Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) Certification – Your Complete Guide

Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) Certification – Your Complete Guide

05 Sep 2025
Beginner
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The Azure AI Fundamentals Certification (AI-900) is an entry-level credential that demonstrates your understanding of core AI and machine learning concepts, along with their practical applications using Microsoft Azure. Designed for beginners, this Azure AI certification is ideal for both professionals and freshers who want to explore the world of AI without requiring prior coding experience.

This Azure AI tutorial will guide you at every step in your journey to learn about the significance of AI in today's world, including Azure AI Fundamental Certification (AI-900), reasons to pursue the Azure AI-900 Certification, Azure AI Fundamentals Certification(AI-900) path, exam details for Azure AI-900, Azure AI 900 Exam Details, and many more. And if you’re wondering how to get started about AI 900 then, get into Free Azure AI-900 Certification Course is the perfect first step to start your learning.

What Is Azure AI Fundamentals Certification?

The Azure AI 900 certification, officially known as the Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals exam, is a beginner-friendly credential that establishes your understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications within Microsoft Azure. With AI reshaping industries worldwide, this certification is a perfect starting point for anyone looking to dive into cloud-based AI solutions.

Azure AI Fundamentals Certification (AI-900)

The breakdown for Azure AI Fundamentals Certification (AI-900):
  • It covers essential AI concepts, including machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
  • This certificate is beneficial for you when using Azure AI Services in the Azure platform.
  • No prior technical or AI knowledge is necessary, making it accessible to beginners.
  • It builds a strong base for moving on to more advanced Azure certifications.
  • The certification emphasizes using AI in practical business situations.

Who Should Pursue the AI-900 Exam?

The AI-900 exam is designed for:

  • Students exploring entry-level AI certifications to kickstart their careers.
  • Developers transitioning into AI-driven roles on Azure.
  • Business professionals aiming to understand AI’s impact on decision-making.
  • Non-technical individuals curious about Azure AI services and their applications.
  • Freshers or beginners because this certification is ideal for anyone seeking to grasp cloud computing and AI basics without needing advanced technical skills.

Why Microsoft launched the AI-900 Certification?

AI-900 Certification

Microsoft launched the AI-900 to meet the rising demand for AI literacy across industries. As technologies like generative AI and NLP gain traction, this certification empowers professionals to contribute to AI initiatives on Azure. It fits into Microsoft’s broader certification roadmap, complementing other fundamentals certifications and emphasizing responsible AI in Azure.

Why Choose the Azure AI Fundamentals Certification?

1. AI-900 | Benefits

  1. High Industry Demand – With the rapid growth of AI, professionals skilled in Azure AI are in high demand across industries.
  2. Strong Foundation in AI & ML – Builds your knowledge of core AI/ML concepts and how to implement them using Azure services.
  3. Career Growth & High Salary – Enhances your earning potential and opens doors to diverse roles in cloud and AI domains.

As we talked about career growth and Salary lets discuss on this deeply

2. Career Growth After Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) Certification

There are many job opportunities for you after completing your Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) Certification:

  1. AI Engineer
  2. Data Scientist
  3. Data Analyst
  4. Machine Learning Engineer
  5. AI Consultant
  6. BI Analyst

3. Salary Expectations After AI-900 (Entry-Level AI Roles)

  • India: ₹4–8 LPA
  • USA: $70,000–$100,000 annually

Salaries grow significantly with advanced certifications and real-world projects.

4. AI-900 as a Foundation for Advanced Azure Certifications

The AI 900 certification is the first step toward advanced certifications like:

  • AI Engineer Associate
  • Data Scientist Associate
  • Azure Solutions Architect

5. Market Statistics and Trends for 2025

Here are key statistics and insights for 2025:

  • AI Market Growth: The global AI market is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.3% from 2023 to 2030. This growth drives demand for AI-skilled professionals, particularly those with Azure expertise.
  • Azure Job Demand: Azure-related job postings have increased by 200% year-over-year, fueled by businesses adopting cloud-based AI solutions. The AI-900 positions candidates to capitalize on this demand.
  • AI Job Growth: AI-related roles, such as machine learning engineers and data analysts, have grown 3.5 times faster than other professions since 2016, with continued expansion expected through 2025.
Certification Impact: Professionals with Azure certifications, including AI-900, report a 15–20% salary increase compared to non-certified peers. Additionally, 80% of hiring managers value Microsoft certifications for cloud and AI roles.

6. Is the AI-900 exam worth it in 2025?

Yes if you’re starting your AI journey. The AI-900 (Azure AI Fundamentals) is beginner-friendly, affordable, and a great way to understand core AI concepts without coding. It adds credibility to your profile and prepares you for advanced exams like AI-102 or DP-100.

