There are several types of Microsoft certifications. While some don’t expire and require annual renewal, others are required yearly. If your certification is about a role or specialty, you’ll need to take an examination six months before it expires. You’ll be ready for the next round if you pass the exam and earn another year’s worth of credits. Learn how to prepare for the exams and what they entail.
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Microsoft certifications are globally recognized
The Microsoft Certification Program demonstrates your competence in a particular IT role. Earning IT certifications will increase your chances of landing a job and being promoted. In fact, more than 80 percent of hiring managers prioritize IT certifications over other qualifications. You can earn IT certifications in business intelligence, Windows Server 2016, Microsoft Azure, machine learning, data analytics, and server infrastructures. You can also earn Microsoft certifications in DevOps and Azure Cloud.
Exams for Microsoft certifications differ over time, but there are three main levels of certification: Associate, Professional, and Expert. Certifications in each level require passing a series of exams. These exams measure knowledge of a variety of technical principles. Earning Microsoft certifications validates your technical expertise and improves your career prospects. However, there are many different ways to earn these certifications. There are free self-paced learning paths and instructor-led courses; you can even work with Microsoft Learning Partners to earn these certifications.
Professionals with Microsoft certifications enjoy worldwide recognition. They are 60% more productive and efficient than those without them. Choosing a certification depends on your skills, interest, and career goals. Microsoft certifications are internationally recognized, and they help individuals achieve their goal of getting hired by companies. These Microsoft certifications are better than other IT certification programs. The benefits of earning a Microsoft certification are numerous and worth the investment. They also promote professionalism and self-esteem.
The MCPD certification demonstrates extensive design, development, deployment, and support skills. It validates your knowledge of Microsoft technologies and platforms. MCAD certification validates your proficiency in various IT areas, from departmental applications to Web clients. MCSD certification validates your ability to design and develop leading-edge business solutions with Microsoft development tools and platforms. There is a wide range of career options available to Microsoft Certified Trainers.
The MCSE Core Infrastructure certifies your knowledge of systems management, virtualization, storage, and networking. To earn this credential, you must have completed the MCSA (Windows Server) certification for Windows Server 2016 or MCSA (Windows Server 2012) for the prerequisite skills. In addition, obtaining MCSE requires passing a single exam from seven topics. Exam topics include:
- Designing and implementing Cloud Data Platform solutions.
- Implementing a software-defined data center.
- Advanced server infrastructures.
- Hybrid cloud deployments with Microsoft Azure Stack.
They are categorized by job role
Microsoft has developed certifications that are specifically geared toward specific job roles. These role-based certifications allow IT professionals to match their training to the requirements of a particular job role. Microsoft categorizes the various certifications by job role and type. Those new to technology should consider Microsoft Fundamentals, Associate, or Expert certifications. Those with more than five years of practical experience can move on to Microsoft Expert certifications.
The Microsoft App builder certification focuses on application development for computers and mobile devices. It requires knowledge of programming languages and source code. App developers may work alone or with teams to develop mobile and electronic applications. In addition, the Microsoft App Builder certification portfolio includes training in software lifecycle management and development for the Azure environment. Those who choose this path can apply their new skills to various job roles, including data science and analytics.
Certifications from Microsoft will help IT professionals differentiate themselves from non-certified candidates. As a result, more employers seek certified individuals to improve their businesses. And certified employees tend to reach their full potential faster than those without certification. And as a bonus, Microsoft offers funding for Microsoft certification exams and curriculum training. As a result, certified IT professionals are more productive and efficient than their peers. Microsoft has even released a report that shows that certified employees are more effective than those without certifications.
When it comes to learning the right certification for a job, the certifications from Microsoft are categorized by job roles. Some are career-focused and more general. Others are specific to a particular job role. These include developer certifications, database certifications, and server and desktop-related skills. Microsoft offers multiple levels of certifications for each type of job. Once you’ve chosen the certification that suits your job role and background, you’re ready to start.
