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Unlock the latest scenario-based credentials aligned with your learning goals
Microsoft credentials are a testament to your expertise, offering industry-trusted and verified accreditations across three classifications: Fundamentals Certifications, Role-Based Certifications, and the new scenario-specific Applied Skills. Acquiring these credentials significantly bolsters your value, making you essential to your current or prospective workplace.
What are Microsoft Applied Skills?
In October of last year, Microsoft announced Microsoft Applied Skills credentials. These real-world, scenario-based credentials focus on skill sets that address critical business problems, empowering you to have a bigger impact on your projects, at your organization, and in your career. These non-certified credentials are earned upon successful completion of an online, on-demand assessment that entails a series of tasks within an interactive lab setting.
Microsoft Applied Skills are categorized based on specific skill sets. The current credentials are as follows:
| Category | Solutions |
| Infrastructure |
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| Digital and App Innovation |
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| Data and AI |
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| Business Applications |
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| Modern Work |
|
| Security |
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Additionally, Microsoft is preparing to release further Applied Skills credentials including:
| Category | Solutions |
| Data and AI |
|
| Security |
|
| Modern Work |
|
How do Applied Skills credentials differ from Microsoft certifications?
Microsoft certifications are designed to keep pace with the evolving roles and technologies in your field. These industry-recognized certifications can be earned by demonstrating the broad skills required for success and growth in your role. Gain these qualifications by passing exams that utilize real-world problems, and stay certified through Microsoft's recertification process.
Applied Skills credentials are introduced not as replacements but as complements to certifications, validating highly specific skill sets as opposed to the broader Microsoft certifications. Microsoft's role-based certifications assess a wider range of competencies to foster adaptable professionals for the ever-changing tech landscape. In contrast, Applied Skills target precise abilities tailored to solve distinct business problems or organizational challenges.
How can you determine which Microsoft credential fits your needs?
When choosing between Microsoft certifications and Microsoft Applied Skills, consider the type of skills you would like to highlight. Microsoft certifications are ideal if showcasing a wide range of skills needed for a particular job role. However, if you are interested in validating your expertise related to a specific problem or scenario your organization is facing, you should pursue an Applied Skills credential.
Some more key differentiators to evaluate are:
- Breadth of Skills Validated: Certifications typically evaluate 4-6 skill sets; Applied Skills evaluate one specific skill set.
- Focus: Certifications are role-based; Applied Skills are project-based.
- Purpose: Certifications verify skills needed for technical aspects of job roles leveraging Microsoft solutions and technologies; Applied Skills validate capabilities related to specific scenarios that could be hindering an organization.
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