Microsoft offers several beginner-friendly certifications, but three exams consistently stand out for newcomers:
If you're just starting your cloud or IT career, choosing the right certification can be confusing. Each exam targets a different technology area, and selecting the right one depends on your career goals.
In this guide, we'll compare DP-900 vs AZ-900 vs AI-901 in detail, including syllabus, difficulty level, job roles, salaries, prerequisites, and the best certification path for 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | AZ-900 | DP-900 | AI-901 |
|---|
| Certification | Azure Fundamentals | Azure Data Fundamentals | Azure AI Fundamentals |
| Level | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner |
| Cloud Knowledge | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Data Knowledge | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| AI Knowledge | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Coding Required | No | No | No |
| Duration | 45 Minutes | 45 Minutes | 45 Minutes |
| Questions | 40–60 | 40–60 | 40–60 |
| Passing Score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Best For | Cloud Beginners | Data Professionals | AI Beginners |
What is AZ-900?
AZ-900 introduces Microsoft Azure cloud services and core cloud concepts.
You'll learn:
- Cloud computing
- Azure services
- Networking basics
- Security
- Identity
- Governance
- Pricing
- Azure architecture
Best For
- Beginners
- Students
- Freshers
- IT Support Engineers
- Cloud Aspirants
- Developers new to Azure
What is DP-900?
DP-900 focuses on Microsoft data services available in Azure.
Topics include:
- Relational databases
- Non-relational databases
- Azure SQL
- Cosmos DB
- Azure Synapse Analytics
- Data Analytics
- Data Warehousing
Best For
- Database Administrators
- Data Engineers
- Data Analysts
- SQL Developers
- Business Intelligence Professionals
What is AI-901?
AI-901 introduces Artificial Intelligence concepts using Microsoft Azure AI Services.
You'll learn:
- Machine Learning
- Natural Language Processing
- Computer Vision
- Generative AI
- Azure AI Services
- Responsible AI
Best For
- AI Beginners
- ML Engineers
- Developers
- Data Scientists
- Students interested in AI
Exam Difficulty Comparison
| Exam | Difficulty |
|---|
| AZ-900 | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ Easy |
| DP-900 | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ Moderate |
| AI-901 | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ Easy |
AZ-900
Mostly conceptual.
No technical background required.
DP-900
Requires basic SQL and database knowledge.
AI-901
Concept-based with simple AI examples.
No programming experience needed.
Skills You'll Learn
AZ-900
- Azure Portal
- Cloud Models
- Virtual Machines
- Networking
- Storage
- Security
- Pricing
DP-900
- SQL
- NoSQL
- Data Analytics
- Azure SQL
- Cosmos DB
- Data Pipelines
AI-901
- Machine Learning
- NLP
- Computer Vision
- Azure OpenAI
- AI Services
- Responsible AI
Career Opportunities
After AZ-900
- Cloud Support Associate
- Azure Administrator
- Technical Support Engineer
- System Administrator
- Cloud Consultant
Average Salary:
$55,000–$95,000
After DP-900
- Data Analyst
- Junior Data Engineer
- Database Administrator
- SQL Developer
- BI Developer
Average Salary:
$70,000–$115,000
After AI-901
- AI Engineer
- AI Consultant
- Machine Learning Associate
- AI Solution Specialist
- Prompt Engineer
Average Salary:
$75,000–$130,000
Syllabus Comparison
| Domain | AZ-900 | DP-900 | AI-901 |
|---|
| Cloud Computing | ✅ | ❌ | Partial |
| Azure Services | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Networking | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Databases | Basic | Advanced | Basic |
| AI | Basic | ❌ | Advanced |
| Machine Learning | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Data Analytics | Basic | ✅ | Partial |
| Security | ✅ | Partial | Partial |
Which Certification Should You Choose?
Choose AZ-900 if:
- You're completely new to cloud computing.
- You want a strong Azure foundation.
- You plan to earn AZ-104, AZ-204, or AZ-305 later.
- You are exploring Microsoft Azure careers.
Choose DP-900 if:
- You enjoy SQL and databases.
- You want to become a Data Engineer.
- You're interested in Azure data services.
- You plan to pursue DP-700 or DP-600.
Choose AI-901 if:
- You want to learn Artificial Intelligence.
- You're interested in ChatGPT, Azure OpenAI, and Machine Learning.
- You plan to become an AI Engineer.
- You intend to pursue AI-102.
Recommended Learning Path
Cloud Career
AZ-900
↓
AZ-104
↓
AZ-305
↓
Azure Solutions Architect
Data Career
DP-900
↓
DP-700
↓
DP-600
↓
Data Engineer
AI Career
AI-901
↓
AI-102
↓
Azure AI Engineer
Can You Take All Three?
Absolutely.
Many Microsoft professionals earn all three certifications because they complement each other:
- AZ-900 provides cloud fundamentals.
- DP-900 adds data expertise.
- AI-901 introduces AI concepts.
Together, they create a well-rounded foundation for cloud, data, and AI roles.
Recommended Order
If you're unsure where to start, follow this sequence:
- AZ-900 – Build Azure and cloud fundamentals.
- DP-900 – Learn databases and data services.
- AI-901 – Explore AI and machine learning concepts.
This progression ensures each certification builds naturally on the previous one.
Preparation Tips
- Learn Azure fundamentals before diving into specialized topics.
- Practice in the Azure portal using a free account.
- Review Microsoft Learn modules for each exam.
- Take multiple mock tests to identify weak areas.
Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing answers.
- Study official exam objectives before scheduling your exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AZ-900 easier than DP-900?
Yes. AZ-900 is generally considered easier because it focuses on cloud fundamentals rather than database concepts.
Is AI-901 good for beginners?
Yes. AI-901 is designed specifically for beginners and does not require programming or machine learning experience.
Should I take AZ-900 before DP-900?
Yes. AZ-900 provides the Azure foundation that makes learning DP-900 easier.
Can I get a job with only AZ-900?
AZ-900 can strengthen your resume and help you qualify for entry-level cloud roles, but combining it with hands-on Azure experience and advanced certifications improves your job prospects.
Which certification has the best career opportunities?
It depends on your interests:
- AZ-900 for cloud careers
- DP-900 for data careers
- AI-901 for AI and machine learning careers
Final Verdict
If you're new to Microsoft Azure, AZ-900 is the best starting point because it covers essential cloud concepts and prepares you for more advanced Azure certifications.
If your goal is a career in data, choose DP-900. If you're passionate about artificial intelligence and generative AI, AI-901 is the ideal first certification.
For the strongest long-term foundation, many learners complete all three certifications in the recommended order: AZ-900 → DP-900 → AI-901.
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Written By:Sudheer
Published on:05/08/26
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