AI-900 vs AI-901: Everything You Need to Know About Microsoft's Azure AI Fundamentals Transition (2026)
Complete comparison of AI-900 and AI-901 Azure AI Fundamentals exams. Covers the retirement timeline, content differences, decision guidance for candidates, and how to prepare for the transition.
Examinotion Team
Last Updated: March 2026
Microsoft's most popular AI fundamentals exam is changing. The AI-900 (Azure AI Fundamentals) retires on 30 June 2026, and its replacement, the AI-901, enters beta on 21 April 2026. Both exams earn the same certification, but the content shift is significant.
Whether you are currently studying for AI-900, already hold the certification, or just starting your Azure AI journey, this guide covers everything you need to make the right decision.
AI-900 vs AI-901 at a Glance
| Attribute | AI-900 | AI-901 |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Azure AI Fundamentals | Azure AI Fundamentals |
| Certification Earned | Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals | Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals |
| Status | Retiring 30 June 2026 | Beta from 21 April 2026, GA June 2026 |
| Level | Beginner (Fundamentals) | Beginner (Fundamentals) |
| Working Time | 45 minutes | To be confirmed |
| Questions | 40-60 | To be confirmed |
| Passing Score | 700/1,000 | 700/1,000 (expected) |
| Coding Required | No | No (Python basics helpful for training) |
| Core Focus | Describe AI concepts and Azure services | Build AI apps and agents with Microsoft Foundry |
| Primary Platform | Azure AI services (individual) | Microsoft Foundry (unified) |
| Associated Course | AI-900T00-A (deprecated) | AI-901T00-A (current) |
| Certification Expires? | Never | Never |
Pricing varies by region. Check Pearson VUE for current rates in your area.
The most important point: both exams lead to the same certification. AI-901 is a replacement exam code, not a new credential. If you already hold AI-900, your certification remains fully valid.
AI-900 Retirement Timeline and What It Means
Microsoft has confirmed that AI-900 retires on 30 June 2026 at 11:59 PM Central Standard Time. The official study guide states clearly:
This exam will retire on June 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Central Standard Time.
After this date, you will no longer be able to schedule or sit the AI-900 exam. The associated AI-900 learning path on Microsoft Learn has already been marked as deprecated and will be removed.
However, retirement only affects the ability to take the exam. It does not invalidate certifications already earned. Microsoft fundamentals certifications have lifetime validity, meaning your AI-900 credential stays on your Microsoft Learn transcript permanently.
Key Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 2026 | AI-901T00-A training course available |
| 21 April 2026 | AI-901 beta exam opens |
| June 2026 | AI-901 reaches general availability |
| 30 June 2026 | AI-900 retires (last day to sit the exam) |
If you are currently registered for AI-900, plan to sit the exam well before the 30 June deadline. Allow time for a potential retake, as AI-900 cannot be rescheduled after retirement. For a detailed look at how Microsoft phases out exams, see our Microsoft beta exam guide.
What Is the AI-901 Exam?
The AI-901 is the direct replacement for AI-900. It carries the same certification name, Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals, and sits at the same beginner level. The Microsoft Tech Community announcement confirmed:
Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-901) is coming to beta on April 21, 2026.
The one-day instructor-led course, AI-901T00-A: Introduction to AI in Azure, is already available on Microsoft Learn as of March 2026.
What makes AI-901 different is its focus. Where AI-900 asked you to describe Azure AI services and concepts, AI-901 asks you to understand how to build AI applications and agents using Microsoft Foundry (formerly Azure AI Foundry). This reflects a broader shift across Microsoft's certification portfolio towards practical, application-focused assessment.
What Has Changed from AI-900 to AI-901
The most significant change is the move from a service-by-service description model to a unified, application-building approach centred on Microsoft Foundry.
