Microsoft is thrilled to stand alongside the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) and Government Technical Cloud Community in inspiring you to expand your horizons and validate your expertise through certification.

Certification isn’t just a badge; it’s a game-changer for you and your team. According to a recent study by Pearson VUE, 92% of participants reported boosted self-assurance after achieving certifications. In addition, 79% felt a surge of respect from their colleagues, and 74% gained greater autonomy in their work.

Managers, take note – certified candidates bring substantial advantages too. 81% deliver higher-quality output, 72% exhibit enhanced efficiency, and 82% excel in mentoring and supporting their peers. To discover more, download the Pearson VUE 2023 Value of IT Certification report.

Whether you’re a tech-savvy pro or a beginner, we offer a range of learning opportunities to propel you toward certification success. From self-study resources to interactive virtual classes led by expert instructors, our offerings cater to various learning styles. And we’ve teamed up with our valued learning partners to provide even more options.

Who can access these training resources?

Civil Servants with a gov.uk, gov.scot, gov.wales, nhs.uk, police.uk or sch.uk email domain are eligible to claim exam discounts, access ESI training and submit a claim for a certification prize. Additional training opportunities on this page, including Cloud Skills Challenges, Virtual Training Days and our Azure Connected Learning Experience, are open to all.

Learning resources on this page

Let’s start with AI

• AI skills challenges
• Cloud skills challenges*
• Azure Connected Learning Experience*

Exams and certifications

• Discounts
• Practice assessments and support*
• Certification prizes**

Live training sessions

• Virtual Training Days*

Additional support

• Microsoft Learn*
• Microsoft Learning Partners**
• Achieve more with Microsoft

*Open to all
**Eligible participants only

Getting started

There’s a world of learning available for you from Microsoft, but knowing where to start can be daunting. This page brings together some great resources to help you get certified in October.

Where to start will depend on what you want to learn, and how:

• Our Fundamentals certifications are great for IT pros looking to start their certification journey from the beginning – or for anybody else that wants to learn more about an area, or understand the art of the possible. These are broken down by area: certifications are available for Azure Fundamentals, AI Fundamentals, Data Fundamentals, Power Platform Fundamentals, Security Fundamentals and more.

• Prefer to learn through self-study?  Sign up for one of our free Cloud Skills Challenges that offer a curated collection of content that gives you the knowledge you need to pass the exam. These skills challenges run until the end of October and you can join as many as you like. Looking for more advanced content for self-study? Check out the content on Microsoft Learn or email us at OctCertHelp@microsoft.com and we’ll help you find what you need.

• Prefer video-based learning? Our Virtual Training Days are just for you. Offering a range of Fundamentals and non-certification content, these free classes are open to all. Look out for the non-certification classes if you’re looking for something more specific and technical.

• Need a little help with exam preparation? Our Azure Connection Learning Experience offers curated learning and exam preparation for a number of Microsoft certifications if you need extra help getting across the line.

• Check out the free sessions and other training from our valued learning partners. These links will take you to additional free classes that can support your learning. They include webinars, instructor-led classes, such as free Azure Administrator and Cybersecurity Architect training from Fast Lane.

When you feel ready, try one of our Practice Assessments to test your readiness before booking your exam. Don’t forget to utilise your ESI exam discount (50%) when booking. Make the exam free by claiming an additional discount and once you’re certified, complete the CCDO form for a chance to claim some great Microsoft swag.

Let’s start with AI

We’ve pulled together a wide array of learning opportunities, from foundational to more advanced role-based content. This includes some great study fundamentals on Azure, Data, AI, Power Platform and Security, together with some exciting content around Generative AI.  

AI skills challenges

There is a massive amount of interest in this area currently, and it’s worth hearing from Angie Heise, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Worldwide Public Sector, on how Artificial Intelligence could support public sector organisations. Read this post from Angie Heise to understand some of the potential implications that advanced AI can have for the public sector, especially in areas such as citizen services, internal efficiencies, working with deep data and creative support.

