Microsoft Certifications

Microsoft Certifications

Advance your skills with official Microsoft training & certification paths

Microsoft certifications help learners and professionals validate their knowledge across Azure, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, Dynamics 365, security, data, AI, and GitHub.

At ExperTrain, we work in partnership with Skillsoft Global Knowledge to offer official Microsoft training and exam preparation for a wide range of Microsoft certifications.

Whether you are starting with the fundamentals or building towards a role-based, specialty, or business certification, Microsoft’s latest certification roadmap gives you clear progression paths across today’s most in-demand Microsoft technologies.

What is a Microsoft certification?

A Microsoft certification is a recognised credential that demonstrates your skills in a specific Microsoft technology, platform, or job role. Microsoft certifications are designed to help individuals and employers identify practical capability across cloud, AI, security, collaboration, business applications, data, and software development.

Microsoft’s latest certification roadmap groups certifications into three main solution areas: Cloud & AI Platforms, AI Business Solutions, and Security. It also highlights separate Microsoft business and GitHub certifications.

Types of Microsoft certifications

Microsoft certifications are grouped into four main certification types:

‍Fundamentals
Ideal for beginners and anyone looking to build a solid understanding of Microsoft technologies and services.

‍Role-based
Designed for professionals who want to validate the skills needed for a specific job role, such as administrator, developer, architect, analyst, consultant, or engineer.

‍Specialty
Focused on niche or advanced technical areas, allowing professionals to demonstrate deeper expertise in a particular solution.

‍Business
Focused on AI skills for business roles, including newer certifications aimed at business professionals and transformation leaders.

Microsoft Certifications Roadmap

Microsoft’s latest certification roadmap is organised around three core solution areas:

• Cloud & AI Platforms
• AI Business Solutions
• Security

The March 2026 roadmap also highlights Microsoft Business and GitHub certifications, reflecting Microsoft’s wider certification offering.

Cloud & AI Platforms Certifications

Cloud & AI Platforms certifications are aimed at professionals working with Azure infrastructure, development, networking, AI, databases, analytics, and data platforms.

Examples include:

• Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
• Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900)
• Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900)
• Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
• Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204)
• Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
• DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400)
• Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700)
• Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate (AZ-800 / AZ-801)
• Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102)
• Azure Data Scientist Associate (DP-100)
• Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300)
• Power BI Data Analyst Associate (PL-300)
• Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate (DP-600)
• Fabric Data Engineer Associate (DP-700)
• Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) Engineer Associate (Beta) (AI-300)
• Azure Databricks Data Engineer Associate (Beta) (DP-750)
• SQL AI Developer Associate (Beta) (DP-800)
• Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty (AZ-120)
• Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty (AZ-140)
• Azure Cosmos DB Developer Specialty (DP-420)

AI Business Solutions Certifications

AI Business Solutions certifications focus on Microsoft 365, Power Platform, Dynamics 365, collaboration technologies, and AI-enabled business solutions.

Examples include:

• Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900)
• Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900)
• Endpoint Administrator Associate (MD-102)
• Administrator Expert (MS-102)
• Teams Administrator Associate (MS-700)
• Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate (MS-721)
• Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate (PL-200)
• Power Platform Developer Associate (PL-400)
• Power Automate RPA Developer Associate (PL-500)
• Power Platform Solution Architect Expert (PL-600)
• Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate (MB-230)
• Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate (MB-240)
• Dynamics 365 Customer Experience Analyst Associate (MB-280)
• Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate (MB-310)
• Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate (MB-330)
• Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Expert (MB-335)
• Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Developer Associate (MB-500)
• Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert (MB-700)
• Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate (MB-800)
• Dynamics 365 Business Central Developer Associate (MB-820)
• Microsoft 365 Copilot and Agent Administration Fundamentals (AB-900)
• Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect (AB-100)

Security Certifications

Microsoft security certifications are designed for professionals responsible for identity, access, architecture, operations, and information security across Microsoft environments.

