What is the PL_900 Certification?
PL‑900: Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals is the vendor‑verified entry point into Microsoft’s low‑code ecosystem. It validates that you understand the business value and core capabilities of Power Apps, Power Automate, Power Pages, Microsoft Dataverse, and how these components connect through connectors and are supported by copilots. The certification is designed for beginners or business users who want to start building solutions and process automations without heavy coding. (learn.microsoft.com)
On the official exam page, Microsoft states that candidates can access learning paths, a practice assessment, and an exam sandbox (a demo environment of the test UI) to prepare. The exam itself is proctored and typically allows 45 minutes for the assessment. (learn.microsoft.com)
Why is the PL_900 Certification so popular?
- Clear, practical scope. Microsoft positions PL‑900 around foundational tasks—describing platform value, recognising when to use each product, and understanding Dataverse and connectors—so newcomers can grasp real business use cases quickly. (learn.microsoft.com)
- Official prep built in. The certification page provides free learning paths, practice assessment, and the sandbox experience, lowering barriers to entry and removing uncertainty about exam format. (learn.microsoft.com)
- A stepping stone to role‑based badges. Microsoft notes fundamentals can prepare you for associate/expert paths (they’re not prerequisites, but they’re a common launchpad). (learn.microsoft.com)
Is the PL_900 Certification worth it today?
If your organisation uses Microsoft 365 or the broader Power Platform, yes. PL‑900 validates foundational skills that help teams automate processes, build simple apps and portals, and connect data securely—exactly what Microsoft highlights as the certification’s purpose. (learn.microsoft.com)
Microsoft’s study guide confirms the passing score is 700 (scaled 1–1000), and the exam content is updated periodically to reflect platform changes—keeping PL‑900 relevant to 2025 capabilities. (learn.microsoft.com)
Pros of PL_900 Certification
Job availability
Microsoft frames PL‑900 for aspiring app makers and business users who want to develop tailored solutions, optimise data with Dataverse, and improve processes with Power Automate—skills now requested across operations, finance, HR and customer service teams in Microsoft‑centric organisations. (learn.microsoft.com)
PL_900 salary potential
Microsoft doesn’t publish salaries. However, it positions certifications as industry‑recognised credentials aligned to job roles. Use PL‑900 as a capability signal to progress towards associate‑level badges (e.g., Power Platform App Maker) and to support your case in salary discussions. (learn.microsoft.com)
Global recognition
This credential is part of Microsoft’s worldwide certification program. You book via Pearson VUE, with consistent exam policies (proctoring, score reporting, retakes). (learn.microsoft.com)
Career pathways
PL‑900 gives you the foundation for role‑based learning—Power Apps app maker, data analyst, automation specialist—by introducing platform components and governance concepts. Microsoft explicitly positions PL‑900 as a starting point for building solutions and exploring associate/expert routes. (learn.microsoft.com)
Cons of PL_900 Certification
Cost considerations (Australia)
Microsoft’s official price list (updated November 1, 2024) shows Fundamentals exams priced at USD $84 for Australia. Final local currency is shown during scheduling at checkout. (arch-center.azureedge.net)
Evolving industry demands
Microsoft updates exam skills periodically. The PL‑900 study guide documents skill changes and emphasises that English updates appear first, with localised versions following. Keep an eye on the change log as Power Platform evolves. (learn.microsoft.com)
Certification difficulty
Microsoft notes a scaled pass mark of 700 and explains scoring mechanics (no penalty for guessing; some items may be unscored as part of psychometric quality). Fundamentals are beginner‑friendly, but you should still work through the official modules and practice assessment to be confident. (learn.microsoft.com)
Where to begin to get your PL_900 Certification
- Start on Microsoft Learn. Work through the Power Platform Fundamentals learning paths—covering business value, environment management, Power Pages, Power Apps, and Power Automate—then attempt the practice assessment. (learn.microsoft.com)
- Read the official study guide. It outlines skills measured, confirms the 700 passing score, and explains update cadence and language availability. (learn.microsoft.com)
- Use the Exam Sandbox. Familiarise yourself with the exam UI and interaction types before test day. (learn.microsoft.com)
- Schedule with Pearson VUE. Book online proctored or test‑centre sessions from your Learn profile; pricing and availability are shown at checkout. (learn.microsoft.com)
- Know the retake policy. If you fail, you can retake after 24 hours; subsequent attempts require 14 days between tries (max five attempts within 12 months). (learn.microsoft.com)
Key topics covered in PL_900
Microsoft lists domains in the study material and learning paths. Expect questions in areas such as:
- Business value & core components of the Power Platform, including how apps, flows, pages and Dataverse fit together. (learn.microsoft.com)
- Microsoft Dataverse & connectors—when to use Dataverse, how connectors access services and data, and basic governance concepts. (learn.microsoft.com)
- Power Apps—fundamental capabilities of canvas/model‑driven apps; where simple solutions are appropriate. (learn.microsoft.com)
- Power Automate—basic flow types, process automation scenarios, and value in reducing manual tasks. (learn.microsoft.com)
- Power Pages—enabling customer self‑service and understanding where Pages fits alongside Apps and Automate. (learn.microsoft.com)
- Copilots—how they boost productivity across the platform. (learn.microsoft.com)
Is a PL_900 enough to get a job?
PL‑900 is a fundamentals badge. Microsoft frames it as a starting point to learn the platform and demonstrate foundational knowledge—a credible first step if you’re pivoting into low‑code or business automation. Combine the certification with:
- A small portfolio (one canvas app + a simple automated flow + Dataverse tables).
- Basic governance awareness (environments, data policies).
Those align to Microsoft’s own learning objectives and make you more competitive for junior roles or internal upskilling. (learn.microsoft.com)
Is PL_900 worth it in Australia?
Yes—particularly for organisations invested in Microsoft 365 and looking to automate processes or build simple business apps quickly. The exam is globally recognised, priced region‑specifically (USD $84 for Australia in the current list), and has extensive official self‑paced training available for free. (arch-center.azureedge.net, learn.microsoft.com)
Does having a PL_900 Certification pay well?
Microsoft doesn’t publish salary data for certification holders. Treat PL‑900 as a capability signal that helps you stand out, then use it to progress into associate‑level certifications and project outcomes that influence pay. (learn.microsoft.com)
Is the PL_900 very difficult?
It’s designed for beginners. Still, expect a formal, proctored exam with a 700 pass mark (scaled), and prepare with the study guide, practice assessment, and sandbox. (learn.microsoft.com)
Is the PL_900 certification stressful?
Any timed exam can be. Microsoft’s sandbox, practice assessment, and clear retake policy exist specifically to reduce surprises and help you prepare methodically. (learn.microsoft.com)
How many fail PL_900?
Microsoft does not publish pass rates. You will receive your scaled score and domain‑level feedback typically within minutes (or within 24 hours) after finishing the exam. (learn.microsoft.com)
The future of networking jobs in Australia
PL‑900 targets low‑code and business automation, not core networking. That said, in Microsoft‑centric environments, networking teams increasingly collaborate with app makers and automation specialists to streamline requests (e.g., onboarding flows, change approvals). If you work in networking, PL‑900 can help you learn the platform to prepare simple request apps or approval workflows that integrate with Microsoft 365 services—improving service delivery without deep code.