What is the AI-102 Exam?
Microsoft’s AI-102: Azure AI Engineer Associate exam measures your ability to design, build, manage, and deploy AI solutions using Azure services like Cognitive Services, Azure Machine Learning, and Azure Bot Service. It validates real solution-architect skills rather than just coding knowledge.
Who should take this exam?
AI-102: Azure AI Engineer Associate certification is aimed at:
- Azure AI Engineers building computer vision, natural language, or conversational AI solutions
- Developers and Data Scientists integrating Azure AI services into apps
- Solution Architects responsible for end-to-end design of AI systems
Most candidates have at least one to two years of experience with Azure development, plus familiarity with C# or Python.
Prerequisites and recommendations
Official prerequisites
- Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) knowledge
- Experience with REST APIs and SDKs
Recommended before attempting
- Prior certifications like Azure Developer (AZ-204) or Azure Data Scientist (DP-100) can help
- At least 1 year of coding in C# or Python
- Hands-on work with Azure Cognitive Services, Azure Bot Service, and Azure Machine Learning
Exam objectives and domains
Microsoft breaks AI-102 into these main domains:
- Design AI solutions (25–30%)
- Implement and monitor AI solutions (40–45%)
- Deploy and maintain AI solutions (25–30%)
Objective details by domain
Design and Implement Computer Vision Solutions
- Configure image classification and object detection
- Apply OCR and image analysis
- Integrate with other Azure services
Process and Translate Natural Language
- Build language understanding models with Language Studio
- Implement QnA features
- Apply speech-to-text and text-to-speech services
Design and Implement Conversational AI
- Create Azure Bot Service bots
- Integrate language understanding
- Enable multi-turn conversations and proactive messaging
Integrate AI Models into Solutions
- Monitor and improve solution performance
- Use Cognitive Search and knowledge mining
- Incorporate custom AI models
What changed in this version
Compared to the retired AI-100, AI-102 emphasizes:
- Updated weightings to stress monitoring and scaling AI solutions
- More focus on Cognitive Services and responsible AI
- Expanded coverage of Language Studio and Speech Services
Registration and scheduling
- Register via Microsoft Learn / Pearson VUE
- Choose online proctoring or an authorized test center
- Pick date and time, pay the fee, and receive confirmation instantly
Pricing and vouchers
- Standard price: about $165 USD (varies by country)
- Student discounts: usually 50% with academic verification
- Microsoft Exam Replay vouchers sometimes include a free retake
- Corporate or military vouchers may be available through employers or learning partners
Policies you should know
- 24-hour reschedule or cancel policy
- No-show counts as a failed attempt
- Retake waiting period: 24 hours after the first attempt, then 14 days for subsequent tries
Scoring and results
- Scale: 1,000 points, passing score 700
- Mixed question types (case studies, multiple choice, drag-and-drop, etc.)
- Score report with section-by-section analysis is available right after you finish
Exam day and test experience
- Online proctored: show ID, scan room, and keep webcam/mic on
- Test center: bring government ID, store personal items in a locker
- 3–4 minute tutorial explains the interface
- 150 minutes for 40–60 questions
- You can flag questions and return if time allows
Study plan and resources
Below is a sample preparation path. Adjust if you already work with Azure daily.
Beginner Plan (about 8 weeks)
- Weeks 1–2: Review Azure fundamentals; set up free Azure account
- Weeks 3–4: Work through official Microsoft Learn AI-102 modules
- Weeks 5–6: Build small projects using Cognitive Services, Bot Service, and Cognitive Search
- Weeks 7–8: Take timed practice tests and review weak domains
Experienced Azure Developer Plan (about 4 weeks)
- Week 1: Focus on new or weaker areas like responsible AI and monitoring
- Weeks 2–3: Deep practice with labs and case studies
- Week 4: Full-length practice tests and final review
Helpful resources
- Community GitHub labs and discussion groups
- Microsoft Learn’s AI-102 learning path
- Official practice tests from MeasureUp
Certification validity and renewal
- Valid for one year
- Free online renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn extends it for another year
Career outcomes
Holding AI-102 can lead to roles like:
- Azure AI Engineer or AI Solutions Architect
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Cloud AI Consultant
Salary ranges (approximate):
- Europe/UK: €70k–€100k / £65k–£95k
- US: $110k–$150k
Related or next-step certifications
- DP-100 (Azure Data Scientist) for deeper ML focus
- AZ-305 (Solutions Architect) if moving into broad architecture
- AI-900 is a good starting point for absolute beginners
| Job Role | Typical Responsibilities | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Azure AI Engineer | Build and deploy Azure Cognitive Services, custom ML models, and conversational bots | $110k – $140k |
| AI Solutions Architect | Design end-to-end AI solutions, oversee scalability, cost, and compliance | $120k – $150k |
| Machine Learning Engineer | Integrate and optimize ML models for production workloads on Azure | $115k – $145k |
| Cloud AI Consultant | Advise businesses on adopting Azure AI, create proof-of-concepts and migration plans | $100k – $135k |
| Data Scientist (Azure Focus) | Use Azure Machine Learning and Cognitive Services to turn data into predictive insights | $105k – $140k |
How this exam compares to similar certifications
Compared to AWS Machine Learning Specialty, AI-102 is more Azure-centric and stronger on integrated Cognitive Services. It is generally considered less math-intensive than Google Professional ML Engineer but requires more real Azure deployment practice.
Get ready to pass the AI-102: Azure AI Engineer Associate exam with confidence. Head over to CertEmpire and grab the AI-102 PDF Exam Questions. These verified real exam questions and detailed answers give you the practice you need to master every domain and clear the Microsoft AI-102 on your first try.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the most common pitfalls candidates face on AI-102?
Many underestimate design questions that test end-to-end solution thinking. It’s not only about writing code; you must know how to select services, control costs, and meet compliance rules. Hands-on practice with full Azure AI projects is the best way to avoid these gaps.
Does AI-102 require deep data science or math skills?
No. You need to understand machine learning concepts and how Azure services use them, but heavy statistics or algorithm design isn’t tested. The exam is more about applying Azure AI building blocks than deriving models from scratch.
How can I practice without large Azure bills?
Create a free Azure account and use free tiers of Cognitive Services and Bot Service. For larger workloads, many labs can be paused when not in use, and Microsoft Learn provides sandboxes that don’t charge your subscription.
Can I combine AI-102 prep with my daily work?
Yes. Many candidates build or refactor small internal chatbots or image-processing apps at work and treat them as live practice. This counts as real experience and makes study time more productive.
What’s the best way to stay current after passing?
Set a recurring schedule to review Azure updates—especially Cognitive Services and Responsible AI features. Subscribing to Microsoft Learn announcements and Azure blog feeds helps you prepare for your free renewal assessment.
If I fail the first attempt, how soon can I retake it?
You can retake after 24 hours the first time. If you need another try, the wait extends to 14 days. Buying an Exam Replay voucher up front can reduce the cost of multiple attempts.
