If you are
Student joining Cohort 3 (Semester 2)
Recommendation
Take AI-901 - Round 1 October 19-23 or Round 2 November 16-20, 2026.
Why
AI-900 is no longer available; AI-901 matches the Foundry labs you will actually do.
AI-900 vs AI-901
Certification Paths
AI-900 retired June 30, 2026. AI-901 is the current exam for Cohort 3 - the approved windows are October 19-23 and November 16-20, 2026. Use the comparison below to see what changed and how to register.
Comparison Matrix
| Topic | AI-900 | AI-901 |
|---|---|---|
| Exam title | Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) | Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-901) |
| Status | Retired June 30, 2026 | Available from January 2026 (production) - the current exam |
| Format | 40-60 multiple-choice and case questions, 45 minutes | Similar format, scenarios emphasize Foundry usage |
| Theory weight | Concepts: ML, NLP, CV, document intelligence | Concepts retained at 40-45% of the exam |
| Foundry weight | Minimal (general Azure AI services) | Heavy - 55-60%: project setup, model deployment, agents, RAG, evaluation |
| Code expectation | No code | Read short Python snippets, recognize correct API patterns |
| Responsible AI | Microsoft six principles | Same principles + content safety filters + audit trail concepts |
| Languages | EN, KO, RU, UZ available | EN at launch - KO/RU/UZ added by Microsoft over time |
| Voucher / fee | $99 (KOICA-TIU subsidy applied for Cohort 2) | $99 - covered by KOICA for Cohort 3, up to 2 attempts |
Which Exam Should I Take?
If you are
Working professional, no prior Microsoft AI exam
Recommendation
Take AI-901 once Cohort 3 (Semester 2) Foundry labs are complete.
Why
AI-901 covers what you build, not what AI-900 covered.
If you are
Already passed AI-900
Recommendation
You do not need AI-901 unless your employer requires it.
Why
AI-900 remains a valid credential even after retirement.
Registration Steps
1
Create or sign in to Microsoft Learn
https://learn.microsoft.com/credentials/ - use a personal Microsoft account, not the KOICA-TIU tenant account.
2
Open the exam page
AI-900: https://learn.microsoft.com/credentials/certifications/exams/ai-900/ · AI-901: https://learn.microsoft.com/credentials/certifications/exams/ai-901/
3
Choose Schedule with Pearson VUE
Pick the language and a date. For online proctoring in Tashkent, confirm webcam, microphone, and a quiet room beforehand.
4
Confirm voucher with operations team
KOICA covers the $99 fee for Cohort 3 (up to two attempts) - paste the voucher code at checkout. Take a screenshot of the confirmation.