What's the Cost of Getting Microsoft Certified?

  • How much does IT cost to get Microsoft certified?
  • Published by: André Hammer on Feb 29, 2024
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Are you thinking about getting Microsoft certified? Wondering about the costs?

In this article, we'll talk about the money side of getting Microsoft certification.

We'll look at exam fees, study materials, and other expenses you might face on your path to becoming Microsoft certified.

Keep reading to learn more about what you might have to spend.

What's the Cost of Getting Microsoft Certified?

Obtaining a Microsoft certification involves different costs like exam fees, study materials, and training courses. The expenses can vary based on the certification level. Reduced fee options are available for certain groups like students or educators, making it more affordable. Academic verification can impact the cost, with discounts for verified students or educators. Investing in resources and practice tasks can help improve skills and become a specialist.

These credentials create new career opportunities and open up jobs requiring Microsoft expertise. Despite the costs, the benefits for one's career are valuable.

Microsoft Certification Exam Basics

Exam Cost

Microsoft certification exams have varying costs depending on the specific certification. Reduced fees are available for some exams, with academic verification possibly needed. It's important to practice and study as these exams can be challenging even for IT experts. Having access to study materials, practice exams, and hands-on lab tasks can help in preparation.

Obtaining certification in Microsoft products such as Word, Excel, Outlook, or Azure can lead to new career opportunities and demonstrate expertise in different job roles. Candidates can register for exams, schedule tests, and access free resources to support their certification journey. Those eligible can apply the skills gained through certification to real-world tasks and gain valuable IT field experience.

Performance-Based Testing

Performance-based testing is different from traditional exams. Instead of answering multiple-choice questions, individuals showcase their skills by completing tasks or exams.

This method accurately assesses capabilities by simulating real-world scenarios. It evaluates a specialist's ability to perform job tasks and offers access to free study materials for practice.

By passing certification exams, individuals enhance their careers with valuable credentials recognised in the industry. Microsoft certifications, like Microsoft Office or Azure, provide resources such as practice labs and expert blogs.

These resources help individuals learn skills like working with Outlook or Excel. Performance-based testing is a great way to assess and validate skills for practical job roles.

Exam Retake Policy

The Exam Retake Policy allows candidates to retake exams if they do not pass on their first attempt.

However, there are conditions that need to be met for this to happen.

The frequency limit for retaking exams under this policy is also specified.

Candidates may need to undergo additional training, practice tasks, or gain more hands-on experience in a specific lab setting before being eligible for a retake.

This process can involve revisiting study materials, attending training sessions, or seeking guidance from third parties.

By addressing the areas of weakness identified in the initial exam, candidates can prepare more effectively for the retake event.

This can lead to a higher chance of passing and obtaining the desired certification from a specialist exam, enhancing their career prospects in the IT job market.

How much does IT cost to get Microsoft certified?

Obtaining Microsoft certification has costs such as exam fees, study materials, and training. The costs vary based on certification level and the number of exams needed. Some may get reduced fees through programs like Microsoft Imagine Academy or academic verification. Academic verification verifies a student's status with a school, lowering costs. Free resources like online labs and study materials can also help cut the overall cost.

These resources allow for practice and skill enhancement before certification exams. This mix of reduced fees and free resources makes Microsoft certification more accessible and affordable for IT career advancement.

Certification Cost

Reduced Fee Options

Reduced fee options are available for obtaining Microsoft certifications. To qualify for these reduced fees, individuals must meet certain criteria. Criteria include being a student, educator, or member of the military.

Practice labs, study materials, and online resources can help prepare for certification exams. These exams cover a range of tasks and skills measured in different job roles. By passing these exams, individuals can become certified specialists or associates in areas such as Microsoft Office, Azure, or Outlook.

Gaining hands-on experience through scenarios, labs, and applied skills is crucial for success in certification events. Access to expert training, blogs, and forums can aid in learning the fundamentals needed to excel in the exams.

By registering for certification exams, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in Microsoft technologies and open up new career opportunities.

Academic Verification

Individuals pursuing Microsoft certification should consider the cost of academic verification. This process may require providing documentation of academic achievements linked to specific qualifying courses. By agreeing to undergo verification, individuals show dedication to meeting certification requirements.

