Exploring training and certifications in the Microsoft community
With Microsoft solutions being constantly developed and updated, staying ahead of the curve is critical for any Microsoft professional. Building a rewarding, sustainable career in cloud technology means taking a life-long approach to learning new skills and embracing new technologies—and while there may be more to learn about than ever before, there are also more certifications and specialist learning paths available to help professionals showcase their expertise.
In this section, we’ll take a look at what Microsoft professionals know, what accreditations they’re earning, and what kind of certifications are most highly valued in the market today.
What percentage of candidates hold a Microsoft certification?
The number of certified professionals is now 54%—down from 59% in 2023.
- Have a certification
54%
- Do not have a certification
32%
- Currently working towards first certification
14%
- Have a certification
57%
- Do not have a certification
28%
- Currently working towards first certification
15%
- Have a certification
49%
- Do not have a certification
36%
- Currently working towards first certification
15%
Types of Microsoft Cloud certifications held by candidates
| Microsoft Azure certification(s) | 49% |
| Microsoft Dynamics 365 certification(s) | 38% |
| Microsoft Power Platform certification(s) | 22% |
| Microsoft 365 certification(s) | 15% |
| Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity role-based certification(s) | 13% |
| Another Microsoft certification | 23% |
Over two-fifths (41%) of respondents have undergone certification renewal to maintain their Microsoft Certified status.
Top Microsoft Azure certifications held by candidates
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals | 60% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate | 30% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals | 22% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert | 22% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals | 19% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate | 17% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate | 11% |
| Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert | 11% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate | 10% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty | 5% |
Top 10 Microsoft Dynamics 365 certifications held by candidates
1.
27%
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP)
2.
22%
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM)
3.
18%
Microsoft Certified:Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate
4.
17%
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate
1.
27%
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP)
2.
22%
Microsoft Certified:Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM)
3.
18%
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate
4.
17%
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate
| 5 | Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate | 17% |
| 6 | Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Developer Associate | 12% |
| 7 | Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate | 11% |
| 8 | Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert | 11% |
| 9 | Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate | 10% |
| 10 | Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Functional Consultant Associate | 6% |
Microsoft Power Platform certifications held by candidates
Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals
62%
Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate
33%
Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Developer Associate
29%
Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate
25%
Microsoft Certified: Power Platform App Maker Associate
25%
Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Solution Architect Expert
23%
Microsoft Certified: Power Automate RPA Developer Associated
4%
Microsoft Certified: Customer Data Platform Specialty
2%
Microsoft 365 certifications held by candidates
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals | 57% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Administrator Associate | 37% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert | 25% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate | 22% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate | 18% |
| Another Microsoft 365 Certified: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate | 12% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Voice Engineer Expert | 9% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Application Developer Associate | 7% | Microsoft 365 Certified: Messaging Administrator Associate | 6% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Exchange Online Support Engineer Specialty | 4% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Support Engineer Specialty | 3% |
Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity role-based certifications held by candidates
| Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals | 54% |
| Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate | 25% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate | 22% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate | 22% |
| Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate | 13% |
| Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate | 13% |
| Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert | 10% |
Other Microsoft certifications held by candidates
SQL Server
0
%
Microsoft Windows
0
%
Microsoft Office
0
%
Microsoft Teams
0
%
SQL Server
0
%
Microsoft Windows
0
%
Microsoft Office
0
%
Microsoft Teams
0
%
Does holding a Microsoft certification make you a more valuable professional?
- Yes
78%
- No
12%
- Not sure
10%
Over three-quarters (78%) of respondents with certifications believe they make you a more valuable candidate—this is up from 75% in our previous survey.
- Yes
78%
- No
12%
- Not Sure
10%
Over three-quarters (78%) of respondents with certifications believe they make you a more valuable candidate—this is up from 75% in our previous survey.
Maximizing value: How might certifications make candidates more valuable to employers?
Reasons for considering that certifications add value to a candidate can be grouped into the following key themes:
- Certification provides a level of assurance that candidates have a certain level of competency with Microsoft
- Microsoft certifications are globally recognized qualifications
- Some hiring managers desire certifications
- Hiring managers often use certifications to short-list candidates
- They give you a competitive edge against un-certified peers
- They add authenticity and credibility to the skill set mentioned on a resume
- Certifications help you stay up to date with the tech
- Gaining a certification demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning
Summarizing the skeptics: Why don't respondents believe that certifications make candidates more valuable to employers?
