Students, kick-start your tech career with Microsoft Certification!

At Microsoft, our mission is to help you achieve more, so we’re making certifications, and the resources to learn, prepare, and get certified, free to all eligible students, starting with fundamentals certifications.

Technology is changing the future of work. In every industry, employers expect interns and recent graduates to have the digital capabilities they need to thrive in a modern—often hybrid or remote—working environment. While digital skills are a great start, students also need skills in data, AI, and cloud technologies to make the most of every opportunity. Earning a Microsoft Certification does more than just build technical skills; certifications can help you stand out, gain confidence, and even get paid more1. Microsoft Certifications also validate your skills and abilities, while proving your commitment to learning the latest technologies.

Five steps to kick-start your tech career

1. Sign into Microsoft Learn and create your student profile

Microsoft Learn is the place to start and customize your learning journey with up-to-date content developed by experts and a variety of resources. Master new skills with a comprehensive collection of training options that empower you to learn in a style that fits you best. Sign into Microsoft Learn and create your student profile to track your progress on learning activities, create and share content collections, accrue points and achievements, use free Azure resources, and get personalized recommendations.

2. Determine which certification is right for you and start learning

Microsoft Certifications are based on industry analysis of specific jobs and roles and are continually updated to reflect the latest technologies. They enhance your credibility, giving you the professional advantage of globally recognized, industry-endorsed skills. Earning a Microsoft Certification enables employers and peers to recognize your talent and experience—and can help you build the technical skills you need to succeed in today’s fast-paced, digital world.

Microsoft Certifications start with foundational skills and move into the deeper technical skills you will need to perform industry roles. Microsoft Certifications also cover technical topics from Azure to AI, to data analytics and cybersecurity.

Learn the concepts included in the certification exams

3. Verify your student status, claim your benefits, and practice

You’ve created a Learn profile, selected a Microsoft fundamentals certification, and prepared for the exam. Now, you’re ready to practice and get certified.

As part of this initiative, Microsoft provides free exam vouchers and practice tests to eligible students. You will just need to verify your enrollment at an accredited academic institution to claim the benefits.

You’ll be guided at every step to learn the required skills, prepare for the exam with a practice test, and then get certified by passing the exam.

Sign up

 Note

This student initiative is managed by Cloud Ready Ltd. on behalf of Microsoft. When you access the Cloud Ready website using your Microsoft Account credentials, your use of that website and any collection of personal data will be governed by the Cloud Ready Privacy Policy.

What’s included:

Free Microsoft Official Practice Tests: Taking a Microsoft Official Practice Test can significantly boost your chances of passing the Microsoft certification exam. Build your knowledge of exam objectives and see detailed explanations for correct and distractor answers. Provided by MeasureUp, Microsoft Official Practice Tests recreate the conditions you’ll find in the actual certification exam. Work in Practice Mode, which includes explanations and references for each question, or Exam Mode, which simulates the real exam with about 150 relevant questions.

Free Microsoft Exams: Take a Microsoft fundamentals certification exam with a free exam voucher. Fundamentals certifications are a great way to start your certification journey. Validate your foundational understanding with mixed concepts and apply what you learn about Microsoft technologies—no area experience required. Fundamentals also give you a springboard into deeper, role-based learning paths and certifications.

4. Become certified—and earn college credit

Get even more credit for your new skills. Students can now receive college credits for passing Microsoft Exams and earning Microsoft Certifications. Read the story of students Sam Jones and Jason Powell, who saved money and completed their degrees faster with college credits they earned as a result of their Microsoft Certifications. Review the tools and resources they used so you can do the same.

 Tip

We’re committed to ensuring that every person who’s interested in taking Microsoft Certifications can do so in a way that is fair and accurately reflects their skills and abilities. Learn more about requesting accomodations.

5. Share your certification achievements

Celebrate your success! You worked hard to earn your certification. Now, be sure to share your new achievement with the world via a digital badge.

Showcasing your professional achievements may help you get noticed by potential employers. When you share your digital badge on popular sites, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, or when you embed it into your resume, personal website, or email signature, anyone who sees your badge will immediately recognize it as a trusted Microsoft validation of your achievement.

Learn more about how to claim your badge and showcase your skills and certifications.

#ProudToBeCertified

Follow the Microsoft Learn Blog for stories of how Microsoft Certifications have changed people’s career paths—even at the beginning of their professional lives or as they start new careers. These personal stories highlight how getting certified can demonstrate your expertise and capacity for continuous learning, right from the start of your career in tech.

·        Certifications can spark confidence amidst unexpected changes

·        Microsoft Certifications boost IT careers from the start

·        Why you should celebrate your Microsoft skills and certifications

·        How the Microsoft Certification community can help you and your career

1. Upon earning a certification, 28 percent of technical professionals say getting certified led to salary or wage increases, and 91 percent reported greater confidence in their abilities. Pearson VUE, “2021 Value of IT Certification Report”, 2021.