Microsoft Certification Guide 2026 Step-by-Step for Beginners

Microsoft certifications are one of the most popular and valuable IT certifications in the world. Microsoft offers certifications for cloud security data AI and Microsoft 365 applications. Getting certified helps you start a career earn a high salary and work with top companies worldwide.

This blog explains Microsoft certifications why they are important, which certifications are best for beginners and how to prepare step by step.

What Is Microsoft Certification?

Microsoft certification proves that you have the knowledge and skills to work with Microsoft products and technologies. Microsoft offers role based certifications including:

• Fundamentals – Beginner level certifications
• Associate – Intermediate level
• Expert – Advanced level
• Specialty – Focused skills like security AI or data

Microsoft certifications cover technologies like:

• Microsoft Azure (Cloud)
• Microsoft 365 (Office & Collaboration)
• Microsoft Power Platform
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 (ERP & CRM)
• Microsoft Security & Compliance
• Microsoft AI & Data Analytics

Certified professionals are recognized globally and often get higher salaries and better job opportunities.

Why Choose Microsoft Certification?

Here are the top reasons:

1. High Demand – Microsoft technologies are used by millions of companies.
2. Better Salary – Certified professionals earn more than non certified ones.
3. Career Growth – Certifications help you get promotions faster.
4. Global Recognition – Microsoft certifications are accepted worldwide.
5. Role Based Learning – You can choose certifications according to your career path.
6. Cloud and AI Focus – Microsoft is leading in cloud and AI technologies.

Popular Microsoft Certifications 2025

1. Microsoft Azure Certifications

• AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals – Beginner friendly cloud basics
• AZ-104: Azure Administrator – Manage Azure services and resources
• AZ-305: Azure Solutions Architect – Advanced cloud solution design
• AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals – Intro to AI in Azure

2. Microsoft 365 Certifications

• MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals – Office 365 and cloud basics
• MS-500: Microsoft 365 Security – Security compliance and identity
• MS-100 & MS-101 – Microsoft 365 Enterprise Admin

3. Microsoft Power Platform

• PL-900: Power Platform Fundamentals – Beginner friendly
• PL-100 & PL-200 – Power Apps Power Automate and Power BI

4. Microsoft Dynamics 365

• MB-910 & MB-920 – Customer engagement and finance
• MB-300 & MB-500 – Core ERP and functional/technical roles

Which Microsoft Certification Is Best for Beginners?

For beginners, the following certifications are easiest:

• AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals
• MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
• AI-900: Azure AI Fundamentals
• PL-900: Power Platform Fundamentals

These certifications require no prior experience and give a clear path to advanced certifications.

Microsoft Certification Exam Format

• Mostly multiple choice questions
• Duration: 60-120 minutes depending on exam
• Passing score: ~700/1000 points (varies by exam)
• Cost: $99-$165 per exam
• Language: English (other languages available)
• Online proctored exams available

Step by Step Preparation Plan (60 Days)

Days 1-7: Understand Syllabus

• Visit the official Microsoft exam page
• Read all exam objectives
• Note the areas you are weak in

Days 8-21: Learn Core Concepts

• Watch Microsoft Learn modules
• Watch YouTube tutorials for beginners
• Read official documentation

Days 22-35: Hands On Practice

• Create free Microsoft Azure account
• Practice Microsoft 365 applications
• Use Power Platform sandbox for apps and automation
• Use sample labs for Dynamics 365

Days 36-50: Mock Tests

• Take timed practice exams
• Identify weak areas and revise
• Repeat until you consistently score above the passing score

Days 51-60: Final Revision & Exam Booking

• Revise notes
• Do 2-3 full length mock exams
• Book your exam online or at a test center

How to Book Microsoft Exam

1. Go to the Microsoft Certification Dashboard
2. Sign in or create an account
3. Choose the exam code
4. Select online proctored or test center
5. Pay the fee
6. Pick a date and time

Online exams require webcam stable internet and a quiet room.

Sample Microsoft Exam Questions

Q1: Which Azure service is used for virtual machines?
A. Azure Blob Storage
B. Azure Compute
C. Azure Functions
D. Azure SQL
Answer: B

Q2: What is Microsoft Power Automate used for?
A. Build apps
B. Automate workflows
C. Analyze data
D. Design websites
Answer: B

Q3: MS-900 focuses on what?
A. Microsoft 365 fundamentals
B. Azure Administration
C. Power Platform
D. Dynamics 365
Answer: A

Microsoft certifications are excellent for beginners and experienced professionals. Whether you want a career in cloud AI Microsoft 365 Power Platform or Dynamics 365 certification will help you stand out. Follow the 60 day study plan practice with hands on labs and mock tests and you will be ready to pass the exam.