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The job market has become more intense than ever, with rapid technological advancements constantly reshaping the skills required to thrive. To stay ahead of the curve, professionals need to prioritize two key strategies: mastering new skills and showcasing their expertise with confidence.
What better way to do this than with the support of an innovative market leader, like Microsoft? Microsoft offers two distinct – yet complimentary – pathways to create comprehensive learning experiences and help tech professionals reach their full potential: Microsoft Certifications and Applied Skills.
Applied Skills can boost training for your certification courses, enhancing engagement and ensuring learners can immediately apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios. Understanding the differences between these options can guide all of us in making more informed career decisions.
Are you interested in learning more? Join Microsoft’s Cait Huntsman, senior product manager, and Nandita Sampath, principal product manager, in an on-demand webinar on the certifications and skills from Microsoft that can help you supercharge your IT career in 2025.
Understanding Microsoft Certifications
Microsoft Certifications are designed to validate broad technical proficiency across various roles. That means they are role-based, ensuring that they cover a wide range of skills necessary for specific job functions. For instance, the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification validates expertise in designing and implementing solutions that run on Microsoft Azure, including aspects like compute, network, storage, and security.
Certifications focus on the breadth of skills acquired by IT professionals and are measured through exams with interactive elements. These exams often include case studies, multiple-choice questions, and performance-based tasks. Learning is typically scheduled, with structured courses and study materials provided by Microsoft by its Training Services Partners.
Earning a Microsoft Certification offers several advantages. Certifications demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of a particular technology or role. This means that certified professionals often have a competitive edge in the job market. After all, they lend credibility when they are widely recognized and respected in the industry.
For example, the Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate certification validates skills in data modeling, data visualization, and data analysis using Microsoft Power BI. This certification can open doors to roles such as data analyst, business analyst, and BI developer.
Exploring Applied Skills with Microsoft
Applied Skills, on the other hand, are designed to help IT professionals validate specific, scenario-based skills. These are project-based assessments that focus on practical, hands-on abilities. For example, an applied skill in AI and Machine Learning might involve building and deploying a machine learning model using Azure Machine Learning.
Applied Skills are measured via assessments during interactive lab experiences. These labs simulate real-world scenarios, allowing professionals to demonstrate their abilities in a controlled environment. Learning is typically on-demand, providing flexibility for busy professionals to learn at their own pace.
Pursuing Applied Skills shows that you can perform specific tasks and solve real-world problems. As an added benefit, Applied Skills have immediate applicability. They can be applied directly to job tasks, making you more effective in your role.
For instance, an applied skill in Azure DevOps might involve setting up a CI/CD pipeline, managing source control, and deploying applications. This hands-on experience is invaluable for roles such as DevOps engineer, software developer, and IT operations professional.
Choosing the Right Path for Your Career
So, which Microsoft credential is right for you? Here are some tips to help you determine what types of education you will need to get to the next level in your career.
Assess your career goals. When deciding between Microsoft Certifications and Applied Skills, consider your career goals. If you aim to demonstrate broad technical proficiency and gain recognition for a wide range of skills, certifications might be the right choice. On the other hand, if you want to validate specific, practical abilities that can be immediately applied to your job, pursuing Applied Skills could be more beneficial.
Evaluate learning preferences. Consider your learning preferences as well. Certifications typically involve scheduled learning with structured courses, while Applied Skills offer on-demand learning that you can fit into your schedule as needed. Role-based certifications provide a comprehensive overview, whereas project-based Applied Skills focus on specific scenarios.
Make an informed decision. Weigh the benefits of both certifications and Applied Skills – depending on what you are trying to accomplish, you may find both useful. Certifications can enhance your credibility and open new career opportunities, while Applied Skills demonstrate your practical abilities and readiness to tackle real-world challenges. Consider industry demands and your personal career aspirations to make the best choice for your professional development.
Choosing the right learning path is crucial for career advancement in the tech industry. Whether you opt for Microsoft Certifications or Applied Skills, or another type of learning altogether, these pathways offer valuable opportunities to validate your expertise and stay competitive in the job market.
Leverage all of the resources available to you – both personally and professionally – to enhance your skills and achieve your career goals. Remember, continuous learning is the key to success in the ever-evolving world of technology.