How to Pass the Microsoft Certification: Azure AI Fundamentals AI-900

Ismail Tasdelen
DataBulls
Published in
10 min readMay 14, 2023

Let’s take a look at how I passed…

Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals AI-900

The field of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly expanding, and Microsoft is at the forefront of this technological revolution. As a testament to its commitment to AI, Microsoft offers the AI-900 certification, designed to validate your foundational knowledge of AI concepts and services offered by Microsoft Azure. This certification is an excellent opportunity to enhance your career prospects and demonstrate your expertise in the AI domain. In this blog post, we will provide you with valuable insights and tips on how to pass the Microsoft Certification AI-900 exam successfully.

  1. Understand the Exam Objectives: Before diving into exam preparation, it's crucial to understand the AI-900 exam objectives. Familiarize yourself with the topics and subtopics outlined by Microsoft, such as AI workloads and considerations, fundamental AI concepts, computer vision, natural language processing, and conversational AI. This understanding will help you create a structured study plan and allocate your time effectively.
  2. Leverage Official Microsoft Resources: Microsoft provides official learning paths and resources for the AI-900 exam. Start by exploring the AI-900 learning path on the Microsoft Learn platform. This comprehensive resource includes modules, hands-on labs, and assessments to help you grasp the fundamental concepts. Additionally, refer to the exam guide and official documentation to deepen your understanding of the covered topics.
  3. Explore Additional Learning Materials: Supplement your studies with external resources. Online platforms such as Pluralsight, Udemy, and Coursera offer courses specifically tailored for AI-900 preparation. These courses often include video lectures, quizzes, and practical exercises to reinforce your learning. Engaging with multiple perspectives can provide a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter.
  4. Practice with Hands-on Labs: The AI-900 exam focuses not only on theoretical knowledge but also on your ability to apply that knowledge to real-world scenarios. Microsoft provides Azure sandbox environments and labs that allow you to gain hands-on experience with AI services. Work through these labs to familiarize yourself with the Azure AI ecosystem, as well as to solidify your understanding of concepts like image recognition, language understanding, and chatbot development.
  5. Engage in Community Forums: Participating in community forums and discussion boards related to the AI-900 certification can be invaluable. These platforms provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange knowledge, and seek guidance from experts who have already passed the exam. Sharing experiences and discussing concepts can enhance your understanding and help you identify areas where you may need further clarification.
  6. Take Practice Tests: To assess your readiness for the AI-900 exam, it's essential to take practice tests. These tests simulate the exam environment and enable you to evaluate your knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Microsoft offers official practice exams, which can give you a good idea of the exam format and the types of questions you can expect. Analyze your performance in these practice exams to pinpoint weak areas that require additional attention.
  7. Time Management: When taking the actual exam, time management is crucial. Familiarize yourself with the structure and format of the AI-900 exam. Allocate an appropriate amount of time to each question and avoid spending too much time on any one question. If you encounter a challenging question, make a note to revisit it later and proceed with other questions. This approach will help ensure that you complete the exam within the allocated time.
  8. Stay Calm and Confident: On the day of the exam, it's natural to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Remember to stay calm and confident. Trust in the knowledge you have acquired during your preparation. Read each question carefully, eliminate obviously incorrect options, and choose the best answer based on your understanding. Don't rush through the questions, but also avoid spending too much time on aparticular question. Maintain a steady pace throughout the exam and stay focused on the task at hand.
  9. Review and Double-Check: Once you have completed all the questions, utilize the remaining time to review your answers. Double-check each response for accuracy and ensure that you haven’t overlooked any important details. Pay close attention to questions with multiple correct answers or those that require you to choose the “best” option. Use the review process to make any necessary revisions or clarifications.
  10. Maintain a Growth Mindset: Remember that passing the AI-900 certification exam is not just about earning a badge; it’s about gaining a deeper understanding of AI concepts and services. Embrace a growth mindset throughout your preparation and beyond. Even if you encounter challenges or do not pass on your first attempt, view it as an opportunity to learn and improve. Analyze your performance, identify areas for growth, and continue to expand your knowledge in the AI field.

