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Coming June 2026

AI-901 Study Guide: Azure AI Fundamentals (Refreshed) Exam Preparation

Your comprehensive guide to the AI-901 certification, replacing the popular AI-900 exam. Covers core AI concepts, Azure AI services, generative AI, and Azure OpenAI Service for candidates at all experience levels.

45 Min
Exam Duration
40-60
Questions
700/1000
Passing Score
Fundamentals
Certification Level

TL;DR - Quick Summary

Target Audience

Career changers, students, non-technical professionals, and anyone starting their AI certification journey.

Exam Format

40-60 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes; passing score is 700/1000. No prerequisites required.

Key Focus Areas

AI and ML fundamentals, Azure AI services (Vision, Language, Speech, Document Intelligence), generative AI, and Azure OpenAI Service.

Replaces AI-900

AI-900 retires on 30 June 2026. AI-901 adds generative AI, Azure OpenAI Service, and updated Azure AI services content.

Migrating from AI-900?

If you are currently studying for AI-900, here is what you need to know:

  • AI-900 retires 30 June 2026. Schedule your AI-900 exam before this date if you want the current version.
  • AI-901 beta launches April 2026. Beta exams are discounted but results take longer to process.
  • Most AI-900 knowledge transfers. Core AI and ML concepts remain similar. New areas include generative AI depth, Azure OpenAI Service, and updated service names.
  • AI-901 is NOT the same as AB-900. AB-900 (Copilot and Agent Administration Fundamentals) is a separate Microsoft 365 administration exam.

What is the Microsoft AI-901 Exam?

The Microsoft AI-901 exam, officially titled Azure AI Fundamentals (Refreshed), is the modern entry point for anyone looking to validate their knowledge of artificial intelligence on the Microsoft cloud. It replaces the retiring AI-900 exam to better reflect the rapid advancements in generative AI and Azure's expanding AI service portfolio.

This certification validates your foundational knowledge of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) concepts and related Microsoft Azure services. It is designed for both technical and non-technical candidates. While it is not a prerequisite for higher-level certifications like Azure AI Engineer Associate or Azure Data Scientist Associate, it provides a strong foundation for those pursuing them.

Who Should Take the AI-901 Exam?

Career Changers

Individuals looking to pivot into the AI field and need a recognised credential to demonstrate foundational knowledge.

Business Professionals

Managers, sales professionals, and marketers who need to understand AI capabilities to drive business value.

Students & Graduates

Academic learners wanting to supplement their degree with industry-standard certifications in modern AI.

Tech Enthusiasts

Anyone curious about how generative AI and Azure OpenAI Service work behind the scenes in an enterprise context.

Exam Objectives Breakdown

The AI-901 exam covers three main domains. Understanding the weight of each domain helps you prioritise your study time effectively.

1

AI and Machine Learning Fundamentals

25-30%
  • Identify common AI workloads and considerations
  • Describe machine learning principles (Supervised, Unsupervised)
  • Understand classification, regression, and clustering
  • Describe deep learning fundamentals and neural networks
  • Evaluate model performance metrics (Accuracy, Precision, Recall)
  • Apply responsible AI principles (Fairness, Reliability, Privacy)
2

Azure AI Services

35-40%
  • Describe Azure AI services and provisioning
  • Identify computer vision capabilities (Vision, Custom Vision)
  • Understand natural language processing (Language, Speech)
  • Describe Azure AI Language and Speech services features
  • Identify document intelligence capabilities (Forms, OCR)
  • Understand Azure AI Search and knowledge mining pipelines
3

Generative AI and Azure OpenAI

30-35%
  • Describe generative AI concepts and Large Language Models (LLMs)
  • Understand Azure OpenAI Service capabilities and models (GPT, DALL-E)
  • Apply prompt engineering techniques (Zero-shot, Few-shot)
  • Describe retrieval augmented generation (RAG) and grounding
  • Identify responsible generative AI practices and content filtering
  • Understand Microsoft Copilot and AI assistant integration patterns

What Changed from AI-900 to AI-901?

New in AI-901

  • Expanded generative AI and LLM coverage
  • Azure OpenAI Service deployment
  • Prompt engineering fundamentals
  • Retrieval augmented generation (RAG)
  • Microsoft Copilot architecture
  • Responsible generative AI practices

Carried Forward

  • Core AI workloads and principles
  • Supervised vs Unsupervised learning
  • Computer vision fundamentals
  • Natural language processing concepts
  • Speech services capabilities
  • Responsible AI principles (expanded)

Azure AI Services to Know

Azure AI Vision

Image analysis, object detection, OCR, spatial analysis, and custom classification.

