How to Pass the AB-100 Exam: Complete Guide

Last Updated: February 2026

The Microsoft AB-100 (Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect) exam is the pinnacle of Microsoft's AI certification series. Unlike the Associate-level AB-730 or AB-731, or the fundamentals-level AB-900, AB-100 is an Expert-level certification that demands deep knowledge of multi-agent architecture, Microsoft Foundry, Copilot Studio, and enterprise AI deployment. It requires a prerequisite certification and tests your ability to make real-world architectural decisions — not just recall features.

If you are preparing for the AB-100 exam, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know: prerequisites, exam domains, study strategies, practice exam tactics, and expert advice for passing on your first attempt.

AB-100 Quick Facts

Before diving into preparation strategies, here are the essential details every candidate needs to know:

Attribute	Details
Official Name	Microsoft Certified: Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect Expert
Exam Code	AB-100
Duration	100 minutes
Questions	Approximately 50 (includes scenario-based and interactive components)
Passing Score	700/1000 (scaled scoring)
Exam Fee	Standard Microsoft expert-level pricing (confirm on Pearson VUE)
Target Audience	Solution Architects, Enterprise Architects, AI Consultants
Prerequisites	Active Associate-level certification (one of 12 qualifying credentials)
Delivery	Online proctored or testing centre (Pearson VUE)
Status	Generally Available (January 2026)

What Is the AB-100 Exam?

The AB-100 certification validates your ability to plan, design, and deploy enterprise-scale agentic AI solutions using Microsoft technologies. This Expert-level certification is designed for solution architects who need to create comprehensive AI strategies and implement multi-agent systems across organisations using platforms such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, Microsoft Foundry, Dynamics 365, and Power Platform.

The certification name — Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect — is significant. This is not just a "Copilot architect" credential. It covers AI architecture across Microsoft's entire business applications ecosystem, including Dynamics 365 (Finance, Supply Chain, Customer Service, Sales), Power Platform, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and Azure AI services.

Who Should Take AB-100?

This certification is designed for:

• Solution architects designing enterprise AI architectures and selecting technologies for agentic AI systems
• Enterprise architects responsible for integrating AI capabilities into existing systems and ensuring alignment with organisational standards
• AI consultants advising organisations on AI strategy, technology selection, and implementation roadmaps
• Technical leads guiding teams in building and deploying multi-agent AI solutions across the Microsoft technology stack
• Senior Dynamics 365 consultants extending business applications with AI capabilities

Where AB-100 Fits in the Microsoft AI Certification Path

The AB-100 sits at the top of Microsoft's AI certification hierarchy:

Level	Certification	Target Audience
Fundamentals	AB-900 (Copilot and Agent Administration)	IT Administrators
Associate	AB-730 (AI Business Professional)	Business Professionals
Associate	AB-731 (AI Transformation Leader)	Business Leaders
Expert	AB-100 (Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect)	Solution Architects

AB-100 is the only Expert-level certification in the AB-series. It requires you to already hold an Associate-level Microsoft AI certification, reflecting its advanced position in the certification hierarchy.

AB-100 vs Other Microsoft AI Certifications

Understanding the differences helps you choose the right certification path:

• AB-900: Fundamentals-level exam for IT administrators. Covers Copilot administration, Microsoft Purview, and Microsoft 365 governance. No prerequisites.
• AB-730: Associate-level exam for business professionals. Tests practical use of Microsoft 365 Copilot for daily business tasks. No prerequisites.
• AB-731: Associate-level exam for business leaders. Covers AI transformation strategy, change management, and organisational adoption. No prerequisites.
• AB-100: Expert-level exam for solution architects. Tests the ability to plan, design, and deploy enterprise-scale agentic AI solutions using Copilot Studio, Microsoft Foundry, Dynamics 365, and Power Platform. Requires an active Associate-level certification.

Understanding the AB-100 Exam Format

Exam Duration and Question Count

You have 100 minutes to complete approximately 50 questions. This is more generous than many Microsoft certifications — roughly 2 minutes per question. However, the scenario-based questions and case studies demand careful reading and analysis, so time management remains important.

Important: Not all questions count towards your final score. Microsoft includes unscored pilot questions used to evaluate future exam content. You will not know which questions are pilot questions, so treat every question as if it counts.

