Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals AI-901 Review: New Exam Guide for 2026
Microsoft AI-901 is the new Azure AI Fundamentals exam that replaced AI-900 after June 30, 2026. It is more technical than the old fundamentals exam and now expects basic Python knowledge, Azure familiarity and hands-on Microsoft Foundry skills.
A strong modern Azure AI foundation for technical beginners; no longer the best fit for completely nontechnical learners.
Microsoft AI-901 is the new Azure AI Fundamentals exam that replaced AI-900 after June 30, 2026. It is more technical than the old fundamentals exam and now expects basic Python knowledge, Azure familiarity and hands-on Microsoft Foundry skills.
What does it really take?
Microsoft currently lists AI-901 at US$99 in the United States, with regional pricing varying by exam location.
Does the level fit?
There is no formal prerequisite certification, but Microsoft says candidates should know Python syntax and programming techniques and be familiar with Azure resources.
What this credential teaches or validates
AI concepts
Responsible AI, model choices and common AI workloads.
Generative AI
Prompts, models, multimodal AI and agentic AI.
Microsoft Foundry
Deploy models and build lightweight AI apps and agents.
AI services
Use text, speech, vision and information-extraction capabilities.
Strongest when paired with real AI work.
AI-901 is strongest as a foundation for Azure AI engineering and Microsoft AI credentials, not as proof that you can independently build production AI systems.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Current 2026 replacement for AI-900
- Microsoft Foundry emphasis
- Covers generative and agentic AI
- $99 U.S. exam price
- Clear bridge into deeper Azure AI roles
Cons
- More technical than old AI-900
- Python familiarity expected
- Azure-specific
- Foundational rather than job-ready
- Rapid platform change
Consider these if your goal is different.
Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals AI-901 Review: New Exam Guide for 2026 questions
Did AI-901 replace AI-900?
Yes. Microsoft retired AI-900 on June 30, 2026 and now uses AI-901 for Azure AI Fundamentals.
How much does AI-901 cost?
Microsoft currently lists US$99 for U.S.-based testing, with regional pricing differences.
Is AI-901 for nontechnical beginners?
It is beginner-level, but Microsoft now expects Python syntax knowledge, programming techniques and Azure familiarity.
What is the passing score?
Microsoft currently requires 700 or higher.
What does AI-901 focus on?
AI concepts plus hands-on implementation using Microsoft Foundry, including generative AI, agents, text, speech, vision and information extraction.
What should you take after AI-901?
Move into role-based Azure AI, data or agent-building credentials based on the work you want.
A strong modern Azure AI foundation for technical beginners; no longer the best fit for completely nontechnical learners.
AI-901 is strongest as a foundation for Azure AI engineering and Microsoft AI credentials, not as proof that you can independently build production AI systems.