What it is
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals is Microsoft's entry-level Azure AI credential, earned by passing a single exam, AI-901: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals. Microsoft's certification page lists AI-901 as the sole required exam and notes the English-language content "was updated on April 15, 2026," with the previous AI-900 version no longer listed.
Who it's for
Microsoft's exam page describes the candidate as "at the beginning of their career in AI solution development," expecting knowledge of Python coding syntax and familiarity with Azure resources. No other exam or certification is listed as a formal prerequisite.
What's covered
The AI-901 exam assesses two domains, per Microsoft's exam page: identifying AI concepts and capabilities (40–45%) and implementing AI solutions by using Microsoft Foundry (55–60%), spanning machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing and generative AI features on Azure.
Format and cost
Learners can prepare through self-paced Microsoft Learn study or the one-day instructor-led course "Introduction to AI in Azure" (AI-901T00). The exam itself is booked through Pearson VUE, at a test centre or online proctored; Microsoft's page states the price "is based on the country or region in which the exam is proctored" and does not publish a fixed figure.
After passing
Microsoft's certification renewal page confirms that fundamentals-tier certifications, including this one, "do not expire" and require no annual renewal assessment.
