Microsoft Overhauled Its AI Certifications: AI-901, AI-103, and How to Choose (2026)


Microsoft quietly rebuilt its AI certification lineup in 2026. The long-running entry-level exam AI-900 (Azure AI Fundamentals) was retired on June 30, 2026 and replaced by a new exam, AI-901. The mid-level AI-102 — the exam behind the Azure AI Engineer Associate title — was retired the same day, and its successor AI-103 comes with a brand-new certification name: Azure AI Apps and Agents Developer Associate. Here is what actually changed, based on Microsoft's official exam pages, and how to decide which exam fits you now.

What changed, and when

  • AI-900 (Azure AI Fundamentals): retired June 30, 2026. The successor exam is AI-901, which grants the same certification title, Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals.
  • AI-102 (Azure AI Engineer Associate): also retired. The successor exam is AI-103, and the certification it grants is now called Azure AI Apps and Agents Developer Associate.

These are part of a broader reshuffle of Microsoft's certification portfolio in 2026 that also touches data science and security tracks. If you were planning to book any Microsoft exam this year, check the official exam page for the current exam code before you pay.

AI-901: the fundamentals exam got hands-on

The old AI-900 was mostly conceptual — describe machine learning, computer vision, NLP, and generative AI workloads. The new AI-901 keeps a concepts section but shifts the weight decisively toward practice. Microsoft's published outline has two domains:

  • Identify AI concepts and capabilities: 40–45%
  • Implement AI solutions by using Microsoft Foundry: 55–60%

In other words, more than half the exam now expects you to have actually built something. Microsoft recommends familiarity with Python syntax and basic Azure resources — unusual advice for a "fundamentals" exam, and a clear signal of where entry-level AI roles are heading. The passing score is 700 out of 1,000, and the exam is offered in 13 languages.

AI-103: agents move to the center

The successor to AI-102 runs 120 minutes and covers five domains: planning and managing an Azure AI solution, implementing generative AI and agentic solutions, computer vision, text analysis, and information extraction. The new title says it plainly — "Apps and Agents" — reflecting the shift from building isolated AI features to building applications where AI agents carry out multi-step work. Microsoft expects hands-on Python development experience going in.

Already certified? What it means for you

Existing certifications don't vanish. If you already hold Azure AI Fundamentals, you are not required to retake the new exam. But there is no automatic migration and no free upgrade path: if you hold the old Azure AI Engineer Associate title and want the new Apps and Agents Developer credential, you take AI-103 like everyone else. Associate-level certifications also carry annual renewal requirements, so check your certification dashboard for your renewal window.

Which one should you take?

  • Students and non-engineers who want a recognized baseline: AI-901 — but budget time for the hands-on portion. The free Microsoft Learn path covers the new Foundry material.
  • Developers aiming at AI roles: AI-103. Agent development is one of the fastest-growing skill areas in 2026 job postings, and the new certification name matches what recruiters search for.
  • Undecided between vendors: pick based on the platform your target employers actually run, not on exam difficulty.

Before you book

Exam pricing varies by country, so confirm the fee at checkout. Exam outlines are revised several times a year — the English version was last updated in April 2026 — so make sure any study material you buy postdates the current outline. Always verify requirements on the official Microsoft Learn exam page before scheduling.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still use old AI-900 study materials?

Partially. The conceptual sections still apply, but AI-901 devotes over half its questions to implementing solutions with Microsoft Foundry, which older materials don't cover. Supplement with the official learning path.

Does AI-901 have prerequisites?

No formal prerequisites. Microsoft does recommend basic Python and some familiarity with Azure resources, which is worth taking seriously given the implementation-heavy outline.

Will the renamed certification confuse employers?

Unlikely to hurt you. The new "Apps and Agents Developer" title maps closely to how 2026 job descriptions are written. List the certification name, exam code, and year on your resume to keep it unambiguous.

Related on AI Learning Lab: NVIDIA's AI Certifications in 2026 · Comparing the Big Three's Entry-Level AI Certifications · Are AI Certifications Worth It in 2026?

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