In recent years, there has been a major shift towards cloud computing. The reason why is that keeping computing services over the internet helps companies improve their performance, as well as save on the cost of maintaining a physical IT infrastructure.

Despite its benefits, managing business operations through the cloud is not easy. That is why tech giants like Microsoft, who is currently the second-best cloud service provider in the world, have gone out of their way to create tools that facilitate the management process.

To take advantage of these tools, however, companies need workers with the necessary technical skills to use them. This is why Microsoft created new role-based certification paths, a learning resource that prepares workers for some of the most sought-after job roles in today’s industry.

Unfortunately, many people are still missing out on the benefits of Microsoft certifications to this day. With that in mind, let us dive into some of the facts that might help you decide if Microsoft certifications are a good fit for you.

1. Microsoft-certified Professionals are in High Demand

Part of what makes Microsoft the second-best cloud service provider is their line of Dynamics products. In the last quarter of 2020, they reported revenue growth of 14% for their cloud services, which was primarily driven by a 42% growth of their Dynamics 365 product line.

Dynamics 365 offers businesses a variety of intelligent applications that help optimize their inbound and outbound processes. “These tools help company operations become more profitable, but how successful they are is dependent on those who handle them,” stated Instructor Brandon’s Technical Architect and Expert Dynamics 365 Instructor, Brandon Ahmad.

And that is where the demand comes in. After all, the Dynamics 365 product line has many facets, ranging from finance and supply chain to commerce and human resources. Each facet needs expert handling from workers who have a specific skillset belonging to a Microsoft certification path.

It is that exact need for workers capable of fulfilling specific job roles that create many opportunities for new and seasoned professionals alike. So, if you are thinking about pursuing a new career path or searching for new challenges, know that by getting a Microsoft certificate the market will be open for you.

2. Certifications Help You Stand Out Among Other Job Candidates

In a world where having specific skillsets to fulfill specific job roles is necessary, Microsoft certifications are very helpful. Not only do they showcase your knowledge and practical skills, they also provide you with a competitive advantage due to being the result of passing an industry-endorsed and recognized test.

Companies are always on the look for workers who add value to their company. As a result, having a profile that meets the exact requirements on their job listing increases your odds of getting the interview tenfold.

3. Microsoft Certifications Help You Advance Your Career

Looking for a raise? Has it been a while since you last got promoted? Well, Microsoft certifications can help you with both of those things. According to NigelFrank’s most recent salary survey, “at least 28% of Dynamics 365 professionals received a raise after completing their certification training.”

Additionally, those that received a raise after getting certified experienced an average salary increase of 22%. By providing value to their companies, these professionals opened themselves to opportunities they otherwise would not have. Advancement comes in many forms, and certifications can help you with most of them.

4. Being Certified Helps You Stay Current

Microsoft certifications are designed to for learners to staying up-to-date with the current technical roles and requirements of the industry. As such, their certification process is always changing to ensure that is the case.

For example, last year they announced that starting in June 2021, “Microsoft role-based certifications would expire after one year.” Gone are the days where after scheduling and passing the exams, all you had to do was wait two years to repeat the process.

Fortunately, the change came with many improvements. Now, Microsoft certification holders get notified six months in advance that their certification is about to expire. The email gives you a Microsoft learn link containing updated information about the job role.

Once you go through it, you need to pass an assessment based on the information you learned. That way they can verify you have the necessary knowledge to carry out your job role. When you pass the test, your certification gets extended for another year.

Also, you do not have to worry if you somehow miss the email notification. You will continue to get emails until your certification expires, and since the renewal process is completely free, you can try it as many times as you want.

Conclusion

As technology continues to evolve, getting trained and certified can help you land sought-after job roles that would be otherwise difficult to access. Microsoft certifications are an accessible way to open yourself up to new, rewarding opportunities.