FAQ
Do I need AI-900 before AI-901?
No. AI-900 retired on June 30, 2026. AI-901 is the only path to the Azure AI Fundamentals credential. If you already passed AI-900, your certification remains valid for life and you do not need to retake anything.
How long does it take to prepare for AI-901?
Two to four weeks for complete beginners who can study one to one and a half hours per day. One to two weeks if you already work in IT or cloud and are comfortable with Python and Azure resources.
Do I need to know Python?
Yes, at a foundational level. The exam expects knowledge of Python coding syntax and programming techniques. You need to read and modify short scripts that use the Foundry SDK. You do not need to write production applications from scratch.
What is Microsoft Foundry?
Microsoft Foundry is the unified platform for building AI applications and agents on Azure. It consolidated what used to be scattered across Azure OpenAI Service and Azure AI Studio. The current terminology uses Microsoft Foundry for the platform and Foundry Tools for the AI services portfolio (Speech, Vision, Language, Content Safety, Content Understanding).
What are Foundry Tools?
Foundry Tools is the current name for the AI services portfolio that was previously called Azure AI Services (and before that, Azure Cognitive Services). It includes Speech, Vision, Language, Content Safety, and Content Understanding.
How many practice questions should I aim for?
At least 400 unique questions across both domains. Focus on scenario-based questions that test application, not recall. ExamOS provides practice questions designed to explain the rationale behind correct and incorrect answers.
Can I use Microsoft Learn during the exam?
No. Fundamentals exams do not provide access to Microsoft Learn during the test. You must answer from your knowledge.
What is the most important domain to study?
Implement AI solutions by using Microsoft Foundry (55-60%) is the larger domain and the one that requires hands-on practice. Domain 1 (40-45%) provides the vocabulary and responsible AI foundation. Do not skip Domain 1, but budget more time for Domain 2.
What are the most common ways people fail?
- Reading without building. AI-901 tests whether you can deploy a model, create an agent, and build a lightweight application. If you have not done these things, you will struggle with Domain 2 questions.
- Skipping responsible AI. The six principles appear across both domains and are reliable marks if you learn them properly.
- Confusing Foundry terminology. The platform went through name changes. Current terms are Microsoft Foundry and Foundry Tools. Older materials may say Azure AI Foundry, Azure AI Studio, or Azure Cognitive Services.
- Not understanding the four hands-on blocks. Domain 2 splits into generative AI and agents, text and speech, computer vision and image generation, and information extraction. Each is roughly equal in weight.
What are the three biggest preparation mistakes?
- Studying without touching Microsoft Foundry. The exam is implementation-heavy. Deploy a model. Build a chat client. Create an agent. These are not optional.
- Ignoring information extraction. Azure Content Understanding is a distinct block within Domain 2. Do not leave it to the last day.
- Not practicing under time pressure. 40-60 questions in 45-65 minutes means roughly one minute per question. Scenario questions may take longer. Practice timed Mock Exams.
Is there a renewal option?
No. Microsoft Fundamentals certifications do not expire and do not require renewal. Once you pass AI-901, the credential is yours for life.