DP-900 Study Guide 2026: July Skills Update and Practice Plan

A current DP-900 study guide aligned to the 21 July 2026 skills update across core data, relational, non-relational, and analytics workloads.

CertGuru Editorial Team · Published 2026-07-20 · Reviewed 2026-07-20 · 9 min read

What changes in the DP-900 exam on July 21, 2026?

Microsoft's updated English-language skills outline for Exam DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals takes effect on July 21, 2026. Microsoft classifies the changes as minor and keeps the same four top-level skill areas and weight ranges. The change log identifies refinements within ways to represent data, Azure Storage capabilities, and real-time data analytics.

Candidates testing on or after July 21 should use the revised Microsoft Learn outline. Microsoft says localized exam versions are generally updated approximately eight weeks after the English version, although timing can vary. If you plan to take a localized exam, confirm which outline applies on the scheduling page instead of assuming the English update date applies.

Microsoft currently allows 45 minutes for the assessment and requires a score of 700 or greater. The number and types of questions can vary, so use the official exam page and exam sandbox for current delivery information.

DP-900 skills measured from July 21, 2026

The official DP-900 study guide for 2026 lists:

Describe core data concepts: 25–30%;
Identify considerations for relational data on Azure: 20–25%;
Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure: 15–20%; and
Describe an analytics workload on Azure: 25–30%.

The update does not justify throwing away an existing study plan. Instead, compare your notes with the revised bullets and repair the three areas Microsoft marked as changed.

How to study each DP-900 area

Core data concepts

Distinguish structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data. Recognize common file formats and data stores, then select an Azure datastore for a basic use case. Compare transactional and analytical workloads and understand the responsibilities of database administrators, data engineers, and data analysts.

Do not stop at definitions. Given a sales transaction, application event, document, image, or telemetry stream, explain its structure, workload pattern, likely storage needs, and who would work with it.

Relational data on Azure

Learn tables, rows, columns, keys, relationships, normalization, common SQL statement purposes, and database objects. At a service level, compare Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines, and Azure options for open-source database systems.

DP-900 is a fundamentals exam. You should recognize the fit and management model of a service rather than memorise advanced configuration commands.

Non-relational data on Azure

Review Azure Blob Storage, Azure Files, and Azure Table Storage. Compare their data model, access pattern, hierarchy, and common use cases. For Azure Cosmos DB, understand globally distributed application scenarios and the purpose of its APIs at the level described by the official learning path.

Because Microsoft marks the Azure Storage capability section as a minor July 2026 change, reread this part of the official guide even if older practice scores are strong.

Analytics workloads

Trace data from ingestion and processing to an analytical store and visualization. Understand batch versus streaming data and recognize Microsoft services used for large-scale and real-time analytics. The revised guide names Azure Databricks and Microsoft Fabric among the cloud services for large-scale analytics.

For Power BI, know its capabilities, the role of data models, and how to choose an appropriate visualization. Avoid learning product names without understanding where they sit in the data path.

A three-week DP-900 study plan

Week 1: data concepts and relational foundations

Complete the relevant Microsoft Learn modules, then create a comparison sheet for data structures, workload types, roles, relational objects, normalization, and basic SQL purposes. Explain each concept using a small online-store dataset.

Week 2: storage and analytics services

Map Blob, Files, Table, Cosmos DB, Azure SQL options, Fabric, Databricks, and Power BI to simple scenarios. Add batch or streaming, transactional or analytical, relational or non-relational, and managed-service considerations to each choice.

Small hands-on exercises can make the terminology concrete, but check Azure pricing and delete resources after use. The exam focuses on concepts; an expensive lab environment is unnecessary.

Week 3: revised objectives and timed practice

Compare every note with the July 21 outline, paying particular attention to data representation, Azure Storage, and real-time analytics. Take Microsoft's free Practice Assessment, repair the identified gaps, then use a separate timed DP-900 mock exam to evaluate pacing across all four areas.

How to answer DP-900 service-selection questions

Use a short decision path:

Identify the data shape: structured, semi-structured, or unstructured.
Identify the workload: transactional, analytical, batch, or streaming.
Note access, scale, compatibility, and management requirements.
Select the service family that fits those requirements.
Check whether the question asks for storage, processing, analysis, or visualization.

Many incorrect answers are real Azure services placed at the wrong stage. Draw a basic pipeline—source, ingestion, storage, processing, semantic model, visualization—to keep those responsibilities separate.

Common DP-900 preparation mistakes

Using a pre-July 2026 objective list without checking the change log.
Treating all semi-structured data as unstructured.
Memorising service descriptions without comparing workload and data shape.
Confusing operational transaction processing with analytical processing.
Assuming every real-time scenario uses the same service.
Repeating familiar questions instead of explaining why alternatives do not fit.

Azure Data Fundamentals can support later learning in database administration, data engineering, analytics, and cloud architecture, but Microsoft states that it is not a prerequisite for the related role-based certifications. Passing the exam does not by itself demonstrate production experience or guarantee a role.

Use the CertGuru DP-900 mock exam after reviewing the revised objectives. If you are also building broader Azure foundations, read the AZ-900 study guide for the July 2026 update. The 30-day certification study plan can be adapted if you prefer a slower schedule.

CertGuru is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft.

Authoritative references

Microsoft updates exams and localized versions on its own schedule. Confirm the applicable skills outline, language timing, and policies before scheduling.