Who is this exam for?

The AI-900 exam is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate their foundational knowledge and understanding of AI concepts and services provided by Microsoft Azure. This certification is suitable for a wide range of roles and professionals, including:

  1. Business Leaders: Executives, managers, and decision-makers who want to understand the fundamentals of AI and its potential business applications. This certification can help them make informed decisions regarding AI strategy and adoption.
  2. Solution Architects: Professionals involved in designing and implementing AI solutions on the Azure platform. The AI-900 certification provides them with a solid understanding of AI services and helps them identify the appropriate tools and technologies for specific use cases.
  3. Data Scientists: Individuals working with data analysis, machine learning, and AI model development. The AI-900 certification can broaden their knowledge of AI concepts and enhance their ability to leverage Azure’s AI services in their data-driven projects.
  4. Developers: Software developers and engineers interested in incorporating AI capabilities into their applications. This certification equips them with foundational knowledge to utilize Azure AI services effectively and develop intelligent applications.
  5. Technology Enthusiasts: Individuals who are passionate about AI and want to expand their knowledge in this field. The AI-900 certification serves as an entry point to gain insights into AI technologies and their practical applications.
  6. IT Professionals: IT professionals responsible for managing and maintaining AI infrastructure and services within their organizations. The AI-900 certification helps them understand the AI components of the Azure platform and how to integrate them into existing IT environments.

It’s important to note that while the AI-900 certification provides a solid foundation in AI concepts and Azure AI services, it is not limited to individuals with specific technical backgrounds. Anyone interested in AI and its applications can pursue this certification to enhance their understanding and validate their knowledge in the field.

Ultimately, the AI-900 exam is intended for individuals who want to showcase their expertise and demonstrate their understanding of AI concepts and services provided by Microsoft Azure, regardless of their specific job roles or backgrounds.

What are the skills measured?

The AI-900 exam measures your knowledge and understanding of various AI concepts and services offered by Microsoft Azure. The exam objectives cover the following skills:

1.AI Workloads and Considerations:

  • Understand AI workloads and the considerations for using AI services in different scenarios.
  • Identify and select appropriate AI compute resources, including CPU, GPU, and FPGA.
  • Understand data storage and data processing considerations for AI workloads.
  • Recognize security and compliance considerations for AI solutions.

2. Fundamental AI Concepts:

  • Define common AI terms and concepts, such as machine learning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning.
  • Understand the workflow of building and deploying AI solutions.
  • Identify common use cases and benefits of using AI services.

3. Computer Vision:

  • Understand computer vision concepts and terms, such as image analysis, object detection, and image classification.
  • Identify common use cases for computer vision and recognize scenarios where computer vision can add value.
  • Understand how to use Azure Cognitive Services for computer vision tasks.

4. Natural Language Processing (NLP):

  • Define natural language processing (NLP) and its applications.
  • Understand language understanding (LU) and sentiment analysis.
  • Identify common use cases for NLP and recognize scenarios where NLP can be beneficial.
  • Understand how to use Azure Cognitive Services for NLP tasks.

5. Conversational AI:

  • Understand the concept of conversational AI and its applications, including chatbots and voice assistants.
  • Recognize the components and technologies involved in developing conversational AI solutions.
  • Understand how to use Azure services, such as Azure Bot Service and Azure Cognitive Services, to build and deploy chatbots and voice assistants.

It’s important to thoroughly study and understand these exam objectives to ensure comprehensive preparation for the AI-900 certification exam. Microsoft provides official learning paths, documentation, and practice exams to help you acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for each of these measured skills.

How is the AI-900 Exam Format?

