Microsoft Certification
Get hired, demonstrate clear business impact, and advance your skills with Microsoft certifications. Delivering a wide range of online certification programs we can help you take your career to the next level.
Browse certification categories
For a comprehensive look at all Microsoft Certification paths, download our guide here.
Mobility
Mobility
The Mobility competency is designed for those looking to stand out as the expert in powerful, secure mobility management solutions for large businesses.
Key technologies
Microsoft Intune
Azure Active Directory
Azure Rights Management
System Center Configuration Manager
Windows System Center
Cloud: Platform and infrastructure
Cloud: Platform and infrastructure
The Cloud Platform competency is designed for those looking to capitalize on the growing demand for infrastructure and software as a service (SaaS) solutions built on Microsoft Azure.
Key technologies
Windows Server Virtualization
Microsoft Azure
Productivity
Productivity
The Cloud Productivity competency is for those looking to deploy Microsoft Office cloud and hybrid solutions to enterprise customers. Differentiate yourself with this competency as a proven cloud solution expert.
Key technologies
Microsoft Office 365
Microsoft Office
Exchange
Skype for Business
SharePoint
Data: Management and Analytics
Data: Management and Analytics
The Data Management and Analytics competency recognizes those who demonstrate expertise in specific aspects of Microsoft Business Intelligence (BI) solutions to deliver, deploy, and support BI projects.
Key technologies
SQL Server
App Builder
App Builder
The App Builder competency provides resources to enable faster delivery and continuous improvement in the software delivery organization.
Key technologies
C#
Mobile Apps
Visual Studio
.NET
Framework 4.5
HTML5
SQLite
CSS3
Javascript
ASP.NET MVC
Business Applications
Business Applications
The Business Applications competency recognizes those who demonstrate expertise in specific aspects of Microsoft Dynamics technologies.
Key technologies
Microsoft Dynamics 365
SQL Server
Select a certification level
MOS: Microsoft Office Specialist Certification
The lifetime benefit of Microsoft Office Specialist
Demonstrate that you have the skills needed to get the most out of Office by earning a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification in a specific Office program.
If you are pursuing the higher level MCSA Office 365 or MCSE Productivity certifications, becoming a certified Microsoft Office Specialist is a great entry point.
MTA: Microsoft Technology Associate
The fundamentals of IT
Microsoft Technology Associate is a certification intended for aspiring technologists, and people seeking knowledge of fundamental technology concepts. MTA certification addresses a wide spectrum of fundamental technical concepts, assesses and validates your core technical knowledge, and enhances your technical credibility.
Ideal Candidate
New to technical certification or need to obtain fundamental knowledge of technology.
Required Skills
No prerequisite.
What's Involved
Complete and pass a series of exams from one of these MTA paths.
Continuing Education
Earn an MCSA or MCSD by taking and passing related elective exams.
MCSA: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate
Core skills for IT professionals and developers
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate is intended for people who seek entry-level jobs in an information technology environment. MCSA is a prerequisite for more advanced Microsoft certifications.
Ideal Candidate
New to technical certification or need to obtain core skills in new technology.
Required Skills
Introductory knowledge of technology through existing skills or a Microsoft Technical Associate (MTA) certification.
What's Involved
Complete and pass a series of exams from one of these MCSA paths.
Continuing Education
Earn an MCSE by taking and passing a related elective exam.
MCSE: Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert
The globally recognized standard for IT Professionals
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert is a certification intended for IT professionals seeking to demonstrate their ability to build innovative solutions across multiple technologies, both on-premises and in the cloud.
Ideal Candidate
IT professionals with an MCSA certification, seeking to expand their technical expertise.
Required Skills
Knowledge of technology through an MCSA certification.
What's Involved
Complete and pass a series of exams from one of these MCSE paths.
Continuing Education
Explore additional certifications to further expand your technical expertise.
MCSD: Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer
The globally recognized standard for IT Professionals
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert is a certification intended for IT professionals seeking to demonstrate their ability to build innovative solutions across multiple technologies, both on-premises and in the cloud.
