This post was initially published at the Educator Blog

Certifications are a way to stand out from the rest. Other than boosting your confidence, certifications can help you land a new job, get a promotion or even attract more clients. Microsoft certification offers numerous opportunities, not just for developers but also low code citizen developers. As a student, you can jump start your career with free fundamental certifications.

Which certifications can you do for free?

There are 8 certifications you can do for free as a student. The certifications help you build up and sharpen your skills on various technologies such as Cloud, Artificial Intelligence, Power Platform and Microsoft 365. Additionally, you get to build up on technical depth in different industry roles such as security. Below are some of the popular certifications you can take:

AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals
AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals
SC-900: Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
PL-900: Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals
MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals

What is the Certification Process?

Create your account on Microsoft Learn

The first place to start your certification is Microsoft Learn. Microsoft Learn contains a collection of learning paths and modules to skill you up on different technology areas as well as soft skills. The platform is comprehensive and will get you well on your way to certification. Once on the landing page, click sign in the top right and sign up to the platform using your Microsoft account.

Pick and prepare for a certification of your choice

Microsoft Fundamental certifications are based on different technology areas and industry roles. To get started, you need to identify and select the right path for you. Remember, you can still come back and do the other certification exams at a future date. Once you select the certification of your choice, take time to prepare and skill up on the selected area.

Verify your student status and claim your benefits.

You have selected your certification of choice, prepared yourself for the exam, now it is time to verify your student status and sit for the exam for free. As part of the initiative, you get free Microsoft Official practice tests to prepare and a free exam voucher.

The free certification initiative is managed by Cloud Ready Ltd on behalf of Microsoft. Therefore, the first step is to sign up to their site using your Microsoft Account.

Enter your university and country details to confirm you are a student as well as consent to currently being a student and Cloud Ready privacy policy.

Once done, you will still need to verify your status as a student on the next page.

You will be required to either submit identifying documents or verify using your students’ email. Refer to the FAQ or reach out to support in case you have any issues verifying your identity.

Once your student status is verified, you are now ready to start your journey to get certified. Take time, go through the resources, take the practice test and ensure you are well prepared for the test before taking the main exam.

Sit for the exam and become Microsoft Certified!

You have prepared for the exam, done the practice tests and are now ready to sit for the exam. On the exam day, ensure you are well prepared, have stable internet connection, and proper identification documents.

Showcase your achievement.

It is now time to celebrate your success. Once you have successfully passed your exam, you will receive a digital badge. Share the badge with your networks and add it to your LinkedIn profile.

You are now certified, what next?

Certifications help you stand out and open you up to more opportunities. Whether you are starting out in your career or looking for a career shift, certifications guide you in the right direction. Below are some success stories from past individuals who got certified:

This post was initially published at the Educator Blog

How to get a Microsoft Certification for Free as a Student.