Microsoft Corporation is a well-known and well-respected technology company with a worldwide reputation for producing high-quality software, hardware, and services. 

Microsoft Certification is a valuable way for IT professionals to advance their careers and demonstrate their expertise in Microsoft technologies. 

Microsoft certification paths offer a clear path for IT professionals to advance their careers and stay up-to-date on the latest Microsoft technologies. 

This article will comprehensively guide Microsoft certification paths, including jobs, levels, and options.

Overview of Microsoft Certification Path

Microsoft certification paths are divided into several categories, including Microsoft Certified: Azure, Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365, Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals, and more. These paths cover various Microsoft technologies, including Azure, Dynamics 365, Windows 10, and Office 365.

Microsoft Certified: Azure

The Microsoft Certified: Azure certification path is designed for IT professionals with Azure cloud services. This certification path includes a range of certifications, including Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, and more.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals certification is an entry-level certification that demonstrates a basic understanding of cloud concepts, Azure services, and the Azure portal. This certification is ideal for IT professionals who are new to Azure and want to demonstrate their knowledge of cloud computing.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification is designed for IT professionals who manage Azure resources. This certification demonstrates the ability to manage Azure subscriptions and resources, implement and manage storage solutions, configure and manage virtual networks, and more.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate certification is designed for IT professionals who develop Azure solutions. This certification demonstrates the ability to create Azure solutions using Azure services, implement Azure security, and monitor, troubleshoot, and optimise Azure solutions.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is designed for IT professionals who design solutions that run on Azure. This certification demonstrates the ability to develop solutions that meet business and technical requirements, implement and manage data platforms, implement security and compliance, and more.

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 certification path is designed for IT professionals who work with Dynamics 365. This certification path includes a range of certifications, including Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals, Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate, Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate, Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert, and more.

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals certification is an entry-level certification that demonstrates a basic understanding of Dynamics 365. This certification is ideal for IT professionals who are new to Dynamics 365 and want to demonstrate their knowledge of Dynamics 365.

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate certification is designed for IT professionals who implement and configure the sales functionality of Dynamics 365. This certification demonstrates the ability to design and implement sales solutions, manage sales data, and configure sales settings.

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate certification is designed for IT professionals who implement and configure the customer service functionality of Dynamics 365. This certification demonstrates the ability to design and implement solutions, manage customer service data, and configure customer service settings.

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert certification is designed for IT professionals who design solutions that use Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations apps. This certification demonstrates the ability to develop solutions that meet business and technical requirements, implement and manage data platforms, implement security and compliance, and more.

Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate

The Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate certification path is designed for IT professionals who deploy, configure, secure, manage, and monitor devices and client applications in an enterprise environment. This certification path includes a range of certifications, including Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate and more.

Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate

The Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate certification is designed for IT professionals who manage and maintain devices and applications in a Windows 10 enterprise environment. This certification demonstrates the ability to manage Windows 10 deployment, update and maintenance, device and application management, and more.

Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals

The Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals certification path is designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge of security, compliance, and identity management. This certification path includes a range of certifications, including Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, Identity Fundamentals and more.

Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals

The Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals certification is an entry-level certification that demonstrates a basic understanding of security, compliance, and identity management. This certification is ideal for IT professionals new to security, compliance, and identity management who want to demonstrate their knowledge of these areas.

Jobs and Levels

Microsoft certification paths offer a clear path for IT professionals to advance their careers and stay up-to-date on the latest Microsoft technologies. The job roles and levels vary depending on the certification path and the certification level.

Entry-level jobs for Microsoft certification paths include IT support specialist, help desk technician, and desktop support technician. Mid-level positions include network administrator, systems administrator, and database administrator. Senior-level jobs include IT manager, solutions architect, and security architect.

Options

Microsoft certification paths offer various options for IT professionals, including certification levels, training options, and exam formats.

Certification Levels

Microsoft certification paths offer a range of certification levels, including entry-level, associate, expert, and master. Entry-level certifications demonstrate a basic understanding of the technology, while expert and master certifications demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills.

Training Options

Microsoft certification paths offer a range of training options, including instructor-led training, virtual instructor-led training, and self-paced training. Instructor-led training is ideal for those who prefer a classroom-style learning environment, while virtual instructor-led training is ideal for those who prefer a remote learning environment. Self-paced training is perfect for those who like to learn at their own pace.

Exam Formats

Microsoft certification paths offer a range of exam formats, including online proctored exams, in-person exams, and performance-based exams. Online proctored exams are ideal for those who prefer a remote testing environment, while in-person exams are ideal for those who prefer a traditional testing environment. Performance-based exams are suitable for those who want to demonstrate their practical skills.

Microsoft certification paths offer a clear path for IT professionals to advance their careers and stay up-to-date on the latest Microsoft technologies. 

Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned IT professional, Microsoft certification paths offer a range of options to help you achieve your career goals. 

With various certification levels, training options, and exam formats, Microsoft certification paths are a valuable investment in your career.

FAQs

What is a Microsoft certification?

A Microsoft certification validates an individual's expertise in a specific Microsoft technology, product or service.

Why should I get a Microsoft certification?

A Microsoft certification can help you stand out in the job market, improve your earning potential, and enhance your skills and knowledge in a specific area of Microsoft technology.

How do I prepare for a Microsoft certification exam?

You can prepare for a Microsoft certification exam by taking Microsoft-approved courses, studying Microsoft documentation and practice tests, and gaining practical experience.

How much does a Microsoft certification cost?

The cost of a Microsoft certification varies depending on the level and type of certification. Generally, it ranges from $99 to $165 per exam.

How long does a Microsoft certification last?

Microsoft certifications do not expire but are subject to retirement when the technology or product becomes outdated.

Can I take a Microsoft certification exam online?

Yes, Microsoft offers online proctored exams allowing you to take the exam from home or the office.

What are the different levels of Microsoft certification?

Microsoft certifications are divided into four levels: Fundamental, Associate, Expert, and Master.

How do I maintain my Microsoft certification?

You can maintain your Microsoft certification by earning continuing education credits or technopassing a recertification exam. Microsoft requires recertification every two to three years for specific certificates.