Below are some commonly asked questions about the AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals certification exam. Upon successfully passing this exam, you earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals certification.
What is the AI-900 certification exam?
The AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals exam validates your foundational knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) concepts and how AI workloads are implemented using Microsoft Azure services.
Candidates who pass the exam demonstrate understanding of:
- Core AI concepts and terminology
- Machine learning workloads and Azure Machine Learning
- Computer vision workloads using Azure AI Vision
- Natural language processing workloads using Azure AI Language
- Conversational AI workloads using Azure AI Bot Service and Azure AI Studio
This certification is designed for individuals who want to understand AI fundamentals and how Azure supports common AI scenarios. Upon successfully passing this exam, candidates earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals certification.
Is the AI-900 certification exam worth it?
The short answer is “yes“.
AI-900 is an excellent entry point into artificial intelligence and Microsoft’s AI ecosystem. Preparing for this exam helps you:
- Build foundational AI literacy
- Understand common AI workloads and use cases
- Learn how Azure delivers AI services
- Gain confidence discussing AI concepts with technical and business teams
- Prepare for more advanced certifications such as AI-102, DP-100, or PL-300
For beginners, students, business professionals, and technologists new to AI, AI-900 provides structured learning and practical context without requiring deep programming experience.
How many questions are on the AI-900 exam?
The AI-900 exam typically contains between 40 and 60 questions.
Question formats may include:
- Single-choice and multiple-choice questions
- Multi-select questions
- Drag-and-drop or matching questions
- Short scenario-based questions
The exact number and format can vary slightly from exam to exam.
How hard is the AI-900 exam?
AI-900 is considered a fundamentals-level exam and is generally approachable for beginners.
The challenge comes from:
- Learning AI terminology and concepts
- Understanding when to use different Azure AI services
- Interpreting scenario-based questions
- Distinguishing between machine learning, computer vision, NLP, and conversational AI workloads
With focused preparation, most candidates find the exam very achievable.
Helpful preparation resources include:
- Microsoft Learn (official and free) course – Introduction to AI in Azure
- The official AI-900 study guide
- The AI-900 Exam Prep Hub at The Data Community
- Practice exams (including those available at the AI-900 Exam Prep Hub)
- Community resources and blogs
- YouTube tutorials and walkthroughs
How much does the AI-900 certification exam cost?
As of early 2026, the standard exam pricing is approximately:
- United States: $99 USD
- Other countries: Regionally adjusted pricing applies
Microsoft occasionally offers student discounts, academic pricing, and exam vouchers, so it’s worth checking the official Microsoft certification site before scheduling your exam.
How do I prepare for the Microsoft AI-900 certification exam?
The most important advice is not to rush. Sit for the exam only after you have fully prepared.
Recommended preparation steps:
- Review the official AI-900 exam skills outline.
- Complete the free Microsoft Learn AI-900 learning path.
- Study core AI concepts such as classification, regression, clustering, and responsible AI.
- Learn the purpose of key Azure AI services (Azure Machine Learning, Azure AI Vision, Azure AI Language, Azure AI Bot Service).
- Take practice exams to confirm your readiness.
Additional learning resources include:
- Courses on platforms like Udemy and Coursera
- Community-created exam preparation hubs, such as the exam prep hub at The Data Community: Topic-by-topic content with practice questions, and 2 practice exams at The Data Community
- YouTube playlists focused on AI-900 topics
Hands-on labs are helpful but not strictly required. Conceptual understanding is the primary focus for the AI-900.
How do I pass the AI-900 exam?
To maximize your chances of passing:
- Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorization
- Learn what each Azure AI service is designed for
- Carefully read scenario questions before answering
- Eliminate obviously incorrect choices
- Manage your time effectively
Consistently performing well on reputable practice exams is usually a good indicator that you’re ready.
What is the best site for AI-900 certification dumps?
Using exam dumps is not recommended and may violate Microsoft’s exam policies.
Instead, rely on legitimate preparation resources such as:
- Microsoft’s official practice exam, which can be accessed from the main certification page
- High-quality community-created practice tests, such as those available at The Data Community’s AI-900 Exam Prep Hub
- Scenario-based questions that reinforce understanding
Look beyond the exam. Legitimate preparation builds real skills that extend beyond the exam.
How long should I study for the AI-900 exam?
Study time varies based on background.
General guidelines:
- Prior AI or Azure experience: 2–4 weeks
- Some technical background: 3–5 weeks
- Beginners or career switchers: 4–8 weeks
However, rather than focusing strictly on time, aim to understand all exam topics and perform well on practice tests before scheduling.
Where can I find training or a course for the AI-900 exam?
Training options include:
- Microsoft Learn: Free, official learning path
- Online platforms: Udemy, Coursera, and similar providers
- YouTube: Free AI-900 playlists and walkthroughs
- Subscription platforms: Datacamp and others offering AI fundamentals
- Microsoft partners: Instructor-led courses
- Community contributors: Free exam prep hub at The Data Community
A mix of structured learning and light hands-on exploration works well. While it’s totally fine to use any resources you find suitable based on your situation, you can most likely learn the required content and pass this exam using only “free” resources.
What skills should I have before taking the AI-900 exam?
Before attempting the exam, it helps to understand:
- Basic computer concepts
- Simple data concepts
- High-level AI terminology
- General cloud computing ideas
No programming experience is required.
AI-900 is designed specifically for beginners.
What score do I need to pass the AI-900 exam?
Microsoft exams are scored on a scale of 1–1000, and a score of 700 or higher is required to pass.
Scores are scaled based on question difficulty, not simply percentage correct.
How long is the AI-900 exam?
You are given approximately 60 minutes to complete the exam, not including onboarding and instructions.
Time pressure is generally lower than associate-level exams.
How long is the AI-900 certification valid?
The Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals certification does not expire.
Unlike associate-level certifications, AI-900 currently does not require renewal.
Is AI-900 suitable for beginners?
Yes — AI-900 is specifically designed for beginners.
It’s ideal for:
- Students
- Career switchers
- Business professionals exploring AI
- Cloud beginners
- Technical professionals new to artificial intelligence
No prior AI or Azure experience is required.
What roles benefit most from the AI-900 certification?
AI-900 is especially valuable for:
- Aspiring AI Analysts, AI Engineers or Data Scientists
- Data Analysts and BI professionals
- Business Analysts
- Product Managers
- Students and graduates
- Anyone looking to understand AI at a foundational level
It also serves as a strong foundation before pursuing AI-102, DP-100, DP-203, or PL-300.
What languages is the AI-900 exam offered in?
The AI-900 certification exam is commonly offered in:
English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Chinese (Traditional), Italian
Availability may vary by region.
Have additional questions? Post them in the comments.
Thanks for reading and good luck on your data journey!
The Data Community 