AI-900 Exam Domains (Current)
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| AI workloads and considerations (responsible AI) | 15-20% |
| Machine learning on Azure | 15-20% |
| Computer vision on Azure | 15-20% |
| Natural language processing on Azure | 15-20% |
| Generative AI workloads on Azure | 20-25% |
AI-901 Exam Domains (New)
The official AI-901 study guide had not been published at the time of writing. Based on the AI-901T00-A course structure and official learning path, the new exam covers six core areas:
- Getting started with AI in Azure, covering Microsoft Foundry platform setup and project management
- Generative AI and agents, including AI agent design and multi-step agentic workflows
- Text analysis, covering sentiment analysis, key phrase extraction, entity recognition, and language detection
- Speech in Azure, including speech recognition and synthesis via Microsoft Foundry
- Computer vision, now including image generation and video generation with multimodal models
- AI-powered information extraction, delivered through Azure Content Understanding
Note: Verify the definitive exam domains and percentage weights at the official AI-901 study guide once published.
Key Content Differences
| Topic Area | AI-900 | AI-901 |
|---|---|---|
| AI concepts and responsible AI | Yes (15-20%) | Yes (included) |
| Machine learning on Azure | Yes (15-20%), covers Azure ML pipelines, automated ML | Reduced, de-emphasised |
| Computer vision | Image classification, object detection, OCR | Expanded with image and video generation models |
| Natural language processing | Yes (15-20%) | Yes, delivered via Microsoft Foundry |
| Generative AI | Yes (20-25%) | Expanded with agentic AI and prompt versioning |
| AI agents and agentic workflows | Not covered | New, central topic |
| Microsoft Foundry platform | Partial (as Azure AI Foundry) | Central platform for all workloads |
| Azure OpenAI Service | Yes | Yes, integrated within Foundry |
| Azure Bot Service | Yes | Replaced by agentic AI framing |
| Transformer architecture | Explicit subtopic | Not listed as explicit subtopic |
| Automated machine learning | Yes | Not emphasised |
| Multimodal models | Partial | Explicit coverage |
| Prompt versioning and model management | Not covered | New topic |
What Is New in AI-901
- AI agents and multi-step agentic workflows, reflecting how modern organisations deploy AI systems that reason across multiple steps
- Microsoft Foundry platform as the unified hub for building, deploying, and managing AI applications
- Prompt versioning and model management, covering practical deployment considerations like evaluation metrics, latency, and token usage
- Multimodal AI models, including image generation and video generation capabilities
- Azure Content Understanding, Microsoft's updated approach to AI-powered information extraction
What Is De-emphasised or Removed
- Azure Machine Learning Studio pipelines and automated ML are no longer prominent
- Azure Bot Service and conversational AI framing has been replaced by the agentic AI approach
- Individual Azure Cognitive Services naming gives way to unified Microsoft Foundry services
- Transformer architecture is no longer listed as an explicit subtopic
- Traditional ML subtopics such as regression, classification, and clustering as named exam areas are de-emphasised in favour of applied AI workloads
Should You Take AI-900 or Wait for AI-901?
Your best path depends on where you are in your certification journey. Here are three common scenarios:
Scenario 1: You are already studying for AI-900
Recommendation: Finish and take AI-900 before 30 June 2026.
If you have already invested time in preparation, there is no reason to start over. Both exams earn the same certification, and your AI-900 credential will remain valid indefinitely. Make sure to schedule your exam well before the retirement date to allow time for a retake if needed.
Scenario 2: You are just starting out
Recommendation: Prepare for AI-901.
If you have not yet begun studying, AI-901 is the better choice. Its content reflects how AI is used in modern organisations, with a focus on Microsoft Foundry and agentic AI rather than individual service descriptions. The AI-901 learning materials are current, while AI-900 training paths are already deprecated.
Scenario 3: You already hold AI-900
Recommendation: No action required.
Your certification is valid for life. Microsoft fundamentals certifications do not expire, and the exam retirement does not affect credentials already earned. Your AI-900 will remain on your transcript permanently.
That said, you might choose to take AI-901 voluntarily if you want to demonstrate updated knowledge of Microsoft Foundry and generative AI, particularly if employers or clients value current skills.
Beta vs General Availability
If you want to be among the first to earn the updated certification, the AI-901 beta (opening 21 April 2026) offers an opportunity to sit the exam at a significantly reduced price. Microsoft beta exams are typically offered at 80% off the standard price. However, beta results are delayed by 8-10 weeks while Microsoft calibrates the scoring. If you need your certification quickly, waiting for general availability in June 2026 is the safer option.
