Get certified as an Azure AI Engineer (AI-102) this summer?

For developers, the accreditation as an Azure AI Engineer—certified through the rigorous AI-102 exam—has become a golden ticket to career acceleration. It isn’t just about coding chatbots or fine-tuning machine learning models; it’s about gaining the confidence (for you and for your business) that you can wield Azure’s toolkits to configure AI solutions that augment human capability.  

• Before we dive in, if you’re planning to become certified as an Azure AI Engineer, you may find this Starter Learning Plan (AI 102) valuable—recently curated by a group of Microsoft experts, purposed for your success. We recommend adding it to your existing learning portfolio. It’s a light introduction that should take less than four hours, but it offers a solid glimpse into what to expect on your journey and the breadth of solutions you might craft in the future. 

From revolutionizing customer service with intelligent agents to optimizing supply chains through predictive analytics, Azure AI engineers sit at the confluence of technological ingenuity and business transformation. For those with an appetite for problem-solving and a vision for AI-driven futures, this certification isn’t just another badge—it’s an assertion of expertise in a field where demand is outpacing supply. 

Securing that expertise, however, requires more than just a weekend of cramming. Today’s aspiring AI engineers navigate an ecosystem of learning that is as modern as the field itself. Gone are the days when one could rely solely on a stack of manuals; now, candidates immerse themselves in a medley of Microsoft Learn modules, hands-on labs, AI-powered coding assistants, and community-led study groups. Many take a pragmatic approach—building real-world projects using Azure Cognitive Services and Machine Learning Studio to cement their understanding. Others lean on practice exams and structured courses from platforms like Pluralsight and Udemy, ensuring they aren’t just memorizing but internalizing the core principles. The AI-102 exam doesn’t reward rote knowledge—it demands fluency in designing, deploying, and securing AI solutions, making thorough preparation an indispensable part of the journey. 

In addition to the above learning plan, we want to provide a few other tips. 

• Understand the Exam Objectives: Begin by thoroughly reviewing the AI-102 study guide. This document outlines the key topics and skills assessed, including planning and managing Azure AI solutions, implementing computer vision and natural language processing solutions, and deploying generative AI solutions. Familiarizing yourself with these areas will provide a structured framework for your study plan. 
• Continuous memorization is part of your study. But if you get a bit bored from your flashcards and look for more ‘storyline’ style learning content, we recommend adding MSFT employee created learning plan to your mix. They are scenario-based and focus more on providing you with a structured understanding of how to do XYZ on Azure. Here are 3 examples: 
• • Modernize for AI Readiness
  • Build AI apps with Azure  
  • Re-platform AI applications 
• Hands-On Practice: Practical experience is invaluable. Engage with Azure AI services directly by building projects that incorporate computer vision, natural language processing, and other AI functionalities. This hands-on approach not only reinforces theoretical knowledge but also enhances problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. 
• Utilize Practice Assessments: Assess your readiness by taking advantage of free practice assessments provided by Microsoft. These assessments mirror the style and difficulty of actual exam questions, offering detailed feedback and links to additional resources for areas that may require further study. 
• Stay Updated on Exam Changes: Certification exams are periodically updated to reflect the latest technologies and practices. Regularly consult the official exam page to stay informed about any changes in exam content or structure. 
• Participate in Community Discussions: Engaging with peers through forums and study groups can provide diverse perspectives and insights. The Microsoft Q&A platform is a valuable resource for asking questions, sharing knowledge, and learning from the experiences of others preparing for the same certification. 

By systematically incorporating these strategies into your preparation, you'll be well-positioned to excel in the AI-102 exam and advance your career as an Azure AI Engineer. 

If you have additional tips or thoughts, let us know in the comments area. 

Good luck!