A Comprehensive Guide to Microsoft Certifications: Which One is Right for You?

When you’re skilled in development and working in IT, you look forward to growing your career, getting more certifications, and having better opportunities knock on your door. So, many individuals working on Microsoft products are looking for the right certifications for them. 

You can go for many different training and courses, including Microsoft certifications. But before you set your roadmap, you need to understand the kinds of certifications available. Only then will you be able to decide the right one for your career growth? 

In this article, we will talk about the certifications you need and how to choose the right one; let’s dive in and help you plan. 

What is A Microsoft Certification?

IT professionals who successfully complete one or more Microsoft certifications for developers earn a certification specific to the exam they pass. For example, passing a single exam may grant a role-based certification, such as Microsoft Certified: Associate or Microsoft Certified: Expert, depending on the level of the certification.”

Here are the basic types of Microsoft Certifications: 

• Fundamental Certifications – perfect for newcomers to Microsoft certifications.
• Intermediate Certifications – are based on roles. Develop the abilities necessary to support a certain employment role.
• Specialty Certifications – are advanced qualifications. Increase your technical expertise and manage industry solutions.

Top Microsoft Certifications for IT Professionals

Are you not sure what certifications are available? There are too many, from the ones for developers to the Dynamics 365 Certifications and Azure Certifications. It is hard to make the right decisions. 

Well, here is a brief Guide to Microsoft certifications for beginners to consider according to their skill level and career needs. 

1. Administrator Certification Path

Implement, monitor, and maintain Microsoft solutions.

Certifications: Azure Administrator Associate, Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty, Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty, Administrator Expert, Teams Administrator Associate, Identity and Access Administrator Associate, Information Protection and Compliance Administrator Associate.

2. AI Engineer Certification Path

Develop and implement AI solutions using Microsoft’s AI tools.

Certifications: Azure AI Fundamentals, Azure AI Engineer Associate.

3. Data Engineer Certification Path

Design and implement data management, security, and privacy solutions.

Certifications: Azure Data Fundamentals, Azure Data Engineer Associate, Dynamics 365 Customer Insights (Data) Specialty, Azure Cosmos DB Developer Specialty.

4. Data Scientist Certification Path

Apply machine learning techniques to solve business problems.

Certification: Azure Data Scientist Associate.

5. Developer Certification Path

Design, build, test, and maintain Microsoft solutions.

Certifications: Azure Developer Associate, Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Developer Associate, Power Platform Developer Associate.

6. DevOps Engineer Certification Path

Combine people, processes, and technologies for efficient software delivery.

Certifications: Power Platform App Maker Associate, DevOps Engineer Expert.

7. Functional Consultant Certification Path

Leverage Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform for business solutions.

Certifications: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate, Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate, Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate, Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate, Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate, Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate, Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate.  

8. Security Engineer Certification Path

Implement security measures and protect Microsoft environments.

Certifications: Azure Security Engineer Associate, Security Operations Analyst Associate, Identity and Access Administrator Associate, Information Protection and Compliance Administrator Associate.  

9. Solutions Architect Certification Path

Design and implement comprehensive Microsoft solutions.

Certifications: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert, Power Platform Solution Architect Expert.

How Do You Prepare to Take Microsoft Certification Exams?

To prepare for the best Microsoft certifications for career growth, study the list of competencies you’ll be tested on to verify you’re pursuing the appropriate certification based on your skill set and knowledge base. You can brush up on important topics on your own time by studying the self-paced content available on Microsoft’s website. 

You can also attend an instructor-led training program to revisit the fundamentals.

Additionally, Microsoft provides practice examinations that you can use to assess your knowledge and readiness for the certification process.  

When you feel ready, sign up for a trial subscription on Microsoft’s website to study the available content and prepare for the exam. This can prove that you’re ready to pass the exam and earn your certification or indicate that you need to study a little more.

How Do You Get Microsoft Certified?

Before you set your roadmap as per the Microsoft certifications explained, always know how you can follow it to achieve big success goals. 

Here is the process for you:

1. Identify your Certifications

Choose the certification(s) relevant to your professional goals and skill level. Begin by examining your current professional development and your desired future development.

Once you understand the foundations, you can move on to more advanced qualifications. 

2. Prepare for the Exams

We all learn differently, and Microsoft provides several exam preparation strategies. 

You can select expedited training, instructor-led (classroom live), virtual classroom (live), and online courses from any reputable company offering training and other relatable courses.

3. Take the Exams

Microsoft certification examinations can be taken online or at an authorized testing center. An average exam costs US$165, but the cost might vary depending on the subject.

Note: Certifications frequently need to be renewed on a regular basis. Some require yearly renewals. Make sure you understand whether you need to renew your certification and how to do so. This will allow you to continue listing the certificate on your resume. 

Bottom Line –Which Microsoft Certification Should I Choose?

Now, the right certification depends on your skill level. If you are ready to take the courses but need some advice on where to start, our instructors at Technisaur can help you identify your path. Choose your skill level and get on training with us. 

We will guide you to the exam in the right way. Join us, and let us help you define your career path.