is memorizing exam questions from practice tests instead of understanding the concepts. If you see a question about Cosmos DB on a practice exam, do not just memorize the answer. Read the Microsoft Learn module on Cosmos DB so you understand what it is, when to use it, and how it differs from SQL Database. On test day, the real questions will be worded differently, and memorized answers will not help.
Another common mistake is skipping the free Microsoft Learn modules and jumping straight to practice exams. The modules teach you the material in a logical order. If you skip them, you will waste time on practice exams trying to figure out what you do not know. Spend at least 4 hours on the modules first, then use practice exams to test yourself.
Do not study for more than two weeks. The DP-700 covers introductory material, and studying longer than that leads to overthinking and second-guessing yourself. Most people study for 5 to 10 days and pass. If you have not passed after two weeks of study, you probably need a different learning style — try a video course or a study group instead of reading alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Azure experience or a job in data to pass the DP-700?
No. The DP-700 is designed for people new to data work. You do not need to have used Azure before or worked as a data engineer. The exam tests basic concepts that anyone can learn in a week or two of study. If you can understand what a database is and why companies use cloud storage, you can pass this exam.
Can I retake the exam if I fail?
Yes. You can retake the exam as many times as you need. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each retake costs the same as the first attempt — around $99 USD. Most people who fail pass on the second try after studying for another week.
How long is the certification valid after I pass?
The Azure Data Fundamentals certification is valid for one year from the date you pass. After one year, you can retake the exam to renew it. If you do not renew, the certification expires but you can still list it on your resume with the expiration date.
What is the difference between DP-700 and other Azure data certifications?
DP-700 is the entry-level data certification. It covers fundamentals and takes about a week to study for. Higher-level certifications like DP-900 (Azure Data Engineer Associate) require more experience and deeper knowledge of data tools. Start with DP-700 if you are new to Azure data services.
Can I take the exam online from home instead of at a testing center?
Yes. Pearson VUE offers online proctored exams. You take the test from your home on your own computer. A proctor watches you on camera to make sure you follow the rules. Online and in-person exams are the same difficulty and cost the same amount.