Evolving the Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals Certification
As AI cloud solution adoption accelerates, demonstrate your readiness to build modern, responsible Azure AI solutions using Microsoft Foundry and Python with the new Exam AI‑901 (beta). AI is no longer a distant, abstract idea. Organizations around the world are adopting it right now to streamline workflows and strengthen operational efficiency. As a result, the demand for AI solution developers is accelerating. To support this shift, we’re evolving the Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals Certification. The updated Microsoft Certification validates your knowledge of AI concepts and capabilities and your ability to implement AI solutions by using Azure and Microsoft Foundry. After June 30, 2026, to earn this Certification, you’ll need to pass Exam AI-901: Azure AI Fundamentals, currently in beta. The Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals Certification is designed for people who are beginning their journey in AI solution development, and it validates that you can apply responsible AI principles in real‑world scenarios. It also provides a strong foundation for pursuing more advanced role‑based Certifications in Azure AI and machine learning. Is this the right Certification for you? The Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals Certification focuses on the practical skills needed to build modern AI apps and agents by using Foundry. By preparing to earn the Certification, you build practical, job‑relevant skills. Exam AI-901 validates your ability to: Describe AI concepts and capabilities, including principles of responsible AI, along with AI workloads, model components, and configurations. Implement AI solutions with Foundry, including generative AI apps and agents, in addition to AI solutions for text and speech, computer vision and image-generation capabilities, and information extraction. As a candidate for this Certification, you should have conceptual knowledge of AI solutions in Azure and the foundational technical skills to work with them. You also need knowledge of Python coding syntax and programming techniques, and you should be familiar with provisioning Azure resources. With its expanded focus, Exam AI-901 replaces Exam AI-900, which is being retired on June 30, 2026. The new exam addresses: Generative AI and agents, with updated coverage of the Foundry portal, tools, and models. AI workloads, responsible AI principles, and solution patterns. Simple approaches to implementing AI solutions using Foundry. Area Exam AI‑900 (old) Exam AI‑901 (new) Audience Nontechnical or technical beginners Technical beginners planning to build AI solutions Skills tested Understanding AI and machine learning concepts; identifying when to use Azure AI services Understanding AI concepts; implementing AI solutions with Microsoft Foundry Required coding knowledge None Basic Python syntax and programming concepts Knowledge level Introductory, conceptual understanding of Azure AI services (classic approach) Foundational understanding of Azure resources, plus implementation with Foundry, provisioning Azure resources, and modern AI development tooling Focus What is AI? How do I build an AI app by using Foundry? NOTE: We’re not retiring the Azure AI Fundamentals Certification; we’re refreshing the requirements to earn it, with a new exam that better reflects modern AI solution development skills. If you already hold this Certification, no action is required; however, you may take the new Exam AI-901 if you would like to showcase your ability with a wider skill set. For more details on the retirement of Exam AI-900 and the latest cloud and AI Certification updates, read our recent blog post, The AI job boom is here. Are you ready to showcase your skills? Ready to prove your Azure AI skills? Take advantage of the discounted beta exam offer. The first 300 people who take Exam AI-901 (beta) on or before May 6, 2026, can get 80% off. To receive the discount, when you register for the exam and are prompted for payment, use code AI901Medford. This is not a private access code. The seats are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. As noted, you must take the exam on or before May 6, 2026. Please note that this discount is not available in Turkey, Pakistan, India, or China. How to prepare Get ready to take Exam AI-901 (beta): Review the Exam AI-901 (beta) exam page for details. The Exam AI-901 study guide explores key topics covered in the exam. Work through the self-paced Course AI-901: Introduction to AI in Azure. Connect with Microsoft Training Services Partners in your area for in-person offerings. Need other preparation ideas? Check out Just How Does One Prepare for Beta Exams? Ready to get started? You can take Certification exams online, from your home or office. Get the details in Online proctored exams: What to expect and how to prepare. Remember, only the first 300 candidates can get 80% off Exam AI-901 (beta) with code AI901Medford on or before May 6, 2026. Beta exam rescoring begins when the exam goes live, with final results released approximately 10 days later. For more details, read Creating high-quality exams: The path from beta to live. Stay tuned for general availability of this Certification in June 2026. Additional information For more cloud and AI Certification updates, read our recent blog post, The AI job boom is here. Are you ready to showcase your skills? Follow our credentials news on The Skills Hub blog as we roll out additional new Certifications in April, May, and June 2026. Join our Microsoft Worldwide Learning SME Group for Credentials on LinkedIn for beta exam alerts and opportunities to help shape future Microsoft learning and assessments. Explore Microsoft Credentials on AI Skills Navigator.