For a detailed breakdown of the beta exam process, see our complete Microsoft beta exam guide.
Does Your AI-900 Certification Remain Valid After Retirement?
Yes. This is one of the most common questions, and the answer is straightforward.
Microsoft fundamentals certifications have lifetime validity. The Microsoft Q&A confirms:
The Azure AI Fundamentals certification does not expire since it is a fundamentals certification.
When AI-900 retires, the only thing that changes is that the exam can no longer be taken. Your earned credential stays on your Microsoft Learn transcript, remains verifiable by employers, and carries the same weight it always has.
There is no mandatory upgrade to AI-901. The decision to take the newer exam is entirely optional and depends on whether you want to update your knowledge for professional reasons.
AI-901 Beta Exam: What to Expect
The AI-901 beta opens on 21 April 2026. Here is what to expect:
Pricing: Beta exams are typically offered at approximately 80% off the standard exam price. Microsoft will publish a discount code closer to the launch date.
Registration: Beta exams are scheduled through Pearson VUE, the same platform used for all Microsoft certification exams. Seats may be limited, so register early once scheduling opens.
Results timeline: Beta exam results take longer than standard exams, typically 8-10 weeks after the beta period closes. This delay is normal and allows Microsoft to calibrate the scoring algorithm.
Full certification credit: Passing the beta exam earns you the full Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals credential, identical to passing the GA version. There is no difference in the certification earned.
Exam experience: Beta exams may contain more questions than the final version, as Microsoft uses the beta to evaluate question quality. Expect a similar format to AI-900 (multiple choice, multiple select, drag and drop), though the final question count and time limit have not been confirmed.
Our Microsoft beta exam guide covers the full beta process, including how to find discount codes and what to expect on exam day.
How to Prepare for the AI-901 Exam
Whether you are coming from AI-900 or starting fresh, here is a practical preparation roadmap:
Step 1: Review the Official Study Guide
Once published, the AI-901 study guide will be your primary reference. It will contain the definitive list of exam domains, percentage weights, and testable subtopics. Bookmark this link and check back regularly.
Step 2: Complete the AI-901 Training
The AI-901T00-A course is a one-day, beginner-level course available on Microsoft Learn. It covers all exam domains through two learning paths totalling 12 modules:
- Path 1: AI concepts for developers and technology professionals (6 modules covering core AI concepts, reused from foundational content)
- Path 2: Get started with AI applications and agents on Azure (6 new modules covering Microsoft Foundry, generative AI, agents, NLP, speech, vision, and information extraction)
Step 3: Focus on What Is New
If you already have AI-900 knowledge, a significant portion carries over. Prioritise these new areas:
- Microsoft Foundry platform setup, project management, and model deployment
- AI agents and agentic workflows, including multi-step reasoning
- Prompt versioning and model evaluation metrics
- Multimodal models for image and video generation
- Azure Content Understanding for information extraction
Step 4: Practise with Realistic Questions
Microsoft will release a free practice assessment for AI-901 around the general availability date. Third-party providers, including Examinotion, are developing AI-901 practice exams aligned with the official objectives.
What Transfers from AI-900 to AI-901
If you have studied for or passed AI-900, much of your knowledge remains relevant:
- Core AI concepts and responsible AI principles
- Computer vision fundamentals (image classification, object detection, OCR)
- NLP concepts (sentiment analysis, key phrase extraction, entity recognition)
- Speech recognition and synthesis
- Generative AI fundamentals (LLMs, prompts, Azure OpenAI Service)
The main gap will be Microsoft Foundry, agentic AI, and the practical application-building focus.
How AI-901 Fits into the Microsoft AI Certification Roadmap
AI-901 sits at the foundational level of Microsoft's Azure AI certification portfolio. It serves as an entry point for anyone wanting to demonstrate AI knowledge, whether they plan to pursue advanced certifications or simply need a credential for their current role.