To further expand your AI understanding and skills:

• Register for our Microsoft Build: AI Day at ExCeL London on October 19, 2023. This free one-day, in-person event helps developers discover new opportunities with AI and enhance their knowledge and skills to deliver more value using AI and Microsoft Azure. Join Microsoft product and engineering experts, and industry disrupters, to share ideas and unleash creativity with the power of AI.
  
• Register for our Career Essentials in Generative AI course and gain a Professional Certificate. This free course explains the core concepts of Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI functionality, preparing you to apply Generative AI in your own career.

• Register for our 1-day Master Class: OpenAI ChatGPT Capabilities, Use Cases and Integrations on October 27, 2023. This exclusive one-day (Fast Lane developed) course provides AI users and business decision-makers with a comprehensive introduction to the technology, key functionalities and pricing, an understanding of its capabilities and limitations, best practices, and the chance to find out how you can incorporate ChatGPT technology to support your business today.

Keen to find out more about AI and Azure? Check out these great resources to get you started:

If you’re looking for even more content on Generative AI, please check out this AI Learning Companion pathway.

Cloud skills challenges*

You can also invest in your learning by participating in our fun and friendly cloud skills challenges.

Compete Track your progress using the leaderboard as you navigate Microsoft’s digital learning platform Microsoft Learn.

Learn Sign up for one or more challenges and work through the content at a time that works for you.

Develop Skills Check out the practice assessment on the exam page to make sure you are exam-ready before taking advantage of exam discounts to get certified.

Choose your challenge:

Azure Connected Learning Experience*

Microsoft Azure Connected Learning Experience (CLX) is an experiential training programme that sets a path for you to become an Azure expert. The CLX programme offers a personalised journey that aims to optimise your learning experience while maximising your return on time invested. 

The four-step programme is designed to deliver exam readiness with a personalised learning journey that’s curated to meet your needs.  

• Register to receive recommendations on specific modules to study, elevate your understanding with practice tests and comprehensive Microsoft Learn study materials, and access on-demand hands-on labs and interactive guides to elevate your practical insights.  
• Join multiple instructor-led cram sessions hosted by world-class industry experts who will guide you to be ready for your first or next Azure certification exam.  
• Prepare at your own pace and crack your Azure Certification Exam efficiently. 

Register for the Microsoft Azure Connected Learning Experience

Exams and certifications

Discounts

If your organisation is enrolled in the Microsoft Enterprise Skills Initiative (ESI) you’ll have access to a 50% discount on a range of exams, making your certification journey even more accessible.

Our Claiming Your Exam Discount guide walks you through the steps to claim your discount and schedule your exam. We’ve even reserved a limited number of exam vouchers that stack on top of the ESI discount, reducing your exam cost to zero.

Don’t miss out – secure your spot by completing the Microsoft exam voucher application form.  

The additional vouchers are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’ve missed the opportunity, you might be able to reclaim this balance payment from your Learning and Development (L&D) team, if the certification supports your current role. Please check with them first.  

If you have any questions about the programme or claiming your exam discount, please contact us at OctCertHelp@microsoft.com.  

Practice assessments and support*

You can gear up for success with our range of free practice assessments. These invaluable tools allow you to fine-tune your skills before the big exam day. Check out the exam page for each assessment to access these practice resources – or follow the links below for some of our most popular ones:

Need help or advice on what content you should start with, or what is most relevant to your role? Perhaps you have a technical question or want to discuss your project with a Microsoft SME. We’re only an email away at OctCertHelp@microsoft.com. Alternatively, why not join one of our many drop-in sessions running through October:

Certification prizes**

We believe in celebrating your achievements, so we’re also delighted to let you know about our certification prizes. Simply complete the certification prizes claim form provided by CDDO, who will then share your details with us. The first 200 to correctly provide the requested proof of a certification achieved in October 2023 will receive a special Microsoft swag voucher in their inbox.

