Earning Microsoft certifications is a mark of professional accomplishment in the technology field. Certifications, from a reputable source like Microsoft, demonstrate an IT professional's skills and expertise and are highly sought after by employers worldwide.
Specifically, a Microsoft certification carries significant weight as it is granted by one of the top companies in the industry. Thus, it is a wise decision to pursue a certification in your area of interest and expertise from Microsoft.
What exactly is a Microsoft certification?
Microsoft certifications are exams and are a way to showcase your proficiency in various Microsoft technologies, including systems, software, hardware, and platforms. Whether you are an IT professional or a business owner, having Microsoft certifications can greatly benefit your career.
In the field of IT, earning the MS certifications is necessary. As many organizations rely on Microsoft systems, having certifications in these technologies is crucial for your daily responsibilities and for handling unexpected situations within your organization.
As a business owner, having Microsoft Certifications or hiring an IT professional with these certifications can be extremely beneficial. If your organization utilizes Microsoft systems or software, it is likely that you will encounter technical issues that require the expertise of a Microsoft-certified professional. Being able to address these issues internally can save you both time and money, as opposed to having to hire an outside technician.
Why choose Microsoft certification?
Microsoft's technology is at the forefront of industry trends, making Microsoft certification a highly desirable and competitive option in the industry. Undoubtedly, Microsoft certification is a valuable asset for individuals looking to stay ahead of the curve.
Microsoft certifications are ideal for individuals interested in working with Windows-based computers, servers, or other Microsoft technologies. It's also a great starting point for those who want to explore different areas of IT, such as software development, databases, and infrastructure design.
How much would a Microsoft certification cost?
The cost for Microsoft certification exams ranges from $100 to $200 USD. However, the overall expense of obtaining a certification can be higher when taking into account the cost of study materials, preparation courses and retake fees.
10 benefits of Azure certification
Earning a Microsoft certification demonstrates to your employer that you possess the skills needed to work within their organization. Here are the top benefits of earning a Microsoft certification:
1. Career advancement
Obtaining a Microsoft certification can lead to a significant increase in income, as employers and clients value individuals who have undergone advanced training. Having a certification demonstrates expertise in one's field and is often rewarded with higher salaries. According to Business Wire, Azure certification courses can result in salary increases of 20-40%. Payscale also found that, depending on the role and responsibilities, those certified in Microsoft Azure can earn up to $128,468 per year. Furthermore, having a Microsoft Azure certification can open doors to opportunities with top Fortune 500 companies such as Wipro and Facebook, who actively seek out certified professionals.
2. Flexible career
An online Microsoft Azure certification offers a diverse range of career paths, including roles such as cloud engineer, developer, and system architect. Additionally, the certification allows for flexibility in terms of location and industry. As companies across various sectors move towards cloud technology for storage, computing, and networking, Azure certification can open doors to opportunities in industries such as healthcare, finance, and entertainment. Furthermore, Azure certified professionals can work in various locations worldwide including the United States, United Kingdom, and France.
3. Become a valuable asset
Holding a Microsoft Azure certification demonstrates a high level of skill and knowledge in the platform, making you a valuable asset to any organization. The benefits of Azure certification not only support the profitability of the Azure platform, but also the ability to effectively manage IT costs and setup costs utilizing the pay-as-you-go feature. In addition, Microsoft Azure has a strong integration between cloud and on-premises data centers, which makes it particularly attractive for small and medium-sized businesses to fully migrate their infrastructure to the cloud. Keeping up-to-date with the latest technical roles and specifications through Azure certification can help you stay competitive in the industry.
4. Fast learning process
Microsoft Azure certifications provide a streamlined learning experience that enables quick understanding of Azure. Unlike other platforms, such as Hadoop, Xcode, and Eclipse, you don't need to have a deep understanding of all the various Azure resources. This makes it easy for new users to learn and utilize Azure services. There are various online resources available, such as books, videos, university courses, and guides, to prepare for an Azure certification course. However, for gaining hands-on practical knowledge, technical online classes are more effective.
5. Higher salaries
Obtaining a Microsoft Azure certification not only leads to higher salaries but also greater recognition in the industry. As an Azure-certified specialist, your certification serves as a demonstration of your expertise in the field. In the highly competitive field of cloud computing, certified professionals tend to earn higher executive salaries globally. According to ZipRecruiter's salary report, the average salary for an Azure developer is $131,838 per year and for an Azure architect is $144,866 per year. However, with additional training and experience, the salary can increase even more for those in senior positions. Salary ranges can vary depending on the location, but on average, an Azure-certified specialist can earn anywhere from $40,914 to $172,170 per year, making the Azure certification course a powerful asset to have.
6. Structured learning & security offerings
Microsoft Azure certification offers a structured learning approach that allows for fast understanding of various resources. It's easy for professionals to explore popular resources such as Hadoop, GitHub, Eclipse, etc. and for new users to quickly adapt to Azure platform and services. With this more streamlined learning process, new applicants can boost their Azure learning and career direction. Interactive tools such as tutorials, ebooks, and workshops are available for learning Azure services. Microsoft Azure Security Technologies certification qualifies you for the role of Azure Security Engineer and offers excellent security offerings. As an Azure Security Engineer, you will protect and manage cloud-based solutions and hybrid enterprise applications that are part of the end-to-end network. Microsoft Azure is also accredited for cloud security by ISO 27018, ensuring data safety for companies.
7. Improve your artificial intelligence skills
The demand for skilled AI engineers is growing rapidly and those who are proficient in operating Azure are highly sought after. To become a certified Azure AI engineer and reap the benefits of Azure certification, you must pass an exam that assesses your Azure and AI expertise. The exam is ideal for advanced AI engineers looking to design AI applications on Azure, as it tests your knowledge in natural language processing, computer vision, voice recognition, and bots. With the ongoing advancements in AI and machine learning, it is clear that professionals with a strong understanding of AI will have more opportunities and exposure in the future.
8. Seamless integration with .NET platform
.NET is an open-source, cross-platform developer platform created by Microsoft, which is one of the most powerful frameworks for building distributed applications. With the support of a large community and Microsoft handling everything, it provides easy integration possibilities with Microsoft Azure. An authentic Azure certification online course can help you understand this integration at an advanced level. It's a preferred service for many developers due to the community support, allowing them to create advanced applications and deploy them on Azure cloud platforms. For developers who are familiar with the .NET platform, Azure's integration with it is a significant benefit as it eliminates the need for searching for other cloud providers for their coding framework integration, allowing them to focus on developing their programs.
9. Commitment
Achieving Microsoft Azure certification requires a significant level of dedication and effort. It is recommended to participate in an Azure certification Learning Path and invest in extensive training to be successful. The certification serves as a valuable credential, not only on your resume but also in your professional life. Being certified by Microsoft Azure and gaining the benefits of Azure certification shows that you are committed to achieving a specific goal, and this is highly valued by top employers. It can lead to career growth and a wider range of career opportunities in a highly competitive field.
10. Stay updated on the latest trends in the industry
Participating in an approved online learning program allows you to stay current with the latest knowledge and developments. Continuously learning new things is key to expanding your knowledge, understanding, and skill set. It can be challenging to keep up with new information while balancing other responsibilities such as a community and full-time work. Formally participating in an Azure certification program ensures that you are learning what you need to know in a more efficient and effective way.
The conclusion
Smart choices and timely decisions are the key to success. To excel in the IT field, having relevant IT certifications on your resume is a must. The Microsoft certification program is a highly sought-after and respected program in the technology industry. If you're looking to advance your career and become a Microsoft certified professional, we can assist you in achieving this goal on your first attempt.
