Exploring training and certifications in the Microsoft community
Whatever the Microsoft Cloud role, use our guide to benchmark your salary or contact rate, or to uncover what you should be paying employees in your team.
Given the continuous development of Microsoft solutions, it’s essential for any Microsoft professional to stay ahead of the curve. Building a rewarding and sustainable career in cloud technology requires a lifelong commitment to learning new skills and embracing emerging technologies. While there is more to learn than ever, there is also an increasing number of certifications and specialized learning paths which enable professionals to demonstrate their prowess.
In this section, we will explore the expertise of Microsoft professionals, the accreditations they pursue, and the certifications currently most valued in the marketplace.
What percentage of candidates hold a Microsoft certification?
The number of certified professionals is now 59%—up from 54% in our last survey.
-
Have a certification 59% -
Do not have a certification 31% -
Currently working towards first certification 9%
- Have a certification 51%
- Do not have a certification 38%
- Currently working towards first certification 11%
Two-fifths (40%) of respondents have undergone certification renewal to maintain their Microsoft Certified status.
Types of Microsoft Cloud certifications held by candidates
| Microsoft Dynamics 365 certification(s) | 47% |
| Microsoft Azure certification(s) | 43% |
| Microsoft Power Platform certification(s) | 23% |
| Microsoft 365 certification(s) | 13% |
| Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity role-based certification(s) | 7% |
| Another Microsoft certification | 23% |
Microsoft Dynamics 365 certifications held by candidates
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP) | 28% |
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM) | 27% |
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate | 18% |
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate | 15% |
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert | 15% |
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate | 10% |
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Developer Associate | 9% |
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Expert | 9% |
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate | 8% |
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Insights (Journeys) Functional Consultant Associate | 7% |
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Insights (Data) Specialty | 4% |
Top Microsoft Azure certifications held by candidates
56%
31%
28%
23%
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals | 22% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate | 14% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate | 14% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate | 12% |
| Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert | 11% |
| Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals | 11% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals | 22% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate | 14% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate | 14% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate | 12% |
| Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert | 11% |
| Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals | 11% |
Microsoft Power Platform certifications held by candidates
Microsoft 365 certifications held by candidates
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals | 59% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert | 32% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Administrator Associate | 32% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate | 29% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate | 24% |
| Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate | 21% |
| Microsoft Certified: Information Protection and Compliance Administrator Associate | 18% |
| A Microsoft Office Specialist certification | 9% |
Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity role-based certifications held by candidates
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate | 56% |
| Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals | 56% |
| Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate | 50% |
| Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate | 44% |
| Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert | 33% |
| Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate | 28% |
| Microsoft Certified: Information Protection and Compliance Administrator Associate | 28% |
| Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate | 28% |
| Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Solution Architect Expert | 17% |
Does holding a Microsoft certification make you a more valuable professional?
- Yes 73%
- No 12%
- Not sure 15%
Almost three-quarters (73%) of respondents with certifications believe they make you a more valuable candidate—this is down from 78% in our previous survey.
Maximizing value: How might certifications make candidates more valuable to employers?
- Certifications complement and validate your experience
- Certifications are seen as proof of skills, knowledge, and professionalism
- Certifications enhance credibility with employers, clients, and peers, with some hiring managers specifically seeking certified candidates
- They provide a consistent benchmark for showcasing technical expertise in Microsoft technologies
- Gaining a certification demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning
- Certs are a differentiator in the job market, giving you a competitive edge against un-certified peers, boosting your career prospects, and increasing opportunities for promotions, raises, and higher-paying positions
- Certifications reflect a commitment to staying updated on evolving technology
- Gaining a certification demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning
- The certification process enhances technical know-how, often covering areas outside your usual day-to-day responsibilities
- Certification boosts self-confidence by providing reassurance in your abilities
“A Microsoft certification enhances my value as a Microsoft professional by validating my technical expertise, demonstrating my commitment to continuous learning, and providing me with industry recognized credentials. Additionally, it also helps my company with our Microsoft specializations which in return gets me to work on bigger and better projects.”
Administrator, United Kingdom
Summarizing the sceptics: Why don't respondents believe that certifications make candidates more valuable to employers?
- Technical experience with Microsoft is more important
- Passing the exam is no indication of your ability to put the theory into practice
- I’ve never been asked about my certs in a job interview
What are the main benefits you can gain from undertaking a certification?
The top three benefits Microsoft professionals continue to gain from holding a certification are increased value to their company, recognized validation of their Microsoft skills, and enhanced career advancement opportunities.
43%
37%
A way to verify my skills with Microsoft products
36%
Better career progression opportunities
| Better marketability to employers/enhanced my professional profile | 33% |
| Improved and increased industry knowledge | 31% |
| Increased efficiency at my job | 30% |
| More respect from co-workers | 26% |
| The ability to perform complex tasks more confidently | 26% |
| Recognition from my employer that my skills adhere to a professional standard | 23% |
| More trust from my employer | 20% |
How does gaining a certification impact your salary?