In addition to marking your position as a desirable candidate, certifications from Microsoft help increase your pay packet. According to a Microsoft study, 33% of professionals obtained a salary boost after certification. And certified technologists earn an average of 15% more than their non-certified counterparts. In addition, these certifications make it easier for professionals to advance up the professional ladder. As a result, they are now seen as essential by hiring managers. Moreover, according to a recent study, 91% of hiring managers see certifications as essential for the job search process.
They are valid for one year.
You need to take a yearly renewal assessment to keep your certification current. Microsoft offers a renewal exam six months before your certificate expires. This exam is meant to ensure you’ve passed the new requirements. You can also renew your certification if you’ve previously earned one. After a year, you can repeat the assessment and keep your certificate valid for another year. It doesn’t matter your certification level; you should take it to keep your certification current and relevant.
Although some Microsoft certifications are lifelong, others have expiration dates. For example, the certifications you earn in Microsoft role-based or specialty levels are valid for one year. You can renew your certification anytime by taking a free test on Microsoft Learn. After one year, you’ll need to take a new exam to maintain your certification. Microsoft’s new policy enables you to keep up with the latest developments and stay competitive.
The latest changes in the Microsoft certification process will affect your roles, responsibilities, and opportunities. For example, in the past, if you needed to retake an exam for a specialty, you’d need to retake the exams. The new policy allows you to renew your certification online before it expires. The renewal window starts six months before your existing cert expires. After that, you can take a free online assessment to determine whether you’re still qualified.
Once you’ve earned your certification, you can use it to openly share your skills through LinkedIn and on your LinkedIn profile. In addition, you can keep your certification current by taking the relevant exams. So whether you’re seeking a career change, a job change, or simply want to keep up with the latest technology, Microsoft certifications are a great way to demonstrate your skills and commitment to your career. This is why Microsoft certifications are so important.
If you don’t renew your certification, you’ll lose your credentials. Your Microsoft certification will disappear from the Microsoft Certification Center’s list of active certificates. If you don’t renew your certification, taking the renewal assessment online will be impossible. You can also share your skills on LinkedIn, where employers can see them. This is a good thing for both you and Microsoft. When it comes to your career and your skills, employers value employees with certifications.
Resources for studying for them
You may be looking for resources for studying for Microsoft certifications. After all, the exams aren’t easy to pass. Study materials are often dense, and study guides don’t always exist. Not to mention the trick questions, which are incredibly difficult to guess and predict. While you may feel intimidated, don’t give up yet. With some help, you can pass Microsoft certifications. Here are some great resources for studying for Microsoft certifications.
TechNet.
The developer’s version of MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network) is a gold mine. This site has thousands of pages about anything Microsoft. Depending on the topic, the site can be overwhelming. So before diving into MSDN, make a list of the skills you want to learn. This way, you can focus on what you need to know. Microsoft offers free 30-day trials for many of its offerings.
Instructor-led training
The official Microsoft training courses can prepare you for exams with live instructors and interactive training. In addition, you can take Microsoft-specific courses through USF’s Office of Corporate Training and Professional Education. These courses are taught by expert instructors and are industry-recognized. In addition, they are convenient. By taking practice tests, you can prepare for the Microsoft exam.
– Video materials. YouTube has videos of the Microsoft PL-200 exam. Here, seasoned professionals and past exam takers explain the details. In addition, Microsoft’s official forums help simplify exam questions and connect potential candidates with those who have already passed the exam. Study groups are an excellent way to communicate and learn from others. If you don’t want to spend money on expensive training materials, consider joining online forums.
Taking certification courses.
These aren’t just for aspiring IT pros; they can also help professionals advance their careers. For those seeking a career in IT, certifications from Microsoft help differentiate you from the competition. It shows employers that you have the skills to develop and implement business solutions. Microsoft has several different certification levels, and you can choose the right one. There are three core skill levels: Technology Associate (MTA), Solutions Associate (MCSA), and Expert (MCSE/MCSD).