Discover the benefits of Microsoft certification
Watch an exclusive interview with Alison Cunard, General Manager of Microsoft Learning. Alison talks about the benefits of achieving a Microsoft certification and why you should train with an official Microsoft Learning Partner.
Build new skills and get certified fast on these official Microsoft courses. Learn how to manage and build technical solutions and stay competitive today and in the future.
Every official Microsoft Learning course is delivered in an accelerated classroom environment, taught by Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs).
Your accelerated Microsoft training also includes official curriculum and official exams, which you'll sit during your course. Achieve your Microsoft certification now, what are you waiting for?
You may be entitled to heavily-discounted training via Microsoft Software Assurance Training Vouchers. If your business has bought Microsoft software, check to see if you have vouchers waiting to be used! Vouchers can be exchanged against training for all Microsoft technologies. If you’re unsure, give us a call.
Ready to train at twice the speed? Choose your accelerated course below:
In 2016, Microsoft streamlined the certification pathways to align to modern job roles. There were also significant changes to how you earn your MCSA, MCSE and MCSD certification with the re-introduction of electives.
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is the first step for anyone considering a career in technology. Achieve the MTA and you'll get a solid base of IT knowledge and prove your commitment to becoming an IT professional.
The MTA is not required as a prerequisite for the MCSA certifications but it will prepare you to achieve them. The MTA will not qualify you as a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP).
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) has been developed for the core Microsoft technologies including the Azure cloud platform, Windows Server, Windows Client, SQL Server, SharePoint Server, Exchange Server and Visual Studio.
The MCSA is the foundation certification for your career in IT and serves as a pre-requisite for both the MCSE and MCSD certifications.
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) proves your ability to design, build and implement advanced cloud and on-premises solutions across multiple technology products.
This is an expert certification and you'll need the knowledge and skills from the prerequisite MCSA certification to help achieve it. For details on which MCSA you need to complete, take a look at the prerequisites for your MCSE course.
Built for developers and designed for the cloud, the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) proves you can build advanced Web Applications with Microsoft development tools, which utilise the benefits of the Azure cloud platform.
Pass a Microsoft Specialist exam and you'll prove your knowledge in a specialised area of technology. Some Specialist exams are required for Microsoft Partner Network competencies which distinguish your company in a particular area of technology.
Pass any exam in the MCSA, MCSE, MCSD and Microsoft Specialist certifications and you'll automatically become a Microsoft Certified Professional.
As an MCP you'll join a community of millions and get access to certification logos, official transcript and sharing tools, training or evaluation software, job opportunities, a certification planner and the MCP eStore.
Plus, on average entry-level employees who hold a MCSA certification can earn up to £10,000 more than their peers. (IDC/Microsoft, Skills Requirements for Tomorrow's Best Jobs: Helping Educators Provide Students with Skills and Tools They Need, October 2013)
1. What is the difference between the current MCSA, MCSE and MCSD certifications and the previous generation of Microsoft certifications?
The current MCSA, MCSE and MCSD certs focus on designing and building technology solutions. The previous certs were centred on specific job roles.
2. Do I need to recertify my new MCSA / MCSE / MCSD?
Under the new Microsoft certifications, there is no longer a requirement for re-certification. Once you earn it, the certification will remain on your transcript.
However, there is an opportunity to re-earn your certification every 12 months by passing an additional elective aligned to your chosen pathway. This demonstrates you have the latest skills and a desire for continued learning.
3. How long is a Microsoft certification valid?
Microsoft certs remain valuable as long as companies are using the technologies covered in the certification.
Over time, these certifications will be withdrawn and transition to "legacy" status. These legacy certs will appear on your transcript and will become less relevant as time passes.
4. Are there upgrade paths available for Microsoft Certifications?
Most certifications, including Microsoft's previous generation, have an upgrade path you can follow. For more information, take a look at the individual course page.
In 2016, Microsoft streamlined the certification pathways to align to modern job roles. There were also significant changes to how you earn your MCSA, MCSE and MCSD certification with the re-introduction of electives.
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is the first step for anyone considering a career in technology. Achieve the MTA and you'll get a solid base of IT knowledge and prove your commitment to becoming an IT professional.
The MTA is not required as a prerequisite for the MCSA certifications but it will prepare you to achieve them. The MTA will not qualify you as a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP).
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) has been developed for the core Microsoft technologies including the Azure cloud platform, Windows Server, Windows Client, SQL Server, SharePoint Server, Exchange Server and Visual Studio.
The MCSA is the foundation certification for your career in IT and serves as a pre-requisite for both the MCSE and MCSD certifications.
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) proves your ability to design, build and implement advanced cloud and on-premises solutions across multiple technology products.
This is an expert certification and you'll need the knowledge and skills from the prerequisite MCSA certification to help achieve it. For details on which MCSA you need to complete, take a look at the prerequisites for your MCSE course.
Built for developers and designed for the cloud, the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) proves you can build advanced Web Applications with Microsoft development tools, which utilise the benefits of the Azure cloud platform.
Microsoft retired the Specialist credential on 31 March, 2017. The exams remain available and where applicable will count towards the relevant existing MCSA, MCSE or MCSD certification.
Pass any exam in the MCSA, MCSE, MCSD and Microsoft Specialist certifications and you'll automatically become a Microsoft Certified Professional.
As an MCP you'll join a community of millions and get access to certification logos, official transcript and sharing tools, training or evaluation software, job opportunities, a certification planner and the MCP eStore.
Plus, on average, entry-level employees who hold a MCSA certification can earn up to £10,000 more than their peers. (IDC/Microsoft, Skills Requirements for Tomorrow's Best Jobs: Helping Educators Provide Students with Skills and Tools They Need, October 2013)
However, there is an opportunity to re-earn your certification every 12 months by passing an additional elective aligned to your chosen pathway. This demonstrates you have the latest skills and a desire for continued learning.
Over time, these certifications will be withdrawn and transition to "legacy" status. These legacy certs will appear on your transcript and will become less relevant as time passes.
