As Artificial Intelligence (AI) transforms industries worldwide, the TESDA Online Program (TOP) offers the Microsoft Artificial Intelligence Course: Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900)—a beginner-friendly course that introduces learners to the fundamentals of AI, Machine Learning (ML), and Microsoft Azure AI services. It is an introductory AI training program that teaches the core concepts of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning using Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform. Generally speaking, it provides a solid introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Generative AI, Computer Vision, and Natural Language Processing without requiring prior technical experience. It also serves as an official preparation program for the Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) certification exam.
If you’re a student, fresh graduate, career shifter, or a young professional looking to enter the rapidly growing AI industry and you’re interested in starting a career in AI, cloud computing, data science, or emerging technologies, but have no coding experience or cloud computing background, this course can be an excellent first step for you. It is affordable and accessible, and it lets you build foundational AI knowledge that can strengthen your credentials and serve as the first step toward higher-paying careers.
Taking the TOP Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals
As a foundational course in AI, the TESDA AI-900 Course program is designed to help learners understand:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) concepts
- Machine Learning (ML) fundamentals
- Computer Vision
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Conversational AI and chatbots
- Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Responsible AI principles
- Azure AI services and tools
It can provide a strong foundation before moving on to more advanced AI and cloud certifications.
Requirements
The AI-900 course is designed for beginners. So there are generally no strict educational requirements. This means the anbody—from senior high school to college students, graduates, career shifters, and even working professionals can take it. It also requires no prior experience in programming, Data science, Artificial intelligence, and Cloud computing to enroll.
You only need:
- Computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone
- Stable internet connection
- TESDA Online Program (TOP) account
- Basic computer literacy
Account Registration and Enrollment
If you already have a TOP account, simply follow the regular steps on how to enroll for a TOP course. If you do not have an account yet, then register for a TOP account first before enrolling for the course.
How to Complete the TOP AI Course
TESDA recommends the following learning process:
Step 1: Complete the Pre-Assessment
The pre-assessment helps determine your current knowledge level.
Step 2: Study Each Lesson Sequentially
Follow the lessons in order because each topic builds upon previous concepts.
The TOP AI-900 curriculum is divided into the following learning pathways.
1. AI Workloads and Responsible AI
Students learn:
- What AI is
- Types of AI workloads
- Ethical AI principles
- Fairness and transparency in AI systems
- Privacy and security considerations
2. Machine Learning Fundamentals
This is one of the most important sections of the course.
Students learn:
- Regression models
- Classification models
- Clustering techniques
- Predictive analytics
- Azure Machine Learning
- Automated Machine Learning (AutoML)
3. Computer Vision
Students explore how computers analyze images and videos.
Topics include:
- Image classification
- Object detection
- Facial recognition concepts
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
4. Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Students learn how AI understands and processes human language.
Topics include:
- Sentiment analysis
- Language detection
- Translation services
- Speech recognition
- Entity extraction
5. Generative AI
One of the newest and most exciting parts of the course.
Topics include:
- Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Azure OpenAI Service
- Prompt engineering fundamentals
- AI content generation
- Generative AI use cases
Step 3: Complete Interactive Activities
Practice exercises help reinforce what you’ve learned.
Step 4: Take the Summative Quizzes
Each unit contains quizzes that must be passed before moving forward.
Step 5: Complete the Post-Assessment
Successfully completing the post-assessment allows you to finish the course.
Is Certification Required After Completing the Course?
Completing the TESDA Online Program course is not the same as earning the Microsoft certification. After finishing the TESDA course, learners may choose to take the Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) Exam.
The exam details are as follows:
- Certification Level: Fundamentals
- Exam Code: AI-900
- Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
- Question Format:
- Multiple choice
- Drag-and-drop
- Scenario-based questions
- Passing Score: 700/1000
Note: Taking the certification exam is optional but highly recommended for those seeking employment in technology-related fields.
Career Paths After Completing the Course
AI-900 is considered a foundational certification. While it may not immediately qualify someone for senior AI positions, it can open doors to entry-level and transitional roles.
1. AI Support Specialist
Responsibilities:
- Assist AI projects
- Support AI implementation teams
- Monitor AI tools
Potential Salary:
- Philippines: ₱20,000–₱40,000/month
- International: $40,000–$70,000/year
2. Junior AI Analyst
Responsibilities:
- Analyze AI-generated data
- Prepare reports
- Support machine learning initiatives
Potential Salary:
- Philippines: ₱30,000–₱60,000/month
- International: $50,000–$80,000/year
3. Cloud Support Associate
Responsibilities:
- Assist with Azure cloud services
- Support AI deployments
- Monitor cloud resources
Potential Salary:
- Philippines: ₱25,000–₱55,000/month
- International: $50,000–$85,000/year
4. Data Analyst (Entry-Level)
Responsibilities:
- Interpret business data
- Create reports and dashboards
- Support decision-making
Potential Salary:
- Philippines: ₱25,000–₱70,000/month
- International: $55,000–$90,000/year
5. Business Intelligence Assistant
Responsibilities:
- Data reporting
- Analytics support
- Performance monitoring
Potential Salary:
- Philippines: ₱30,000–₱70,000/month
- International: $60,000–$95,000/year
Recommended Certification Roadmap
For learners who want to build a long-term AI career, the recommended progression is as follows:
Beginner Level
- TESDA TOP Azure AI Fundamentals Course
- AI-900 Certification
Intermediate Level
- AI-102 Azure AI Engineer Associate
Advanced Level
- DP-100 Azure Data Scientist Associate
- DP-203 Azure Data Engineer Associate
- AZ-305 Azure Solutions Architect Expert
This roadmap gradually develops skills from AI concepts to professional AI solution development and architecture.