Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900)
This is an entry-level certification for students who are interested in AI and Microsoft Azure without a deep technical background. It is particularly suitable for beginners or students who want to quickly enter the AI field.
Course Content
According to Microsoft Learn and other sources, the AI-900 course covers the following core areas:
AI workloads and considerations (15-20%)
Introduce common applications of AI, such as anomaly detection, chatbots, and image recognition.
Explore responsible AI principles, including fairness, transparency, privacy, and security.
Machine Learning Fundamentals on Azure (30-35%)
Learn the basic concepts of machine learning such as regression, classification, and clustering.
Create and publish no-code or low-code models using Azure Machine Learning services.
Workflow of data preparation, model training and evaluation.
Computer Vision Workloads on Azure (15-20%)
An introduction to Azure AI Vision services, including image classification, object detection, and optical character recognition (OCR).
Hands-on exercises using Azure tools for image recognition.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) workloads (15-20%)
Learn about Azure AI Language services such as text analytics, speech recognition and synthesis, and language translation.
Hands-on exercises to build NLP solutions.
Generative AI workloads (15-20%)
Introduce generative AI concepts, such as generating text, images, or other content using Azure OpenAI services.
Explore the responsible use of generative AI and identify and mitigate potential risks.
Course Format
Blended learning: A combination of online self-study (Microsoft Learn platform) and instructor-led courses to provide a flexible learning experience.
Hands-on exercises: Using modules from Microsoft Learn and a free Azure trial account, students can perform hands-on labs, such as building a simple AI app using Azure AI services.
Course duration: Approximately 10-24 hours, depending on learning speed and whether you choose self-study or instructor-led.
Unique Selling Point (USP)
Easy to get started, no programming background required
Designed for students from both technical and non-technical backgrounds, no data science or software engineering experience is required, making it suitable for college students or beginners to get started quickly.
Free learning resources
Microsoft Learn offers free self-study modules that students can practice with an Azure free trial account at no additional cost. Completing certain challenges can also earn you a 50% discount on certification exams.
Academic recognition and career start
Passing the AI-900 certification can earn ACE credits (Accredited by the American Council on Education), providing students with academic bonus points.
Build your career potential by preparing for advanced certifications like Azure Data Scientist Associate or AI Engineer Associate.
Practicality and practicality
The course emphasizes practical applications of Azure AI services, and students learn how to integrate AI into real-world solutions, such as chatbots or image recognition systems.
Globally recognized certification
Microsoft Azure certifications have high visibility and credibility in the tech industry, helping students stand out when applying for jobs.
Suitable for
Students who are interested in AI and want to quickly master the basics.
Beginners who are planning to enter the field of AI or cloud computing.
Students seeking academic credit or a career-entry certificate.
Microsoft Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102)
This is an advanced certification suitable for students with a certain technical background or who have completed AI-900. The goal is to develop professional capabilities in designing and implementing Azure AI solutions.
Course Content
According to Microsoft Learn and Firebrand Training, the AI-102 course covers the following:
Prepare to develop Azure AI solutions
Learn about the Azure AI service portfolio, including Azure AI Services, Azure AI Search, and Azure OpenAI.
Set up and manage an Azure development environment.
Image and Video Processing
Use Azure AI Vision (formerly Cognitive Services) for image classification, object detection, and video analysis.
Hands-on exercises, such as image recognition using the Custom Vision service.
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Use Azure AI Language to build solutions for text analytics, speech recognition and synthesis, translation, and more.
Learn to build intelligent chatbots like Azure Bot Service and QnA Maker.
Knowledge Mining and Generative AI
Extract insights from your data with knowledge mining using Azure AI Search.
Use Azure OpenAI services to develop generative AI applications, such as generating text or code.
Monitor and optimize AI solutions
Learn to monitor AI model performance and troubleshoot common issues.
應用負責任的 AI 原則，確保解決方案的安全性與倫理性。
Course Format
Accelerated courses: such as the 3-day intensive course offered by Firebrand, which includes an exam, are suitable for students who want to get certified quickly.
Self-study vs. instructor-led: Microsoft Learn offers self-study modules, and Coursera and Udemy offer structured courses with hands-on labs.
Practical focus: The course emphasizes building end-to-end AI solutions using REST APIs, SDKs, and Azure tools.
Unique Selling Point (USP)
Professional skills training
Focusing on designing and implementing Azure AI solutions, this course helps students master enterprise-level AI application development skills for roles such as data scientists and AI engineers.
High-demand career paths
AI Engineer is a high-demand position in the current tech industry, and certification holders can work in roles such as chatbot development and AI integration, with high salary potential.
Practical and project-oriented
The course provides a large number of hands-on labs where students can build real-world AI applications, such as intelligent customer service systems or image recognition tools, using the Azure platform.
Flexible learning paths
We offer a variety of options including self-study, online courses and accelerated training camps to suit students with different learning needs.
Exam Guarantees and Discounts
Some courses, like Firebrand, offer a certification guarantee, which allows students to retake the exam for free if they don’t pass it the first time. Coursera offers a 50% discount on exams.
Suitable for
Students who have mastered AI-900 or have basic AI knowledge.
Students who have a basic knowledge of Python or C# programming and wish to delve deeper into the field of AI engineering.
Students planning to pursue careers as AI engineers, data scientists, or related technical positions.
Why should students get Azure AI Certification early?
Seize the AI industry opportunity
AI is at the heart of the future of technology and is expected to contribute up to $15 trillion to global GDP by 2030. Earning certification early gives students an edge in this rapidly growing market.
Enhance academic and professional competitiveness
Certification can be used as an academic bonus or a job application highlight, especially in technology companies or startups, Azure certification is widely recognized.
Free resources and student discounts
Students can get $100 in free credit through Azure for Students to use for hands-on practice, no credit card required.
Microsoft Learn offers free learning paths to lower your learning costs.
Flexible learning to suit student needs
Self-study modules and online courses allow students to study according to their own schedule, which fits into busy academic lives.
Study Tips
Starting with AI-900
Complete hands-on exercises and prepare for your exam with free courses on Microsoft Learn and a free Azure trial account.
Practice and Projects
Enhance your resume by building small AI projects like chatbots or image recognition systems using the Azure platform.
Exam Preparation
Use practice quizzes and mock exams on Microsoft Learn to become familiar with the exam format and question types.