Compare Data & AI certifications
Not sure which Data & AI exam to take? This table compares level, study time, and exam format, with free practice for each on MS Exam Lab.
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About the Data & AI track
This track covers the full data lifecycle on Azure: storing it (DP-420 Cosmos DB), moving and modeling it (DP-600, DP-700 Fabric), administering databases (DP-300), and building machine-learning solutions (DP-100, AI-102). Data roles increasingly expect Fabric knowledge, so the newer analytics certs are a strong bet for 2026.
| Certification | Level | Study time | Exam format | Practice |
|---|
| AB-731: AI Transformation Leader | Fundamentals | 1–2 weeks | ~45 questions, 45 min | Practice free |
| AI-900: Azure AI Fundamentals | Fundamentals | 1–2 weeks | ~45 questions, 45 min | Practice free |
| DP-900: Azure Data Fundamentals | Fundamentals | 1–2 weeks | ~45 questions, 45 min | Practice free |
| AI-102: Azure AI Engineer Associate | Associate | 4–6 weeks | ~50 questions, 100 min | Practice free |
| AI-103: Azure AI Apps and Agents Developer Associate | Associate | 4–6 weeks | ~50 questions, 120 min | Practice free |
| AI-300: Machine Learning Operations Engineer Associate | Associate | 4–6 weeks | ~50 questions, 120 min | Practice free |
| DP-100: Azure Data Scientist Associate | Associate | 4–6 weeks | ~50 questions, 100 min | Practice free |
| DP-600: Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate | Associate | 4–6 weeks | ~50 questions, 100 min | Practice free |
| DP-700: Fabric Data Engineer Associate | Associate | 4–6 weeks | ~50 questions, 100 min | Practice free |
| DP-750: Azure Databricks Data Engineer Associate | Associate | 4–6 weeks | ~50 questions, 120 min | Practice free |
| AB-100: Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect | Expert | 8–12 weeks | ~50 questions, 120 min | Practice free |
Frequently asked questions
Which Data & AI certification should I take first?
Most people start with AI-900 (Azure AI Fundamentals), a Fundamentals-level cert that builds the base before the more role-specific Data & AI exams.
What's the difference between AI-900 and DP-600?
AI-900 is Fundamentals-level and proves broad, conceptual knowledge. DP-600 is Associate-level and proves you can perform real tasks with the product. AI-900 is a common (not required) on-ramp to DP-600.
Do I need AI-900 before DP-600?
No. Microsoft doesn't require AI-900 before DP-600. But if you're new to Data & AI, starting with AI-900 makes DP-600 much easier.
When should I pursue AB-100?
AB-100 is Expert-level and aimed at experienced professionals. Earn a relevant Associate cert and get hands-on time first.
Is there free practice for these Data & AI exams?
Yes. MS Exam Lab offers free, unlimited practice for every Data & AI certification, weighted to the official skills outline.
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