Exam comparison
AZ-900 vs AI-901: Azure Fundamentals or AI Fundamentals?
Azure Fundamentals or Azure AI Fundamentals?
AZ-900 (Microsoft Azure Fundamentals) and AI-901 (Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals) are two entry-level certifications. AZ-900 has no prerequisites; for AI-901, Microsoft states: “You also need knowledge of Python coding syntax and programming techniques.” AZ-900 covers Azure architecture, cloud services, and governance. AI-901 focuses on AI principles, generative models, and Microsoft Foundry tools for building AI-powered applications.
In short: Choose AZ-900 if you need a foundation in Azure infrastructure and cloud concepts, then advance to AZ-104 (Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate), which Microsoft requires before the Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification (AZ-305). Choose AI-901 if you are building generative AI applications or want to understand responsible AI principles.
Exam format and structure
| Parameter | AZ-900 | AI-901 |
|---|---|---|
| Exam code | AZ-900 | AI-901 |
| Certification name | Microsoft Azure Fundamentals | Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals |
| Duration | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Number of questions | Not published | Not published |
| Passing score | 700 or higher | 700 or higher |
| Prerequisites | None | Knowledge of Python coding syntax and programming techniques |
| Available languages | 13 languages, including English and French | 13 languages, including English and French |
| Program version | Updated July 20, 2026 | Skills measured as of April 15, 2026 |
Domains and content weight
AZ-900
- Describe cloud concepts 25–30 %
- Describe Azure architecture and services 35–40 %
- Describe Azure management and governance 30–35 %
AI-901
- Identify AI concepts and capabilities 40–45 %
- Implement AI solutions by using Microsoft Foundry 55–60 %
Key differences in scope
AZ-900 is a broad Azure certification covering infrastructure: compute, networking, storage, identity, compliance, and cost management. It describes how Azure services are organized (regions, subscriptions, resource groups) and introduces governance and security concepts.
AI-901 specializes in artificial intelligence and building applications with generative models. Its two domains focus on responsible AI principles, model configuration, AI workloads (text, speech, vision, information extraction), and implementation with Microsoft Foundry.
Minimal overlap: Both certifications test foundational Azure knowledge, but from different angles. AZ-900 examines cloud infrastructure; AI-901 examines generative AI applications.
Which certification for your profile
Choose AZ-900 if…
- You need a broad understanding of Azure and cloud computing fundamentals.
- You plan to pursue Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104), then Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305).
- You must understand Azure services, regions, governance, and cost management.
- You are new to Microsoft cloud technologies.
Choose AI-901 if…
- You are developing generative AI applications.
- You are interested in responsible and fair AI principles.
- You explore computer vision, natural language processing, or information extraction.
Study approach and resources
- Check the official certification page for registration requirements and exam policies.
- Review the official study guide: AZ-900 or AI-901.
- Follow the corresponding Microsoft Learn training paths.
- For AZ-900: prioritize Azure architecture, cost management, and governance. For AI-901: master responsible AI principles and Foundry implementation practices.
- Practice under time constraints with our AZ-900 and AI-901 practice exams, then review weak areas in AZ-900 study mode and AI-901 study mode.
Try both, free
Original questions, each answer explained with a link to the documentation. Study mode is free and needs no account.
Practice Exam AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals
25 free questions with explanations
Practice Exam AI-901: Azure AI Fundamentals
25 free questions with explanations