What is Neural network?

A model made of layers of simple connected units that learns by adjusting the strength of the connections.

In plain English

Each unit takes numbers in, combines them and passes a result on. During training the connection strengths are adjusted so the output gets closer to the right answer. Networks with many layers are called deep, and they power image recognition, speech and the large language models behind chat assistants.

Example

A network shown many labelled photos gradually learns which patterns of pixels mean cat or dog.

Easy to confuse with

• Deep learning: A deep learning model is a neural network with many layers.

Where you will meet it

This idea belongs to the subject area of these practice tests. We do not publish or predict real exam questions.

• NVIDIA NCA-GENL practice tests
• AWS AIF-C01 practice tests

Related terms

• Deep learning: Machine learning that uses neural networks with many layers.
• Machine learning: Software that learns patterns from data instead of following rules written by hand.
• Large language model (LLM): A very large neural network trained on huge amounts of text to predict and generate language.

Written and checked by the Be Ready Education team, last reviewed 2 November 2026. General study information, not professional advice. Providers change names and rules, so confirm details on the official documentation. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any certification vendor or exam body. Certification names, exam codes and product names are trademarks of their respective owners and are used only to identify the exam a practice product prepares for. Our questions are original and are not actual exam questions.