PrepWhat is AI-900?
AI-900 was Microsoft's exam for the Azure AI Fundamentals certification; Microsoft retired it on June 30, 2026 and replaced it with exam AI-901. The certification itself continues: it is Microsoft's entry-level AI credential, covering core AI concepts and responsible AI plus the basics of building AI apps and agents with Microsoft Foundry. See our Azure AI Fundamentals guide.
Is AI-900 worth it?
Azure AI Fundamentals, now earned through AI-901, is worth it as a first AI credential, especially if you are starting in AI development on Azure. It has no prerequisites, takes 45 minutes and never expires. It is a fundamentals exam, so it shows grounding rather than job-ready depth; pair it with hands-on projects or a role-based Azure certification.
Is AI-900 still available?
No. Microsoft retired the AI-900 exam on June 30, 2026, and Azure AI Fundamentals now requires exam AI-901. Courses and practice tests built for AI-900 are out of date. If you already passed AI-900, your certification stays valid. Our AI-900 study guide now covers AI-901.
AI-900 study guide: AI-900 is retired, so here is the AI-901 plan
What is the difference between AI-900 and AI-901?
AI-901 replaced AI-900 and leads to the same Azure AI Fundamentals certification, but it is more hands-on. Its skills list (as of April 15, 2026) gives 40-45% to AI concepts and capabilities and 55-60% to implementing AI solutions with Microsoft Foundry, such as deploying a model and building a simple agent. Microsoft also expects some knowledge of Python. See the AI-900 to AI-901 study guide.
AI-900 study guide: AI-900 is retired, so here is the AI-901 plan
I passed AI-900. Is my certification still valid?
Yes. Retiring an exam does not revoke certifications already earned, so AI-900 holders keep Azure AI Fundamentals. Microsoft Fundamentals certifications do not expire, so there is nothing to renew and no need to sit AI-901. AI-901 is only for people who have not yet earned the certification.
How much does the AI-900 (AI-901) exam cost?
Microsoft sets the price by the country or region where you take the exam and does not show a fixed price on the exam page. Third-party sites list about US$99 in the United States, excluding taxes; check the exact price when you register on Microsoft Learn.
How many questions are on the exam, and how long is it?
You get 45 minutes to answer the questions, with 65 minutes of total seat time. Microsoft does not publish the number of AI-901 questions; it says most of its exams have 40 to 60. Question types are not disclosed in advance, but Microsoft's exam sandbox shows the formats you may see.
What is the AI-900 passing score?
You need a scaled score of 700 or greater to pass Azure AI Fundamentals. Because the score is scaled, 700 does not equal 70% of questions correct, and Microsoft does not publish a percentage. Check yourself with our free Azure AI Fundamentals practice test.
How hard is the AI-900 exam?
It is an entry-level exam, but AI-901 asks more than the old AI-900 did, because more than half of it covers practical work in Microsoft Foundry. Microsoft expects basic Python and familiarity with Azure resources, and Microsoft Learn is not available during Fundamentals exams. Trying the Foundry portal yourself is the best preparation.
How long should I study for AI-900?
As an editorial estimate, about 1 to 2 weeks if you have basic Python and some Azure experience. Microsoft does not publish a study time. Add a week if Python is new to you, or plan four weeks or more if IT and cloud are new. Our study guide has a 2-week AI-901 plan.
AI-900 study guide: AI-900 is retired, so here is the AI-901 plan
Are there prerequisites for Azure AI Fundamentals?
No, there are no formal prerequisites. Microsoft does expect conceptual knowledge of AI solutions in Azure, knowledge of Python syntax and programming techniques, and familiarity with Azure resources, so plan extra time if any of those are new. Our AI-900 vs AZ-900 guide helps if Azure itself is new to you.
Should I take AI-900 or AZ-900 first?
Take AZ-900 first if Azure itself is new to you, and go straight to AI-901 if you know Azure basics and want an AI credential. AZ-900 covers general cloud and Azure concepts; AI-901 assumes familiarity with Azure resources and some Python. Our AI-900 vs AZ-900 comparison helps you choose.
AI-900 vs AZ-900: Azure AI Fundamentals or Azure Fundamentals?
Can I prepare for AI-900 for free?
Yes, you can prepare for free, although the exam itself is paid. Microsoft offers a free practice assessment on AI Skills Navigator and a free study guide listing every skill measured. Our free practice test adds original questions with explanations.