With so many Microsoft certifications available, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. Read on to learn more about the most in-demand options.
Microsoft is the indisputable global leader in software. As it ascended its meteoric flight to greatness, Microsoft quickly realized the value in creating certification programs to educate everyone about proper use and management of their technology.
Thus, Microsoft became the first tech giant to craft and offer training programs for all of their software. Microsoft certification is still one of the most prized accolades any IT professional can add to their resume, and an outstanding addition to the skills of those even outside the IT field.
So which certifications are the most in demand? Here we’ll take a look at what is offered and which may be the most valuable to you.
Why Get Microsoft Certified?
There are plenty of different certifications to consider, and all of them hold inherent value to potential employers. Having a Microsoft certification shows that you have mastered the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful with specific Microsoft software and programming.
The courses are thorough, designed by the Microsoft experts that wrote the software. This means that you can be assured of full proficiency upon completion of any given course.
Any Microsoft certification has the power to boost your career and your income. The reason for this increased earning potential is that Microsoft is utilized by the vast majority of small to large to Fortune 500 companies worldwide.
Knowledge of Microsoft technology is an incredible asset for all employers, and an absolute necessity for IT professionals who wish to ever be seriously considered in their field.
In a recent survey of 700 IT professionals, an impressive 60 percent reported that gaining a certification led to a new job.
Moreover, 64 percent of hiring managers said that they valued certifications either extremely high or high when reviewing potential candidates. T
he same survey revealed that Microsoft certified professionals earned an average of 15 percent more than those that were uncertified. The incentive to get your Microsoft certification is quite clear.
The Most Popular Microsoft Certifications
When it comes to the most desirable Microsoft certifications, there are plenty of things to consider.
For all employees, more foundational certifications that demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft programs like Office 365 may be ideal, as these will be the most relevant to their respective roles.
Learning to successfully master use of the programs you will use every day in your normal duties simply makes the most sense.
Entry-level IT professionals should seriously consider the basic Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification.
An MTA certificate is an effective launching pad for more advanced certifications and will show potential employers that you have already mastered the fundamental understanding needed to work with Microsoft technology.
Here, we’ll consider some of the most in-demand Microsoft certifications specifically for IT professionals looking to further their careers. Most importantly, it is entirely dependent on which IT path you want to pursue.
Since there is such a wide array of certifications available, you can choose what interests you the most or what is most pertinent to your position.
Hint: Our Microsoft Certifications Guide has everything you need to know about certifications paths and roadmaps.
Which is Right for Me?
If you are more geared towards server infrastructure, the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) in Server Infrastructure training program may be perfect.
You can also pursue certification specifically in Windows Server Infrastructure, or if you are working directly with your organization’s databases, you can pursue certification in SQL Server maintenance. All of these tracks are further divided into unique specializations.
Software developers may lean more towards the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) in Application Lifecycle Management, which has become one of the most sought-after programs for all developers within the last few years.
New programs such as Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert in Private Cloud are quickly gaining massive popularity as Cloud computing experiences a surge in use among major corporations.
Again, any of these Microsoft certification tracks are split into even more specific specializations to cater to every IT professional’s needs.
These are just a handful of some the most in-demand programs, but this is constantly evolving based on business needs. The options are very individualized, and your best choice genuinely depends on where you are in your career as well as where you want to go next.
Conclusion
The inherent value of a Microsoft certification makes them all in demand. It is proven that employers are seeking certifications overall as a demonstration of your abilities, so depending on what role you wish to fill, there is a certification perfect for you.
If you are established in your field, a Microsoft certification is also an excellent way to shift focus towards another pursuit that may have garnered your interest.
Whatever your goals may be, earning a Microsoft certification is a worthy investment that will get you results.