Microsoft’s AI-102: Designing and Implementing a Microsoft Azure AI Solution exam is designed for Azure AI engineers who build, deploy, secure, and manage AI solutions using Azure AI services, Azure AI Search, Azure OpenAI, computer vision, natural language processing, knowledge mining, and generative AI capabilities. The exam is proctored, has a listed duration of 100 minutes, and measures practical, role-based skills rather than simple memorization. Microsoft has also announced that the Azure AI Engineer Associate certification, related AI-102 exam, and renewal assessments will retire on June 30, 2026.
What Is the Passing Score for AI-102?
To pass the AI-102 exam, candidates need a score of 700 or higher. Microsoft technical certification exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 1,000, but this does not mean that 700 equals 70%. The score is a scaled score, meaning Microsoft adjusts scoring based on the difficulty of the exam form and the skills being measured.
This is an important distinction. Two candidates may receive different sets of questions, and one set may be slightly more difficult than another. Scaled scoring helps ensure fairness across different exam versions. In simple terms, the score reflects whether you demonstrated the expected level of competence for the Azure AI Engineer role, not just how many questions you answered correctly.
How the AI-102 Scoring System Works
Microsoft uses different question formats in its certification exams, including multiple-choice, multi-select, case studies, drag-and-drop, build-list, and scenario-based questions. For many multi-part questions, candidates may receive points for each correctly answered component. This means you can earn full, partial, or no credit depending on the question type.
There is no negative marking in Microsoft certification exams. If you select an incorrect answer, you do not lose points; you simply do not earn the point for that answer or component. This makes it better to attempt every question rather than leave anything unanswered.
Microsoft may also include some unscored questions in the exam. These questions are used to collect data and improve future exams. Candidates are not told which questions are unscored, so every question should be treated seriously.
Does Microsoft Show Which AI-102 Questions Were Wrong?
No. Microsoft does not show the exact questions you answered incorrectly. Instead, your score report gives performance feedback by skill area. This helps you understand where you were strong and where you need improvement, without exposing actual exam questions. Microsoft does this to protect exam integrity and ensure future candidates are assessed fairly.
For AI-102, the score report can help you identify whether you need more preparation in areas such as generative AI solutions, agentic solutions, computer vision, NLP, Azure AI Search, knowledge mining, or planning and managing Azure AI solutions.
AI-102 Retake Policy After a Failed Attempt
If you fail the AI-102 exam on your first attempt, Microsoft allows you to retake it after 24 hours. This gives candidates a quick second opportunity, especially when the first attempt was close to the passing score.
For later attempts, the waiting period becomes stricter. After the second failed attempt, Microsoft applies a 14-day waiting period between each additional attempt, up to the allowed attempt limit.
Microsoft allows a maximum of five attempts for the same exam within a 12-month period, counted from the date of the first attempt. If a candidate fails five times, they must wait until 12 months from the first attempt before becoming eligible again.
Can You Retake AI-102 After Passing?
No. Once you pass the AI-102 exam, you cannot retake it unless the related certification has expired. Microsoft also states that retakes must be paid for, if applicable.
This means candidates should treat each attempt strategically. Passing with 700 and passing with 900 both lead to the same certification outcome. The goal is not to chase a perfect score; the goal is to validate job-ready Azure AI engineering capability.
Can the Retake Waiting Period Be Waived?
Microsoft may waive the retake waiting period only in specific cases, such as internet connectivity issues or equipment failure during the exam, and only when a Pearson VUE case was created. Waivers are not granted for general underperformance, lack of preparation, or personal scheduling preference.
If a technical issue occurs during the exam, candidates should immediately contact Pearson VUE support and make sure a case number is created. Without that case number, a waiting-period waiver is unlikely.
Is There a Refund If You Fail AI-102?
Microsoft does not provide refunds for failed exams or missed exam appointments. This makes preparation and scheduling discipline important. Candidates should avoid booking the exam too early just to “test the waters,” especially because retakes may require additional payment.
What Topics Are Measured in AI-102?
The AI-102 exam currently assesses the ability to plan and manage Azure AI solutions, implement generative AI solutions, implement agentic solutions, build computer vision and natural language processing solutions, and work with knowledge mining and information extraction.
Because the exam is role-based, questions are usually scenario-driven. Candidates should be comfortable applying Azure AI services in practical business contexts, not just identifying service names. Hands-on experience with Azure AI Foundry, Azure AI Search, Azure OpenAI, responsible AI practices, APIs, SDKs, authentication, monitoring, and deployment patterns is highly valuable.
Practical Retake Strategy for AI-102
If you fail AI-102, do not immediately prepare randomly. First, review the score report and identify weak skill areas. Then rebuild your preparation around those domains.
A good retake plan should include:
- Review your weakest skill areas from the score report.
- Revisit Microsoft Learn modules for those domains.
- Practice hands-on labs in Azure instead of only reading theory.
- Take the free Microsoft practice assessment to check readiness.
- Focus on scenario-based decision-making, especially service selection, security, monitoring, and responsible AI.
- Avoid memorizing dumps or copied questions, as Microsoft exams are designed to validate applied skills.
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