DEV Community

Pikachu⚡ for Microsoft Azure

Posted on

How to get a Microsoft Certification for Free as a Student.



This post was initially published at the Educator Blog

bethanyjep_0-1659014312819.png

Certifications are a way to stand out from the rest. Other than boosting your confidence, certifications can help you land a new job, get a promotion or even attract more clients. Microsoft certification offers numerous opportunities, not just for developers but also low code citizen developers. As a student, you can jump start your career with free fundamental certifications. 

Which certifications can you do for free? 

There are 8 certifications you can do for free as a student. The certifications help you build up and sharpen your skills on various technologies such as Cloud, Artificial Intelligence, Power Platform and Microsoft 365. Additionally, you get to build up on technical depth in different industry roles such as security. Below are some of the popular certifications you can take: 

  • AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals 
  • DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals 
  • AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals 
  • SC-900: Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals 
  • PL-900: Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals 
  • MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals 

What is the Certification Process? 

bethanyjep_1-1659014361495.png

  • Create your account on Microsoft Learn 

The first place to start your certification is Microsoft Learn. Microsoft Learn contains a collection of learning paths and modules to skill you up on different technology areas as well as soft skills. The platform is comprehensive and will get you well on your way to certification. Once on the landing page, click sign in the top right and sign up to the platform using your Microsoft account. 

bethanyjep_2-1659014361500.png

  •  Pick and prepare for a certification of your choice 

Microsoft Fundamental certifications are based on different technology areas and industry roles. To get started, you need to identify and select the right path for you. Remember, you can still come back and do the other certification exams at a future date. Once you select the certification of your choice, take time to prepare and skill up on the selected area.  

bethanyjep_3-1659014361503.png

  • Verify your student status and claim your benefits. 

You have selected your certification of choice, prepared yourself for the exam, now it is time to verify your student status and sit for the exam for free. As part of the initiative, you get free Microsoft Official practice tests to prepare and a free exam voucher. 

The free certification initiative is managed by Cloud Ready Ltd on behalf of Microsoft. Therefore, the first step is to sign up to their site using your Microsoft Account. 

bethanyjep_4-1659014361508.png

Enter your university and country details to confirm you are a student as well as consent to currently being a student and Cloud Ready privacy policy. 

bethanyjep_5-1659014361510.png

Once done, you will still need to verify your status as a student on the next page. 

bethanyjep_6-1659014361511.png

You will be required to either submit identifying documents or verify using your students’ email. Refer to the FAQ or reach out to support in case you have any issues verifying your identity. 

bethanyjep_7-1659014361512.png

Once your student status is verified, you are now ready to start your journey to get certified. Take time, go through the resources, take the practice test and ensure you are well prepared for the test before taking the main exam. 

bethanyjep_8-1659014361515.png

bethanyjep_9-1659014361518.png

  • Sit for the exam and become Microsoft Certified!

You have prepared for the exam, done the practice tests and are now ready to sit for the exam. On the exam day, ensure you are well prepared, have stable internet connection, and proper identification documents.  

  • Showcase your achievement. 

It is now time to celebrate your success. Once you have successfully passed your exam, you will receive a digital badge. Share the badge with your networks and add it to your LinkedIn profile. 

 

You are now certified, what next? 

Certifications help you stand out and open you up to more opportunities. Whether you are starting out in your career or looking for a career shift, certifications guide you in the right direction. Below are some success stories from past individuals who got certified:  

 

This post was initially published at the Educator Blog

Top comments (3)

Collapse
 
zangassis profile image
Assis Zang

Amazing 💜👏

Collapse
 
amydozier profile image
amydozier

For Microsoft certification exam preparation i recommend you take practice test from P2PExams because these practice will help you prepare successfully for the exam and you will easily pass the exam. A lot of exam questions in the final will come from this practice material.
p2pexams.com/microsoft

Collapse
 
liamnever profile image
Liam Never

I can't thank essay typer essaytyper.ai enough for its exceptional service. Whether I need help with a simple essay or a complex research paper, this AI-powered writing assistant rises to the occasion. The essays it generates are engaging and persuasive, and they have undoubtedly boosted my academic performance. With essay-writer.ai, I feel more confident and capable as a writer.