Best Microsoft AI Credentials for Beginners
Microsoft now offers two beginner credential types: AI-901 for broad Azure AI fundamentals with technical implementation, and Applied Skills for narrower real-world scenarios such as AI chat, research agents and Copilot Studio.
Choose by technical depth, not AI hype.
Microsoft now offers two beginner credential types: AI-901 for broad Azure AI fundamentals with technical implementation, and Applied Skills for narrower real-world scenarios such as AI chat, research agents and Copilot Studio.
AI credentials worth comparing
Microsoft AI-901
AI concepts + Microsoft Foundry.
Applied Skills: Streamline business workflows with AI chat
Microsoft 365 Copilot workflows.
Applied Skills: Generate reports with AI research agents
Copilot research workflows.
Microsoft Applied Skills AI credentials
Lab-based specific AI tasks.
Best Microsoft AI Credentials for Beginners questions
What is Microsoft's main beginner AI certification in 2026?
Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals now uses exam AI-901 after AI-900 retired on June 30, 2026.
What is the difference between AI-901 and Applied Skills?
AI-901 is a broader certification exam; Applied Skills validate narrower real-world tasks through interactive lab-based assessments.
Does AI-901 require Python?
Microsoft says candidates should know Python syntax and programming techniques.
Are Microsoft Applied Skills beginner-friendly?
Many are. Microsoft now offers beginner business-user and technical AI scenarios.
Do Applied Skills replace certifications?
No. Microsoft presents them as complementary, task-specific credentials that can support broader certification paths.
Which is best for a nontechnical Microsoft 365 user?
A business-focused Applied Skills credential may fit better than AI-901.