Azure AI Language

Text analytics, sentiment analysis, entity recognition, and question answering.

Azure OpenAI Service

GPT models, DALL-E, embeddings, and responsible AI content filtering.

Azure AI Search

Knowledge mining, AI enrichment pipelines, and vector search capabilities.

Recommended Study Resources

Official Microsoft Resources

  • Microsoft Learn: AI-901 Learning Path
  • Azure AI Services Documentation
  • Azure OpenAI Service Documentation
  • Microsoft Responsible AI Standards

Examinotion Practice

High-quality prep for the new exam

  • 200+ exam-style questions
  • Detailed explanations for AI-901
  • Full-length mock exams
  • AI-900 migration bridge questions

Coming Soon!

We are preparing 200+ practice questions for the new AI-901 exam.

21-Day Roadmap

Structured Study Plan for AI-901

This three-week plan covers all exam objectives. Adjust the pace based on your existing knowledge of AI and cloud concepts.

W1

Foundations

AI and Machine Learning Fundamentals

Days 1-2

AI workloads, responsible AI principles, and ethical considerations.

Days 3-4

Machine learning concepts, supervised vs unsupervised, model training.

Days 5-7

Classification, regression, clustering, and deep learning fundamentals.

W2

Azure AI Services

Implementing AI with Azure technologies

Days 8-9

Azure AI services overview, provisioning, and Computer Vision capabilities.

Days 10-12

NLP, Azure AI Language, Speech, and Document Intelligence features.

Days 13-14

Azure AI Search, knowledge mining, and practice questions for Section 2.

W3

Generative AI

Mastering modern AI and Azure OpenAI

Days 15-17

Generative AI concepts, LLMs, transformers, and Azure OpenAI Service.

Days 18-19

Prompt engineering, RAG patterns, and Microsoft Copilot architecture.

Days 20-21

Full practice exams, final review of weak areas, and exam preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AI-901 exam and when is it available?
AI-901 (Azure AI Fundamentals Refreshed) is a Fundamentals-level Microsoft certification exam that validates your understanding of core AI concepts, Azure AI services, and generative AI. The beta exam launches in April 2026, with general availability expected in June 2026. It replaces the retiring AI-900 (Azure AI Fundamentals), which retires on 30 June 2026.
What is the difference between AI-901 and AI-900?
AI-901 is the refreshed version of AI-900, updated to reflect the modern Azure AI landscape. Key differences include expanded coverage of generative AI and Azure OpenAI Service, updated Azure AI services (Document Intelligence, AI Search), new content on responsible generative AI practices, and coverage of Microsoft Copilot and AI assistant patterns. The exam format remains similar: Fundamentals level, 45 minutes, 700/1000 passing score.
What is the difference between AI-901 and AB-900?
These are completely different exams despite the similar numbering. AI-901 (Azure AI Fundamentals) covers core AI concepts, machine learning, and Azure AI services for a broad audience. AB-900 (Copilot and Agent Administration Fundamentals) focuses specifically on administering Microsoft 365 Copilot environments and is aimed at IT administrators. AI-901 is a technical Azure certification whilst AB-900 is a Microsoft 365 administration certification.
What is the passing score for the AI-901 exam?
The passing score for the AI-901 (Azure AI Fundamentals Refreshed) exam is expected to be 700 out of 1000 points, consistent with other Microsoft Fundamentals-level exams. This equates to approximately 70% correct answers, though the exact number depends on the difficulty weighting of each question.
Are there prerequisites for the AI-901 exam?
No. AI-901 is a Fundamentals-level certification with no prerequisites. It is designed for anyone interested in learning about AI concepts and Azure AI services, including career changers, students, non-technical professionals, and those starting their Microsoft AI certification journey.
How long should I study for the AI-901 exam?
Most candidates with some familiarity with cloud concepts can prepare in 15 to 25 hours over two to three weeks. If you are completely new to AI and cloud computing, allow three to four weeks. Using practice exams alongside Microsoft Learn modules can significantly reduce study time whilst improving retention.
Will my AI-900 certification still be valid after 30 June 2026?
Existing AI-900 certifications earned before the retirement date remain valid until their normal expiration. However, you will need to pass AI-901 when it comes time to renew. Microsoft typically provides a transition period and may offer a renewal assessment for AI-901.

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