Ideal Candidate
IT professionals with an MCSA certification, seeking to expand their technical expertise.
Required Skills
Knowledge of technology through an MCSA certification.
What's Involved
Complete and pass a series of exams from one of these MCSE paths.
Continuing Education
Explore additional certifications to further expand your technical expertise.
Visit the Microsoft Office Specialist Overview page to find related Office certifications and exams.
Select a certification technology
MTA: IT Infrastructure
Mobility
This certification is for individuals considering a career in desktop or server infrastructure or private cloud computing. MTA certification addresses a wide spectrum of fundamental technical concepts, assesses and validates your core technical knowledge, and enhances your technical credibility.
What is involved
Earning an MTA: IT Infrastructure certification can help you build a career in desktop or server infrastructure or private cloud computing.
STEP 1 - EXAMS
Pass 1 required exam.
Be sure to explore the exam prep resources.
STEP 2 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MTA:
IT Infrastructure.
MCSA: Windows 10
Mobility
Prove you have the expertise to configure, manage, and maintain a Windows 10 enterprise system.
What is involved
Earning an MCSA: Windows 10 certification qualifies you for a position as a computer support specialist.
STEP 1 - SKILLS
Possess introductory IT skills through existing knowledge or optional MTA Certification.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 2 required exams. Be sure to
explore the exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSA
Windows 10 certification.
STEP 4 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
Earn an MCSE by passing 1 related exam.
MCSE: Mobility
Mobility
This certification validates that you have the skills needed to manage devices in today’s bring-your-own-device (BYOD) enterprise.
What is involved
Earning an MCSE: Mobility certification qualifies you for a career path which can range from traditional desktop support technician to enterprise management of BYOD devices and apps.
STEP 1 - SKILLS
Earn your Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows 10 certification.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 1 required exam. Be sure to explore the
exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSE Mobility certification.
Select a certification technology
- MTAIT Infrastructure
- MCSACloud Platform
- MCSALinux on Azure
- MCSAWindows Server 2016
- MCSAWindows Server 2012
- MCSECloud Platform and Infrastructure
MCSA: Windows Server 2012
Cloud platform and infrastructure
Prove your mastery of the primary set of Windows Server 2012 skills required to reduce IT costs and deliver more business value.
What's involved
Earning an MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification qualifies you for a position as a network of computer systems administrator or as a computer network specialist, and it is the first step on your path to becoming a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).
STEP 1 - SKILLS
Possess introductory IT skills through existing knowledge or optional MTA Certification.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 3 required exams. Be sure to explore the exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification.
STEP 4 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
Earn an MCSE by passing 1 related exam.
MCSA: Windows Server 2016
Cloud platform and infrastructure
Prove your mastery of the primary set of Windows Server 2016 skills required to reduce IT costs and deliver more business value.
What's involved
Earning an MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification qualifies you for a position as a network or computer systems administrator or as a computer network specialist, and it is the first step on your path to becoming a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).
STEP 1 - SKILLS
Possess introductory IT skills through existing knowledge or optional MTA Certification.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 3 required exams. Be sure to explore the exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSA: Windows Server 2016.
STEP 4 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
Earn an MCSE by passing 1 related exam.
MCSA: Windows Server 2008
Cloud platform and infrastructure
This certification validates that you have the skills needed to work with Active Directory in a real-world business context.
What's involved
Earning an MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification qualifies you for such jobs as software developer and quality engineer.
STEP 1 - SKILLS
Possess introductory IT skills through existing knowledge or optional MTA Certification.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 3 required exams. Be sure to explore the exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification.
STEP 4 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
Earn an MCSE by passing 1 related exam.
MCSA: Linux on Azure
Cloud platform and infrastructure
This certification demonstrates your ability to design, architect, implement, and maintain complex cloud-enabled Linux® solutions that leverage Microsoft Azure open source capabilities. It also validates your Linux system administration skills to show that you are fluent in today’s cloud-native world.