Please note that prize claims are subject to the following terms and conditions:

• Claims will only be accepted from customers of a participating government department. Personal email addresses won’t be considered.
• By completing and submitting the CDDO form, you agree to us validating your certification and contacting you about your claim.
• Certificate prizes are limited to the first 200 submissions and will be sent to UK postal addresses only.
• One prize per customer, regardless of the number of exams passed during the event.
• Claims must be submitted by Friday, November 10, 2023, 12:00 p.m. (GMT+1). Claims received after this date won’t be considered.
• Prizes are non-negotiable, non-transferable and non-refundable. No cash alternative is available.

For any questions, please contact OctCertHelp@microsoft.com.

Live training sessions

Virtual Training Days*

Microsoft Virtual Training Days are free, in-depth virtual training events covering foundational concepts, terms, and capabilities. A great alternative (or complement) to self-study to get you ready to earn your Fundamentals certification.

Additional support

Microsoft Learn*

Microsoft Learn. Spark possibility.

Build skills that open doors. See all you can do with documentation, hands-on training and certifications to help you get the most from Microsoft products. Access a range of self-study resources at Microsoft Learn. For a collection of Microsoft resources aligned to role and certain products, please also see www.aka.ms/pathways.

Microsoft Learning Partners**

Microsoft Learning Partners can help you get the most out of your organisation’s technology investment, building knowledge and new skills in Microsoft technologies through classroom training or Microsoft Official Courses On-Demand. Our learning partners are proud to support this skills initiative – please check their details below.

Fastlane

Fast Lane is uniquely positioned among a select few globally, having achieved all six Microsoft solution designations. Fast Lane’s approach is not just about education; it’s about practical, hands-on skilling that tackles the intricate realms of Cloud, Data, AI, and Security. With a highly targeted and tailored approach, Fast Lane doesn’t just teach – it solves real-world challenges. Through precise alignment with and a deep understanding of Microsoft’s ecosystem, Fast Lane empowers individuals and organisations with the skills needed to thrive in today’s complex technological landscape.

Find out more about Fast Lane’s support for this skills initiative and also register for its free ChatGPT 1-day webinar and free virtual instructor-led classes on Azure Administrator (AZ-104) and Cybersecurity Architect (SC-100).

Firebrand

Firebrand is proud to be a Microsoft Cloud Partner. It is one of a number of companies in the world to have received this badge through proven expertise in delivering quality solutions across six specialist business areas: Business Applications (Dynamics 365 and Power Platform), Data & AI, Infrastructure, Digital & App Innovation, Modern Work and Security.

Find out more about Firebrand

QA

QA is one of the largest Microsoft Learning Partners in the UK, and one of the only Microsoft Learning Partners to be recognised as a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Microsoft Cloud. QA offers a broad range of training in Microsoft technologies and applications, including cloud technical skills (from Azure to Office 365) and office apps (from Excel to Power BI).

Find out more about QA

Skillsoft

(Coming soon.)

Achieve more with Microsoft

We’re genuinely excited for you to seize this opportunity to embark on a transformative learning journey. As you equip yourself to learn and take on new career challenges, you may soon be ready to distinguish yourself as a public sector change agent.

If you have any questions or need guidance on where to start, our dedicated team is here to help. Please reach out to us at OctCertHelp@microsoft.com, and we’ll be delighted to help you on your path to success.

Let’s elevate your skills and make your mark together!

*Open to all
**Eligible participants only

About the author

Paul is the Microsoft UK Public Sector Skills Lead with over 20 years of experience in the IT industry. He is passionate about cloud computing, and how learning can power digital innovation and transform careers. Paul is currently leading the development of training programmes for Microsoft’s public sector customers across Central Government, Local Government and Policing, helping individuals and organisations realize the benefits of their investment in Microsoft solutions.

The post Introducing a world of opportunities: advance your skills with Microsoft appeared first on Microsoft Industry Blogs - United Kingdom.

There have been many times in my career when I felt it necessary to pivot. I can’t give you evidence of a strong indicator of why I felt that way, just that things needed to change. Sometimes it was a wholesale change; sometimes it was just a slight modification. But with each adaptation I’ve learned and grown, and I guess it worked because I’m still here, still in love with technology.