Passing Score Requirements

The AB-100 requires a score of 700 out of 1000 to pass. As with all Microsoft certifications, this does not mean you need to answer 70% of questions correctly. Microsoft uses psychometric scaled scoring, where questions carry different weights based on difficulty and domain. Focus your preparation on Domain 3 (Deploy AI-powered business solutions) as it carries the heaviest weighting at 40-45%.

Question Types to Expect

The exam includes several question formats:

• Single-select multiple choice: Choose the one best architectural decision from four options
• Multi-select multiple choice: Choose all correct answers (typically 2-3 from 4-6 options)
• Scenario-based questions: Apply architectural knowledge to real-world enterprise AI deployment situations
• Case studies: Multi-part questions based on detailed business scenarios requiring you to make design decisions
• Interactive components: Drag-and-drop, matching, and sequencing activities

As an Expert-level exam, AB-100 places heavy emphasis on architectural decision-making. You will be asked to evaluate trade-offs, select the most appropriate technology for a given scenario, and design solutions that balance security, governance, performance, and cost.

AB-100 Prerequisites: Which Associate Certification Do You Need?

Unlike AB-730, AB-731, and AB-900, the AB-100 requires you to hold an active Associate-level certification before the Expert credential is awarded. This is a critical requirement that many candidates overlook.

Full List of Qualifying Prerequisites

You must hold at least one of the following active certifications:

Dynamics 365 Certifications:

1. Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate
2. Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate
3. Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate
4. Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate
5. Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate
6. Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate
7. Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Insights - Data Specialist Associate
8. Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Insights - Journeys Functional Consultant Associate

Power Platform Certifications: 9. Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate 10. Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Developer Associate 11. Microsoft Certified: Power Automate RPA Developer Associate

Azure AI Certification: 12. Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate

Fastest Path to AB-100 Eligibility

If you do not yet hold a qualifying prerequisite, the fastest path depends on your background:

• Dynamics 365 professionals: Your existing Dynamics 365 certification likely qualifies. Check that it remains active.
• Power Platform professionals: The Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate is often the most accessible entry point.
• Azure/AI professionals: The Azure AI Engineer Associate provides strong technical foundations that transfer well to AB-100 content.
• Those new to Microsoft certifications: Consider the Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate or Azure AI Engineer Associate, depending on whether your background leans more towards business applications or technical AI development.

Can You Take AB-100 Without a Prerequisite?

You can sit the exam without holding a prerequisite certification. However, the Expert-level certification will not be awarded until you earn and maintain a qualifying Associate-level credential. Both certifications must remain active — if your prerequisite lapses, your AB-100 certification also becomes inactive. Both require renewal every 12 months.

AB-100 Exam Objectives Breakdown

Understanding the exam domains and their weightings is critical for efficient study planning. The Deploy domain carries the most weight and should receive the most study time.

Domain 1: Plan AI-Powered Business Solutions (25-30%)

This domain focuses on analysing business requirements, developing AI strategy, and creating comprehensive plans for agentic AI implementations.

1.1 Analyse Requirements for AI-Powered Business Solutions:

• Assess the use of agents in task automation, data analytics, and decision-making
• Review data for grounding, including accuracy, relevance, timeliness, cleanliness, and availability
• Organise business solution data to be available for other AI systems

1.2 Design Overall AI Strategy:

• Implement the AI adoption process from the Cloud Adoption Framework for Azure
• Design multi-agent solutions using Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, and Microsoft Foundry
• Develop use cases for prebuilt agents versus custom agents
• Define solution rules and constraints when building AI components
• Determine when to build custom agents or extend Microsoft 365 Copilot
• Determine when custom AI models should be created
• Provide guidelines for creating a prompt library
• Develop use cases for customised small language models (SLMs)
• Include the elements of the Microsoft AI Centre of Excellence
• Design AI solutions that use multiple Dynamics 365 apps

1.3 Evaluate Costs and Benefits:

• Select ROI criteria for AI-powered business solutions, including total cost of ownership (TCO)
• Analyse whether to build, buy, or extend AI components
• Implement a model router to intelligently route requests to the most suitable model

Key Study Areas:

• Cloud Adoption Framework for Azure (AI adoption process)
• Build versus buy versus extend decision matrix
• Model routing strategies and cost optimisation
• AI Centre of Excellence structure and governance

Domain 2: Design AI-Powered Business Solutions (25-30%)

This domain covers the technical design of agentic AI solutions, including agent architecture, platform selection, and integration patterns.