What is involved
Earning an MCSA: Linux on Azure is the first step on your path to becoming a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).
STEP 1 - SKILLS
Possess introductory IT skills through existing knowledge or optional MTA Certification.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 2 required exams. Be sure to explore the
exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSA
Linux on Azure certification.
STEP 4 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
Earn an MCSE by passing 1 related exam.
MCSA: Cloud Platform
Cloud platform and infrastructure
This certification demonstrates your expertise in Microsoft cloud-related technologies to reduce IT costs and deliver more value for the modern business.
What is involved
Earning an MCSA: Cloud Platform provides the foundation for a position as a cloud administrator or architect and is the first step on your path to becoming a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).
STEP 1 - SKILLS
Possess introductory IT skills through existing knowledge or optional MTA Certification.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 2 required exams. Be sure to explore the
exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSA
Cloud Platform certification.
STEP 4 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
Earn an MCSE by passing 1 related exam.
MTA: IT Infrastructure
Cloud platform and infrastructure
This certification is for individuals considering a career in desktop or server infrastructure or private cloud computing. MTA certification addresses a wide spectrum of fundamental technical concepts, assesses and validates your core technical knowledge, and enhances your technical credibility.
What is involved
Earning an MTA: IT Infrastructure certification can help you build a career in desktop or server infrastructure or private cloud computing.
STEP 1 - EXAMS
Pass 1 required exam. Be sure to explore the
exam prep resources.
STEP 2 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MTA
IT Infrastructure.
MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure
Cloud platform and infrastructure
This certification validates that you have the skills needed to run a highly efficient and modern data center, with expertise in cloud technologies, identity management, systems management, virtualization, storage, and networking.
What is involved
Earning an MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification qualifies you for such jobs as cloud administrator, cloud architect, computer support specialist, and information security analyst.
STEP 1 - SKILLS
Earn an MCSA certification in one of the following: Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012, Cloud Platform, or Linux on Azure.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 1 required exam. Be sure to explore the
exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSE
Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification.
Select a certification technology
Visit the Microsoft Office Specialist Overview page to find related Office certifications and exams.
MCSE: Productivity
Productivity
This certification validates that you have the skills needed to move your company to the cloud, increase user productivity and flexibility, reduce data loss, and improve data security for your organization.
What is involved
Earning an MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification qualifies you for a position as a network or computer systems administrator or as a computer network specialist, and it is the first step on your path to becoming a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
STEP 1 - SKILLS
Earn one of the following MCSA certifications:
MCSA: Office 365
MCSA: Windows Server 2012
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 1 required exam.
Be sure to explore the exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSE:
Productivity certification.
STEP 4 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
Explore other certifications to broaden and advance skills.
MTA: IT Infrastructure
Cloud platform and infrastructure
This certification is for individuals considering a career in desktop or server infrastructure or private cloud computing. MTA certification addresses a wide spectrum of fundamental technical concepts, assesses and validates your core technical knowledge, and enhances your technical credibility.
What is involved
Earning an MTA: IT Infrastructure certification can help you build a career in desktop or server infrastructure or private cloud computing.
STEP 1 - EXAMS
Pass 1 required exam. Be sure to explore the
exam prep resources.
STEP 2 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MTA
IT Infrastructure.
MCSA: Office 365
Productivity
This certification demonstrates your skills in transitioning to and administering cloud-hosted business applications with Microsoft Office 365.
What is involved
Earning an MCSA: Office 365 certification qualifies you for a position as a software as a service (SaaS) administrator or cloud applications administrator focused on managing Office 365 business productivity products like Exchange, SharePoint, and Skype for Business.
STEP 1 - SKILLS
Possess introductory IT skills through existing knowledge or optional MTA Certification.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 2 required exams. Be sure to
explore the exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSA
Office 365 certification.
STEP 4 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
Earn an MCSE by passing 1 related exam.
