Get a free ms certification voucher + extra certification resources!
I just found out about this yesterday!! This is happening on May 23rd (Tuesday), during the Microsoft Build 2023 event.
Register -> MS Build 2023 (Free Virtual Pass)
●~•────── Microsoft Free Certification ───────•~●
So Microsoft Build 2023 is hosting a number of cloud skills challenges and completing ANY of them will get you a free voucher for a Microsoft Certification exam. The challenges are learning modules, like a mini-course!
When you complete a challenge, the exam offer will valid between the end of June to end of September! So you can take time in the summer to get certified in something you're interested in!
More details here -> Microsoft Build Challenges
●~•────── Challenge Details ───────•~●
The challenge starts on May 23, 2023 at 4:00 PM (16:00) UTC and ends on June 20, 2023 at 4:00 PM (16:00) UTC.
There are 8 challenges available to choose from
Each challenge is based on a collection of Microsoft Learn modules. If you complete your challenge before it ends, one free Microsoft Certification exam will be associated with your Microsoft Learn profile by June 30, 2023. You will be notified via email when it becomes available.
To see the full list of eligible exams please refer to the official rules page for more details.
●~•────── BONUS FUN FACT ───────•~●
You can also get free vouchers for fundamental certifications for Microsoft!! Just have to verify your student status.
More Details Here -> Free Microsoft Training & Certs for Students
●~•────── Are Certifications Worth it? ───────•~●
What do ya wanna do & where are you at? Here's my grain of salt:
If you're an intern /new grad level, then even a fundamentals cert can be great to show proactive learning & make you standout with recruitors
If you're switching to a new role or want a promotion, getting certifications seem to be a decent way to meet those qualifications, backed with some professional years of experience
Of course, the TYPE of certification matters a lot. Generally certs that are more challenging to complete, are considered "Expert" or "Professional" level will be more valuable.
Do diligent research into what your field of interest is looking for, and if a cert would be useful. (Read reddit, hackernews, watch yt vids, linkedin, etc)
Certs are not necessary (uhh when it comes to swe. flying a plane is a different story). But if you see it often in job descriptions that you're interested in, consider it! From my impressions, if you're interested in cloud engineering, AWS certs seem pretty valued.
Certs can also be a negative if you have too many with no specialization or experience. Certs are great to enhance ur resume, but make sure to emphasize relevant experience too!
If you have any experience with certifications, please do share your experience!
Learn more -> Certification Pathways for Microsoft
