In the current times, Microsoft certifications are one of the most in-demand credentials, as Microsoft as a company has seen tremendous growth in recent years. Therefore, there is no point in guessing that obtaining a
Microsoft certification will enable you to land a fantastic position with a reputed company.
However, as varied are its services, the certifications offered by Microsoft are also varied. The purpose of this is to meet the demand and interest of professionals from a variety of backgrounds in upskilling. Thus, it's important to pick the right certification path and exam for you.
Here, we list all the certifications offered by Microsoft as of 2024. This will help you plan your course and choose the one that best suits your demands and requirements.
Types of Microsoft certifications
Microsoft offers a range of certifications across various levels and specializations. Here are a few of them:
1. Fundamentals Certifications (Beginner Level)
These certifications are ideal for those new to technology or those looking to validate foundational knowledge of Microsoft solutions.
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Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900): Covers general cloud computing principles, core Azure services, Azure pricing, and support. Great for those starting out in the cloud or preparing for other Azure certifications.
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AI Fundamentals (AI-900): Focuses on core AI concepts, machine learning, computer vision, NLP, and decision-making models, giving foundational insight into AI on Azure.
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Data Fundamentals (DP-900): Covers core data concepts, such as relational and non-relational data, analytics, data storage, and basic data processing tasks on Azure.
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Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900): Introduces concepts related to identity protection, compliance, and data security in Microsoft 365 and Azure environments.
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Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900): Focuses on the capabilities of the Power Platform—Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power Virtual Agents—and how these tools can improve business productivity.
2. Associate-Level Certifications (Intermediate Level)
These certifications are aimed at professionals with hands-on experience who want to deepen their knowledge of Microsoft technologies.
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Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104): Tests your ability to manage cloud services, like networking, storage, and virtual machines, and configuring and monitoring Azure resources.
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Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204): Designed for developers who want to build and maintain cloud applications and services, focusing on tasks like creating Azure App Services, Azure Functions, and data management.
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Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102): This cert validates skills in AI development using Azure AI services, cognitive services, NLP, and computer vision.
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Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203): Focuses on implementing data solutions, transforming data for analytics, and securing data storage using Azure Synapse Analytics, Cosmos DB, and Azure Data Lake.
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Azure Data Scientist Associate (DP-100): For data scientists who build and deploy machine learning models on Azure. It covers Azure Machine Learning, data exploration, and data management.
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Power Platform App Maker Associate (PL-100): Suitable for low-code/no-code developers focused on creating apps with Power Apps, leveraging Power Automate, and building business solutions without traditional coding.
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Microsoft 365 Modern Desktop Administrator Associate (MD-100/MD-101): This certification is geared toward IT professionals who configure and manage devices and client applications within an enterprise environment.
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Microsoft Dynamics 365 Functional Consultant Associate (MB-210/220/230/240): Prepares you to handle Dynamics 365 applications for business functions like sales, customer service, field service, and marketing.
3. Expert-Level Certifications (Advanced Level)
These certifications are aimed at professionals with extensive experience who are ready for advanced problem-solving and strategic implementation.
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Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305): For designing and implementing solutions, including storage, computing, and networking aspects. Requires deep knowledge of Azure services and the ability to translate business requirements into secure, scalable, and reliable solutions.
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Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400): Combines DevOps practices with Azure services. Focus areas include source control, CI/CD, security and compliance, infrastructure as code, and monitoring.
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Microsoft 365 Enterprise Administrator Expert (MS-100/MS-101): Validates your ability to evaluate, plan, migrate, deploy, and manage Microsoft 365 services in an enterprise environment, with expertise in security and compliance.
4. Specialty Certifications (Targeted Certifications)
These certifications are highly specialized and designed for professionals working on advanced solutions.
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Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty (AZ-140): Covers the deployment, management, and scaling of virtual desktops and remote applications using Azure Virtual Desktop.
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Microsoft Certified: Windows Virtual Desktop Specialty: For professionals focused on deploying virtualized Windows apps and desktops in the cloud.
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Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Developer Associate: Designed for developers who manage and customize Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations.
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Security, Compliance, and Identity (SCI) Specialty: A series of certifications focusing on advanced cybersecurity, identity protection, and compliance standards within Microsoft environments.
Why Get Microsoft Certified?
Microsoft certifications validate your technical skills and can significantly improve career growth, as many companies rely on Microsoft’s ecosystem for IT solutions, cloud computing, and business applications. In addition to practical skills, certification paths provide a structured learning experience and hands-on labs, making advancing from one level to the next easier as you gain experience. Azure certifications are considered the ticket to excellent job opportunities for professionals in reputed organizations. For example,
Microsoft Azure certifications are one of the best options if you want to start your career in cloud computing.
Benefits of Microsoft certifications
● Microsoft certification enables you to pursue a plethora of career options. For example, you can become a cloud architect, a developer, or a solution architect.
● Updating your resume with this achievement can enhance your job profile and make it impressive to big companies.
● With the constant evolution of cloud computing and continuous innovation, Microsoft tends to bloom, and hence the demand for azure solution experts will see immense growth.
● This certification prepares you for various industries where you can put your cloud computing skills and all other skills to good use. Your options go beyond developer and solutions architect; you get to learn machine learning, AI, cybersecurity, and so much more with Azure.
● Upcoming developers and programmers have so much they can gain from the Microsoft certification training. A wide range of topics and expert material covered by this course will upskill a developer incredibly. I
● In addition, there are certifications such as MCSD: App Builder, Microsoft Certified: Azure IoT Developer Specialty, Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate, and many other options to choose from.
● Being skilled in a reputed training program, you will immediately stand out from the competition. The Microsoft certification will help you look more professional in and out of your resume.
● Upcoming developers and programmers have so much they can gain from the Microsoft certification training. A wide range of topics and expert material covered by this course will upskill a developer incredibly.
● Being skilled in a reputed training program, you will immediately stand out from the competition. The Microsoft certification will help you look more professional in and out of your resume. As a result, more companies will be interested in hiring you, and you will get a better shot at choosing the right job for you.
● As you constantly upskill yourself by learning further courses provided by Azure you also get a better chance at climbing up the ladder and stepping into more leadership roles.
Important factors to consider
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Technical experience: How many years of technical experience you have counted and can be a deciding factor in which learning path to consider. For example, a beginner with no professional experience must opt for fundamental certifications.
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Career objective: If you have a particular set of goals for your future can determine the path suitable for you.
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Your present job: If your present job role demands a specific certification to improve your skills, then it will become easy to choose a role based certification.
Microsoft certification can skyrocket your career in the Technology field. Getting certified will open up multiple opportunities for you as cloud computing professionals become increasingly valued employees.
Microsoft Azure offers multiple opportunities to professionals in the Technology field. So whether you're starting your journey in the tech industry or already have several years' worth of experience, if you dont invest your time in learning Microsoft Azure, you will be left behind.
So, are you ready to let the world know that you have the experience and skills to design cloud and hybrid solutions comprising computing, network, storage, monitoring, and security? The time is now to enroll in the azure architect certification course to spotlight your solution architecture design and implementation prowess.