Select a certification technology
- MTADatabase
- MCSASQL 2016 BI Development
- MCSASQL 2016 Database Administration
- MCSASQL 2016 Database Development
- MCSASQL Server 2012/2014
- MCSAMachine Learning
- MCSEData Management and Analytics
MCSA: SQL 2016 Business Intelligence Development
Data management and analytics
This certification validates your extract, transform, and load (ETL) and data warehouse skills, along with those for implementing BI solutions using multidimensional and tabular data models and online analytical processing (OLAP) cubes.
What is involved
Earning an MCSA: SQL 2016 Business Intelligence Development certification qualifies you for a position as a BI developer.
STEP 1 - SKILLS
Possess introductory IT skills through
knowledge or optional MTA Certification.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 2 required exams.
Be sure to explore the exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSA
SQL 2016 Business Intelligence Development certification.
STEP 4 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
Earn an MCSE by passing 1 related exam.
MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014
Data management and analytics
This certification demonstrates your skills and breakthrough insights in developing and maintaining the next wave of mission-critical environments.
What is involved
Earning an MCSA: SQL Server certification qualifies you for a position as a software as a database developer or database analyst.
STEP 1 - SKILLS
Possess introductory IT skills through existing knowledge or optional MTA Certification.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 3 required exams. Be sure to
explore the exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSA
SQL Server certification.
STEP 4 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
Earn an MCSE by passing 1 related exam.
MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration
Data management and analytics
This certification demonstrates your skills with database installation, maintenance, configuration, and provisioning tasks.
What is involved
Earning an MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration certification qualifies you for a position as a database administrator or infrastructure specialist.
STEP 1 - SKILLS
Possess introductory IT skills through existing knowledge or optional MTA Certification.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 2 required exams. Be sure to explore the
exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSA
SQL Database Administration server certification.
STEP 4 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
Earn an MCSE by passing 1 related exam.
MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development
Data management and analytics
This certification demonstrates your skills as a database professional, for both on-premises and cloud-based databases.
What is involved
Earning an MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development certification qualifies you for a position as a database developer.
STEP 1 - SKILLS
Possess introductory IT skills through existing knowledge or optional MTA Certification.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 2 required exams. Be sure to explore the
exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSA
SQL Database Development server certification.
STEP 4 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
Earn an MCSE by passing 1 related exam.
MTA: Database
App builder
This certification is for those intending to build a career in data platform administration or business intelligence. MTA certification addresses a wide spectrum of fundamental technical concepts, assesses and validates your core technical knowledge, and enhances your technical credibility.
What is involved
Earning an MTA: Database certification can help you build a career in data platform administration or business intelligence.
STEP 1 - EXAMS
Pass 1 required exam. Be sure to explore the
exam prep resources.
STEP 2 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MTA
Database certification.
MCSE: Data Management and Analytics
Data Management and Analytics
This certification is for those intending to build a career in data management and analytics. MCSE certification addresses a wide spectrum of fundamental technical concepts, assesses and validates your core technical knowledge, and enhances your technical credibility.
What is involved
Earning an MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification qualifies you for such jobs as database analyst, database designer, and business intelligence analyst.
STEP 1 - SKILLS
Earn your MCSA in SQL Server 2012/2014, or SQL 2016 Database Administration, Database Development, BI Development or Machine Learning.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 1 required exam. Be sure to explore the exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification.
STEP 4 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
Explore other certifications to broaden and advance skills.
MCSA: Machine Learning
Data Management and Analytics
This certification demonstrates your expertise in operationalizing Microsoft Azure machine learning and Big Data with R Server and SQL R Services.
What is involved
Earning an MCSA: Machine Learning demonstrates knowledge relevant to Machine Learning, Data Scientists and Data Analysts positions, particularly those who process and analyze large data sets using R and use Azure cloud services to build and deploy intelligent solutions. It is the first step on your path to becoming a Data Management and Analytics Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).
STEP 1 - SKILLS
Possess machine learning,data science or analytics experience through existing knowledge.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 2 required exams. Be sure to explore the exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSA: Machine Learning.
