Lab Setup
The AZ-900 challenges are designed to be completely free. You won't create any billable resources — only explore the Azure Portal and use free tools.
What you need
| Requirement | How to get it | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Azure account | azure.microsoft.com/free | Free |
| Web browser | Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari | Free |
| Azure Cloud Shell | Built into Azure Portal | Free (5 GB storage) |
Step 1: Create a free Azure account
- Go to azure.microsoft.com/free
- Click Start free
- Sign in with a Microsoft account (or create one)
- Complete verification (phone + credit card for identity — you won't be charged)
- You now have:
- $200 free credit for 30 days
- 12 months of popular free services
- Always free services (25+)
No credit card?
If you're a student, use Azure for Students — $100 credit with no credit card required.
Step 2: Access the Azure Portal
- Go to portal.azure.com
- Sign in with your Azure account
- You should see the Azure Portal home page
That's it! You're ready to start the challenges.
Step 3: Open Azure Cloud Shell (optional)
Some challenges offer Azure CLI alternatives. To use them:
- In the Azure Portal, click the Cloud Shell icon (terminal icon in the top toolbar)
- Choose Bash or PowerShell
- If prompted, create a storage account (free with your subscription)
- You now have a terminal with Azure CLI pre-installed
Cost reminder
The AZ-900 challenges NEVER require you to create billable resources. If a challenge asks you to create something (like a resource group), it's always free. Resource groups themselves cost $0 — they're just organizational containers.
Tools used in this guide
| Tool | What it is | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Azure Portal | Web-based management interface | Free |
| Azure Cloud Shell | Browser-based terminal with CLI tools | Free |
| Azure Pricing Calculator | Estimate costs for Azure services | Free |
| TCO Calculator | Compare on-premises vs. cloud costs | Free |
| Microsoft Entra admin center | Identity management portal | Free |
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Can't create free account | Try a different email address or browser |
| Cloud Shell won't open | Ensure you have an active subscription |
| Portal loads slowly | Try a different browser or clear cache |
| "No subscriptions found" | Check you're signed in with the right account |
Ready? Head to Challenge 01: What is Cloud Computing?