Microsoft Certifications: How to Jumpstart Your Career in Infrastructure & Support

Starting out as a junior in any profession is tough - it demands hard work and a steep learning curve.

This is particularly true for the IT Infrastructure and Support market, a field that's constantly changing with new technologies and best practices emerging all the time. So how do you make sure that you’re not just keeping up but positioning yourself for rapid career growth?

One way to do this is by obtaining Microsoft Fundamentals certifications. These certifications can provide you with a solid foundation, demonstrate your commitment to professional development, and set you apart from other candidates.

Why Microsoft Certifications Matter

When you’re just starting out, hands-on experience is invaluable, but it’s not always enough to get you noticed. That’s where certifications come in. They’re a way of proving that you have the knowledge and skills to perform in your role, even if you haven’t yet had the chance to apply them extensively on the job. Microsoft certifications, in particular, are recognised and respected across the industry. When you pass your first Microsoft exam, you become a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), which is a great first step. From there, you can work towards achieving higher certifications, like Microsoft Associate or Expert, by passing additional exams.

Exploring the Microsoft Fundamentals Certifications

Microsoft Fundamentals certifications are designed to be accessible to beginners. They cover core concepts and foundational knowledge, which makes them a perfect starting point for anyone in the beginning stages of their IT career.

There are several different Fundamentals courses you can choose from, depending on your interests and career goals:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900): This certification is ideal if you're interested in cloud computing and want to learn the basics of Microsoft Azure.
• Microsoft Certified: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900): This is a great choice if you're focusing on cloud services, Microsoft 365, or productivity tools.
• Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900): Perfect for those interested in cybersecurity and identity management.
• Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900): Aimed at those looking to learn about low-code/no-code tools for building apps and automating processes.

Each of these certifications involves a short course—typically around seven hours of virtual learning, broken into manageable units. After completing the course, you’ll take an exam to test your knowledge.

Getting Certified

Becoming a Microsoft Certified Professional doesn't need to be overwhelming. Here’s a straightforward approach to help you succeed:

1. Identify the Right Certification: Start by choosing the certification that aligns with your career goals. Are you more interested in cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, or productivity tools? Pick the certification that will match your future aspirations.
2. Take the Course: Enrol in the appropriate Microsoft Fundamentals course. These courses are designed to be user-friendly, with a mix of video tutorials, interactive labs, and reading materials. You can complete the course at your own pace, which is especially helpful if you’re juggling a job or other commitments.
3. Take the Exam: Once you’ve completed the course and feel prepared, schedule your exam. The exams are straightforward and designed to test your understanding of the material covered in the course.

Next Steps

Once you've completed your Microsoft Fundamentals courses, you’ll have a strong foundation to build on. From here, you can progress to higher-level, role-based certifications. These advanced certifications delve deeper into specific areas of IT, such as Azure, security, or data management.

It's also worth noting that your Fundamentals certifications don’t expire, so once you’ve earned them, they remain valid for life. However, if you decide to pursue more advanced certifications, these will need to be renewed periodically.

• Role-Based Certifications: These advanced certifications expire after one year. Fortunately, renewing them is straightforward and free of charge. You’ll have a six-month window before your certification expires to complete a renewal assessment through Microsoft Learn.
• Renewal Process: The renewal assessment is designed to be user-friendly—it’s open-book, focusing on the latest updates in the relevant technology. You can retake the assessment as many times as needed, and once you pass, your certification will be extended for another year.

Making Certifications Work for You

For junior professionals in Infrastructure and Support, Microsoft Fundamentals certifications can be a game changer. They’re affordable, accessible, and a great way to build your knowledge base. As you progress in your career, you can continue to build on these certifications, moving towards more advanced certifications that require regular renewal to keep your skills sharp and relevant.

Remember, while experience is crucial, certifications can give you the edge you need when starting out. They show employers that you’re serious about your career and willing to invest in your professional development.

We recruit for a number of positions within Infrastructure and Support, from 1st Line Engineers through to Infrastructure Managers. If you're keen to explore a new opportunity in this market, head over to our jobs page to find out more. You can also reach out to our consultants directly to discuss your next career move:

☎️ 020 3642 0454

📧 info@mexasolutions.com