Build AI Solutions

AI Engineer Roadmap

This roadmap organizes an Azure-first AI engineer certification path using Microsoft and GitHub source facts. It starts with AI fundamentals, then branches into Azure AI engineering, AI apps and agents, operations, and agentic AI workflows.

For new learners, favor AI-901 because Microsoft says AI-900 retires on June 30, 2026 and is replaced by AI-901. This page was reviewed on June 29, 2026, so the date matters.

Open AI-901 course Practice AI-103

AI-901 AI-102 AI-103 AI-300 GH-600

DotCreds links

AI-901

AI-103

AI-300

GH-600

AB-900

Reviewed sources

Built from 8 official source pages, reviewed on 2026-06-29, and drafted with Gemma 12B before human source review.

Quick answer

A practical AI engineer roadmap starts with AI concepts, then moves into Azure AI solutions, AI apps and agents, and optional MLOps or agentic AI specialization.

Who this roadmap helps

Use this page to pick the next certification lane without treating optional credentials as required steps.

Aspiring AI Engineers

This roadmap provides a structured learning path for individuals looking to enter the field of AI engineering, particularly those interested in Microsoft Azure technologies.

Software Developers

Software developers can use this roadmap to expand their skillset and specialize in AI-infused application development using Microsoft Azure.

Certification roadmap

The order below is a planning sequence from the reviewed source facts. Optional steps stay optional.

Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals AI-901 - Foundation

Start with the fundamentals of AI and Azure AI services. This certification demonstrates a basic understanding of AI concepts and how they are implemented on Microsoft Azure.

Foundation

AI-901 Guided Course AI-901 Practice Test

Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate AI-102 - Associate

Develop expertise in planning and managing Azure AI solutions, including generative AI, agentic solutions, computer vision, natural language processing, and knowledge mining or information extraction.

Associate

DotCreds does not have a dedicated page for this step yet; use the official source list below.

Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Apps and Agents Developer Associate AI-103 - Associate

Focus on building AI-infused applications and agents using Microsoft Foundry. This involves developing generative AI apps, building AI agents, and utilizing knowledge connections.

Associate

AI-103 Practice Test

Microsoft Certified: Machine Learning Operations Engineer Associate AI-300 - Optional

Validate skills in setting up infrastructure for MLOps and GenAIOps solutions on Azure. This is beneficial for those focused on operationalizing machine learning models.

Optional

AI-300 Practice Test

GitHub Certified: Agentic AI Developer (beta) GH-600 - Specialty

Specialize in developing and managing autonomous AI agents within GitHub-driven software development workflows.

Specialty

GH-600 Practice Test GH-600 Skills Roadmap

Microsoft 365 Certified: Copilot and Agent Administration Fundamentals AB-900 - Optional

Gain foundational knowledge of Microsoft 365 Copilot and agent administration.

Optional

AB-900 Guided Course

Skills to build

These are the work areas the official certification pages and study guides keep bringing back into the path.

Azure AI Services

Proficiency in Azure AI services, including computer vision, natural language processing, and generative AI, is crucial for AI engineering.

Agentic AI Development

Understanding the principles and practices of agentic AI development, including prompt engineering, agent supervision, and governance, is increasingly important.

MLOps

Knowledge of MLOps practices and tools for automating and managing the machine learning lifecycle is valuable for deploying and maintaining AI solutions.

Suggested study sequence

Turn the roadmap into a practical sequence: read the official guide, learn the domain, practice, then check readiness.

Phase 1

Fundamentals Phase

Begin with the AI-901 certification to establish a strong foundation in AI concepts and Azure AI services. Utilize the AI-901 Guided Course and Practice Test for focused preparation.

Phase 2

Core Development Phase

Progress to the AI-102 and AI-103 certifications to develop core skills in Azure AI solution development and application building. Leverage the AI-102 and AI-103 Practice Tests to assess your understanding.

Phase 3

Specialization Phase

Consider specializing in MLOps (AI-300) or agentic AI (GH-600) based on the AI work you want to practice next. Use the AI-300 and GH-600 Practice Tests and the GH-600 Skills Roadmap for targeted preparation.

Learn by practicing

Use DotCreds for practice pages and guided courses that already exist. No nonexistent course links are added here.

Start with guided fundamentals

Use the AI-901 Guided Course and AI-901 Practice Test when you want an ordered starting point for Azure AI fundamentals.

Move into targeted practice

Use the AI-102, AI-103, AI-300, and GH-600 practice pages to review the specific certification lane you choose next.

Available pages

AI-901 Guided Course Guided course exists for the current Azure AI fundamentals path. AI-901 Practice Test Practice page exists for Azure AI fundamentals. AI-103 Practice Test Practice page exists for Azure AI apps and agents developer work. AI-300 Practice Test Practice page exists for AI operations/MLOps progression. GH-600 Practice Test Practice page exists for agentic AI developer specialization. GH-600 Skills Roadmap Existing DotCreds roadmap for agentic AI developer skills. AB-900 Guided Course Optional admin/adoption course for Microsoft 365 Copilot and agent administration.

FAQ

Short answers for the decisions learners usually need to make before choosing the next page.

What is the difference between AI-900 and AI-901?

Microsoft says AI-900 retires on June 30, 2026 and is replaced by AI-901. Because this page was reviewed on June 29, 2026, new learners should favor AI-901.

Do I need to take all of these certifications?

No. Treat AI-901 as the foundation, then choose AI-102, AI-103, AI-300, GH-600, or AB-900 based on whether you want Azure AI solutions, apps and agents, operations, agentic AI, or Copilot administration context.