MS-4014: Introduction to building AI agents

This 8-hour, beginner-friendly course introduces the fundamentals of building AI agents that extend Microsoft 365 Copilot. You’ll learn what AI agents are, how they work and when to use them, then explore development options from no-code to pro-code with Copilot Studio, Azure AI Foundry and the Microsoft 365 Agents Toolkit. It also covers choosing between Copilot connectors and declarative or custom agents, and deploying and managing agents in Microsoft 365.

For more information, see below
Duration
8 hours
Modules
4 Modules
Course type
Microsoft

Course Overview

This beginner-level learning path guides you through the fundamentals of extending Microsoft 365 Copilot using Copilot Studio, Azure AI Foundry, and the Microsoft 365 Agents Toolkit. You'll learn what AI agents are, how they work, and when to use them to enhance productivity and business processes. Explore various development paths—from no-code to pro-code—choosing the right tools like Graph connectors or declarative/custom agents. The course also covers deploying agents, integrating data, and managing them within Microsoft 365. By the end, you’ll be equipped to design and implement AI-powered extensions that enhance collaboration and automate tasks.

Before You Begin

  • Familiarity with Microsoft 365 Copilot
  • Basic understanding of generative AI concepts (agents, models, orchestration)
  • Awareness of core Microsoft Cloud platforms (Microsoft 365, Power Platform, Azure)

Key outcomes

  • Define AI Agents and Their Business Value Understand what AI agents are and how they drive impact across business scenarios.
  • Identify Scenarios for Extending Copilot Explore use cases and development paths for customizing Copilot functionality.
  • Compare Extension Options Evaluate connectors, declarative agents, and custom engine agents for different needs.
  • Configure Graph Connectors and Semantic Search Set up data access and enhance discoverability using Microsoft Graph.

Tools you’ll use

Copilot Studio
Copilot Studio
Microsoft 365 Copilot Declarative Agent SDK
Microsoft 365 Copilot Declarative Agent SDK

Skills you’ll gain

  • AI Agent Fundamentals
  • Copilot Extension Scenarios
  • Connector Comparison
  • Semantic Search Configuration
  • Agent Deployment Governance

What You’ll Learn

4 modules
1"Module 1: Introduction to developing AI agents "
1.1.1 Introduction
1.1.2 AI transformation and agents
1.1.3 AI agent use cases
1.1.4 AI agent components
1.1.5 Summary
2"Module 2: Introduction to Microsoft AI agent solutions "
1.2.1 Introduction
1.2.2 The Microsoft AI agent ecosystem
1.2.3 Maximize Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Chat, and agents
1.2.4 Customize and extend Microsoft 365 Copilot
1.2.5 Build custom AI agents and applications
1.2.6 Compare AI agent solutions
1.2.7 Summary
3"Module 3: Choose the best Microsoft 365 Copilot extensibility path for your scenario "
1.3.1 Introduction
1.3.2 Identify extensibility options
1.3.3 Analyze the decision criteria
1.3.4 Extend Copilot’s knowledge with Copilot connectors
1.3.5 Build declarative agents in Copilot Studio
1.3.6 Build declarative agents with Visual Studio Code and Microsoft 365 Agents Toolkit
1.3.7 Deploy custom agents to Microsoft 365 Copilot
1.3.8 Summary
4"Module 4: Choose a custom AI agent development path "
1.4.1 Introduction
1.4.2 Identify custom AI agent development options
1.4.3 Analyze decision criteria
1.4.4 Build custom agents with Copilot Studio
1.4.5 Build custom engine agents for Microsoft Teams
1.4.6 Build multi-channel agent solutions with the Microsoft 365 Agents SDK
1.4.7 Build scalable, enterprise-grade generative AI solutions on Azure
1.4.8 Summary
1.4.9 UseCase 1:Creating an Internal AI Assistant for Employee Task Automation
1.4.0 CaseStudy1:ServiceNow’s Multi-Agent AI Collaboration

Certification & Credentials

MS-4014_ Introduction to building AI agents
Certificate track
8 hours
High-Quality Video Lessons
High-Quality Video, E-book & Audiobook
AI mentor support & module quizzes
Modules Quizzes
AI mentor support
AI Mentor
Recorded sessions, accessible on tablet & phone
Access for Tablet & Phone

Target Audience

Intended roles

  • Copilot Solution Developer

Learning Resources

Videos & Engaging Visual Content
Videos
Engaging visual content to enhance understanding and learning experience.
Podcasts
Podcasts
Insightful audio sessions featuring expert discussions and real-world cases.
Audiobooks
Audiobooks
Listen and learn anytime with convenient audio-based knowledge sharing.
E-Books
E-Books
Comprehensive digital guides offering in-depth knowledge and learning support.
Module-Wise Quizzes
Module Wise Quizzes
Interactive assessments to reinforce learning and test conceptual clarity.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Listen and learn anytime with convenient audio-based knowledge sharing.

Frequently asked questions

Who is this learning path for?
App Makers, Developers, and Technical Professionals aiming to extend Microsoft 365 Copilot with intelligent agents
Do I need prior coding experience?
No – the path contrasts no-code and pro-code options, making it accessible to all skill levels.
What’s the difference between declarative and custom engine agents?
Declarative agents are configured via Copilot Studio; custom engine agents offer full control using the Agents Toolkit.
How do Graph connectors enhance Copilot?
They integrate enterprise data sources, enabling richer, more relevant AI responses.
How are agents managed after deployment?
Agents can be enabled, disabled, and permission-controlled through the Microsoft 365 admin center.
Duration

8 hours

Modules

4 Modules

Course type

Microsoft

Category

Microsoft

Intended roles

Copilot Solution Developer

Prerequisites

Familiarity with Microsoft 365 Copilot, Basic understanding of generative AI concepts (agents, models, orchestration), Awareness of core Microsoft Cloud platforms (Microsoft 365, Power Platform, Azure)

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