With all my accumulated years as a technology worker, it could have been a sort of technology awareness, knowing that I’d spent too many cycles in a focus area and that the area was almost spent. Maybe I was just in tune with the technological cosmos, but those times – when I’ve accepted them and reacted – have been some of the most monumental and rewarding.

Talking with others through my interactions at conferences, events and in communities, I know that many have also felt this tug throughout their career, but many even more recently. I believe we are at another one of these junction points. I’ve personally been trying to expand my scope of knowledge in areas where I’m uncomfortable and I know that my efforts will help me to grow again and stay a resilient technological citizen for even more years to come.

One of the best ways to approach this potential lane change is to delve into areas you’re not immediately comfortable with and locate available resources for learning. In doing so, you are much better able to identify the new lane you want to be in, and you’ll start to find new areas of interest. Pivoting doesn’t have to be torturous. Adding new expertise shouldn’t feel like a punishment. You’ll quickly identify a new area where you feel a new cosmic harmony. Find it and stick with it.

As a security person at Microsoft, I can tell you that security threads throughout everything you work with each day. If there were one single area I would propose you focus on, it would be security – particularly how the Microsoft Security platform integrates and interacts with your hybrid environment. This is a very good place to be right now and an awesome career path. And, while you may feel comfortable with the overall security for devices, applications, services and users you manage, building deeper knowledge in these areas is important and can help ease that hunger for change.

Here’s some recommended areas that might be slightly out of your comfort zone that you can use to test the waters:

• SC-200: Mitigate threats using Microsoft 365 Defender
• SC-300: Implement an identity management solution
• SC-400: Implement Information Governance in Microsoft 365
• Protect on-premises identities with Microsoft Defender for Cloud for Identity

Good luck in your endeavours and hopefully our cosmic technology paths will cross one day.

Learn more

• This article was written for the Monthly TechNet UK IT Pro Newsletter – sign up today!
• How to get started with Microsoft certifications
• A look at new Windows Server Hybrid certification
• New Azure features and functionality for April 2022

The post How to pivot as an IT Pro appeared first on Microsoft Industry Blogs - United Kingdom.

Hello Folks,

Hybrid is the end state I believe we’re all chasing, which means that all of your on-prem skills are valuable. But we as a community must ensure we’re maintaining well rounded skills. To measure those skills, we designed the Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate certification.

Last December, we released beta exams. The beta is closed now, which tells us that we can expect the exams to be available to everyone soon. Those exams will measure the following:

• Deploy and manage Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) in on-premises and cloud environments (30-35%)
• Manage Windows Servers and workloads in a hybrid environment (10-15%)
• Manage virtual machines and containers (15-20%)
• Implement and manage an on-premises and hybrid networking infrastructure (15-20%)
• Manage storage and file services (15-20%)

Are you ready for them? Now is the time to start preparing to take those exams. Even if you’re not planning on taking them as soon as they release, preparation has the side effect of making you more knowledgeable and prepared for the hybrid-by-design world.

To get ready for the exams, or to enhance your skills in general, I highly suggest the following resources:

• Check out the exam pages for details. The Exam AZ-800 skills outline and the Exam AZ-801 skills outline alert you to key topics covered on the exams.
• Review this Microsoft Learn collection.
• Gear up with the AZ-800 Study Guide and the AZ-801 Study Guide created by Microsoft Cloud Advocate Orin Thomas.
• Need other preparation ideas? Check out my blog post on Just How Does One Prepare for Beta Exams?

Keep an eye on the Microsoft Learn Blog or the ITOpsTalk blog for any announcements.

Cheers!

Learn more

• This article was written for the Monthly TechNet UK IT Pro Newsletter – sign up today!
• New Azure features and functionality for January 2022
• How to get started with Microsoft certifications

The post A look at new Windows Server Hybrid certification appeared first on Microsoft Industry Blogs - United Kingdom.