2.1 Design AI Components for Business Solutions:

• Design solution extensibility using Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, and Microsoft Foundry
• Design business processes with AI components in Power Apps
• Propose Microsoft Power Platform AI features for the solution
• Determine when to use NLP versus Azure Conversational Language Understanding (CLU) versus generative AI orchestration
• Design agents to automate tasks using Copilot Studio Computer Use
• Apply the Microsoft Power Platform Well-Architected Framework to AI solutions

2.2 Design Agent Architecture:

• Design agent topics, fallback logic, and conversation flows
• Design prompt actions in Copilot Studio
• Design agent flows and multi-agent orchestration
• Optimise solution design using agents in SharePoint
• Orchestrate AI configuration for Microsoft 365 Copilot for Sales and Service
• Orchestrate AI features in Dynamics 365 finance and operations apps
• Design agents for Dynamics 365 Contact Centre

2.3 Design Multi-Agent Orchestration:

• Design connectors for Copilot in Dynamics 365 Sales
• Design Copilot customisations and business terms in Dynamics 365 apps
• Design multi-agent orchestrated solutions
• Recommend knowledge sources including Copilot connectors, Microsoft Graph connectors, and Power Platform connectors
• Design interoperability of finance and operations agent chats

Key Study Areas:

• Copilot Studio agent design patterns and conversation flows
• Declarative agents versus Copilot Studio agents (when to use each)
• Multi-agent orchestration across Dynamics 365 and Power Platform
• Microsoft Graph connectors and knowledge source architecture

Domain 3: Deploy AI-Powered Business Solutions (40-45%)

This is the highest-weighted domain. It covers the operational aspects of deploying, securing, and maintaining agentic AI solutions. Expect this section to receive the most questions on the exam.

3.1 Analyse, Monitor, and Tune AI-Powered Business Solutions:

• Recommend monitoring processes and tools for agents
• Analyse backlog and user feedback on AI and agent usage
• Apply AI-based tools to identify issues and perform tuning
• Monitor agent performance and metrics
• Interpret telemetry data for performance and model tuning

3.2 Manage Testing of AI-Powered Business Solutions:

• Recommend testing processes and metrics for agents
• Create validation criteria for custom AI models
• Validate effective Copilot prompt best practices
• Design end-to-end test scenarios for multi-app AI solutions
• Build strategy for test case creation using Copilot

3.3 Design Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) Process:

• Design ALM for data used in AI models and agents
• Design ALM for Copilot Studio agents, connectors, and actions
• Design ALM for Microsoft Foundry agents
• Design ALM for custom AI models
• Design ALM for AI in Dynamics 365 finance and supply chain apps
• Design ALM for AI in Dynamics 365 customer experience and service apps

3.4 Design Responsible AI, Security, Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance:

• Design security and governance for agents
• Design model security
• Analyse solution and AI vulnerabilities, including prompt manipulation mitigation
• Review solution for responsible AI principles adherence
• Validate data residency and movement compliance
• Design access controls on grounding data and model tuning
• Design audit trails for model and data changes

Key Study Areas:

• Agent monitoring, telemetry, and performance tuning
• ALM across Copilot Studio, Microsoft Foundry, and Dynamics 365
• Responsible AI principles: fairness, reliability, privacy, inclusiveness, transparency, accountability
• Security design including prompt manipulation mitigation and zero-trust architecture
• Data residency, access controls, and audit trail design

Why AB-100 Is a Challenging Expert-Level Exam

The Deploy Domain Dominates

At 40-45% of the exam, the Deploy domain is the single largest section. This is where many candidates struggle because it covers an exceptionally wide range of operational topics: monitoring, testing, ALM, responsible AI, security, governance, and compliance. You cannot pass AB-100 without mastering this domain.

Unlike the Plan and Design domains, which test your ability to evaluate options and make recommendations, the Deploy domain tests your understanding of how things work in practice. You need to know how to set up monitoring, design ALM processes, implement security controls, and ensure responsible AI compliance.

Multi-Agent Orchestration Complexity

AB-100 tests your ability to design solutions where multiple AI agents work together across different platforms. You need to understand how agents in Copilot Studio interact with agents in Dynamics 365, how Microsoft Foundry agents connect to Power Platform, and how to orchestrate complex workflows across the entire Microsoft ecosystem.

This requires understanding not just individual products, but how they integrate and communicate. Questions may present scenarios where you must choose the most appropriate multi-agent architecture pattern for a given business requirement.