2026 Microsoft AI Certification Portfolio
| Level | Certification | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals | AI-901: Azure AI Fundamentals | AI concepts, Microsoft Foundry, AI agents |
| Associate | AI-103: Azure AI App and Agent Developer | Building AI applications and agents |
| Associate | AI-200: Azure AI Cloud Developer | Cloud-based AI development |
| Associate | AI-300: Operationalising ML and Generative AI | ML/GenAI operations |
AI-901 is not a mandatory prerequisite for associate-level exams, but it provides a strong conceptual foundation. Candidates considering AI-103, AI-200, or AI-300 will benefit from understanding the fundamentals covered in AI-901.
How AI-901 Relates to the AB-Series
Microsoft's AI certification portfolio includes two distinct tracks: the AI-series (Azure-focused, technical) and the AB-series (Microsoft 365-focused, business-oriented):
| Certification | Focus | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|
| AI-901 | Azure AI services and Microsoft Foundry | Developers, IT professionals, technical beginners |
| AB-900 | Microsoft 365 Copilot fundamentals | General business users |
| AB-730 | Microsoft 365 Copilot usage | Business professionals |
| AB-731 | AI adoption leadership and strategy | Managers, executives, change leaders |
| AB-100 | Agentic AI solutions architecture | Business architects, solution designers |
If you are unsure which Microsoft AI exam to take, our complete certification roadmap maps out all the available paths. For a detailed look at whether Microsoft AI certification is a worthwhile investment, see our certification ROI analysis.
Confused about the difference between AB-900 and AI-900? Our AB-900 vs AI-900 comparison breaks down how these similarly named exams differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AI-900 being discontinued?
Yes. AI-900 retires on 30 June 2026. After that date, you can no longer schedule or take the exam. It is being replaced by AI-901, which enters beta on 21 April 2026 and reaches general availability in June 2026.
Is my AI-900 certification still valid after the exam retires?
Yes. Microsoft fundamentals certifications have lifetime validity and do not require renewal. The exam retirement only means the exam can no longer be taken. Certifications already earned remain on your Microsoft Learn transcript permanently and continue to be verifiable by employers.
Should I take AI-900 now or wait for AI-901?
If you are already studying and can sit the exam before 30 June 2026, taking AI-900 is a safe choice, as both exams earn the same certification. If you are just starting out, preparing for AI-901 is the better option because its content covers modern AI practices including Microsoft Foundry and agentic AI.
What new topics does AI-901 cover that AI-900 does not?
AI-901 introduces AI agents and multi-step agentic workflows, Microsoft Foundry platform management, prompt versioning and model evaluation, multimodal models for image and video generation, and Azure Content Understanding. The exam takes a more practical, application-building approach compared to AI-900's service-by-service description model.
Can I upgrade from AI-900 to AI-901?
There is no formal upgrade path. AI-901 is a separate exam you would need to take independently. However, if you already hold AI-900, a significant portion of your existing knowledge transfers directly. You would primarily need to study the new Microsoft Foundry, agentic AI, and prompt management content.
How much does the AI-901 exam cost?
Microsoft has not yet published the official AI-901 price, but fundamentals-level exams are typically priced at around $99 USD (prices vary by region). The beta exam will be available at approximately 80% off using a discount code that Microsoft will publish closer to the 21 April 2026 launch. Check Pearson VUE for pricing in your region.
When will AI-901 practice exams be available?
Microsoft's official free practice assessment is expected around the AI-901 general availability date in June 2026. Third-party providers, including Examinotion, are developing AI-901 practice exams aligned with the official exam objectives.
Preparing for Your Next Step
The transition from AI-900 to AI-901 represents Microsoft's recognition that AI has moved beyond conceptual understanding into practical application. Whether you take AI-900 before its retirement or wait for AI-901, the certification you earn carries the same weight and validates your Azure AI fundamentals knowledge.
If you are considering other Microsoft AI certifications alongside AI-901, explore our Microsoft AI certification roadmap for a complete guide to all available paths. For candidates interested in the Microsoft 365 Copilot side of Microsoft's AI portfolio, our AB-900 exam guide and AB-900 practice questions are a good starting point.
Ready to start practising? Examinotion offers realistic, exam-difficulty practice questions for Microsoft AI certifications to help you prepare with confidence.
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