Hello Folks,

There have been many questions regarding the lack of updated Microsoft Windows certification exams in the last year or so. Considering the fact that there are approximately 2.2 million professionals on LinkedIn with Windows Server in their job role description and 800 thousand professionals that certified on Windows Server since 2012, we knew we had to do something. And did we ever!

Windows Server Summit, it was announced that we will have a new Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate certification, releasing early December 2021.

Orin Thomas led the initiative to give IT Pros focusing on an on-premises environment a reason to be excited, as this new certification will validate the skills of administrators working in hybrid environments. Hybrid is the reality for many organisations that are building new cloud-native applications, while still supporting current on-premises applications. We know that Windows Server administrators help organisations successfully make the most of these environments.

You can start preparing now for the upcoming beta exams

Even though these exams will be released in December 2021, you can start preparing for them now:

• Check out the exam page for details. The Exam AZ-800 (beta) skills outline and the Exam AZ-801 (beta) skills outline documents alert you to key topics covered in the exams.
• Tune in for two special IT Ops Talk episodes, in which Microsoft Cloud Advocate @OrinThomas takes Azure Stack HCI/Windows Server/Hybrid Cloud Principal Program Manager @Jeff Woolsey through the details for both exams: AZ-800 Reaction and AZ-801 Reaction.
• Gear up with study guides created by Orin Thomas:
  • AZ-800 Study Guide
  • AZ-801 Study Guide

Be a leader in the hybrid future

Start learning about the Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate certification today and signal that you have what it takes to manage and deploy infrastructure and apps in the new hybrid future.

Cheers!

Learn more

• This article was written for the Monthly TechNet UK IT Pro Newsletter – sign up today!
• New Azure features and functionality for August​ 2021
• Plan and implement a hybrid environment
• Introduction to Azure hybrid cloud services
• Azure Orbital, and why you should skill up for the future

The post It’s up to you to lead the hybrid future: New Hybrid certification arrives this December appeared first on Microsoft Industry Blogs - United Kingdom.

Certifications. For a lot of people, they’re a lot like Marmite – you either love them, or you hate them. But they can be really helpful in our professional journeys. I’d like to share my experience with them, along with some thoughts that I’ve gathered on the way, which I hope will be helpful to others too!

My journey with Microsoft technology began in 2008, when I joined a small ISV that was delivering a product based around Dynamics CRM 4.0. Being the support person, I was told that I should look at taking the relevant Microsoft exams. Dutifully, I started studying for them, and took a few. I didn’t pass all of them, but passed enough to be relevant for what I needed to do at the time.

That was really it, for a while. I continued to engage with Microsoft technology in the form of Dynamics CRM (various versions along the way), Office 365 (I remember when it launched!), and various other pieces of technology.

When running my own small MSP (Managed Service Partner), the company whom we purchased licenses through offered us the ability to do a licensing course with exams. That sounded cool, so I went for it (it did help that they put us up in a hotel for 3 days!). I came out of that being officially recognised as a Licensing Specialist Expert, though that didn’t really do much, to tell the truth.

Fast forward a decade or so to 2019. I was attending one of the Dynamics 365 User Group days in London, and Julian Sharp was presenting a session around qualifications. I hadn’t really met Julian before, but had heard really great things, so I signed up for the session.

Julian is an MCT (Microsoft Certified Trainer). There’s a general perception that most people are one or two ‘steps’ away from Julian, across the world. Either he’s trained someone directly, or he’s trained the trainer who’s given the training to people. It’s really quite amusing to see how many people know him!

During the session, he explained some of the various certifications, and challenged us to go book an exam and take it. He also gave us some examples of how best to revise, including breaking the material down into a small manageable chunks.

I decided to take up his challenge, and went ahead and did exactly that. Unfortunately I didn’t pass it, but I didn’t let it phase me either. I rebooked it for a few months later, and got down to some serious studying.

In fact, I also booked two other exams for the same day – I thought that I’d really take this to the next level.

Preparing for exams

Preparation for exams for me usually comprises of starting with the Microsoft Learn path/s that are available. I’ll also talk to other people who have taken the exam, and look for blog posts around it. There are some really great resources out there around the different exams, and I really do appreciate the time that people have taken to share their experiences with the community.

