By Quick answer: Is Microsoft Learn's free AI and cloud training worth it in 2027?
- Verdict — Worth it: the best free training for Microsoft exams.
- Cost — Free
- Time — Self-paced
- Best for — anyone preparing for Microsoft certifications
Key takeaways
- Microsoft Learn's free AI and cloud training is worth it for anyone preparing for Microsoft certifications.
- It's less useful for people on other clouds.
- Compare the alternatives below before you pay.
This is an honest review of Microsoft Learn's free AI and cloud training: what it covers, what it costs, who it helps and who should pick something else. We list the best alternatives so you can compare before you commit.
Microsoft Learn's free AI and cloud training and its alternatives
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microsoft Learn Free AI & Cloud TrainingMicrosoft | Free1 | Self-paced | Free test |
| 2 | Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)Microsoft | Exam priced by country2 | 45 minutes | Free test |
| 3 | Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900)Microsoft | Exam priced by country3 | Microsoft fundamentals exam | Free test |
| 4 | Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300)Microsoft | Exam priced by country4 | 100 minutes; renew free every 12 months | Free test |
| 5 | AWS Certified Cloud PractitionerAmazon Web Services | $1005 | 90 minutes, 65 questions | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals CertificationPractise for Microsoft Learn Free AI & Cloud Training before you pay.Start free test →
- AZ-900 Practice TestPractise for Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) before you pay.Start free test →
- AI-900 Practice TestPractise for Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) before you pay.Start free test →
- PL-300 Practice TestPractise for Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300) before you pay.Start free test →
Microsoft Learn's free AI and cloud training, then the alternatives worth comparing
- MicrosoftMicrosoft Learn Free AI & Cloud TrainingThe credential reviewedFree
- MicrosoftMicrosoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)First examExam priced by country
- MicrosoftMicrosoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900)AI examExam priced by country
Microsoft Learn Free AI & Cloud Training
- Cost
- Free1
Free learning paths and sandboxes for every Microsoft certification. Microsoft Learn's free learning paths and sandboxes cover every Microsoft certification, from Azure and AI to Power BI. The training is free; only the certification exams are paid, and they're priced by country.
Best forthe credential reviewed
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
- Cost
- Exam priced by country2
- Format
- 45 minutes
Azure Fundamentals. Microsoft's Azure fundamentals exam covers cloud concepts, core Azure services, pricing and governance in 45 minutes. Training is free on Microsoft Learn, the exam is priced by country and it doesn't expire.
Best forfirst exam
Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900)
- Cost
- Exam priced by country3
- Format
- Microsoft fundamentals exam
Azure AI Fundamentals. Microsoft's AI fundamentals exam covers machine learning, computer vision, language and generative AI workloads on Azure. Training is free on Microsoft Learn, the exam is priced by country and fundamentals certifications don't expire.
Best forAI exam
Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300)
- Cost
- Exam priced by country4
- Format
- 100 minutes; renew free every 12 months
Power BI Data Analyst. Microsoft's Power BI Data Analyst exam proves you can prepare, model and visualise data and share reports securely. It's 100 minutes, priced by country, with free Microsoft Learn training and free online renewal every 12 months.
Best fordata exam
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Cost
- $1005
- Format
- 90 minutes, 65 questions
AWS Cloud Practitioner. AWS's entry exam covers cloud concepts, core services, security and billing. It's 90 minutes with 65 questions and costs $100, so it's the usual first cloud exam for beginners and non-technical staff.
Best forAWS alternative
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free | Microsoft-specific |
| Sandboxes | Exams still paid |
| Maps to exams | Self-discipline needed |
Table: Microsoft Learn's free AI and cloud training pros and cons
Our verdict
Worth it: the best free training for Microsoft exams. It's a strong choice for anyone preparing for Microsoft certifications. If you're people on other clouds, look at the alternatives above first.
How we ranked these picks
We reviewed Microsoft Learn's free AI and cloud training on cost, time, assessment, employer recognition and fit, using the official page checked 3 November 2026. Science of Apps has no commercial relationship with the issuer.
Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft Learn's free AI and cloud training worth it?
Worth it: the best free training for Microsoft exams. It suits anyone preparing for Microsoft certifications.
How much does Microsoft Learn's free AI and cloud training cost?
Free.
How long does Microsoft Learn's free AI and cloud training take?
Self-paced.
Is Microsoft Learn free?
Yes; exams are paid.
Is there a free practice test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers free practice tests for this topic, instantly graded with a verifiable certificate.
Sources
- Microsoft — Microsoft Learn Free AI & Cloud Training, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Microsoft — Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Microsoft — Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Microsoft — Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Amazon Web Services — AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
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