Introduction

I recently appeared for and passed Microsoft AI-102 certification exam. I shared it on LinkedIn and many asked me to share resources to study for this certification exam. Here I am sharing for the benefit of the community. In this era of AI and generative AI, it is crucial to be at the forefront by preparing and certifying these technologies.

Recent Trends in AI

AI is a dynamic field, constantly evolving and adapting to new challenges and opportunities. Recent trends in AI include breakthroughs in deep learning, the emergence of conversational AI, the expansion of AI ethics and fairness, and the increasing application of AI in industries such as healthcare, finance, and agriculture. Staying up to date with these trends is not only essential for the AI-102 exam but also for thriving in the AI landscape.

Azure AI

Microsoft Azure earlier had Cognitive Services (Speech, Language, Vision etc.) and Machine Learning services. OpenAi and generative AI services were categorized under Advanced AI services. Now Microsoft has merged all these services under a single umbrella called "Azure AI".

Understanding the AI-102 Exam

The AI-102 exam, officially named "Designing and Implementing an Azure AI Solution," evaluates your knowledge and skills in various aspects of Azure AI development. This exam revolves around assessing your ability to design, build, and deploy AI solutions on Azure.

As a Microsoft Azure AI engineer, you build, manage, and deploy AI solutions that leverage Azure AI services. You should be able to use REST APIs and SDKs to build secure image processing, video processing, natural language processing, knowledge mining, and generative AI solutions on Azure. You should:

• Understand the components that make up the Azure AI portfolio and the available data storage options.

• Be able to apply responsible AI principles.

Skills measured

The following skills are measured as part of this certification exam:

• Plan and manage an Azure AI solution (25–30%)

• Implement decision support solutions (10–15%)

• Implement computer vision solutions (15–20%)

• Implement natural language processing solutions (30–35%)

• Implement knowledge mining and document intelligence solutions (10–15%)

• Implement generative AI solutions (10–15%)

Exam Preparation Resources

To succeed in the AI-102 certification exam, thorough preparation is essential. Here are valuable resources to aid you in your journey:

Official Microsoft Documentation

Microsoft offers comprehensive documentation on Azure AI services, encompassing tutorials, guides, and code examples. This official Azure documentation should be your primary source of knowledge when preparing for the exam. Get familiar with Azure AI services, their features, and their real-world applications.

Microsoft Learn

Microsoft Learn provides

• Free Self-paced Microsoft Learn training content (scroll down to the Self-paced section)

• Watch AI-102 exam prep videos again for free

• Review the AI-102 study guide to help you prepare for the exam. It contains detailed skills measured and a change log. Review it before the exam

AI-102 Study Guide

Sharon Bennett has created a OneNote study guide for this cert exam on GitHub. She has done a marvelous job of collating all the Microsoft Learn links for each topic covered under skills for this exam. Thank you Sharon

Pluralsight has a certification path for exam AI-102 [video course]. You can get a trial account to learn from the best in the industry, highly recommended.

Practice Tests and Exam Simulators

• Microsoft provides free practice assessment

• Paid practice exams from Whizlabs

Online Communities and Forums

Engaging with online communities and forums dedicated to Azure certification exams can be immensely beneficial. Platforms such as Reddit, Microsoft Tech Community, and Stack Overflow offer dedicated sections where you can ask questions, participate in discussions, and learn from the experiences of other Azure AI aspirants.

How This Certification Will Help in Job, Career, and Salary Improvement

Obtaining the AI-102 certification is a game-changer for your career. It validates your proficiency in designing and implementing AI solutions using Azure, making you a sought-after professional in a world hungry for AI expertise. This certification opens doors to a wide range of roles, from AI engineer and data scientist to machine learning specialist and AI architect. Additionally, it significantly enhances your earning potential, as AI professionals command some of the highest salaries in the tech industry. Your AI-102 certification is your passport to a promising career and a substantial boost in salary, making it a worthwhile investment in your professional journey.

Conclusion

The AI-102 certification exam from Microsoft is your gateway to an exciting and rewarding career in Azure AI. It reflects your capabilities in designing and implementing AI solutions. To prepare for this exam effectively, you need a robust study plan and access to reliable resources. In addition to the official Microsoft documentation and Microsoft Learn, seek out AI-102 specific study guides, utilize practice tests, and actively engage with online communities to bolster your knowledge and gain valuable insights. With diligent preparation and dedication, you can confidently tackle the AI-102 exam and set the stage for a prosperous career in Azure AI, with the potential for significant improvements in job prospects, career growth, and salary. Best of luck on your certification journey!