If you’ve ever heard someone mention “the cloud” & instantly felt like they were speaking a foreign language, don’t worry…you’re not alone. Cloud technology can sound overwhelming at first. But here’s the good news: Microsoft offers a certification specifically designed to help beginners get their footing in the Microsoft cloud ecosystem and it’s called the Microsoft 365 Certified Fundamentals (MS-900).
Whether you’re just starting your IT career, transitioning into tech, or want to better understand how Microsoft 365 works behind the scenes, the MS-900 cert is a friendly, non-technical way to get started.
What is Microsoft 365?
Before we dive into the certification itself, let’s clarify what Microsoft 365 is.
Think of Microsoft 365 as more than just Word, Excel, & PowerPoint. It’s an entire cloud-based productivity platform that includes:
- Office Apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
- Teams for communication & collaboration
- SharePoint for file storage & intranet portals
- OneDrive for cloud file storage
- Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) for identity management
- Security & compliance tools for managing data & users
So Microsoft 365 isn’t just a set of apps. It’s an ecosystem that helps organizations work smarter & more securely.
The MS-900 Certification Explained
The Microsoft 365 Certified Fundamentals (MS-900) certification proves that you understand the basics of Microsoft 365 services. This includes knowledge in:
- Cloud computing principles
- The value & benefits of Microsoft 365
- Core services (like Exchange, Teams, SharePoint, etc.)
- Security, compliance, privacy, & trust
- Microsoft 365 pricing & support options
It’s not a technical certification in the sense that you won’t be asked to configure servers to deploy apps. But you will need to understand how everything fits together, which is why this cert is so popular among:
- IT beginners
- Sales & marketing professionals
- Project managers
- Business decision-makers
- Support specialists
- Anyone prepping for more advanced Microsoft certs (like MD-102, MS-700, etc.)
What Topics Are Covered on the Exam?
Here’s a high-level view of the exam objectives:
- Describe Cloud Concepts (15 – 20%)
- What is the cloud?
- Cloud Computing Models: Public, Private, Hybrid
- Cloud Service Types: SaaS, PaaS, IaaS
- Benefits of cloud computing (scalability, availability, security, etc.)
- Describe Microsoft 365 Apps & Services (30 – 35%)
- Core services like Microsoft Teams, Exchange, OneDrive, & SharePoint
- Microsoft Viva & productivity tools
- Collaboration & communication capabilities
- Describe Microsoft 365 Security, Compliance, Privacy, & Trust (30 – 35%)
- Microsoft’s approach to data protection
- Zero trust security model
- Identity & access management (IAM)
- Compliance offerings (GDPR, etc.)
- Describe Microsoft 365 Pricing & Support (25 – 30%)
- Licensing options (Business vs. Enterprise plans)
- Subscription-based models
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
- Support options (Basic, Premier, Unified)
What Are the Benefits of Earning the MS-900 Certification?
So now that we know what the exam covers, why should you take it?
- Gain a Solid Foundation
- You’ll understand what Microsoft 365 is, how it works, & why businesses use it. This is powerful knowledge whether you’re in IT, sales, education, or business.
- Boost Your Resume
- MS-900 is a globally recognized certification that you can proudly add to your LinkedIn profile & resume. It shows employers that you’re serious about understanding cloud technology.
- Stand Out in Job Interviews
- Let’s say you’re applying for a helpdesk or IT support role. Interviewers will love seeing MS-900 on your resume – it shows you understand Microsoft tools, cloud concepts, & collaboration platforms.
- Step Toward Advanced Certifications
- If your goal is to become a Microsoft 365 Administrator, Teams Admin, Security Analyst, or Solution Architect, this is a great starting point.
- It’s Affordable & Beginner-Friendly
- The exam is relatively inexpensive (around $99 USD) & doesn’t require any prior experience or other certifications.
What Jobs Can You Qualify for With MS-900?
