Taking Courses

Mastering a new technology can be challenging, but we make it easy to find training. More than 1,500 Microsoft Certified Partners for Learning Solutions offer classroom training worldwide, and there are more than 1,000 online courses in the Microsoft Learning Catalog.

Choose whether to enroll in a classroom course, take a series of online classes, or do a combination of both. Your choice depends on many factors, including your learning style. For some people, the classroom environment provides the one-on-one training they need to learn the intricacies of an application or process. Others prefer to learn online—at their own pace, from the comfort of their home or office.

Use the following chart to determine what type of training best meets your needs.

Benefit	Classroom training	Online course
Interact face-to-face with instructors and other students
Learn in a formal classroom setting
Learn from Microsoft Certified Trainers
Learn at your own pace from your home, office, or any place with an Internet connection
Repeat part or all of the class at no additional cost, often for up to a year
Work in virtual labs that provide real-world experience
Use Microsoft Official Courseware

Need help getting started?

If you are not sure what training to take, we offer Learning Plans, which can help guide your decision. Created by Microsoft experts, Learning Plans save you time by organizing the most relevant training into an interactive path that focuses on your specific training needs.

You can also search the Microsoft Learning Catalog, which provides access not only to training resources, but also to Microsoft Press books, online reference libraries, certification preparation guides and exams, Learning Snacks, and more.

Check out our Learning Snacks, short interactive presentations created by Microsoft Learning experts on popular technology topics.

Classroom training

Classroom training is taught by Microsoft Certified Trainers who use Official Microsoft Learning Products. These courses are offered through Microsoft Certified Partners for Learning Solutions.

To purchase this training, locate a partner in your area that offers the courses you want.

Online courses

Find online (Microsoft E-Learning) courses in the Microsoft Learning Catalog. Simply locate the class, clinic, or collection of courses that meets your needs, and you can sign up and purchase your selection at that time. Most online classes are available for up to a year.

Businesses that have a Microsoft software licensing subscription can use Microsoft Software Assurance benefits for classroom training.

To make classroom training more accessible, Microsoft Learning offers special programs for students and educators at all levels, from high school through university.