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 percent of participants reported boosted self-assurance after achieving certifications. In addition, 79 percent felt a surge of respect from their colleagues, and 74 percent gained greater autonomy in their work.

Managers, take note – certified candidates bring substantial advantages too. 81 percent deliver higher-quality output, 72 percent exhibit enhanced efficiency, and 82 percent 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 percent 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.

I used to spend a large amount of my time either reading or scribing for students in class for exams and assignments. There were a large number of students who needed help and not enough staff to go around. As the Head of Support for Learning, I would have to prioritise support which meant that many students would have to go without.

When I did attempt to incorporate technology, it was often difficult. Costly site licences would mean that my department budget was gone before I had even begun. During high pressured assessments, I could have as many as four different applications running at the same time. The potential for imminent catastrophe was always astronomical. As soon as I got one piece working, another would crash on me. It’s very difficult to maintain a calm exterior when everyone (student, invigilator, and exam officer) is looking for you to fix it instantaneously.

Discovering Microsoft’s tools

In 2015, I attended a CALL Scotland conference and had a chat with their director, telling him my woes. I’ll never forget when he turned to me and said “Have you ever tried OneNote? It’s like a digital notebook.”

I had noticed that purple logo near Word before but had never actually clicked on it. I went home and it felt like opening Pandora’s box. There were so many features. I started researching and found another new discovery, Class Notebook. I wasn’t sure if I was dreaming. You mean I can create a notebook for each of my students that I can have access to at any time, on any device? No more rummaging through school bags for crumpled notes that the students can’t read anyway.

Accessible by default

I started introducing Class Notebook to all my classes. Suddenly, I had the gift of time. Once the structure of the notebook was completed for students, spending time organising during lessons went out the window.

Class Notebook meant that I could spend time working with the students on the literacy intervention that really mattered. Little did I know what was going to happen next. More research online led to following the Microsoft Education Product Manager, Mike Tholfsen on social media. I noticed he was posting about a OneNote add-in called Learning Tools. It was at that point that I also discovered about the MIE Expert Programme.

Previously, I had used various Text to Speech software applications with limited success. They did the job but were clunky and often prone to crash. Worst of all, they were just another thing to worry about.

As part of Learning Tools, there’s something called Immersive Reader. As soon as I pressed its logo I was hooked. I couldn’t quite believe the options available to my students. Page colours could be instantaneously changed (no more need for coloured overlays; the students kept losing them anyway), line focus meant that my students could remove distractions and focus on one, three or five lines at time (no more reading rulers; again they just lost them).

Picture dictionary showed students an image of a word to support comprehension. It used BoardMaker symbols that I had previously spent monotonously printing, cutting, and laminating for hours.

As well as working with students with learning differences, we also had a significant number of English as an additional language learners. With learning tools, we were able to translate a single word or a whole page of text with one click. Last time I checked, Immersive Reader can translate text into 63 different languages and that list continues to grow.

In addition to Immersive Reader was the option to dictate directly into OneNote using, yes you guessed it, Dictate. I had tried various computer dictation programs, but they required both a studio quality microphone and the patience of a saint to train it to recognise a coherent sentence. Dictate was already there, integrated into OneNote, and it was incredibly accurate. It could even understand my Glaswegian accent!

Students could now access support for reading and writing at any time, in any place, with any device and, more importantly, without asking. The next step was to take these empowering and transformational tools out of the Support for Learning classroom and into the wider school.

Improving student outcomes

I decided to make it my life’s mission to share Learning Tools. Not just with my students and close colleagues, but everyone. I started running Digital Drop-In training sessions to demonstrate the power of Learning Tools and how other educators could start incorporating them into their own classroom settings.

My big goal was to incorporate Immersive Reader into the exam setting. This would remove the large amount of human readers required for each exam. We did face one problem – Immersive Reader is a cloud-based service and in public exams, the internet must be turned off.

Luckily our exam papers are all PDFs. By opening them in Microsoft Edge, you can use the Read Aloud function without an internet connection.

We started deploying this in exams and in a very short time we saw the transformational effect:

• Students were able to complete classwork, tests, and exams on their own but still access all the support they required to achieve their full potential.
• At the last set of exams, over 70 hours of staff time was saved on not deploying human readers.
• Costly site licences, from £500 to over £2000 a year were no longer necessary.

Creating a new legacy

Learning about the transformational power of Learning Tools and growing as an educator would not have been possible without joining the Microsoft Educator Community. There I started my journey to become an MIE Expert.

Doing this has taught me so many different things about the incredible features in the Microsoft tools. I would need another 10 posts to tell you them all!

I’ve also attended several MIE Expert events at London Paddington and even the new flagship Microsoft Store where I have been able to present my story. It was at an MIEE event that I first discovered FlipGrid. The student voice app has had a completely disruptive influence on my classroom and I mean that in the most positive of ways!

The work I have been doing with my students was recently rewarded after I won a global FlipGrid competition to attend E2 Education Exchange in Sydney, Australia in March 2020!

Trust me, becoming an MIE and starting your journey towards MIE Expert will change your life.

Looking back, I can still not fully comprehend what a transformational impact these tools have had on my students, colleagues, and myself both professionally and personally. Learning tools such as Immersive Reader and Dictate have completely changed the lives of my students. Becoming a Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Expert and joining the Microsoft Education PLN has completely changed mine!

Find out more

Join the Microsoft Educator Community today.

Build an inclusive classroom

About the author

Chris is an Additional Support Needs Teacher from Lanark Grammar School in Glasgow, Scotland. He has been an MIE (Microsoft Innovative Educator) Expert since August 2017. He is hugely passionate about the role technology plays in empowering young people and breaking down any barriers they may face in their learning, especially those with additional support needs.

The post Empower students, colleagues, and everyone with Microsoft’s Learning Tools appeared first on Microsoft Industry Blogs - United Kingdom.