Microsoft Certification Overview

To become Microsoft certified you must pass the authorized exam(s).

There are Microsoft certifications for desktop applications (end-user / business user) and for technical programs. Though no specific training is required, Microsoft advises the best way to prepare for a certification exam is by having hands-on experience with the technology.

Earning a professional certification shows you are keeping pace with today’s technology. Skill up, prove your expertise to employers and peers, and get recognition and advancement opportunities by earning Microsoft certification.

ONLC Training Centers is a Microsoft Learning Partner. We've been helping candidates prep for certification ever since Microsoft first introduced their professional certifications. Ready yourself for Microsoft certification with either of these course formats:

• Instructor-led Training (ILT). This is live, hands-on training. Our technical-level ILT classes are taught by a Microsoft Certified Trainer using Microsoft authorized materials. The instructor is remote and we use full conferencing technology so classes are fully interactive . Select your class dates from our public class schedule. You can attend class at any of our more than 300 training locations , or from your own location .
  
  
• MOC On-Demand / Flex On-Demand (self-study). If you prefer to study on your own, you'll want our Microsoft On-Demand courses. ONLC Training Centers is one of a handful of approved providers from which you can purchase MOC On-Demand courses and the only provide from whom you can purchase Flex On-Demand courses which align to the new Microsoft role-based certifications. Learn about MOC / Flex On-Demand .

MOS: Non-Technical Microsoft Certifications
(Business / End User)

• Microsoft Office Specialist ( MOS )
  An MOS certification demonstrates that you have the skills needed to get the most out of a specific software program within the suite of Microsoft Office. MOS certification is available for most Microsoft Office products including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and so on. A possible next step after earning MOS is MOS Expert, however, MOS is not a required prerequisite for MOS Expert certification. Learn more.
  
  
• Microsoft Office Specialist Expert ( MOS Expert )
  MOS Expert certification demonstrates that you have advanced skills in key Office programs such as Excel, Word and so on. Find out more.

Technical-level Microsoft Certifications
(IT Pro / Developer)

IMPORTANT: Microsoft is rolling out Role-based Certfications for technical products. The new certification model is based on three tiers of expertise: Fundamentals, Associate, and Expert. See overview of Microsoft's new certifications.

The new certifications are replacing MTA, MCSA, MCSE and MCSD credentials. Microsoft is retiring many of the authorized courses and exams in the former certification model. Transition exams might be available for a limited time to candidates who have only completed part of an MCSA, MCSE or MCSD certification path. If no transition option is available, per Microsoft such individuals should still take the original required exam(s) to complete their MCSA, MCSE or MCSD certification, but do so quickly as all affected exams are expected to be retired within six (6) months of the new exam availability.

New Microsoft Role-based Certifications Released for:

• Azure
  (Transition exams available for a limited time for those in-process for MCSA / MCSE Azure certification.)
  
  
• Microsoft 365
  (Includes Windows 10, Office 365 and Enterprise Mobility + Security.)
  
  
• Dynamics 365
  

MCSA / MCSE / MCSD Certifications:

Microsoft's MCSA, MCSE and MCSD certifications align to industry-recognized areas of competence and provide flexibility to showcase your specific skills on Microsoft products and services, including:

• Mobility
  Replaced by Microsoft 365 role-based certifications
  
  
• Cloud Platform & Infrastructure
  (Windows Server 2016)
  
  
• Productivity
  Replaced by Microsoft 365 role-based certifications
  
  
• Data Management & Analytics
  (SQL Server, BI, Machine Learning)
  
  
• App Builder
  (Visual Studio, Universal Windows Platform, Web Apps, SharePoint Server)

 

Microsoft certification is an industry standard that's recognized worldwide. It can help you get noticed and move forward quickly in your career. Technical-level Microsoft credentials include:

 

• Microsoft Technical Associate ( MTA )
  MTA is an entry-level Microsoft certification that validates the fundamental knowledge of those new to IT who need to start building a career in Microsoft technologies. With a modest investment of time and resources, candidates can build foundational understanding in the areas of IT Infrastructure, Database or Development and earn a professional certification.
  
  MTA is not a required prerequisite for MCSA certification. See MTA certification details.
  
  
  
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate ( MCSA )
  MCSA certification proves that you have the core technical skills required to build a sustainable career in IT. MCSA certification is a required prerequisite for the expert-level MCSE and MCSD certifications. Learn more about MCSA certification.
  
  
  
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert ( MCSE )
  MCSE is an expert-level credential for IT Professionals. Holding it proves your ability to build, manage and administer innovative cloud and on-premises solutions across multiple technologies. You must earn an appropriate MCSA level certification before you can become an MCSE. See MCSE certification options.
  
  
  
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer ( MCSD )
  MCSD is an expert-level credential for Developers. Having this credential proves your ability to develop and build innovative cloud and on-premises solutions across multiple technologies. You must earn an appropriate MCSA level certification before you can become an MCSD Learn about MCSD certifications.

Why ONLC as Your Microsoft Training Partner

 

MCSA / MCSE Certification Bundles
We've bundled together the authorized classes, exam prep software and exam vouchers at a great savings to help you prepare for MCSA or MCSE certification. Some MCSA Bundles are as little as $1,698 with the MCSE just $644 more! Find out more

 

 

 

Authorized Microsoft Classes at ONLC Training Centers
ONLC is a Microsoft Learning Partner. Instructor-led Microsoft technical classes use authorized materials and are taught by a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT).

 

 

Education Advisors to Help You
Our advisors can answer questions you may have about classes and vendor certification programs to help you select the training that is right for you. For assistance, contact our Education Advisors toll free in the USA at 1.800.288.8221 (8am-6pm Eastern).

 

 

Microsoft Software Assurance Vouchers Accepted Here
ONLC accepts Microsoft Software Assurance (SA) Vouchers on approved classes. These vouchers can be redeemed for official Microsoft courses created for the IT professional or developer audience as instructor-led training (ILT) or On-Demand (self-study). Learn more and view approved classes.

 

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Questions / More Information

To register for class or to learn more about classes and certification contact our Education Advisors...

1.800.288.8221

 

*ONLC reserves the right to retire courses due to lack of demand and/or retirement by Microsoft.