- I believe my salary has increased since gaining a certification 45%
- I haven't noticed a change in my salary since gaining a certification 55%
Are employers contributing towards the cost of certifications?
What Microsoft certifications can boost your pay according to our respondents?
Top Microsoft Dynamics 365 certifications that can increase your earning potential
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert | 27% |
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Expert | 20% |
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate | 19% |
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Developer Associate | 14% |
| Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate | 13% |
Top Microsoft Azure certifications that can increase your earning potential
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert | 38% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate | 29% |
| Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert | 25% |
| Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert | 22% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate | 17% |
Top 5 Microsoft Power Platform certifications that can increase your earning potential
| Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Solution Architect Expert | 42% |
| Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Developer Associate | 33% |
| Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate | 26% |
| Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate | 25% |
| Microsoft Certified: Power Automate RPA Developer Associate | 19% |
Top Microsoft 365 certifications that can increase your earning potential
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert | 38% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate | 28% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate | 22% |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Administrator Associate | 22% |
| Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate | 22% |
Top Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity certifications that can increase your earning potential
| Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert | 65% |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate | 41% |
| Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate | 35% |
| Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Solution Architect Expert | 35% |
| Microsoft Certified: Information Protection and Compliance Administrator Associate | 29% |
What motivates a Microsoft professional to get certified?
46%
39%
38%
| Paid time off to attend training or study | 34% |
| The incentive of a promotion or a new role after gaining certification | 33% |
| Discounted certifications | 26% |
| If it was a requirement of my role | 25% |
| None of the above | 11% |
| Other | 3% |
| Paid time off to attend training or study | 34% |
| The incentive of a promotion or a new role after gaining certification | 33% |
| Discounted certifications | 26% |
| If it was a requirement of my role | 25% |
| None of the above | 11% |
| Other | 3% |
What are the barriers to achieving a certification?
Similar to last year, 34% of professionals started preparing for a certification but did not complete the exam. The reasons for not taking the exam are shown in the chart below, with the main blocker once again being a heavy workload, which limits study time.
What training and development would Microsoft professionals like?
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning | 68% |
| Leadership and management | 45% |
| Training and certifications in project management methodologies like PRINCE2 or PMP, as well as Agile/Scrum methodologies | 36% |
| Cybersecurity training and certifications | 29% |
| Data-driven decision making | 29% |
| Strategic planning and goal setting | 23% |
| Negotiation and conflict resolution techniques | 19% |
| Change management strategies and techniques | 19% |
| Risk management and contingency planning | 18% |
| Time management techniques | 15% |
| Training in communication and interpersonal skills, including public speaking | 15% |
| Training to improve emotional intelligence | 14% |
| Customer service skills | 7% |
| Diversity, equity, and inclusion training | 6% |
| Other | 4% |
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning | 68% |
| Leadership and management | 45% |
| Training and certifications in project management methodologies like PRINCE2 or PMP, as well as Agile/Scrum methodologies | 36% |
| Cybersecurity training and certifications | 29% |
| Data-driven decision making | 29% |
| Strategic planning and goal setting | 23% |
| Negotiation and conflict resolution techniques | 19% |
| Change management strategies and techniques | 19% |
| Risk management and contingency planning | 18% |
| Time management techniques | 15% |
| Training in communication and interpersonal skills, including public speaking | 15% |
| Training to improve emotional intelligence | 14% |
| Customer service skills | 7% |
| Diversity, equity, and inclusion training | 6% |
| Other | 4% |
Note for employers
Investing in your employees’ professional development is a strategic move that benefits both individuals and organizations. In an era of rapidly evolving technology, ensuring that your team remains knowledgeable and adaptable equips your business with the skills needed to meet changing customer demands and stay competitive in the market.
A solid learning and development program is essential for attracting and retaining high-performing talent. Microsoft professionals are motivated by opportunities for growth, and empowering them to upskill and earn certification demonstrates your commitment to their career development and long-term success.
Note for job seekers
Understanding the latest learning and development trends can help you identify in-demand skills and areas for growth, ensuring that you remain competitive in the job market.
With 68% of our respondents expressing interest in Generative AI training, it’s clear that many consider this knowledge crucial for staying relevant. This desire no doubt reflects candidates’ desire to understand and apply AI technology to advance their careers and add value to their organizations
Conclusion
While there has been a modest 5% increase in the number of certified respondents since our last report, the percentage of professionals recertifying their skills has slightly decreased, from 41% to 40%. This suggests a shift in focus, with candidates now prioritizing initial certifications over the renewal of existing ones.
Certification remains a valued asset, with 73% of certified professionals (down from 78%) believing it enhances their value as candidates. Furthermore, there has been an uptick in the number of certified candidates receiving salary increases (45%, up from 43%), although the average pay rise following certification has slightly declined (19%, down from 20%). This indicates that while employers acknowledge the financial benefits of certification, some candidates may be less convinced by its impact.
That said, over half (55%) of Microsoft professionals are funding their own certifications, demonstrating a willingness to invest in their career advancement. However, 46% of candidates cite employer funding as the primary motivation for pursuing certifications, demonstrating how many would like financial support from their employers to help cover these costs.