Open Standards: A2A and MCP

The AB-100 exam tests knowledge of two emerging open standards that are unique to this certification:

Model Context Protocol (MCP): Defines how AI agents interact with individual tools and resources such as databases and APIs. MCP enables tools to be reusable across agents, frameworks, and vendors. You need to understand how to design MCP integrations and when to use them.

Agent-to-Agent (A2A) Protocol: Enables different agents to collaborate and achieve common goals. A2A handles agent discovery, interaction negotiation, task management, and context exchange between agents. You need to understand how to design multi-agent systems using A2A.

These protocols are complementary: MCP focuses on tool integration while A2A focuses on agent collaboration. Together, they create a framework for enterprise-scale multi-agent solutions.

Breadth Across Microsoft Platforms

AB-100 is not limited to Microsoft 365 Copilot. You need knowledge across:

• Dynamics 365: Business Central, Finance, Supply Chain, Customer Service, Field Service, Sales
• Power Platform: Power Apps, Power Automate, AI Builder, AI Hub
• Microsoft 365 Copilot: Extensibility, declarative agents, task agents
• Copilot Studio: Agent design, topics, actions, connectors, Computer Use
• Microsoft Foundry (Azure AI Foundry): Models, tools, custom AI, model routing
• Azure AI Services: OpenAI, Conversational Language Understanding, vision, speech

If your experience is concentrated in one area (for example, Dynamics 365 or Power Platform), you will need to broaden your knowledge significantly.

Essential AB-100 Study Resources

Official Microsoft Resources

AB-100 Study Guide: The official AB-100 Study Guide provides the complete exam objectives with detailed skill breakdowns. This is your primary reference for understanding what the exam tests.

Course AB-100T00-A: Architecting Agentic AI Business Solutions:

• Released: January 2026
• Format: Instructor-led or self-paced
• Focus: Real-world architectural preparation
• URL: Microsoft Learn Course AB-100T00-A

Important note: This course provides architectural foundations and enterprise context but is not a test-preparation course. You will need additional study beyond the course material.

Exam Sandbox: Before exam day, familiarise yourself with the exam interface using Microsoft's free exam sandbox. This lets you experience the question types and navigation without the pressure of a real exam.

Key Documentation:

• Microsoft Copilot Studio Documentation
• Microsoft Foundry (Azure AI Foundry) Documentation
• Microsoft 365 Copilot Extensibility
• Model Context Protocol (MCP)
• Cloud Adoption Framework for AI
• Microsoft Responsible AI Principles

Practice Exams and Question Banks

Official Microsoft Practice Assessment: Microsoft's free practice assessments are typically released within 8 weeks of an exam reaching General Availability. As of February 2026, the official practice assessment for AB-100 is not yet available. Check the AB-100 certification page for the latest availability.

Examinotion AB-100 Practice Exam: Take the AB-100 practice exam featuring 200+ questions across all three domains, designed to reflect actual exam difficulty and question formats. The practice exams include scenario-based questions that test architectural decision-making, not just feature recall.

Hands-On Lab Practice

Theoretical knowledge alone will not prepare you for AB-100. You need hands-on experience making architectural decisions with real tools.

Recommended Activities:

• Build 2-3 complete agent solutions in Microsoft Copilot Studio
• Experiment with AI models in Azure AI Foundry
• Design multi-agent orchestration scenarios
• Implement Graph connectors for knowledge sources
• Create a Power Platform trial environment for AI-powered business applications
• Practise prompt engineering and agent tuning
• Set up an Azure free account for hands-on Azure AI practice
• Implement security controls and compliance measures in test environments

Community Resources and Exam Experiences

Early test-takers have shared valuable insights from the beta exam period:

• The exam tests architectural reasoning rather than feature memorisation
• Expect questions that require you to weigh trade-offs between different approaches
• Dynamics 365 AI features appear more prominently than many candidates expect
• Understanding when to use declarative agents versus Copilot Studio agents is tested heavily
• ALM and testing questions cover all platforms (Copilot Studio, Foundry, and Dynamics 365)

Community resources:

• Microsoft Tech Community
• Microsoft Q&A
• Power Community AB-100 Discussions

Creating Your AB-100 Study Plan

Recommended Study Timeline by Experience Level

Study time depends heavily on your existing experience with Microsoft's AI ecosystem:

Experienced Dynamics 365 or Power Platform Architects (3-4 weeks): If you work daily with Dynamics 365 or Power Platform and have exposure to Copilot Studio and Azure AI, you can prepare in 3-4 weeks with focused study. Concentrate on expanding your knowledge of platforms outside your primary expertise.

