Ask the Experts session for Microsoft Certifications

Question 1

I passed my AZ-400 last year and I'm a Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate. Do need to recertify for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate first to keep the DevOps expert

Answer

You will have to renew both certifications if you want to keep them. The order doesn't matter.

Question 2

Are the sessions recorded to where I can watch it later or even after the ignite?

Answer

Yes

Question 3

Can someone do a quick overview of renewal.

Answer

aka.ms/CertRenewalOverview

Question 4

Security Announcement Please visit our blog post to learn more about the Security, Compliance, and Identity portfolio that just launched - https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-learn-blog/introducing-microsoft-s-new-security-certifications/ba-p/2147106

Question 5

What is the expected life of the 2019 windows server certification ? What are comparable certs?

Question 6

I am looking for Certification on the Power Platform. What is available, how do I start?

Answer

Take a look at our Microsoft Certifications poster for a general view of all the certs available https://aka.ms/TrainCertPoster

Question 7

Power Fx: with the announcement and the aim to have Power Fx across all Power Platform, is there going to be a Power Fx certification?

Answer:

Power FX uses the Power Apps and we have a great portfolio of certifications that include Power Apps. Power Platform App Maker is a good place to start.

Question 8

Power Platform: Are the 4 tools (Apps, Automate, BI, Virtual Agents) going to have separate certifications in the near future?

Answer: 

We have 5 Power Platform certifications that have all of the products within them. Our certifications are role-based and we have a poster for a general view of all the certs available https://aka.ms/TrainCertPoster

Question 9

Could you please kindly share a link to renewal certifications? 

Answer: 

Certification renewal: More information on the certification renewal can be found at https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-learn-blog/is-your-certification-expiring-soon-renew-it-for-free-today/ba-p/2150405

Question 10

With the introduction of the SC exams that cover the same topics as the AZ-500 and MS-500, what is the future of these exams?

Answer: 

In a nutshell, Azure Security Engineer is staying. The new Security, Compliance, and Identity certifications are focused on more discreet job roles and their exams don’t test the same objectives tested on the Exam AZ-500—although there may be some overlap. For example, 25% of the objectives in Exam AZ-500 are about identity and access management whereas the new Exam SC-300: Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator is entirely focused on this area.

Question 11

When taking tests for certifications on products that you are actively working with (suchs as M365) daily, how long would you recommend between tests if there are 2 tests required to get 1 certification?

Question 12

I see you're splitting the MS-500 to the SC-200, 300, and 400. What will happen to the MS-500?

Answer

There is currently no plan to replace those certifications. The new certifications do not replace ALL the objectives tested on the MS-500 certification exam.

Question 13

Will there be an advanced DP (Data Engineer track) 3-star certification ? This would be the advanced version of DP-200/201/203. I feel there are a lot more advanced data topics we can learn through certification (Azure DevOps Integrations, Data Flows in Data Factory, complex Data Factory techniques, Machine Learning Integration, Synapses, Purview, etc.)

Answer

We are constantly reviewing our Azure certification portfolio. Nothing to share right now, but yes, we are researching possible expert certifications in the data space.

Question 14

I am new to Dynamics working as a developer - when I look at the Microsoft Certification I get lost as where to start and am looking for a certification path. Is there a site that provides a career certification path and learning?

Answer

Hi Carl. I would start at Microsoft Learn - https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/ and if you are new to Dynamics, start with the fundamentals. We have two fundamentals for Dynamics; https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/d365-fundamentals-finance-and-operations-apps-erp/ and https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/d365-fundamentals-customer-engagement-apps-crm/

Question 15

Could you please kindly share poster link fundamentals, role-based and speciality certificates?

Answer: 

Check out our certification poster to see our full portfolio of fundamentals, role-based, and specialty certifications: https://aka.ms/traincertposter

Question 16

What is the future for non-Azure SQL Server certifications, such as MCSA 2016 Database development?

Answer

Azure Database Administrator Associate is the certification for DBAs managing hybrid and cloud data solutions with SQL Server and Azure data services. As part of our portfolio review, we are exploring more database-developer roles.

Question 17

I had cleared my Azure 300 during Ignite 2019. Can I still give Az 304 and get Azure Solution Architect or I need to give the new released exams?

Answer

You only need to take Exam AZ-304. For Azure Solutions Architect Expert you can mix and match: AZ-300 + AZ-304, or AZ-301 + AZ-303

Question 18

Is the Microsoft learning path(s) sufficient material to pass a certification test? Or that's good training for renewals only?

Answer

For the fundamentals level, yes, the Microsoft Learn learning path is sufficient to pass. For the Associate, Expert and Specialty level, no it's not enough. We recommend taking a class with learning partners. You can find them here: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/partners

Question 19

I am planning to take the AZ104 exam on March 26 2021. However, at the skill measured outline stated " The content of this exam will be updated on March 26 2021. The same day as my exam day. Should I be worried? Thank you.

Answer

We update our exams every two months. So the message alludes to one of our recurrent updates--these are usually minor changes. In the same document you can see what the changes are. Make sure to review it before your exam so you see if there are topics you need to reinforce.

Question 20

What do you advise those who go to Microsoft learn website but find out that the content there is outdated? Very often when going there to study a few topics, the content there is not continuously updated to the latest changes in the platforms. Is there another recommended way to prepare for certifications?

Question 21

What is new to certificate C#, .Net Core, Entity Framework, Xamarine, etc.?

Answer

Our certifications are focused on job roles that address technical skills required to build, manage, and operate Microsoft solutions for hybrid and cloud workloads. Product-based certifications are being retired, but we continue investing in training for products like Xamarin or ASP.NET, and training related to developing apps for Windows. In Microsoft Learn you can find content by product

Question 22

Where can we suggest certification topics?

