Microsoft · Professional Certification · Foundational
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-901)
Crydd Score 83
Demand Growing
Career Value Moderate
Recognition Strong
AI-901 at a glance
- Provider
- Microsoft
- Credential type
- Professional Certification
- Exam required
- Yes
- Category
- AI Engineer
- Level
- Foundational
- Cost
- $99
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Time to earn
- 2–4 weeks
- Validity
- Does not expire
- Format
- Proctored exam, 45 minutes
- Prerequisites
- None required; Microsoft expects basic Python and familiarity with Azure resources
What is AI-901?
Microsoft's entry-level AI certification, now earned with exam AI-901: responsible AI, how generative models work and how to choose one, common AI workloads from text and speech to vision, and building simple generative AI apps and agents in Microsoft Foundry, which is why Microsoft expects some Python.
Skills it covers
- AI concepts and capabilities
- Microsoft Foundry
- Responsible AI
- Generative AI apps and agents
Is AI-901 worth it? The Crydd Verdict
CS 83Choose it if
You are starting in AI, or work near AI projects, and want a practical first credential that includes building something, not only definitions.
Consider alternatives if
You already build AI applications: Microsoft's AI-103 goes much further. On AWS, the AWS Certified AI Practitioner is the counterpart.
Why we say so
It is inexpensive, does not expire and was updated in April 2026 to hands-on work in Microsoft Foundry, so it now signals more than terminology.
Market demand
Rarely a hiring requirement on its own; it supports applications to junior AI and cloud roles and prepares for Microsoft's associate AI certifications.
Where AI-901 takes you
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Data Analyst
Career roadmaps show where this certification fits in each path. See the roadmaps.
Related certifications
Curated connections from the catalog — each labelled with how it relates to AI-901, so you know why it’s here.
Careers AI-901 leads to
The professional paths this certification genuinely serves — browse every relevant credential for each.
A sensible order
Where AI-901 sits on the path — build up, then step on.
Recommended next after AI-901
A step up on a shared path
