Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaping the future of technology and business — from financial services to Ecommerce. That’s why Microsoft Azure plays a pivotal role in delivering these cutting-edge AI solutions and empowering businesses to integrate intelligent capabilities into their operations.
If you're considering a future in AI or need to improve your credentials in the field, the Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900T00 or AI-900) certification is an excellent starting point.
Whether you’re an IT beginner, a business professional, or an IT specialist, here's everything you need to know about this entry-level certification.
Ready to start your AI journey? Enroll in our Azure AI Fundamentals course and build a solid foundation in AI technologies.
What Does the AI-900 Certification Cover?
The Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) certification focuses on building a solid foundation in artificial intelligence and its practical applications using Azure's comprehensive suite of AI services. It is designed to equip learners with the essential knowledge to understand and leverage AI for solving real-world business challenges.
Here are a few specific concepts that this certification will cover:
- AI Workloads and Machine Learning on Azure: Gain a foundational understanding of machine learning concepts, including supervised and unsupervised learning, and how these algorithms are trained and evaluated.
- AI Models, Tools, and Business Applications: Discover tools and frameworks that support AI development, including Jupyter Notebooks, Azure ML Studio, and SDKs.
- Azure AI Services: Learn how this service enables data scientists and developers to build, train, and deploy machine learning models efficiently.
- ML, NLP, AI, and Computer Vision: Explore details in applying these technologies in real-world scenarios.
With this knowledge, students can confidently explore AI applications and leverage Azure tools to solve real-world business challenges.
Who Should Pursue AI-900?
The AI-900 certification is designed for a diverse audience, making it an excellent choice for individuals from various professional backgrounds or stages in their career. Its accessibility ensures that anyone with an interest in AI can benefit, regardless of prior experience in data science or software engineering.
With no prerequisites required, the AI-900 certification serves as an excellent entry point for those curious about AI and its applications. It provides a solid foundation in AI concepts without diving into the complexities of programming or advanced mathematics, making it beginner-friendly and approachable.
The versatility of the AI-900 certification makes it perfect for business professionals, IT specialists, and students alike:
- Business Professionals: Decision-makers can use the certification to understand how AI can drive organizational growth, streamline operations, and enhance customer experiences.
- IT Specialists: IT professionals seeking to upskill or explore the AI domain can use this certification to build expertise in Azure's AI services and enhance their ability to integrate these tools into existing infrastructures.
- Students: New learners exploring career paths in technology can use the AI-900 as a stepping stone toward more advanced certifications and roles in AI or data science.
Whether you're a beginner or an IT professional, join our Azure AI Fundamentals course to kickstart your AI journey.
Potential Earnings and Career Pathways with AI-900
The AI-900 certification opens doors to a variety of career opportunities in the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence. While it is an entry-level certification, it serves as a valuable credential for those looking to build a foundation in AI and Microsoft Azure, positioning candidates for roles that leverage AI-based solutions.
Let’s take a closer look at expected income for common career fields you can enter after you pass the AI-900 certification.*
*All salaries based on 2024 info.
1. AI Solutions Specialist
Specialists focus on designing and implementing AI-based solutions that meet business requirements. They collaborate with teams to deploy Azure AI services like Cognitive Services, machine learning models, and conversational bots to improve organizational efficiency.
An AI solutions specialist earns an estimated salary of $66,045 each year.
2. Data Analyst
Data analysts gather, process, and analyze data to derive actionable insights, often using AI tools to identify patterns and trends. Azure AI services, such as Machine Learning and Cognitive Services, help Data Analysts enhance their analytical capabilities by incorporating predictive analytics and data visualization.
A data analyst earns an estimated salary of $108,946 each year.
3. Business Analyst
Business analysts use AI tools to evaluate processes, identify areas for improvement, and recommend data-driven solutions. With knowledge of Azure AI services, they can suggest innovative approaches like automating workflows or deploying AI-powered customer service tools.
A business analyst earns an estimated salary of $107,119 each year.
4. Azure AI Support Engineer
Azure AI support engineers troubleshoot and optimize AI solutions, ensuring seamless integration of Azure AI services in diverse environments. Their role often involves providing technical guidance, managing AI workloads, and ensuring the reliability of AI-powered applications.
An Azure AI support engineer earns an estimated salary of $67,424 each year.
While the AI-900 certification is an excellent starting point, it also lays the foundation for more advanced certifications and roles in the AI and data science domains. Professionals can upskill by pursuing certifications such as:
- Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102): Focuses on designing and implementing AI solutions using Azure services like Cognitive Services, Azure Machine Learning, and AI-related technologies.
- Azure Data Scientist Associate: Validates expertise in building and deploying machine learning models on Azure, leveraging tools like Azure Machine Learning and managing data-driven solutions.
- Azure Solutions Architect Expert: Demonstrates advanced skills in designing and implementing comprehensive cloud solutions on Azure, including compute, networking, storage, and security components.
Looking to advance in AI and Azure? Enroll today and take the first step toward high-paying careers in AI.
How To Prepare for the AI-900 Exam
Exam Details: Format, Duration, Score, and Cost
The exam consists of multiple-choice and multiple-response questions designed to test your foundational knowledge of AI concepts and Azure AI services. Questions may include scenario-based problems that require you to identify appropriate AI solutions or tools within Azure.