The AI-900 exam follows a specific format designed to assess your understanding of AI concepts and services offered by Microsoft Azure. Here is an overview of the AI-900 exam format:

  1. Exam Structure: The AI-900 exam is a multiple-choice exam consisting of approximately 40–60 questions. The exact number of questions may vary as Microsoft continually updates its exam formats. The questions are presented in a single-choice or multiple-choice format, where you need to select the best answer or multiple correct answers, respectively.
  2. Exam Duration: The total duration of the AI-900 exam is approximately 60 minutes. However, please note that the specific time allotted may change, so it’s important to check the official Microsoft exam page for the most up-to-date information. It’s recommended to manage your time wisely to ensure you can answer all the questions within the given timeframe.
  3. Exam Registration: To register for the AI-900 exam, you need to visit the Microsoft Certification website or the exam provider’s website, such as Pearson VUE. Follow the registration process, pay the exam fee, and select a convenient exam date and testing center. Alternatively, online proctoring options may be available, allowing you to take the exam remotely from your own location.
  4. Exam Content: The AI-900 exam assesses your knowledge and understanding of various AI concepts and services within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem. The exam focuses on the following key areas:

a. AI Workloads and Considerations: Understand the core principles and considerations related to AI workloads, such as data storage, compute resources, and security.

b. Fundamental AI Concepts: Familiarize yourself with foundational AI concepts, including machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, and cognitive services.

c. Computer Vision: Gain knowledge of computer vision concepts, such as image and video analysis, object detection, and facial recognition.

d. Natural Language Processing (NLP): Understand the basics of NLP, including language understanding, sentiment analysis, and text analytics.

e. Conversational AI: Learn about conversational AI technologies, chatbots, and voice assistants.

5. Passing Score: The passing score for the AI-900 exam is not disclosed publicly by Microsoft. The scoring process is determined by Microsoft, taking into account the difficulty level and complexity of the questions. To pass the exam, you need to achieve a score that meets or exceeds the established passing criteria.

6.Exam Preparation Resources: Microsoft provides official learning paths, study guides, and practice exams to help you prepare for the AI-900 certification exam. These resources are available on the Microsoft Learn platform and the official exam page. Additionally, you can find external learning materials such as online courses, books, and practice tests to supplement your studies.

It’s important to note that the exam format and content are subject to change. Therefore, it’s recommended to review the official Microsoft exam page and resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the AI-900 exam.

In which language options can you take the exam?

The AI-900 exam is available in multiple languages to cater to a global audience. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the exam can be taken in the following languages:

  1. English
  2. Japanese
  3. Korean
  4. Simplified Chinese
  5. Traditional Chinese
  6. Spanish
  7. German
  8. French
  9. Italian
  10. Portuguese (Brazil)

Please note that language availability may be subject to change, and it’s recommended to check the official Microsoft exam page or consult the exam provider for the most up-to-date information on language options for the AI-900 exam.

What is the exam fee?

he exam fee for the AI-900 certification can vary based on your location and the currency used. The exam fee is determined by Microsoft and is subject to change over time. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the standard price for the AI-900 exam is approximately $99 USD. However, it’s important to note that exam prices may vary depending on factors such as local taxes, exam delivery options (online proctoring or testing center), and any promotional offers or discounts available.

To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the exam fee for the AI-900 certification, it is recommended to visit the official Microsoft Certification website or the exam provider’s website, such as Pearson VUE, as they will have the latest pricing details based on your specific location and circumstances.

What are the resource suggestions for passing the exam?

Book recommendations :

  • Exam Ref AI-900 Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals

If you say that I learn better by watching. The 2 youtube training videos below are just for you.

Github repo recommendations :

If you are looking for a paid course, I suggest you look at the resources on Udemy.

If you are preparing for a microsoft exam, if you have a corporate e-mail address, Microsoft ESI is for you, you can access practice exams here. You can also register for online classes and get information about the exam. This service is for corporate companies only.

Click here to get more details.

After passing the exam, you can reach your certificate in about 30–45 minutes.

AI-900 Certificate

I wish you success in your exam. Take care and see you in my next post :)

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Ismail Tasdelen
DataBulls

I'm Ismail Tasdelen. I have been working in the cyber security industry for +7 years. Don't forget to follow and applaud to support my content.