State of Microsoft Certification in 2023

Tim Warner


Summary

The video provides a comprehensive overview of Microsoft certifications, emphasizing their significance in the IT industry. It covers the evolution of certifications, transition to digital badges, and the four tiers of Microsoft certifications. The speaker offers advice on preparation strategies, choosing certifications, and the importance of hands-on practice. Additionally, insights on certification renewal processes, exam structures, and the benefits of ongoing education are shared.


Introduction to Microsoft Certification

The speaker introduces himself as Tim Warner, a Microsoft certified trainer, and discusses the importance of Microsoft certifications in the volatile IT industry. He explains how certifications can future-proof careers, enhance credibility, and improve job candidacy. Tim also highlights situations where certifications are prerequisites and the benefits of employer-sponsored certifications.

Evolution of Microsoft Certification

Tim discusses the historical evolution of Microsoft certifications from product-based to role-based. He explains the transition to digital badges and the partnership with Credly for shareable credentials. Tim emphasizes the importance of certifications aligning with job roles and the verification process for digital credentials.

Microsoft Certification Tiers

The speaker explains the four tiers of Microsoft certifications: Fundamental, Associate, Expert, and Specialty. He details the cumulative nature of the tiers and the validity periods for each level. Tim also mentions the assumption of PowerShell skills in most certifications.

Certification Study Model

Tim outlines a certification study model involving theoretical understanding, hands-on practice, and mock exams. He emphasizes the importance of practice exams in preparing for certification tests and offers insights on balancing theoretical knowledge with practical skills.

Choosing and Using Training Tools

The speaker provides guidance on choosing Microsoft certifications, filtering certification options, and utilizing training tools. Tim emphasizes the value of reputable practice exam providers like MeasureUp and warns against using unauthorized materials like brain dumps. He also highlights the importance of hands-on practice in Azure labs and Microsoft Learn training paths.

Accessing Certification Profile

The process of accessing your certification profile through your user menu and navigating to the certifications section to view current and future certifications, along with understanding the expiration and renewal process of badges.

Renewing Badges

Insights on renewing badges, the timeframe for renewal, the process of renewal, the format of assessments, and the importance of keeping badges active.

Certification Renewal Process

Details on the certification renewal process, including the timing of renewal invitations, the exam structure for renewals, the frequency of attempts allowed, and the benefits of renewing badges promptly.

Renewal Benefits

The advantages of renewing certifications early, extending the validity period of achievements, and maximizing the benefits of renewing badges promptly.

Continuing Education

Importance of ongoing education through theoretical information, utilizing MS learn docs as a primary resource, exploring Microsoft MVP blogs, and leveraging additional sources for learning.

Recommended Certifications for System Administrators

Suggestions for certifications suitable for system administrators, including the Windows and Azure administrator badges, as well as exploring Microsoft exams in various categories for endpoint management and specialty certifications.

Specialty Certification and Study Tools

Insights on a specialty certification related to Azure cloud services, utilizing chat.openai.com for practice questions, prompt engineering for studying, and leveraging chat GPT for learning and practicing scripting.


FAQ

Q: What are the four tiers of Microsoft certifications mentioned in the file?

A: The four tiers of Microsoft certifications mentioned are Fundamental, Associate, Expert, and Specialty.

Q: What is the significance of the transition to digital badges?

A: The transition to digital badges allows for shareable credentials and partnership with Credly for verification.

Q: Why is hands-on practice emphasized in the certification study model?

A: Hands-on practice is crucial for gaining practical skills and reinforcing theoretical knowledge for certification exams.

Q: What are the suggested resources for ongoing education in the file?

A: The suggested resources include theoretical information, Microsoft Learn docs, Microsoft MVP blogs, and additional learning sources.

Q: What is the importance of renewing certifications promptly?

A: Renewing certifications promptly extends the validity period of achievements and maximizes the benefits of keeping badges active.

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