AI-900 Retired: What Replaced It and Should You Take AI-901?
AI-900 is retired. AI-901 is now the active exam for Azure AI Fundamentals, and the new version asks more of beginners technically.
AI-900 retired June 30, 2026. AI-901 replaced the exam—not the Azure AI Fundamentals certification.
Microsoft's current AI-901 exam targets people beginning a career in AI solution development. Compared with the old AI-900 positioning, AI-901 expects more technical readiness, including familiarity with Python syntax and Azure resources.
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Compare flexible online artificial intelligence learning options from universities and industry partners on edX. Use this as training alongside the credential path discussed in this guide.
AI-900 vs AI-901
AI-900
Retired June 30, 2026. Focused on describing AI workloads, machine learning, vision, NLP and generative AI concepts in Azure.
AI-901
Current Azure AI Fundamentals exam. Microsoft expects conceptual AI knowledge plus foundational technical skills and familiarity with Python and Azure resources.
Should you take AI-901 now?
Check your technical base
Know basic Python syntax and cloud concepts.
Use current objectives
Study from AI-901 resources, not legacy AI-900-only material.
Know your goal
Take it if Azure AI is relevant to your career path.
Build beyond the badge
Use Microsoft Foundry and Azure resources hands-on.
Do not buy an AI-900 course in 2026 unless it has been explicitly rebuilt for AI-901.
The exam objectives changed enough that legacy material can leave important gaps. Verify the course code and current Microsoft study guide before paying.
AI-900 and AI-901 questions
Is AI-900 still available?
No. Microsoft retired AI-900 on June 30, 2026.
What replaced AI-900?
AI-901 replaced AI-900 as the exam route for Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals.
Is the Azure AI Fundamentals certification itself gone?
No. Microsoft kept the Azure AI Fundamentals certification but changed the exam from AI-900 to AI-901.
Is AI-901 more technical than AI-900?
Yes. Microsoft now expects foundational technical skills, familiarity with Azure resources, and knowledge of Python syntax and programming techniques.
How much does AI-901 cost?
Microsoft currently lists AI-901 at US$99 in the U.S., with pricing varying by country or region.
Should a nontechnical beginner take AI-901?
It is still a fundamentals credential, but the new exam is more technical than AI-900. A nontechnical learner should expect to build basic Python and Azure-resource familiarity first.
Use the current Microsoft path.
If AI is your direction, study for AI-901 using the current Microsoft Learn objectives rather than retired AI-900 material.