MICROSOFT CERTIFICATION TRAINING
- Non-Technical Certifications
- Technical Certifications
With good training (like what you get from The Academy!) you can prepare for Microsoft certification in their desktop applications (Office), and their technical programs. Earning a professional certification shows you are keeping pace with today’s technology.
To become Microsoft certified you must pass the authorized exam(s). Though no specific training is required, Microsoft advises the best way to prepare for a certification exam is by having hands-on experience with the technology.
Skill up, prove your expertise to employers and peers, and get recognition and advancement opportunities by earning a Microsoft certification.
Microsoft Certifications: Non-Technical
(Business / End User)
Microsoft Office Specialist ( MOS )
A MOS certification confirms you have the skills needed to get the most out of a specific software program within the suite of Microsoft Office / Office 365. MOS certification is available for most Microsoft Office products including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and more.
Microsoft Office Specialist Expert ( MOS Expert )
A possible next step after earning MOS is MOS Expert. (Though MOS certification is not a required prerequisite for MOS Expert certification, it will provide you with a solid foundation upon which to tackle MOS Expert credential.) MOS Expert certification validates you have advanced skills in key Office programs such as Excel, Word and so on.
Microsoft Certifications: Technical
(IT Pro / Developer)
Microsoft Role-based Certifications
There are three levels of Microsoft technical role-based certifications:
- Fundamentals (optional)
Fundamentals certification is entry-level and a good starting point for those new to a technology and who are lacking foundation skills. Fundamentals certification is earned by passing a single exam and is not required for Associate-level certifications.
- Associate
Earning an Associate certification shows you are keeping pace with today’s technology. You must pass the required exam(s) to receive an Associate certification. - Expert
The Expert credential is the top level. Requirements vary by product/technology. In some instances, there is a required prerequisite of a specific Associate-level certification.
Fundamentals Associate and Expert certification levels are available in these technologies:
- Microsoft Azure
- Microsoft 365
(Includes Windows 10, Office 365 and Enterprise Mobility + Security.) - Microsoft Dynamics 365
- Microsoft Power Platform
- Security, Compliance & Identity
Microsoft Technical Certification Learning Paths
Click a role-based title to view the Microsoft Certification Learning Path.
Upgrade Path from MCSE / MCSD to Role-based Certification
For those who already hold a MCSE or MCSD certification, see recommended path to Microsoft Role-based Certifications.
MCSA / MCSE / MCSD Certification
Retirement of MCSA / MCSE / MCSD Certifications
Microsoft is phasing out Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Solutions Expert (MCSE) and Solutions Developer (MCSD) certifications. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the retirement deadline for some specific credentials has been extended to January 31, 2021. (The original retirement deadline was June 30, 2020.) Others are already retired.
The Academy Bundle purchasers and others working toward an active MCSA, MCSE or MCSD certification need to pass ALL the required exams before the 2010 deadline. The Academy cannot change the retirement deadline nor grant extensions or exceptions of any kind. Additionally, retired courses are not applicable for The Academy‘s free retake option.*
Those new to certification should consider Microsoft’s Role-based certifications.
MCSA / MCSE / MCSD Certification Paths:
Mobility
Replaced by Microsoft 365 role-based certifications
Cloud Platform & Infrastructure
Replaced by Microsoft 365 role-based certificationsProductivity
Replaced by Microsoft 365 role-based certifications- Data Management & Analytics
(SQL Server, BI, Machine Learning) - App Builder
(Visual Studio, Universal Windows Platform, Web Apps, SharePoint Server)
If you have already earned MCSA, MCSD or MCSE status, the certification will remain on your Microsoft transcript in the active section of your transcript for two years from the retirement date of the certification; at that time the certification will be moved to the “inactive” section of your transcript.
The Academy Training Centers is a Microsoft Learning Partner
The Academy has been helping candidates prep for certification ever since Microsoft first introduced their professional certifications.
Instructor-led Training (ILT). Our technical-level ILT classes are taught by a Microsoft Certified Trainer using Microsoft authorized materials. The instructor is remote and we use full conferencing technology so classes are fully interactive . Training is live and hands-on. Select your class dates from our public class schedule. You can attend class at any of our more than 300 training locations, or from your own location.
Why The Academy as Your Microsoft Training Partner
Authorized Microsoft Classes at The Academy Training Centers
The Academy is a Microsoft Learning Partner. Instructor-led Microsoft technical classes use authorized materials and are taught by a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT).
Education Advisors to Help You
Our advisors can answer questions you may have about classes, vendor certifications and discount options to help you select the training that is right for you. For assistance, contact our Education Advisors toll free in the USA at 1-800-288-8221 (weekdays).
Microsoft Software Assurance Vouchers Accepted Here
The Academy accepts Microsoft Software Assurance Training Vouchers (SATV) on Microsoft-approved courses. Note, Microsoft is retiring the SATV benefit effective January 01, 2022. SA Vouchers must be used prior to that date. Learn more and view approved classes.
