AI learning guide: Microsoft’s free tool to jump-start your generative AI efforts

AI Basics


Microsoft has put together some resources to help you get started. Whether you’re ready to build your own co-pilot or at the beginning stages of learning, keep reading to find Microsoft’s best free resources for generative AI training.

The world of AI is constantly changing. It seems like there are new ways to interact with generative AI and large-scale language models every day. When it comes to AI, it can be difficult to know where to start learning. Microsoft has put together some resources to help you get started. Whether you’re ready to build your own co-pilot or at the beginning stages of learning, keep reading to find Microsoft’s best free resources for generative AI training.

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Azure AI

Build intelligent apps at enterprise scale with the Azure AI portfolio

Azure AI basics

If you’re just getting started in the world of AI, we highly recommend Microsoft’s Azure AI Fundamentals course. It includes hands-on exercises, explains Azure AI services, and dives into the world of generative AI. You can take the entire course at once, or split it up and complete several modules a day.

Learning path: Azure AI fundamentals

Course Highlights: Fundamentals of Generative AI Modules

Azure AI Engineer

This learning path is perfect for people who are more advanced in their AI knowledge or who may be software engineers. This path covers building AI-infused applications that leverage Azure AI Services, Azure AI Search, and Open AI.

Course Highlight: Get started with Azure OpenAI Service modules

Build with Azure AI Studio

Imagine a collaborative workshop where you can build AI apps, test pre-trained models, and deploy your creations to the cloud without getting lost in a pile of code. In the latest learning path, learn how to use language models to build generative AI applications, including custom copilots, that provide value to users.

Learning path: Create a custom copilot in Azure AI Studio (preview)

Course Highlight: Build a RAG-based CoPilot solution with your own data using the Azure AI Studio (Preview) module

Dig deeper into generated AI with Azure OpenAI Service

If you have some knowledge of Azure and experience programming in C# or Python, you can jump right into our comprehensive generative AI training.

Learning path: Develop generative AI solutions using Azure OpenAI Service

Course Highlight: Implementing Retrieval Augmentation and Generation (RAG) with Azure OpenAI Service Module

Cloud skills challenges

The Microsoft Azure Cloud Skills Challenge is a free, interactive event that provides access to skills resources tailored to specific solution areas. A 30-day accelerated learning experience helps users get trained on Microsoft AI. The program offers learning modules, virtual training days, and even virtual leaderboards to compete directly with your industry peers. Learn more about the Cloud Skills Challenge. Then check out these challenges to test your AI skills.

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Assignments 1-3 will help you prepare for Microsoft AI Applied Skills, Scenario-Based Credentials. Challenges 4 and 5 will help you prepare for the Microsoft Azure AI certification. You may receive a 50% discount on selected certification exams.1.

Challenge #1: Generating AI using Azure OpenAI

In about 18 hours, learn how to train a model that generates original content based on natural language input. You should already be familiar with Azure and have programming experience using C# or Python. Get started now!

Challenge #2: Azure AI Language

Build natural language processing solutions using Azure AI Language. In approximately 20 hours, you will learn how to use language models to interpret the semantic meaning of written or spoken language. You should already be familiar with the Azure portal and have programming experience using C# or Python. Get started now!

Challenge #3: Azure AI Document Intelligence

Show off how smart you are with Azure AI Document Intelligence solutions. In approximately 21 hours, you will learn how to use natural language processing (NLP) solutions to interpret the meaning of written or spoken words. You should already be familiar with the Azure portal and C# or Python programming. Get started now!

Challenge #4: Azure AI Fundamentals

Gain a solid understanding of machine learning and AI principles, including computer vision, natural language processing, and conversational AI. Tailored to both technical and non-technical backgrounds, this learning adventure will teach you how to create no-code predictive models, learn the ins and outs of conversational AI, and more, all in just about 10 hours.

Complete the challenge within 30 days and receive 50% off the cost of your Microsoft certification exam. Earning the Azure AI Fundamentals certification gives you the foundation you need to build your career and demonstrate your knowledge of common AI and machine learning workloads and what Azure services can solve for them. Get started now!

Challenge #5: Azure AI Engineer

Build your future beyond theory. This challenge will give you practical skills to manage and leverage Cognitive Services in Microsoft Azure. Learn everything from secure resource provisioning to real-time performance monitoring. Get ready to create cutting-edge AI solutions while preparing for the AI-102 exam and Azure AI Engineer Associate certification. Explore interactive tutorials, hands-on labs, and real-world scenarios. Complete the challenge within 30 days and receive 50% off the cost of your Microsoft certification exam.2. Get started now!

Finally, the free Microsoft AI Virtual Training Day is a great way to immerse yourself in a free 1- or 2-day training session. There are three great options for Azure AI training.

  1. Azure AI basics
  2. Fundamentals of generative AI
  3. Build generative apps using Azure OpenAI Service

Start learning AI today

For all AI-related learning opportunities, check out the Microsoft Learn AI Hub, including customized AI training guidance. You can also check out our monthly learning guides on the Azure AI and Machine Learning Tech Community Blog.


  1. Microsoft Cloud Skills Challenge | Learn in 30 Days – Official Rules
  2. https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/offers/30-days-to-learn-it/official-rules#terms-and-conditions





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