Examples include:

• Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)
• Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)
• Security Operations Analyst Associate (SC-200)
• Identity and Access Administrator Associate (SC-300)
• Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100)
• Information Security Administrator Associate (SC-401)

GitHub Certifications

Current GitHub certifications include:

• GitHub Foundations (GH-900)
• GitHub Administration (GH-100)
• GitHub Actions (GH-200)
• GitHub Copilot (GH-300)
• GitHub Advanced Security (GH-500)

Microsoft business certifications

Microsoft has also introduced business-focused AI certifications aimed at non-technical and transformation-focused roles.

These currently include:

• AI Business Professional (AB-730)
• AI Transformation Leader (AB-731)

How to choose the right Microsoft certification

The best Microsoft certification for you will depend on your current experience, your job role, and the technologies you work with.

If you are new to Microsoft certifications, starting with a Fundamentals certification is often the best approach. If you already work in a specific role such as administrator, developer, consultant, data analyst, or architect, a role-based certification may be more suitable. If you want to prove deeper expertise in a focused area, a specialty certification may be the right next step. If your role is more strategic or business-focused, Microsoft’s newer business certifications may be worth considering.

How to prepare for a Microsoft certification

Once you have identified the right certification path, the next step is to prepare for the exam in a way that suits your learning style and schedule.

At ExperTrain, we work in partnership with Skillsoft Global Knowledge to offer official Microsoft training and exam preparation for a wide range of Microsoft certifications. Training options may include instructor-led virtual courses, classroom training, and other supported learning formats depending on the certification.

Microsoft Certifications FAQ

Which Microsoft certification is best for beginners?

Microsoft Fundamentals certifications are usually the best starting point for beginners, career changers, and anyone who wants to build a broad understanding before moving on to role-based certifications.

Depending on your interests, a good starting point may be:

• Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
• Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900)
• Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900)
• Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900)
• Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900)
• Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)
• Microsoft 365 Copilot and Agent Administration Fundamentals (AB-900)

Can I take Microsoft certification exams online?

Microsoft certification exam delivery and exam options can change over time, so it is best to check the current exam details when booking. As a general rule, Microsoft certification exams are offered through authorised testing arrangements and may include online options depending on the exam and region.

How long do Microsoft certifications last?

It depends on the certification type. Microsoft says Fundamentals certifications do not expire, while Associate, Expert and Specialty certifications need to be renewed annually. When you pass the renewal assessment, the certification is extended by one year from the expiry date.

How do I renew a Microsoft certification?

Microsoft renewals are completed through Microsoft Learn. Microsoft says renewals are free, available during a six-month eligibility window, and the assessment is shorter than the original exam, open book, and unproctored.

How much does a Microsoft certification exam cost?

Microsoft says exam pricing varies by country and region. As a general guide, Associate and Expert exams typically cost US$165, but local pricing and taxes may apply, so it is best to check the individual exam page before booking.

How do I book a Microsoft certification exam?

Microsoft says certification exams are scheduled through Pearson VUE. Microsoft also says exams can normally be booked up to 90 days in advance.

Can I take a Microsoft certification exam from home?

Yes. Microsoft says many certification exams can be taken online through Pearson VUE from your home or office. A proctor monitors the exam via webcam and microphone, and you must meet the technical and environment requirements before sitting the exam.

Are there practice tests or mock exams available?

Microsoft offers Practice Assessments for many certifications through Microsoft Learn. Microsoft says these are designed to help you prepare, but they are not a replacement for formal training or hands-on experience with Microsoft products.

Can I share my Microsoft certification on LinkedIn or with employers?

Yes. Microsoft says you can share your credential through your Microsoft Learn profile, including on LinkedIn, social media, or by sharing your transcript. Microsoft also says you can generate a share link for your transcript or save it as a PDF.

Can I still share a certification if it has been retired?

Yes. Microsoft says that if you earned a credential that has since been retired, you can still view and share it through your Microsoft Learn profile, and it will remain on your Microsoft Learn transcript.

Are Microsoft certification exams available in other languages?

Yes. Microsoft says certification exams are available in multiple languages. Microsoft also provides information on accommodations, including support when an exam is not available in a candidate’s native language.

Where can I view or download my Microsoft certification transcript?

Microsoft says you can view, share and print your transcript from your Microsoft Learn profile. From there, you can create a share link or save the transcript as a PDF.

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