Azure AI 900 Certification Exam Details

The AI 900 certification, officially known as the Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals certification, is one of the best entry-level AI certifications for beginners. It validates your understanding of core AI concepts, machine learning principles on Azure, and the ability to work with Azure AI services like Computer Vision, NLP, and Generative AI.

1. Microsoft AI-900 Exam Structure & Format

Name of the ExamMicrosoft Azure AI Fundamentals
Exam CodeAI-900
TechnologyMicrosoft Azure (Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Fundamentals)
PrerequisitesNo prerequisites – beginner-friendly certification
Registration Fee99 USD (price varies by country/region)
Duration45–60 minutes
Exam FormatMultiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and scenario-based questions
Exam TypeOnline proctored (Pearson VUE / PSI) or test center
Number of Questions40–60
Passing Score700 / 1000
Exam LanguagesEnglish, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified & Traditional), Korean, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Indonesian, Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Italian

2. Difficulty Level of Azure AI Fundamentals Certification

The AI 900 exam difficulty is considered easy to moderate compared to advanced Microsoft certifications. Since it doesn’t require deep programming or data science skills, it is accessible to anyone with basic cloud or IT knowledge.

AI 900 Certification Syllabus & Skills Measured

The AI 900 syllabus focuses on fundamental AI workloads and Azure services.

AI 900 syllabus

1. Understand AI workloads & responsible AI (15–20%)

Learn the importance of Responsible AI in Azure, including transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI solutions.

2. Fundamental machine learning principles on Azure (20–25%)

Covers ML concepts like supervised vs. unsupervised learning and Azure ML workflows.

3. Computer vision in Azure AI (15–20%)

Explore Azure Cognitive Services for image classification, object detection, and facial recognition.

4. Natural language processing (NLP) workloads (15–25%)

Work with Azure AI services for text analytics, sentiment analysis, and speech recognition.

5. Generative AI and Azure OpenAI services (15–20%)

Learn how Azure OpenAI integrates GPT models for Generative AI use cases such as chatbots and content generation.

AI 900 Certification Cost and Registration Process

1. AI-900 Exam Cost by Country

  • USA/Canada: $99 USD
  • India: ₹4,800 INR approx.
  • UK: £69 GBP

Prices may vary depending on region and discounts. Always check the latest AI 900 exam cost on Microsoft’s official site.

2. How to Register for AI-900 Certification Exam (Pearson VUE/PSI)

You can schedule your Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals exam via:

3. AI-900 Certification Validity & Renewal Policy

Valid for lifetime (no expiry) as it’s a fundamentals-level certification.

4. AI-900 Exam Retake Policy

  • 1st retake: Available 24 hours after the first attempt
  • 2nd retake onwards: Must wait 14 days between attempts

How to Prepare for AI 900 Certification Exam

1. Official Microsoft Learn Path for AI-900

Microsoft offers a free AI 900 training path on Microsoft Learn. This includes guided tutorials, hands-on labs, and beginner-friendly content.

2. Free AI-900 Certification Training Resources

3. Paid Courses & Practice Exams (ScholarHat )

Investing in AI 900 practice tests and mock exams can boost your confidence.

4. Study Tips to Pass AI-900 on the First Attempt

  • Review the AI 900 exam topics thoroughly
  • Practice with at least 2–3 AI 900 mock tests
  • Focus on case-study style questions

5. AI-900 Practice Test and Sample Questions

Practice exams simulate the Microsoft AI 900 exam experience, helping you manage time and identify weak areas.

Exam Day Tips for AI-900 Certification

1. How to Manage Time During the Exam

Allocate ~1 minute per question and revisit flagged questions later.

2. Common Mistakes to Avoid in AI-900 Exam

  • Misinterpreting ML concepts
  • Confusing Azure Cognitive Services with Azure ML
  • Ignoring Responsible AI principles

3. Online Proctored AI-900 Exam Experience

  • Ensure stable internet
  • Take the exam in a quiet space
  • Carry valid ID for verification

Azure AI 900 vs Other Microsoft Certifications

1. AI-900 vs AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals)

AI-900: Focuses on AI workloads AZ-900: Covers overall Azure cloud basics

2. AI-900 vs DP-900 (Data Fundamentals)

AI-900: AI & ML basics on Azure DP-900: Data storage, databases, and analytics fundamentals

3. AI-900 vs PL-900 (Power Platform Fundamentals)

AI-900: AI & ML workloads PL-900: Low-code automation and Power Platform

4. Which Microsoft Certification Should You Start With?

If your goal is AI/ML, start with the Azure AI 900 certification. If you want a broader cloud foundation, begin with AZ-900.

Azure AI Fundamentals Certification Path(AI-900) in 5 Steps

The Azure AI certification path frequently begins with this certification. If you earn the certificate and are knowledgeable in Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900), you will deliver a solid foundation for further certifications such as Azure AI Engineer Associate and Azure Data Scientist Associate. This helps you slowly improve your skills with Azure AI tools, which is important for your career growth.