Solution Architects with Some Microsoft AI Exposure (4-6 weeks): If you have general solution architecture experience but limited hands-on time with Copilot Studio, Microsoft Foundry, or multi-agent systems, plan for 4-6 weeks of structured study.

Professionals New to Agentic AI Architecture (6-8 weeks): If you are new to agentic AI concepts or have limited Microsoft business applications experience, allow 6-8 weeks. Ensure your prerequisite certification is in place before beginning AB-100 preparation.

Weekly Study Goals

Week 1-2: Planning Foundations

• Days 1-2: Cloud Adoption Framework for Azure (AI adoption process)
• Days 3-4: Requirements analysis and business process assessment
• Days 5-7: ROI analysis, build versus buy decisions, and model routing
• Complete first practice quiz to identify knowledge gaps

Week 3-4: Design Deep Dive

• Days 1-2: Copilot Studio and Microsoft Foundry agent design patterns
• Days 3-4: MCP and A2A protocols, trust boundaries, and inter-agent communication
• Days 5-7: Multi-agent orchestration across Dynamics 365 and Power Platform
• Complete second practice quiz

Week 5-6: Deployment Mastery (Critical — 40-45% of exam)

• Days 1-2: ALM processes and deployment pipelines
• Days 3-4: Security design, prompt manipulation mitigation, and access controls
• Days 5-7: Responsible AI principles, testing methodologies, and monitoring
• Complete full-length timed practice exam

Week 7-8: Polish and Practice (if needed)

• Days 1-3: Focus on weak areas identified in practice exams
• Days 4-5: Hands-on lab practice with Copilot Studio and Foundry
• Days 6-7: Second full-length timed practice exam, final review

Tracking Your Progress

After each study session, test yourself on these key questions:

• Can I explain when to use declarative agents versus Copilot Studio agents?
• Do I know how to design ALM for Copilot Studio, Foundry, and Dynamics 365?
• Can I describe the difference between MCP and A2A protocols and when to use each?
• Do I understand the responsible AI principles and how to implement them?
• Can I design a multi-agent solution that spans Dynamics 365 and Power Platform?
• Do I know how to evaluate build versus buy versus extend for AI components?

If you answer "no" to any of these, return to that topic before moving forward.

Key Topics to Master for AB-100

Copilot Studio and Agent Design

Copilot Studio is a central technology in the AB-100 exam. You need to understand:

• Agent types: Declarative agents, task agents, autonomous agents, prompt/response agents
• Conversation design: Topics, fallback logic, conversation flows, and prompt actions
• Knowledge architecture: How declarative agents tap into Microsoft 365's semantic index versus how Copilot Studio creates isolated knowledge ecosystems within Dataverse
• Extensibility: Custom connectors, actions, and Computer Use automation
• Agent behaviours: Reasoning modes and voice mode configuration
• When to extend versus build: Determining when to extend Microsoft 365 Copilot versus building a custom agent in Copilot Studio

Microsoft Foundry and Foundry Tools

Microsoft Foundry (formerly Azure AI Foundry) is the enterprise AI platform tested in the exam:

Foundry Models:

• Model catalogue access (Azure OpenAI, Meta, Mistral, DeepSeek, Cohere, and more)
• Deployment options: serverless pay-as-you-go versus managed compute
• Custom AI model creation and fine-tuning
• Model router implementation for intelligent request routing
• Small language model (SLM) customisation

Foundry Tools:

• Pre-built tools (OCR, translation, speech, object detection)
• Custom tools using Model Context Protocol (MCP)
• Multi-modal capabilities (vision, audio, text)

Multi-Agent Solution Architecture

This is where the exam becomes distinctly architectural. You must understand:

• Design patterns for multi-agent solutions using Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, and Microsoft Foundry
• Orchestration of multiple agents to achieve business outcomes
• Agent communication via A2A protocol for discovery, negotiation, and context exchange
• Tool integration via MCP for secure data access and API connectivity
• Cross-platform design spanning Dynamics 365 (finance, supply chain, customer service) and Power Platform

Responsible AI and Governance

Microsoft's responsible AI principles are tested throughout the exam:

