RetiredNow: AI-901
Microsoft · AI-900 · Fundamentals
Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals
The AI-900 certification demonstrates foundational knowledge of machine learning and artificial intelligence concepts, along with the Azure services that implement them.
Overview
About the exam
The AI-900 certification demonstrates foundational knowledge of machine learning and artificial intelligence concepts, along with the Azure services that implement them. It covers core AI workloads including computer vision, natural language processing, generative AI, and conversational AI, as well as fundamental machine learning principles and responsible AI practices.
This is an ideal starting point for anyone interested in AI and machine learning on Azure, regardless of technical background. It suits business stakeholders, IT professionals, students, and aspiring AI practitioners who want to validate their understanding of AI capabilities and how Azure delivers them.
Exam Domains
What's on the exam
The exam consists of 40–60 questions to be completed in approximately 45 minutes. Question types include multiple-choice, multiple-select, drag-and-drop, and hot area formats. Questions test conceptual understanding rather than hands-on implementation, focusing on identifying the right AI workload or Azure service for a given scenario. Pace yourself at roughly one minute per question.
Identify features of common AI workloads and guiding principles for responsible AI
Common machine learning techniques, core ML concepts, and Azure Machine Learning capabilities
Common types of computer vision solutions and Azure tools for computer vision tasks
Common NLP workload scenarios and Azure tools and services for NLP workloads
Features of generative AI solutions and generative AI services and capabilities in Microsoft Azure
Format
What to expect
Watch out
Where candidates struggle
Despite being a fundamentals exam, AI-900 covers a broad range of AI topics. Candidates often underestimate the breadth of services tested and focus too narrowly on one AI domain.
- 01AI Workload Matching — Failing to correctly match business scenarios to the appropriate AI workload category (vision, NLP, generative, conversational).
- 02Responsible AI Principles — Not memorizing all six Microsoft responsible AI principles and their practical implications.
- 03Service Confusion — Mixing up Azure AI Services offerings like Azure AI Vision, Azure AI Language, and Azure OpenAI Service capabilities.
- 04ML Concepts — Struggling with fundamental machine learning concepts like classification, regression, and clustering distinctions.
- 05Generative AI Basics — Underestimating the weight of generative AI and Azure OpenAI content added in recent exam updates.
Details
Exam logistics
Delivered via Pearson VUE online or at testing centers. Available in English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, and more. This fundamentals certification does not expire and requires no renewal.