Platform first
Understand identity, governance, networking, compute, storage, and monitoring before building on top of them.
An Azure-only credential journey
Build your Azure capability.
One meaningful step at a time.
A practical route for technical consultants and solution architects who are new to Azure. Start with the platform, add data and AI, then mature your application and DevOps expertise.
Why this path works
Learn the platform before you architect the solution.
Breadth plus practice
Use Certifications to prove role-wide capability and Applied Skills to demonstrate focused, hands-on outcomes.
Progress, not a deadline
Move forward when you can explain the concepts, complete the practical work, and pass the relevant assessment.
Your learning journey
From first principles to expert practice.
Follow the stages in order. Check off credentials as you earn them—your progress stays in this browser.
Your progress
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Stage 0 · Foundation
Beginner
Learn the language of Azure
Build a shared vocabulary for cloud concepts, core services, management, governance, pricing, and support.
1
Stage 1 · Infrastructure
Intermediate → Expert
Operate Azure, then design it
Develop practical administration depth before turning business requirements into resilient Azure architectures.
Recommended Applied Skills 3 focused credentials
2
Stage 2 · Data
Beginner → Intermediate
Turn data into a design decision
Understand Azure data workloads, then develop practical depth in designing and operating Azure SQL solutions.
Recommended Applied Skills 2 focused credentials
3
Stage 3 · AI
Beginner → Intermediate
Build AI solutions you can operate
Progress from AI concepts to apps and agents, then build repeatable MLOps and GenAIOps practices.
Recommended Applied Skills 4 focused credentials
4
Stage 4 · Apps and innovation
Intermediate → Expert
Build, ship, observe, improve
Develop Azure applications, choose the right hosting and integration services, and mature your delivery practices.
Recommended Applied Skills 3 focused credentials
Two ways to prove your skills
Broad role capability meets focused practice.
Certifications and Applied Skills are complementary Microsoft credentials. Use both to tell a stronger skills story.
Microsoft Certification
Show you can perform across a role.
- Broad coverage across several skill areas
- Aligned to roles such as administrator or architect
- Earned by passing a Certification exam
- Associate and expert credentials require renewal
Best for: role readiness, career progression, and broad technical credibility.
Microsoft Applied Skills
Show you can solve a focused scenario.
- Narrow validation of one specific skill set
- Aligned to a product or business challenge
- Earned through a performance-based lab
- Useful before, beside, or after a Certification
Best for: project readiness, hands-on evidence, and targeted upskilling.
Make your progress visible
Your Microsoft Learn profile becomes your verified skills record.
Keep every credential in one profile, share a complete transcript, and give employers or customers a direct way to verify your achievements.
Open your Learn profile-
1
Earn
Complete the exam or Applied Skills assessment.
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2
Verify
Find the credential in the Credentials area of your Learn profile.
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Share
Add the verification link to LinkedIn, your CV, portfolio, or email signature.
Ready when you are