STEP 4 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
Earn an MCSE by passing 1 related exam.
Select a certification technology
MCSA: Universal Windows Platform
App Builder
This certification demonstrates your expertise at implementing Universal Windows Platform apps that offer a compelling user experience across a wide range of Windows devices.
What is involved
Earning an MCSA: Universal Windows Platform certification qualifies you for such jobs as software developer and quality engineer.
STEP 1 - SKILLS
Possess introductory IT skills through existing
knowledge or optional MTA Certification.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 2 required exams.
Be sure to explore the exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSA
Universal Windows Platform certification.
STEP 4 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
Earn an MCSE by passing 1 related exam.
MCSA: Web Applications
App builder
Demonstrate your expertise at implementing modern web apps.
What is involved
Earning an MCSA: Web Applications certification qualifies you for a position as a web developer or web administrator
STEP 1 - SKILLS
Possess introductory IT skills through existing knowledge or optional MTA Certification.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 2 required exams. Be sure to
explore the exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSA
Web Applications certification.
STEP 4 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
Earn an MCSD by passing 1 related exam.
MTA: Developer
Data management and analytics
This certification is for those intending to build a career as a software developer. This track helps prepare you for hands-on product training and MCSD certification. Start with MTA Software Development Fundamentals and then select the additional topics in this track to help you meet your career development goals. MTA certification addresses a wide spectrum of fundamental technical concepts, assesses and validates your core technical knowledge, and enhances your technical credibility.
What is involved
Earning an MTA: Developer certification can help you build a career as a software developer.
STEP 1 - EXAMS
Pass 1 required exam. Be sure to explore the
exam prep resources.
STEP 2 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MTA
Developer certification.
MCSD: App Builder
App Builder
This certification validates that you have the skills needed to build modern mobile and/or web applications and services.
What is involved
Earning an MCSD: App Builder certification qualifies you for a position as an application developer.
STEP 1 - SKILLS
Earn either your MCSA: Web Applications certification or your MCSA: Universal Windows Platform certification.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 1 required exam. Be sure to
explore the exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSD
App Builder certification.
Select a certification technology
MCSA: Microsoft Dynamics 365
Business Applications
This certification demonstrates your expertise at implementing Universal Windows Platform apps that offer a compelling user experience across a wide range of Windows devices.
What is involved
Earning an MCSA: Microsoft Dynamics 365 provides the foundation for a position as a Dynamics 365 developer, implementation consultant, technical support engineer, or system administrator and is the first step on your path to becoming a Business Applications Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).
STEP 1 - SKILLS
No prerequisite.
Optional preparatory training available.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 2 required exams.
Be sure to explore the exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSA: Microsoft Dynamics 365.
STEP 4 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
Earn an MCSE by passing 1 related exam.
MCSA: Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations
Business Applications
This certification demonstrates your expertise in Microsoft Dynamics 365 technologies to implement the basic technical and development tasks required to customize Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations. This audience typically includes technical consultants, programmers, and IT personnel.
What is involved
Earning an MCSA: Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations provides the foundation for a position as a Dynamics 365 developer, solution architect, or implementer and is the first step on your path to becoming a Business Applications Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).
STEP 1 - SKILLS
No prerequisite.
Optional preparatory training available.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Pass 2 required exams.
Be sure to explore the exam prep resources.
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSA: Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations.
STEP 4 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
Earn an MCSE by passing 1 related exam.
MCSE: Business Applications
Business Applications
This certification validates that you have the expertise to work with and manage Microsoft Dynamics 365 technologies. You’ll start with a foundation in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and demonstrate additional expertise in one or more business specific areas.
What is involved
Earning an MCSE: Business Applications provides the foundation for a position as a Dynamics 365 developer, implementation consultant, technical support engineer, or system administrator.
STEP 1 - SKILLS
No prerequisite.
Optional preparatory training available.