Let’s be clear: MS-900 alone isn’t going to land you a six-figure tech job. But it can open doors & give you a competitive edge for entry-level or transition roles. Here are some roles where MS-900 can give you leg up:
- IT Support Specialist / Help Desk Technician
- These roles often require basic knowledge of Microsoft 365, especially when it comes to helping users with Teams, Outlook, or SharePoint issues. MS-900 shows you understand the ecosystem.
- Average Salary: $45K – $60K
- Office 365 Administrator (Junior-Level)
- A junior admin might handle user accounts, manage Teams channels, or assist with OneDrive issues. MS-900 helps you understand the structure & responsibilities before diving into technical setup.
- Average Salary: $55K – $75K
- Microsoft 365 Sales or Customer Success Representative
- Sales reps working with cloud products need to understand what they’re selling. MS-900 helps you talk confidently about features, benefits, pricing, & deployment models.
- Average Salary: $50K – $75K (plus commission)
- Trainer or Education Technology Specialist
- If you’re in education or training, MS-900 can help you support teachers or staff using Microsoft tools like Teams, OneDrive, & Word. It’s especially useful in K-12 & higher education settings.
- Average Salary: $40K – $60K
- Technical Project Coordinator or Business Analyst
- These roles require you to bridge the gap between IT & business. Knowing how Microsoft 365 supports productivity & collaboration is essential, and MS-900 shows that you get the big picture.
- Average Salary: $55K – $75K
- Entry-Level Cloud Administrator (with further certs)
- If you’re working toward roles like Microsoft 365 Administrator, Security Administrator, or Teams Admin, MS-900 is the perfect first step.
- Follow-Up Certs Might Include:
- MD-102 (Endpoint Administrator)
- MS-700 (Teams Admin)
- SC-900 (Security, Compliance, & Identity Fundamentals)
How Do You Prepare for the MS-900 Exam?
Here’s the good news: there are tons of free & affordable resources to help you pass.
- Microsoft Learn (free)
- The official Microsoft platform has a free MS-900 learning path
- Includes modules, quizzes, & interactive content
- Great for self-paced learners
- Online Courses
- Like Tech Gee’s free Microsoft 365 Certified course on YouTube
- There are other courses you can find on sites like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, & Pluralsight which all offer affordable prep courses
- Practice Tests
- Sites like MeasureUp, Whizlabs, & ExamTopics offer practice exams
- Simulating real questions helps you get comfortable with the format
- Study Groups & Forums
- Reddit, TechCommunity, & Discord servers often host MS-900 study groups
- Ask questions, share resources, & stay accountable
How Long Does It Take to Prepare?
This depends on your background, but most people can prepare in 2 – 4 weeks if they study 1 – 2 hours per day. Since there are no prerequisites, it’s very accessible, even if you’re brand new to cloud technology.
Is the MS-900 Exam Hard?
It’s not a walk in the park if you don’t study. But it’s one of the most beginner-friendly certifications Microsoft offers. Expect multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and scenario-based questions. You’ll need to understand concepts, not memorize acronyms.
If you’ve used Microsoft 365 apps (like Teams or Outlook) before & you study the cloud and pricing concepts, you’ll be in great shape.
What Happens After You Pass the Exam?
You get a shiny digital badge to post on:
- Your resume
- Email signature
- Digital portfolio
And you’ll be able to speak confidently in job interviews or team meetings when someone brings up “cloud-based productivity tools”. More importantly, it builds momentum for your IT or tech career.
Is MS-900 Worth It?
Yes, but only if you treat it as a stepping stone.
Think of MS-900 as the “Cloud 101” class. It won’t make you a cloud engineer overnight, but it will give the clarity & confidence to take your next step. It’s especially worth it if you:
- Want to work in IT support or M365 administration
- Are transitioning from another field into tech
- Need to understand Microsoft 365 in your current job
- Plan to earn more Microsoft certifications
Start With the Fundamentals, Grow From There
The tech world can feel overwhelming, but certifications like MS-900 are here to help you take the first step. It’s beginner-friendly, it’s respected, and it gives you a solid foundation that can lead to job opportunities, promotions, or more advanced certs.
So if you’re even slightly curious about Microsoft 365, cloud computing, or the modern workplace…this is a great place to start.