Passing exams (or combinations of exams) can result in shiny badges. By passing the exams that I had, I got a few of them, and it started to get addictive.

Taking exams – the experience

There are generally two ways to take exams. Either you can go to an exam centre, or you can take one remotely (proctored). To memory, I’ve only ever taken one exam in a physical centre (and at the moment, most of them are currently shut anyhow). All of my other exams have been proctored.

To do an exam remotely, it’s necessary to be in a room alone (I lock the door), with nothing around that could be used for reference material. For the duration of the exam, I have a proctor watching and listening to me remotely, through my webcam and microphone.

It’s not for everyone, I’ll freely admit, but I have no problems in taking it like this and have taken all my exams (but one) in this way. True, there can occasionally be technical issues, but usually we manage to get through them, except of course for the time that my internet cut out in the middle!

For Julian’s challenge, I had actually gone ahead and booked a hotel room for the day, to make sure I could get through them in peace and quiet. It ensured that I wasn’t disturbed during the day, which I couldn’t be sure of either at home or in the office.

I sat the first exam, and passed. I had a 30 minute break until the next one started, and took the opportunity for some last minute revision and some fresh air. I then sat the second exam, and passed that. I was feeling quite happy about things so far, as to how the day was going.

Realising that I was on a high, I decided to push myself further. I still had one exam to take, but decided to be even crazier and book a fourth exam that I had been considering taking. Quickly I went online to get this booked in, and then it was onto my third exam.

Thankfully, I passed the last 2 exams as well, and finished up with passing four exams in one day! I haven’t repeated the experience since, but it was an incredible feeling to walk out with them all at the end of the day.

Why certifications are important

I’ve changed roles several times over the last 5 years and having certifications is actually quite important for a number of reasons.

Firstly, the exams have changed from being mostly theory-based to actually being very practical. It’s no longer possible to just read a book or study resources and pass it. Instead, it’s necessary to have in-depth hands-on experience with the systems. Taking (and passing) exams shows that we do know what we’re doing, and have the appropriate knowledge. It’s essentially a verification of our actual abilities, which is what prospective employers want to see.

Secondly, Microsoft has changed how companies become a Microsoft Partner. These now require people within the company to have passed various exams, with their certification profile associated with their employer. This then shows Microsoft that the partners actually have people who can deliver the technology that they’re supposed to be delivering.

As a result, I’ve found that when looking for a new position, being able to show that you have qualifications and certifications can help your profile stand out. Prospective employers do ask recruiters what candidates are experienced in, and this helps back it up and makes us more attractive hires.

Now, exams aren’t the cheapest of things to do. Some people are fortunate and their employers will pay for exams that they take. Other people aren’t as fortunate, and have to pay for exams themselves. I know several people who haven’t taken any exams due to the costs involved around them, and that they’d need to pay the cost out of their own pocket.

Getting started for free

What’s really amazing is that Microsoft now gives attendees at various events a FREE exam voucher. This happened at Ignite in 2019, as well as the Ignite the Tour series. All attendees were given a voucher that could be used across a wide number of exams.

This year with Ignite, Microsoft has launched the ‘Ignite Cloud Skills Challenge’. This gives you several Microsoft Learn tracks, created specifically for Ignite, that people can take. On completion of at least one of them, attendees will get an exam voucher.

This is really amazing, as not only are attendees then able to take an exam, but they are also prompted to carry out direct learning as well at the same time! More information around this can be found here.

Since a year ago, I’ve really been ploughing through more exams, and have taken more than 10 more since then. I’m continuing to do more, and have several booked over the next month or two. Shiny badges are addictive, and I can’t wait to add more to my collection!

I’m also taking the opportunity to write about my exam experiences on my blog, to be able to help others with their exam preparation! It’s really been wonderful to see that they’re able to help others revise and pass exams themselves.

The post How to get started with Microsoft certifications appeared first on Microsoft Industry Blogs - United Kingdom.