Looking to start your Microsoft Cloud learning or certification journey? Looking to enter the world of IT and want to get hired, stay ahead, be more productive or understand the art of the possible?
We’ll cover off each of these 8 amazing certifications and share a way for you to complete self-study or attend a free Microsoft Virtual Training Day event and even get the opportunity to take the exam free of charge.
IT Professionals – build your foundational knowledge and the confidence to move onto bigger projects. Use these as the building blocks to get you ready for more advanced, role-based certifications across the Microsoft Azure (Applications, Infrastructure, Data, AI), Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Power Platform and Security, Compliance and Identity portfolio,
Students – Demonstrate your ability, knowledge and enthusiasm for in-demand jobs by learning industry-standard technology from an industry leader, while earning marketable proof of your knowledge. Add your certifications to your CV and LinkedIn profile to make yourself stand out from the crowd.
Business professionals – Take the opportunity to learn the vocabulary, features, and basics of a chosen technology so that you can be more effective when partnering with developers, IT professionals, and other technical roles.
Let’s start with Azure Fundamentals. Here you will learn the basics of Microsoft Azure which is trusted by 95 percent of Fortune 500 companies. You’ll learn about cloud computing concepts, the range of Azure services, and the differences between public, private, and hybrid clouds
For those interested in Artificial Intelligence, then look no further than AI Fundamentals. Here you will get to grips with the basics of AI on Azure. This certification gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of common AI and machine learning workloads and the Azure services needed to run them.
Working with data? Then look no further than Azure Data Fundamentals. With this certification you can learn the basic concepts needed to confidently contribute to a company’s data-driven decision making and processes. Areas discussed through this certification include relational data, nonrelational data, big data, and analytics.
There is no denying the importance of security in the modern age. For those interested in this area, getting started with cybersecurity with Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals is a no-brainer. Build your understanding on a range of cybersecurity topics and Microsoft solutions giving you a great springboard for role-based certifications that prepares you for in-demand roles in security operations, identity and access management, and information protection.
You’ve heard of the rise of the Citizen Developer. Learn about creating your own solutions without needing knowledge of coding with Power Platform Fundamentals. Gain the power to solve common business issues by developing an understanding of the art of the possible with the Power Platform. Ranging from advanced data analysis and automating processes to easy app building and even chatbots, become familiar with it all
There is no doubting the productivity and security gains that can be made by embracing Microsoft 365 – start your learning journey with Microsoft 365 Fundamentals. Use this certification to gain a better understanding of Office apps, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Viva, and all that Microsoft 365 has to offer. Take the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the modern tools that improve productivity and enhance collaboration across hybrid work environments with this practical certification.
Interested in increased customer engagement? Then check out Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM). This study will give you a broad appreciation of the customer engagement apps within Dynamics 365, including marketing capabilities and the automation of the sales, operations, and support lifecycles.
Finally, take the opportunity to demonstrate your ERP technology knowledge with Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP). Show you know what it takes to optimize finance and operations functions using the latest technology across Dynamics 365.
FREE MICROSOFT TRAINING AND EXAMS:
Did you know that you can undertake self-study or attend a Microsoft Virtual Training for many of the above and, where attending a Virtual Training Day, get a shot at the exam?
All of the content required to gain the knowledge to pass these exams can be found on the exam and course pages – click the links in the paragraphs above to review and access this content.
If you’re interested in attending a virtual training day (delivered via Teams), this will also give you access to a free exam – this voucher being assigned to the email address you used to register for the virtual training day within a week or so of attending. You’ll see this discount appearing in the Exam Discounts section of your Pearson Vue account when you sign in to schedule the exam.
You can access a global list of virtual training days via this link > https://events.microsoft.com/en-us/mvtd where you can filter to find the classes you want. Note that not every session leads to a certification, and you’ll only be credited an exam voucher for those sessions that have a certification aligned.
Looking for something across Europe – try here > https://www.microsoft.com/en-ie/training-days
And the best till last (not that I have any bias of course), for virtual training days in the UK, please see> https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/events/training-days/
As you can see. there is an amazing amount of free training available and when you add in the free certification offering – the resources contained in the post above present an incredible opportunity to learn, validate through certification and to apply your new found skills with pride.