Python and Azure SDKs
RecommendedMicrosoft expects you to be proficient in Python and in Azure and third-party SDKs used on Azure.
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Cloud Developer Associate (AI-200)
Validates knowledge of building AI-enabled Azure back-end solutions using containers, Cosmos DB, PostgreSQL, Redis, messaging, security and monitoring.
Summary
AI-200 is Microsoft's associate certification for back-end developers who build AI-enabled cloud solutions on Azure. It covers containers on Container Apps and AKS, Cosmos DB, vector search, messaging and Functions, and securing and monitoring the result.
Good fit if
- You build back-end services and want Azure AI data skills
- You were studying for AZ-204 and need the current exam
- Roles you want mention vector search, RAG or containers
Look elsewhere if
- You are new to Azure: AZ-900 or AI-901
- You mainly build generative AI apps and agents: AI-103
- Your employer runs on AWS: AWS Developer Associate
Salary & jobs
Prerequisites
Cost
Renewal
Azure AI Cloud Developer Associate is valid for one year.
- Validity
- 1 year
- Renewal requirement
- Free online assessment
- Renewal fee
- None
The assessment opens six months before expiry on Microsoft Learn. It is unproctored and open book, and you can retake it as often as you need before the expiry date.
Microsoft Certification renewal ↗Alternatives
AI-103$165 required · Intermediate
Microsoft's other AI developer certification, for generative AI apps and agents.
AWS Certified Developer – Associate$150 required · Intermediate
The equivalent step if your employer runs on AWS.
CKA$445 required · Intermediate
A deeper, vendor-neutral Kubernetes certification if containers are your main interest.
FAQ
How much does the AI-200 exam cost?
$165 in the US. Microsoft sets the fee by the country you test in.
Does AI-200 replace AZ-204?
Yes. Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) retired on July 31, 2026, and Microsoft names AI-200 as its replacement. A retired certification stays on your transcript but can no longer be renewed.
Is there an official AI-200 practice test?
Yes. Microsoft's free practice assessment is available from the certification page and on AI Skills Navigator.
Do I need Python for AI-200?
Microsoft lists Python programming as an expected skill, and the official course labs use it.
Last updated October 2026