STEP 2 - EXAMS
Earn an MCSA certification in one of the following: MCSA: Microsoft Dynamics 365 or MCSA: Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations
STEP 3 - CERTIFICATION
Earn your MCSE: Business Applications.
STEP 4 - CONTINUING EDUCATION
Update your MCSE each year by passing 1 additional related exam. Or explore other certifications to broaden your skills.
Frequently asked questions
For more specific questions addressing the certification exam policies, please visit the Exam policies and FAQ page .
Show All- Q. What is the difference between the new MCSE and MCSD certifications introduced starting September 2016 and the previous ones that retired on March 31, 2017?
A. The new MCSE and MCSD certifications (MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure, MCSE: Mobility, MCSE: Data Management and Analytics, MCSE: Productivity, MCSD: App Builder, and MCSE: Business Applications) are aligned to Centers of Excellence, used by the Microsoft Partner Network to identify technical competencies that are widely recognizable by both Microsoft partners and customers. These credentials do not have a recertification requirement. Instead, the achievement date signifies how you keep up with changes to the technology. Every year, you have the opportunity to re-earn the certification by passing an exam from the list of electives, demonstrating your investment in broadening or deepening your skills in a given Center of Excellence. Each time you earn the certification, a new certification entry is added to your transcript. This process replaces the existing recertification requirement of taking a specific recertification exam every two years (MCSD) or every three years (MCSE) to prevent your certification from going inactive.
- Q. What happens to the MCSE and MCSD certifications that I earned prior to September 2016?
A. All MCSE and MCSD certifications released prior to September 2016 retired on March 31, 2017. All active MCSE and MCSD certifications remain active on your transcript until retirement of the corresponding technologies, at which point the certifications are moved to the Legacy section of your transcript. If your prior certification was inactive when the certification retired, it will remain on your transcript with the word inactive appended to the title until the certification is moved to the Legacy section of your transcript.
- Q. How long is a Microsoft Certification valid?
A. Microsoft Certifications are valuable in the market and remain valuable as long as companies are using the technologies covered in the certification. Over time, certifications retire and eventually transition to a Legacy status. Legacy Microsoft Certifications appear on your transcript, designated as such. For the most current certification status, refer to the Retired certifications page.
- Q. Are there upgrade paths available for Microsoft Certifications?
A. Certifications associated with upgrade exams retired March 31 and are no longer available. We have defined new, simplified pathing that individuals can follow to demonstrate their skills on the current versions of software. You can find the new certification paths here.
- Q. How do I find out about new certification releases?
A. To find out about new certification releases, refer to the newly released certification exams on the certifications exams page .
- Q. Which certification should I start with?
A. For those new to technology, Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is the recommended starting point for our certifications. Although not required, MTA certifications provide a solid foundation for those preparing for the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) certifications. Those who have been working with the technology should start with the MCSA or MCSD certification, which are prerequisites for any further certifications. The MCSA certification validates that job seekers have a minimum set of skills to hit the ground running.
- Q. Which exams qualify for the new MCSD and MCSE certifications introduced starting September 2016?
A. Find out which exams qualify for the new MCSD and MCSE certifications introduced starting September 2016, on this Microsoft technical certifications pathway map.
- Q. What do I gain from passing a Microsoft Certification exam?
A. When you pass your first Microsoft Certification exam, you become a member of the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) community, with access to all of the benefits provided through the Microsoft Certification Program and the MCP member site. You can share your transcript with others to prove that you passed that exam and to show your progress towards a specific certification. In some cases, such as when you pass an MTA or Specialist exam, that single exam also earns you the associated certification.
- Q. How do I confirm that I've passed both required exams for my MCSA: Linux on Azure?
A. For the MCSA: Linux on Azure, additional confirmation is required for your certification. Confirm that you passed both exams by contacting the Microsoft North American Regional Service Center. Outside of North America, submit an online request.
- Q. Will getting certified help with my matriculation?
A. Students can now get college credit by earning a Microsoft Certification. The American Council on Education (ACE) has recommended college credit for several Microsoft Certifications.