Microsoft Certifications 2025 Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Technology is relentless: it advances, transforms, and redefines work at an ever-accelerating pace. Staying up to date with technological tools and solutions is a basic necessity today. for any professional who aspires to grow in the digital field. In this context, Microsoft certifications have become a global reference to validate technical skills and boost employability in the IT sector.

By 2025, earning an official Microsoft certification means much more than just having a diploma on your resume: It is a guarantee of adaptation and competitiveness in a market where the cloud, the Artificial Intelligence, automation and security have ceased to be a trend and have become part of everyday life in thousands of companies. If you are looking for a clear, detailed and realistic guide on the Microsoft certifications, their paths, levels, requirements, and benefitsThis article will help you navigate the ecosystem and make the best decision for your career.

Microsoft in 2025: The weight of a tech giant

Microsoft remains a key player in the digital transformation of companies, organizations and public administrations. Its solutions, both at the cloud (Azure) and collaborative work (Microsoft 365), business intelligence (Power Platform) or security, are present in most IBEX companies, the large European company and increasingly in SMEs.

Data from 2025 reflect this massive implementation:

• More than 345 million active Microsoft 365 subscriptions worldwide, making the suite the standard in productivity.
• Azure holds between 20% and 24% of the global cloud market share., with more than 350.000 user companies.
• Nearly 70% of Fortune 500 companies already use Copilot for automation and AI, strengthening Microsoft at the forefront of technology.
• In Spain, 37,7% of companies with more than 10 employees use cloud services, the majority using Microsoft solutions. Furthermore, the company has invested more than $2.000 billion to strengthen its presence, including the opening of a cloud region in Madrid.

This scenario generates a growing demand for certified professionals able to take advantage of all the benefits and potential of these technologies.

Why get a Microsoft certification?

Microsoft certifications are, above all, global and official evidence of real skills about products and solutions that shape the daily lives of companies around the world. If you're looking for alternative productivity tools, here's an interesting option.

Among the reasons for choosing these certifications we can highlight:

• Increased employability and salaryData from Microsoft and independent studies show that 35% of technical professionals receive promotions or pay raises after certifying their skills. Certification is a common filter in hundreds of job postings.
• International recognition: Certifications are valid worldwide, allowing you to work in any region without the need for validation.
• Continuous updateMicrosoft regularly updates content and exams, ensuring that knowledge is always aligned with market demands.
• Validity as a professional endorsement: They are useful for those starting their career in IT, as well as for experts who want to consolidate their profile.

Types of Microsoft certifications: an offer tailored to any profile

Microsoft structures its certification program to cover from beginner level to the most advanced specializationBy 2025, you can find routes for all tastes, needs, and backgrounds. The most important ones are:

Level-based certifications

• Fundamentals: For people new to technology, with no prior experience. Example: AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals), MS-900 (Microsoft 365 Fundamentals) o SC-900 (Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals).
• 　　　: They require prior knowledge, ideal for those who have already mastered a technology or area. Example: AZ-104 (Azure Administrator), PL-300 (Power BI Data Analyst), AI-102 (Azure AI Engineer).
• Consultant: Aimed at professionals with extensive experience leading projects or teams. Example: AZ-305 (Azure Solutions Architect), Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100).
• Specialty: Very specific and advanced certifications oriented to critical areas such as IoT, Security, Virtualization or databases.

New path: Microsoft Applied Skills

As a major novelty, Microsoft has launched routes of Applied Skills microcredentials, based on the resolution of real-life laboratories and scenarios. Unlike traditional certifications, here there are no theoretical exams, but also practical validations on specific areas such as creating dashboards in Power BI, deploying resources in Azure, or integrating flows with Power Automate. They are the ideal option for those looking for demonstrate specific skills in an agile manner.

MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) Certifications

Especially in demand in educational and administrative environments, MOS certifications validate skills in the advanced use of applications such as Excel, PowerPoint, Word or Access. They're ideal for those looking for administrative support, document management, or basic analytics roles.

Certifications by solution areas: choose your specialty

Microsoft has organized its certifications based on the most in-demand technology areas, making it easier for each professional to tailor their career to their interests or the company's needs.

• Cloud and Infrastructure: Azure (management, architecture, migrations, networking, hybrid integration).
• Data and Artificial Intelligence: Big Data, relational and non-relational databases, Machine Learning, Power BI, data management and analysis.
• Applications and Digital Innovation: Software development, automation with Power Platform, DevOps.
• Modern Work: Microsoft 365, Teams, Copilot, collaboration and productivity in the cloud.
• Business Applications: Dynamics 365 and Power Platform for CRM, ERP, and business automation processes.
• Security, Compliance and Identity: Corporate identity, Zero Trust, data protection, regulatory compliance (Defender, Purview, Sentinel, etc.).