Three themes cover the reasons for considering that certifications do not add value to a candidate:
- Practical experience with Microsoft is more important
- Being able to pass the exam is no indication that you can put the theory into practice
- Certifications are only of value to those early in their career; beyond a certain level, they are not as valuable
What are the main benefits you can gain from undertaking a certification?
Added skills and value to my organization
0
%
A way to verify my skills with Microsoft products
0
%
Better career progression opportunities
0
%
| Increased efficiency at my job | 35% |
| Improved and increased industry knowledge | 34% |
| The ability to perform complex tasks more confidently | 32% |
| Better marketability to employers/enhanced professional profile | 29% |
| Recognition from my employer that my skills adhere to a professional standard | 28% |
| More respect from co-workers | 28% |
| More trust from my employer | 25% |
How does gaining a certification impact your salary?
- I believe my salary has increased since gaining a certification
43%
- I haven't noticed a change in my salary since gaining a certification
57%
Those who reported earning a salary increase post-certification received an average raise of 20%, which is a decrease of 2% from our last survey.
Are employers contributing towards the cost of certifications?
| Yes, they paid for my certifications in full | 57% |
| Yes, they partially paid for my certifications | 11% |
| No, I paid for my certifications | 29% |
| Other | 3% |
| Yes, they paid for my certifications in full | 38% |
| Yes, they partially paid for my certifications | 15% |
| No, I paid for my certifications | 42% |
| Other | 4% |
| Yes, they paid for my certifications in full | 70% |
| Yes, they partially paid for my certifications | 10% |
| No, I paid for my certifications | 18% |
| Other | 1% |
‘Other’ responses include a free voucher provided by Microsoft after attending training programs or webinars.
What Microsoft certifications can boost your pay according to our respondents?
Top 5 Microsoft Azure certifications that can increase your earning potential
| 1 | Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert | 39% |
| 2 | Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert | 25% |
| 3 | Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate | 23% |
| 4 | Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate | 19% |
| 5 | Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate | 16% |
Top Microsoft Dynamics 365 certifications that can increase your earning potential
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert | 28% |
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Expert | 14% |
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Functional Consultant Associate | 14% |
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate | 13% |
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate, Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate | 12% |
Top 5 Microsoft Power Platform certifications that can increase your earning potential
| 1 | Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Solution Architect Expert | 54% |
| 2 | Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Developer Associate | 25% |
| 3 | Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate | 24% |
| 4 | Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate | 23% |
| 5 | Microsoft Certified: Power Platform App Maker Associate | 14% |
Top Microsoft 365 certifications that can increase your earning potential
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate | 41% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert | 38% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate | 18% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate, Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Application Developer Associate | 16% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Administrator Associate, Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Voice Engineer Expert | 15% |
Top Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity certifications that can increase your earning potential
| Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert | 56% |
| Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate | 29% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate | 26% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate | 23% |
| Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals | 13% |
What motivates a Microsoft professional to get certified?
We also asked those professionals who are not currently certified or actively pursuing a certification what would encourage them to undertake one. Employer funding for certifications is again the top motivating factor to encourage non-certified candidates to get certified.
Employer funding
for certifications
for certifications
0
%
The opportunity of
learning new skills
learning new skills
0
%
The promise of a pay increase after gaining certification
0
%
| Paid time off to attend training or study | 37% |
| The incentive of a promotion or a new role after gaining certification | 31% |
| If it was a requirement of my role | 25% |
| Discounted certifications | 21% |
| None of the above | 11% |
| Other | 2% |
What are the barriers to achieving a certification?
Interestingly, 34% of professionals have begun studying for a certification but stopped before taking the exam. Reasons given for not sitting the exam include:
Lack of time to study because of a high workload
68%
Lack of time to study because of personal commitments
28%
Procrastination
15%
Lack of motivation
13%
Struggles with self-directed learning
12%
I was worried I wouldn't pass the exam
9%
I found the course material too complex/difficult to understand
5%
Other
8%
‘Other’ responses include a change in career direction.
Conclusion
While over half (54%) of respondents are certified, this number has dropped slightly since our last report. In 2023, 59% of respondents reported holding at least one certification.
Given that 78% of respondents believe having certifications makes a professional more valuable, there is clearly a disconnect between those who think certifications are worth earning, and those that go on to do so.
This small drop in professionals with certifications could be due to a number of factors. Increasing workloads for tech professionals, exacerbated by the skills gap, can mean employees have less time available to study for such accreditations. Economic factors may also play a part, with businesses cutting budgets for learning and development.
In light of the ongoing skills gap, and the importance of investing in learning and development to both employee satisfaction and attraction, employers must maintain a focus on upskilling in their organization if they are to build a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.
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