# Microsoft retires AI-900 and AI-102 exams, introduces five new certifications

Digest AI · Enterprise & Industry · published 2026-10-24T03:18:00Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/microsoft-retires-ai-900-and-ai-102-exams-introduces-five-new-certific

## Summary

Microsoft retired its AI‑900 and AI‑102 exams on June 30, 2026 and replaced them with five new exams: AI‑901, AI‑103, AI‑200, AI‑300 and AI‑500. The new exams cover fundamentals, associate and expert levels, with durations of 45 to 120 minutes and most available in Japanese except AI‑300 and AI‑500, which are English only.

Fundamentals certifications (AI‑901) never expire, while associate and expert exams require a free annual renewal. Holders of the old AI‑900 do not need to take any action, but those who earned AI‑102 cannot renew after its retirement and must retake AI‑103 to maintain an associate credential. The same applies to other retired exams such as DP‑100 and AZ‑204, which also lose renewal options.

Microsoft states that retired certifications remain on a learner’s transcript and count toward partner requirements for one year after retirement. Renewal is free, can be taken within six months of expiration, and is open‑book and unsupervised. Exam fees are set by country and are not listed on the certification page.

## Key points

- Microsoft retired AI‑900 and AI‑102 exams on June 30, 2026, adding five new exams AI‑901, AI‑103, AI‑200, AI‑300, AI‑500.
- Fundamentals (AI‑901) never expire; associate and expert exams require free annual renewal, with AI‑103 needed to qualify for AI‑500.
- Holders of retired AI‑102 cannot renew after retirement and must retake AI‑103; retired certifications stay on transcripts and count toward partner points for one year.

## Why it matters

Microsoft’s overhaul reshapes the AI certification landscape, affecting professionals’ credential validity and renewal paths. The shift clarifies expiration rules, introduces new exam levels, and ensures partners can track points for a year after retirement, influencing career planning and organizational training budgets.

## Sources

1. [What is the new Microsoft AI certification system? AI-900 and AI-102 retired on June 30, 2026, with 5 successors and the distinction that 'Fundamentals never expire, while](https://note.com/shuttendou/n/n82da6760dc8b?hl=en) (note.com, 2026-10-24)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Microsoft retires AI-900 and AI-102 exams, introduces five new certifications", 24 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/microsoft-retires-ai-900-and-ai-102-exams-introduces-five-new-certific

---

Written by Digest AI's editorial model from the linked sources; the sources are the record. Headlines, digests and key points are written by Digest AI and may be quoted with a link to the story page. Linked articles belong to their publishers. Terms: https://digestai.news/terms#reuse
JSON: https://digestai.news/story/microsoft-retires-ai-900-and-ai-102-exams-introduces-five-new-certific.json