Microsoft Certifications 2025 List: Key Credentials and Descriptions

Certification	Ambit	Level	Hours of study	Price	Summary description
AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals	Cloud Computing	Fundamentals	15-25	Between $99 and $165	Cloud and Azure Basics
MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals	Productivity	Fundamentals	15-25	Between $99 and $165	Introduction to Microsoft 365, licensing, security, and management.
PL-900: Power Platform Fundamentals	Automation	Fundamentals	20-30	Between $99 and $165	Power Bases Apps, Power Automate and Power BI.
SC-900: Security, Compliance and Identity Fundamentals	Security	Fundamentals	20-30	Between $99 and $165	Security, compliance, and identity management with Microsoft.
AZ-104: Azure Administrator Associate	Cloud		80-120	$165	Complete management of Azure environments.
PL-300: Power BI Data Analyst Associate	Data analysis		100-130	$165	Creating reports and analysis with Power BI.
AI-102: Azure AI Engineer Associate	Artificial Intelligence		140-170	$165	Implementing AI solutions on Azure.
AZ-305: Azure Solutions Architect Expert	cloud architecture	Consultant	180-200	More than $330 (requires multiple exams)	Design and integration of complex cloud solutions.
SC-100: Cybersecurity Architect Expert	Security	Consultant	180-220	$165	Advanced protection architectures and strategies ciberseguridad.
MB-700: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect	ERP / CRM	Consultant	150-180	About $330	Implementation of large-scale corporate applications.
AZ-400: DevOps Engineer Expert	DevOps	Consultant	180-200	$165	Continuous integration, automation, and deployments on Azure.
PL-100: Power Platform App Maker Associate	Automation		100-120	$165	Creating business apps with Power Platform.
DP-203: Azure Data Engineer Associate	Data engineering		120-150	$165	Design and integration of data solutions in Azure.

 

How to choose the right Microsoft certification?

How to effectively prepare for Microsoft certifications?

It is recommended combine theoretical and practical training and exam simulatorsMicrosoft provides these options through official resources:

• Updated study guides and syllabi, with recommendations and advice for addressing each assessment.
• Videos and virtual labs that allow you to practice in real-life scenarios.
• Official communities and forums where to share doubts and experiences.
• Mock and test assessments to determine the level of preparation before the exam day.

For those who prefer to deepen and accelerate their learning, instructor-led training, whether in-person or remote, is highly effective, especially at the associate and advanced levels, as it allows for questions to be answered and practiced in controlled environments.

The step-by-step process to obtain certification

• 1. Choose your route and level: Check out the options on the official website, filtering by technology, role, or difficulty.
• 2. Consult requirements and syllabus: Learn about the topics being assessed, study resources, and how to register.
• 3. Prepare for the exam: combines official materials, laboratory practice, and simulations to maximize results.
• 4. Reserve the date: From the web, choose to take the exam at an authorized center or online with remote proctoring.
• 5. Perform and obtain resultsIf you pass, you'll receive your digital badge to share on your professional profiles.

You can also take advantage of promotions and free exams at official Microsoft events, checking the dates and conditions on each occasion.

How to keep your certifications current

Certifications are valid for approximately one year, after which they must be renewed to maintain recognition. Microsoft offers free and easy online assessments that validate current knowledge, allowing you to renew your certification before it expires and ensuring it remains current and in line with current technologies.

• The evaluation can be carried out up to six months before the expiration date.
• It is managed from the Microsoft Learn portal.
• Once renewed, the certification adds an additional year of validity.

The most valued certifications in 2025

Some credentials stand out for their prestige and high demand in the labor market:

• Azure Solutions Architect Expert: Advanced experience and several assessments are required, being one of the most valued in cloud and architecture.
• Cybersecurity Architect Expert: Essential in an environment of growing threats, it combines technical and strategic security knowledge.
• Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect: A benchmark in integrated business solutions for high-responsibility roles.
• Azure DevOps Engineer Expert: For development and administration profiles working in automated integration and deployment.
• Azure AI Engineer AssociateArtificial intelligence continues to be a priority, requiring mastery of this knowledge.

The role of security and AI in 2025 certifications

Security and artificial intelligence are the main protagonists of the year. Microsoft provides specialized routes:

• SC-900, SC-200, SC-300, SC-100: From fundamentals to advanced identity protection and management architectures.
• AI-900 and AI-102From AI basics to advanced implementation in Azure solutions.
• Azure AI Engineer: Training in machine learning, predictive models, and cognitive services on Azure.

These topics are a priority due to the talent shortage and the importance of protecting data, automating processes, and harnessing the potential of data in businesses.

Practical tips to achieve your certification

• Do not rush. Carefully choose the specialty and level according to your experience and goals.
• Check out reviews and experiences in communities and forums to learn about best practices.
• Practice with real cases: Much more than theory, the exams become more practical and applied.
• Use free official resources before investing in courses or simulators
• Build your professional network: Share your digital badge on LinkedIn and other platforms to increase your visibility.

Who can apply and what are the requirements?

Most exams are accessible without any prerequisites, except for some advanced levels. This makes them ideal for both beginners in IT and experienced professionals who want to certify their acquired knowledge through practical experience.

• They can be done in several languages, including Spanish.
• Registration fees range from $99 to $165 USD, paid online.
• The MOS and Fundamentals certifications are recommended for students and administrative staff.
• The Associate and Expert levels are aimed at technicians, engineers, consultants, and managers.

Additional benefits and how to take advantage of certification

Beyond recognition, Microsoft certification brings benefits such as:

• Verifiable digital badges for social profiles and CVs.
• Access to exclusive events and communities from Microsoft.
• Constantly updated materials and notifications of new trends.
• Better opportunities in selection processes and projects.

For companies, promoting certification among their teams improves productivity, innovation, and adaptation to technological change.

Security Certifications: Keys and Levels in 2025

Protecting digital assets is a priority, which is why Microsoft offers specific paths:

• SC-900: basic and fundamental concepts of security.
• SC-200: threat analysis and incident response.
• SC-300: advanced identity and access management.
• SC-100: cybersecurity architect with comprehensive strategy.

These certifications are appropriate for technicians and security officers, and are prepared using official resources and specialized laboratories.

Other complementary cybersecurity certifications

There are internationally recognized credentials on the market that enhance professional profiles, including:

• CISSP
• CISM
• CCSP
• CRISC, Security+ and CEH
• AWS Certified Security – Specialties

These certifications, while independent, provide added credibility and openness in international roles and advanced security consulting.