Microsoft Applied Skills VS Certifications | What's the difference? 🤔

Summary

The video discusses the difference between Microsoft certifications and applied skills, emphasizing the role of applied skills in addressing specific, hands-on business challenges. Applied skills are focused on single skill sets, such as automating processes with Power Automate or securing storage in Azure, and are available for free through Microsoft Learn. These credentials are designed to be more flexible and accessible compared to traditional certifications, which often require a broader range of knowledge. Applied skills are particularly beneficial for those seeking practical experience and want to avoid the cost barriers associated with certifications.

Takeaways

• 😀 Applied skills are Microsoft’s new, scenario-based credential that focuses on proficiency in specific skill sets relevant to business challenges.
• 😀 Microsoft introduced applied skills in November last year, splitting certifications and applied skills into two distinct categories under the Microsoft credentials umbrella.
• 😀 Microsoft certifications are broader, role-based and often require knowledge of multiple products, while applied skills focus on one specific product or task.
• 😀 Certifications are usually proctored, either at testing centers or remotely, and involve multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank questions on technical topics.
• 😀 Applied skills are more hands-on, with real-world tasks focusing on specific skills like automating business processes with Power Automate.
• 😀 Applied skills are often free and accessible to everyone, offering a flexible, cost-free way to gain credentials compared to paid certifications.
• 😀 Applied skills can be beneficial for those without an employer-sponsored certification fund, helping people in economically challenging situations advance their careers.
• 😀 Applied skills are useful not only for individuals but also for employers, who can use them to test potential hires through free, hands-on labs without having to set up their own coding tests.
• 😀 Applied skills are available on the Microsoft Learn platform, making them easy to access at any time without the need for formal booking or scheduling.
• 😀 Microsoft’s applied skills offer a way to validate specific skills in a focused and efficient manner, compared to certifications that require knowledge across a wide array of services.
• 😀 Both certifications and applied skills fall under Microsoft’s credentials umbrella, offering individuals multiple ways to demonstrate their technical expertise.

Q & A

What is the main difference between Microsoft certifications and Microsoft applied skills?

Microsoft certifications are broader, covering multiple products and services related to a specific role, such as an Azure architect or Teams admin. They are often proctored and require knowledge across several services. In contrast, Microsoft applied skills are focused on specific tasks or skills within a single product, such as automating processes with Power Automate, and are generally less broad.

What types of skills does the Microsoft applied skills program cover?

The Microsoft applied skills program focuses on specific tasks related to a single product, such as automating business processes, securing Azure storage, or deploying cloud-native apps using Azure Container Apps.

How did the structure of Microsoft's credential offerings change in November of the previous year?

In November of the previous year, Microsoft split its credentials into two categories: Microsoft certifications and Microsoft applied skills, both of which now fall under the umbrella of Microsoft credentials. This split offers more targeted skill recognition in addition to broader certifications.

What is the purpose of Microsoft applied skills certifications?

Microsoft applied skills certifications are designed to validate proficiency in a specific skill set related to a particular task or product, providing proof of a professional's ability to address critical business challenges with Microsoft technologies.

How do applied skills differ in terms of flexibility compared to traditional Microsoft certifications?

Applied skills are more flexible as they can be taken at any time for free on the Microsoft Learn platform. This eliminates the need for booking exams or worrying about certification costs, making them accessible to a wider range of people, including beginners and those with economic constraints.

What is an example of a Microsoft applied skill that was highlighted in the script?

An example mentioned in the script is 'Secure Storage' in Azure, which focuses on the specific task of securing storage accounts rather than a broader coverage of Azure's storage services.

Why are applied skills seen as a good option for beginners?

Applied skills are seen as a good option for beginners because they are free, flexible, and allow learners to develop hands-on experience with Microsoft technologies, offering a practical, learn-by-doing approach that doesn’t require a formal certification exam.

How do employers benefit from Microsoft applied skills?

Employers can use Microsoft applied skills to assess the hands-on abilities of potential job candidates. By requiring applicants to complete free, practical labs, employers can gauge their technical skills without needing to design their own coding assessments or tests.

Can Microsoft applied skills help someone who is financially unable to pursue traditional certifications?

Yes, Microsoft applied skills are free and accessible, making them an excellent option for individuals who may not have the financial means to pursue traditional, paid certifications.

What are the key advantages of applied skills over certifications in terms of cost and access?

The key advantages of applied skills are that they are free and available to anyone, regardless of financial situation, while traditional certifications often involve costs and require scheduling an exam either in-person or remotely with a proctor.