Academic verification is crucial to demonstrate the necessary skills for IT job roles. Preparation through tasks, exams, and practice enables individuals to acquire specialist skills required for certification. This not only aids in passing exams but also enhances skills in Microsoft Office, Azure, and other Microsoft technologies.

Investing in training and certification can lead to new career opportunities and access to various resources. This helps individuals advance as IT experts in the industry.

Exploring Free Microsoft Certification Opportunities

Free Practice Assessments

Individuals preparing for Microsoft certification exams have access to free practice assessments. These assessments help them improve their skills, become familiar with exam tasks, and boost their confidence.

By signing up for these resources, individuals can access practical lab exercises, expert-led training sessions, and study materials. These resources are designed to enhance their understanding of key job roles and fundamentals.

Aspiring specialists can learn how to configure settings in Microsoft Office applications, create tables and charts in Excel, manage email in Outlook, and work with reports in Azure.

Through free practice assessments, individuals can acquire the knowledge and skills needed to pass certification exams and start a career in the IT industry.

Microsoft Ignite and Cloud Skill Challenge

The Microsoft Ignite and Cloud Skill Challenge provide individuals with free training resources and materials to improve their skills in Microsoft technologies.

Participants can access study materials and certification exams to become specialists in Microsoft products. These include Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Azure.

Benefits of taking part include gaining experience, expanding career opportunities, and obtaining recognised certifications.

The challenge offers free registration, exam scheduling, and expert-led training sessions to help participants succeed.

Additional resources like charts, tables, and reports are available to aid in the learning process. This opportunity is invaluable for those seeking to improve their technical skills and credentials in the IT field.

Benefits of Microsoft Credentials

Career Advancement

Individuals who want to advance their career with Microsoft certifications can follow these steps:

  • Choose a specific certification like Microsoft Office or Azure based on their job goals.
  • Access study materials, register for exams, and practice lab tasks to enhance skills.
  • Obtain certifications in areas like Excel, Outlook, and Azure to qualify for specialist roles or promotions.
  • Show expertise to employers, proving they have the expertise for their field.
  • Pass exams, earning credentials for various job opportunities and career growth.

Validation of Skills

Individuals who want to validate their skills through Microsoft certification have different options. They can show their expertise in Microsoft products like Microsoft Office, Outlook, Azure, and Excel by completing certification exams, tasks, and practice labs.

These certifications not only prove their skills but also give access to study materials, expert blogs, and tools. The process includes registering for exams, accessing study materials, scheduling exams, and passing with a specialist or associate certification.

Over to you

Becoming Microsoft certified can cost between £100 and £400 per exam. Additional study materials and training courses can increase the total cost. Some certifications need multiple exams, raising the cost. However, having a Microsoft certification can help you earn more and find better job opportunities in the IT industry.

Readynez offers a complete portfolio of Microsoft Courses and Certifications, including Azure, Business Applications and Cloud & DevOps etc, providing you with all the learning and support you need to successfully prepare for your exams and certifications. All our Microsoft courses, are also included in our unique Unlimited Microsoft Training offer, where you can attend 60+ Microsoft courses for just €199 per month, the most flexible and affordable way to get your Microsoft Certifications.

Please reach out to us with any questions or if you would like a chat about your opportunity with Microsoft certifications and how you best achieve them. 

FAQ

What is the cost of getting Microsoft certified?

The cost of getting Microsoft certified varies depending on the exam. Generally, prices range from £99 for fundamental exams to £399 for expert-level exams. Additional training materials or courses may incur extra costs.

Are there different costs for each type of Microsoft certification?

Yes, there are different costs for each type of Microsoft certification. For example, the cost for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals exam is £99, while the cost for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert exam is £296.

Are there any additional fees for taking the certification exams?

Yes, there may be additional fees for taking certain certification exams. For example, some exams may require a registration fee, exam retake fee, or exam preparation materials fee. It is important to check the specific exam requirements for any additional costs.

Is there a way to reduce the cost of becoming Microsoft certified?

Yes, you can reduce the cost of becoming Microsoft certified by taking advantage of discounted exam vouchers, bundling exams together for a lower price, or exploring available scholarships and financial aid options.

Are there any financial assistance options available for Microsoft certification?

Yes, there are financial assistance options available for Microsoft certification. Examples include scholarships, grants, employer reimbursement programs, and financial aid through organisations like the Department for Work and Pensions.

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