• Six principles: Fairness, reliability and safety, privacy and security, inclusiveness, transparency, accountability
• Implementation: Designing solutions that adhere to these principles
• Compliance: Understanding Microsoft's role as data processor, data residency requirements, and emerging AI regulations
• Security: Prompt manipulation mitigation, vulnerability analysis, access controls, and audit trails
• Governance: Designing governance frameworks for AI agents across the organisation

Application Lifecycle Management (ALM)

ALM questions span every platform in the exam:

• ALM for Copilot Studio agents, connectors, and actions
• ALM for Microsoft Foundry agents and custom AI models
• ALM for Dynamics 365 finance and supply chain apps
• ALM for Dynamics 365 customer experience and service apps
• ALM for data used in AI models and agents
• Version control, environment promotion, and rollback strategies

Practice Exam Strategy

Practice exams are your most valuable preparation tool for an Expert-level certification — but only if you use them correctly.

How Many Practice Tests to Take

Minimum Recommendation: 4 full practice exams

• First exam: Diagnostic (identifies weak areas across all three domains)
• Second exam: After addressing weak areas from the first attempt
• Third exam: Timed simulation under exam conditions
• Fourth exam: Final readiness check

Analysing Your Practice Results

Do not just look at your overall score. Analyse performance by domain:

Domain	Your Score	Target
Domain 1: Plan (25-30%)	___%	75%+
Domain 2: Design (25-30%)	___%	75%+
Domain 3: Deploy (40-45%)	___%	80%+

Given that Domain 3 carries the most weight, aim for a higher score in that domain. If you are scoring below 75% in any domain, that is your priority study area.

Improving Weak Areas

For each incorrect answer:

1. Read the explanation carefully
2. Find the relevant section in Microsoft Learn documentation
3. Research the topic beyond just that question
4. Practise the scenario hands-on if possible
5. Test yourself again on that topic the next day

Do not just memorise practice exam answers — understand the underlying architectural reasoning so you can apply knowledge to different scenario formats.

AB-100 Exam Day Tips

Before the Exam

The Night Before:

• Review key architectural distinctions (declarative agents versus Copilot Studio, MCP versus A2A)
• Review which platform handles which ALM process
• Get a full night's sleep (8 hours recommended)

The Morning Of:

• Eat a proper meal 2-3 hours before the exam
• Arrive 30 minutes early for in-person exams
• For online proctored exams, log in 15 minutes early to complete system checks

Do NOT:

• Cram new material the morning of the exam
• Attempt practice exams on exam day (can undermine confidence)

During the Exam

Time Management Strategies:

• You have approximately 2 minutes per question — more than most Microsoft exams
• Spend extra time on case study questions that test multiple competencies
• Flag questions where you are choosing between two plausible options and return to them
• Reserve 10-15 minutes for final review

Approach by Question Type:

For Scenario Questions:

1. Read the business scenario carefully
2. Identify the key architectural requirement (scale, security, cost, governance)
3. Eliminate options that violate constraints (wrong platform, missing security, over-engineering)
4. Choose the solution that best addresses the specific requirement

For Case Studies:

1. Read the entire case study before answering any questions
2. Note the organisation's constraints (existing platforms, budget, compliance requirements)
3. Answer each question in context of the case study's specific situation
4. Do not assume requirements that are not stated

For Multi-Select Questions:

1. Note how many answers are required (if specified)
2. Evaluate each option independently
3. Look for complementary options that work together in an architecture

Managing Exam Anxiety

If you feel anxious during the exam:

• Take three deep breaths
• Remember that 700/1000 is passing — you do not need perfection
• Focus on one question at a time, not the entire exam
• If you are stuck, flag the question and move on
• The 100-minute time limit is generous for Expert-level exams

Frequently Asked Questions About AB-100

What is the passing score for the AB-100 exam?

The AB-100 exam requires a scaled score of 700 out of 1000 to pass. Microsoft uses psychometric scaling where questions carry different weights. Focus your preparation on Domain 3 (Deploy AI-powered business solutions) as it carries the highest weighting at 40-45%.

How many questions are on the AB-100 exam?

The AB-100 exam contains approximately 50 questions, including scenario-based questions and interactive components. You have 100 minutes to complete the exam, giving you roughly 2 minutes per question.

What are the prerequisites for the AB-100 exam?