The exam is timed at 60 minutes, providing enough time to thoughtfully consider each question while maintaining a steady pace. Allocating time to more challenging questions is important, as you’ll need to answer all within the allotted time.
You must earn a score of at least 700 out of 1,000 to pass the AI-900 exam. Scoring is weighted, meaning some questions may carry more points based on their complexity or importance.
The exam costs approximately $99 USD, but pricing may vary based on your region and currency. Discounts are often available for students or as part of training bundles offered by Microsoft or its partners.
What Skills Does the AI-900 Exam Measure?
The AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals certification is designed to evaluate your foundational understanding of artificial intelligence and its applications using Azure services. The exam focuses on key skills that form the backbone of AI development and implementation on the Azure platform.
Here’s an overview of the primary skills measured in the exam:
- AI Workloads and Considerations: Learn to identify AI workloads, understand their applications, and address ethical considerations like bias and privacy.
- Azure AI Services and Implementation: Understand how to use Azure Cognitive Services, Bot Services, and Machine Learning to create AI-powered solutions.
- Computer Vision: Learn how to implement vision-based AI solutions using Azure's tools for image recognition, object detection, and spatial analysis.
- Conversational AI: Gain insights into creating intelligent chatbots and conversational agents with Azure Bot Services to enhance customer interactions.
- Natural Language Processing: Explore how Azure AI services analyze, interpret, and process text data for applications like language translation and sentiment analysis.
- Principles of Machine Learning on Azure: Gain knowledge of machine learning concepts, including model training, evaluation, and deployment using Azure tools.
The AI-900 certification ensures you have a well-rounded understanding of AI concepts, machine learning principles, and Azure’s AI capabilities. These skills not only help you grasp the fundamentals of artificial intelligence; they also empower you to identify and implement AI solutions that align with business needs.
Study Tips for Certification Success
Preparing for the AI-900 exam requires a mix of structured learning, practical experience, and strategic preparation. Let’s explore a few best practices to follow when preparing for the AI-900 certification.
1. Use Microsoft’s Learning Paths and Documentation
Microsoft’s learning paths and documentation provide free, comprehensive resources specifically tailored to the AI-900 exam. These learning paths cover essential topics such as AI workloads, machine learning principles, and Azure services, ensuring a thorough understanding of the exam objectives.
Additionally, official documentation allows you to dive deeper into Azure AI tools and explore practical, real-world use cases, enhancing both your knowledge and confidence.
2. Study Azure AI Services
To prepare for the AI-900 exam, focus on Azure Cognitive Services, Azure Bot Services, and Azure Machine Learning, as they are key to the certification. Understand the capabilities of these services, including speech recognition, natural language processing, and automated decision-making.
Practice applying this knowledge by identifying the most suitable Azure AI service for various scenarios to reinforce your understanding and build confidence.
3. Join a Structured Training Program
Joining a structured training program, such as QuickStart’s on-demand or virtual AI-900 classroom options, offers in-depth coverage of the exam content while providing hands-on labs and real-world scenarios to enhance your learning.
These guided courses ensure you thoroughly cover all critical topics and gain practical experience with Azure AI services. Additionally, structured programs provide expert guidance and peer support, creating a well-rounded and effective study experience.
4. Practice with Real-World Scenarios
Practicing with real-world scenarios is crucial for mastering the AI-900 exam, as it helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Familiarize yourself with the Azure Portal by experimenting with creating and deploying AI models.
Simulate tasks such as building a chatbot, analyzing images, or training a machine learning model to reinforce your practical skills and deepen your understanding of Azure AI services.
5. Take Practice Exams
Taking practice exams is an essential step in preparing for the AI-900 certification, as they help assess your readiness and identify areas where further study is needed. Official Microsoft practice tests familiarize you with the exam format and types of questions you’ll encounter.
Regular practice not only boosts your confidence but also enhances your time management skills, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the actual exam.
Prepare smarter — join our Azure AI Fundamentals course and gain the hands-on skills needed to pass the AI-900 exam.
Why Choose the AI-900 Certification?
The AI-900 certification offers a unique opportunity to gain foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence while earning a credential that is highly regarded across industries. No matter if you are a beginner or a professional looking to validate your understanding of AI, this certification can provide significant career advantages.
Unlike many certifications that require deep technical expertise, the AI-900 is designed to be approachable for a diverse audience.
- Tech professionals can use it as a stepping stone to more advanced certifications and specialized roles.
- Business professionals gain insights into how AI can transform operations, enhance decision-making, and drive innovation within their organizations.
- Students and career changers benefit from the opportunity to build foundational AI knowledge without requiring prior experience in data science or programming.
As a Microsoft-issued certification, the AI-900 carries the credibility of a global leader in cloud services and AI technologies. Employers value Microsoft certifications for their rigorous standards and practical relevance, making this credential a trusted indicator of your proficiency in foundational AI concepts and Azure AI tools.
Is AI-900 Worth It?
If you're ready to take the first step into the transformative world of artificial intelligence and cloud computing, the Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) certification is the perfect starting point.
By earning this globally recognized credential, you'll gain valuable foundational knowledge that not only enhances your career prospects but also prepares you for advanced certifications and roles in AI.
Don’t wait to level up your career — enroll in our Azure AI Fundamentals course and become AI-certified today!