Question 23

Is there any information on how to take the certification exam without visiting a testing center (so from the corporate office or from home)?

Answer

yes. you can take tests from your home using and online proctor

check out this blog post from Liberty https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-learn-blog/online-proctored-exams-what-to-expect-and-how-to-prepare/ba-p/1469424

Question 24

i work in supply chain, which certificate should/recommended for I gain in Microsoft system

Answer 

Hi. There are two Supply Chain certifications for Dynamics 365. 

Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing https://docs.microsoft.com/learn/certifications/d365-functional-consultant-manufacturing 

Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management https://docs.microsoft.com/learn/certifications/d365-functional-consultant-supply-chain-management

Question 25

How long is the Microsoft 365 Certified: messaging administrator associate good for? Do you have to renew?

Answer

This certification is currently valid for two years. If you earn this certification in June or after, it'll be valid for 1 year. You can renew it for free on MS Learn within six months of your certification expiring. Learn more about the shift in validity and certification renewals: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-learn-blog/stay-current-with-in-demand-skills-through-free-certification/ba-p/1489678

Question 26

Is there a plan that if you pass a higher level course like the AZ-400, should it renew the AZ-103? Other vendors follow this pattern.

Answer

Each certification can be renewed separately by passing the associated renewal assessment.

Question 27

What happens when the certification expires?

Answer

Certifications may be renewed at no cost by passing the associated renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn; this must be done before the certification expires. If it expires, then you will have to retake the exam.

Question 28

How do you figure out what certificates are appropriate based on the MS products you are using? For example staff there may have wanted to get certified for MS Office items, (Excel, Word, etc), and also those that want Data Analytics Certificates?

Answer

Hi. We have a certification for Data Analyst - you can find information here. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/data-analyst-associate/

Question 29

Will there be any additional exams on Windows Server or SQL on prem?

Answer 

No, Windows Server 2019 and SQL Server 2019 will be included in role-based certifications if/when specific job-roles need to have the skills to work on hybrid or cloud solutions. For example, the Azure Database Administrator role includes SQL Server as well as Azure data services. aka.ms/AzureCerts_DatabaseAdmin.

Question 30

I just gained Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900. Which one should i take next??

Answer

That depends on your career / job goals. If you are interested in the Azure world, you can try Azure AI Fundamentals or Azure Data Fundamentals. Or if you have more experience you can try the role-based certifications. Check out the Microsoft Certifications poster to explore ideas https://aka.ms/TrainCertPoster

Question 31

Are you or someone you know impacted by COVID-19? Learn more about the learning opportunities that Microsoft is offering – https://aka.ms/skills.

Question 32

In what role base is this exam going fall what is Exam 70-705 - Designing and Providing Microsoft Licensing Solutions to Large Organizations going to be?

Question 33

What is best material to read for AZ 204.

Answer

Check out this journey card for resources: https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RE4woK5 You find it in the exam page, in the Resources section

Question 34

With COVID and social distancing, are there any online instructor-led training?

Answer

Yes, our Learning Partners over virtual instructor-led training (https://aka.ms/ILTCourses). You can also check out Microsoft Virtual Training Days: https://mvtd.events.microsoft.com

Question 35

With the MS server related certifications gone, would there be new learning courses & certs introduced relating to managing on-prem and hybrid environments?

Answer

We have a lot of training available for Windows Server and for hybrid cloud. We are also reviewing our certification portfolio to include hybrid cloud skills in current roles and even we are exploring new roles in the hybrid cloud space.

Question 36

To take an exam from home using online proctoring, do you need specific equipment (e.g. Windows machine), or can you do the exam from any computer on any operating system?

Answer

Yes, there are system requirements. For online proctoring with Pearson VUE: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/online-exams#take-a-system-test. 

For online proctoring with PSI: 

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/online-exams-psi#system-requirements

Question 37

What about Role Based certifications for roles that don't include Azure

Answer

We have lots of certifications across all solution areas. You can start at www.microsoft.com/Certification

Question 38

Azure data engineering certification has a very low focus on Python . Without python you can't work as a Data engineer today ? Will Microsoft do anything to increase focus on Python as every job demands python coding in data engineering ?

Answer

We released this week Exam DP-203 the new version of the exam required for Data Engineer. You will see the new exam is more focused on getting data ready for analytics solutions.

Question 39

Resources : Microsoft Learn – https://aka.ms/learnatignite 

Certification – www.microsoft.com/Certification 

Microsoft Learn Community – https://aka.ms/microsoftlearncommunity

Question 40

Cloud Skills Challenge : Check out the Learning Zone to find more about Learn Live, Intro to Tech Skills, and the Cloud Skills Challenge - https://myignite.microsoft.com/learning-zone

Question 41

What is the format of the renewal assessment? Is it like a shorter version of the exam?

Answer

On average, the renewal assessment takes 45 minutes to complete

Business Applications Learning Journey

To continue on your Business Applications learning journey, please copy and bookmark the following resources:

•Start with Power Platform: https://powerplatform.microsoft.com/

•Download and install Power Automate Desktop, now included with Windows: https://aka.ms/GetStarted-PAD

•Join the Power Platform Community to connect, learn, and engage with thousands of members around the world: https://powerusers.microsoft.com/

•Start your certification journey and continue building your skills on Microsoft Learn: https://docs.microsoft.com/learn/powerplatform/?wt.mc_id=ignite2021spring_addlresourcesfeaturedsession_webpage_mw

•Explore deeper content & training: https://aka.ms/learnatignite?wt.mc_id=ignite2021spring_addlresourcesfeaturedsession_webpage_mw

Source: Microsoft