You must hold at least one active Associate-level certification from 12 qualifying credentials. These include eight Dynamics 365 certifications, three Power Platform certifications, and the Azure AI Engineer Associate certification. The prerequisite must remain active throughout the validity of the AB-100 certification.

How long should I study for AB-100?

Study time depends on your experience level. Experienced Dynamics 365 or Power Platform architects typically need 3-4 weeks. Solution architects with some Microsoft AI exposure should plan 4-6 weeks. Those newer to the Microsoft business applications ecosystem may need 6-8 weeks of focused preparation.

Is the AB-100 exam difficult?

Yes. AB-100 is an expert-level certification that tests advanced architectural knowledge across Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Copilot Studio, and Microsoft Foundry. The Deploy domain alone accounts for 40-45% and covers ALM, responsible AI, security, governance, and compliance.

How much does the AB-100 exam cost?

The AB-100 exam follows standard Microsoft expert-level exam pricing. Pricing varies by region and is confirmed at booking through Pearson VUE. You can register for either an online proctored exam or an in-person testing centre appointment.

What topics does the AB-100 exam cover?

AB-100 covers three domains: Planning AI-powered business solutions (25-30%), Designing AI-powered business solutions (25-30%), and Deploying AI-powered business solutions (40-45%). Key technologies include Copilot Studio, Microsoft Foundry, Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Azure AI Services.

What is the difference between AB-100 and AB-730?

AB-100 is an expert-level certification for solution architects who design AI systems. AB-730 is an associate-level certification for business professionals who identify AI opportunities. AB-100 requires a prerequisite certification and tests advanced technical architecture. AB-730 has no prerequisites and focuses on business use cases.

Which prerequisite certification is easiest for AB-100?

Among the 12 qualifying prerequisites, candidates often recommend the Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate or Azure AI Engineer Associate as accessible entry points. Your best choice depends on your existing experience — choose the certification closest to your current skill set.

Can I take AB-100 without a prerequisite?

You can sit the exam without holding a prerequisite certification. However, the Expert certification will not be awarded until you earn and maintain a qualifying Associate-level credential. Both certifications require annual renewal.

What is the difference between AB-100 and AB-900?

AB-900 is a fundamentals-level certification for IT administrators covering Copilot and agent administration basics. AB-100 is an expert-level certification for solution architects designing AI-powered business solutions. AB-900 has no prerequisites; AB-100 requires an active Associate-level certification.

Does AB-100 test coding or programming skills?

AB-100 does not test coding syntax or programming skills directly. However, it tests your ability to make architectural decisions about when to build custom agents, when to extend Microsoft 365 Copilot, and when to create custom AI models — decisions requiring strong technical understanding.

What are the MCP and A2A protocols tested in AB-100?

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) defines how AI agents interact with tools and data sources. The Agent-to-Agent (A2A) protocol enables different agents to collaborate and delegate tasks. Both are open standards tested in AB-100 for designing enterprise-scale multi-agent solutions.

Where can I take the AB-100 exam?

You can take the AB-100 exam online via Pearson VUE proctored testing or at a physical testing centre. Both options are available in most countries. Online proctoring requires a webcam, microphone, and a quiet, private room.

Can I retake the AB-100 exam if I fail?

Yes. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you must wait 24 hours before retaking the exam. For subsequent retakes, additional waiting periods may apply as per Microsoft's retake policy.

Start Your AB-100 Preparation Today

The AB-100 exam is the most challenging certification in Microsoft's AI series, but with the right preparation strategy, it is absolutely achievable. Focus your study time on the highest-weighted domain (Deploy AI-powered business solutions at 40-45%), gain hands-on experience with Copilot Studio and Microsoft Foundry, and use practice exams to identify and address weak areas before exam day.

Ready to test your knowledge? Start practising with Examinotion's AB-100 practice exam featuring 200+ questions across all three domains.

For a structured 30-day study plan with daily objectives and progress tracking, see our comprehensive AB-100 study guide.

Related Resources:

• Microsoft AI Certification Roadmap — See how AB-100 fits into the broader certification pathway
• How to Pass the AB-900 Exam — For IT administrators starting with Copilot fundamentals
• How to Pass the AB-731 Exam — For AI leadership certification
• AB-730 Study Guide — For business professionals focusing on Copilot usage
• AB-731 Study Guide — For AI transformation leadership

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Article researched and verified with official Microsoft Learn documentation and first-hand test-taker experiences. All exam information current as of February 2026.