Step 1 : Pass AI-900 (Azure AI Fundamentals)

  • Beginner-friendly foundation: AI concepts, ML basics, Azure AI services, Responsible AI.
  • No coding required; perfect for non-technical and technical learners.
  • Outcome: fluency in AI vocabulary and Azure’s AI landscape.
Think of AI-900 as your launchpad—not the finish line.

Step 2: Choose Your Role Path

1. AI Engineer

  • AI-102: Design & implement Azure AI solutions.
  • Focus: Cognitive Services, Azure OpenAI, orchestration & integration.

2. Data Scientist

  • DP-100: Design & implement data science solutions on Azure.
  • Focus: Model training, MLOps, responsible ML.

3. Data Engineer

  • DP-203: Data Engineering on Azure.
  • Focus: Data pipelines, lakehouse, real-time analytics.

4. Solution Architect

  • AZ-305: Architect Azure solutions.
  • Focus: Cost, security, scale, reliability for AI apps.

Step 3: Build a Portfolio That Hires You

  • Create 2–3 mini projects: chatbot, vision demo, or RAG app with Azure OpenAI.
  • Ship to GitHub with clear READMEs, screenshots, and a 2-min demo video.
  • Write short LinkedIn posts: what you built, why it matters, lessons learned.

Step 4: Level Up with Real-World Skills

  • MLOps basics: Azure ML pipelines, model registry, monitoring.
  • Prompt engineering & evaluation for Azure OpenAI + grounding with your data.
  • Security & governance: Responsible AI, data privacy, cost control.

Step 5 : Keep Current

  • Track updates in Azure OpenAI, Cognitive Services, and Copilot extensions.
  • Use Microsoft Learn paths + practice tests to refresh fast.
  • Join community: study groups, meetups, and hack nights.
Conclusion

To sum up, this Azure AI Fundamentals Certification (AI-900) is a great place to begin for developers interested in AI technology and Azure services. With a cheap Azure AI Fundamentals Certification fee, you'll be on the correct route for Azure AI Fundamentals Certification (AI-900) certification, opening the door to more advanced certifications and job advancement.

You can also explore the Azure AI Engineer Certification to become proficient in designing and implementing AI solutions using Azure Cognitive Services and Machine Learning.

FAQs

Earning the AI-900 certification can enhance your resume, demonstrate your knowledge of AI concepts, and open up new career opportunities in the field of AI and cloud computing. 

The exam covers essential AI concepts such as machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision, along with how to use these technologies through Azure services. 

There are no formal prerequisites, but having a basic knowledge of cloud concepts and Azure services will be helpful for understanding the material. 

Microsoft provides official documentation, online courses on platforms like Microsoft Learn, and practice exams. You can also find study groups and forums online where you can connect with other learners for additional support. 

Yes, if you don’t pass the exam, you can retake it. However, Microsoft has a policy that requires you to wait at least 24 hours before retaking, and you may want to spend more time studying the areas where you struggled.

 The registration fee for the AI-900 exam is $99 USD (prices may vary based on location and applicable taxes). 

 No, AI-900 is considered an entry-level certification. It is designed for beginners with little or no background in AI or cloud computing. The exam mainly tests basic AI concepts, workloads, and Azure services, making it one of the easier Microsoft certifications. 


On average, it takes:

  • 1–2 weeks if you already have some cloud/AI knowledge.

  • 3–4 weeks for complete beginners, studying part-time with Microsoft Learn resources and practice tests.

    But with Scholarhat's  Free Azure AI-900 Certification Course you can achieve it earlier


While AI-900 alone may not guarantee a job, it strengthens your profile for roles such as:

  • AI/ML Intern
  • Junior Data Analyst
  • AI/ML Support Engineer
  • Cloud/AI Enthusiast roles in IT teams
  • A stepping stone towards Data Scientist or AI Engineer careers with further learnin

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About Author
Shailendra Chauhan (Microsoft MVP, Founder & CEO at ScholarHat)

He is a renowned Speaker, Solution Architect, Mentor, and 10-time Microsoft MVP (2016–2025). With expertise in AI/ML, GenAI, System Design, Azure Cloud, .NET, Angular, React, Node.js, Microservices, DevOps, and Cross-Platform Mobile App Development, he bridges traditional frameworks with next-gen innovations.

He has trained 1 Lakh+ professionals across the globe, authored 45+ bestselling eBooks and 1000+ technical articles, and mentored 20+ free courses. As a corporate trainer for leading MNCs like IBM, Cognizant, and Dell, Shailendra continues to deliver world-class learning experiences through technology & AI.
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