Is AB-900 just a Copilot feature tour? +
No. The heaviest domain, at 35-40%, is data protection and governance for Microsoft 365 and Copilot - sensitivity labels, DLP, Purview tooling and oversharing controls. Another 25-30% covers basic administration of Copilot and agents, including licensing and where agent tasks happen across admin centers. Candidates expecting questions on what Copilot can write for you are caught out by compliance and admin scenarios.
Did AB-900 replace MS-900? +
Effectively yes. MS-900 (Microsoft 365 Fundamentals) retired on March 31, 2026, and AB-900 is the current Microsoft 365 fundamentals exam. Core Microsoft 365 services are only 30-35% of AB-900, so MS-900 knowledge covers roughly a third of it. The rest - Copilot data protection and agent administration - is new material MS-900 never tested.
What is the AB-900 passing score and format? +
You need 700 or higher on Microsoft's 1-1000 scaled score. As a fundamentals exam it is shorter than associate exams, with multiple-choice and scenario items, taken online or at a Pearson VUE center. Check the Microsoft Learn exam page for the current exam length and fee in your country.
What background does AB-900 assume? +
Microsoft expects familiarity with Microsoft 365 core services, identity and access, security features like conditional access and SSO, and the admin centers for Exchange, SharePoint, Teams, Entra and Purview. You should also have used Copilot and agents. IT staff who already administer Microsoft 365 often prepare in 2-3 weeks; newcomers should allow 4-6 weeks with time in a trial tenant.
Does AB-900 expire? +
Microsoft fundamentals certifications do not expire, so there is no annual renewal assessment. That said, Copilot licensing and admin features change often and Microsoft updates the skills outline - the current one is dated October 2026 - so make sure your study material matches it. If you fail, you can retake after 24 hours, with longer waits for later attempts.
Which AB-900 topics trip candidates up most? +
Three areas stand out. First, Purview tools for Copilot, including DSPM for AI and SharePoint oversharing controls. Second, Copilot licensing - monthly licenses versus pay-as-you-go billing and which agents are included. Third, agent governance, which spans both the Microsoft 365 admin center and the Power Platform admin center. Outdated notes are the main source of confidently wrong answers here.