Microsoft Courses
Role-based Microsoft certifications across Azure, Microsoft 365 and Power Platform — from cloud fundamentals to expert architect level. Study online, at your own pace, with the official exam available as an optional add-on.
Online Microsoft Training
Choose Your Microsoft Course
New to Microsoft cloud? Start with a Fundamentals certification like Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), then move into a role-based Associate certification.
Fundamentals
Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
The entry point to Microsoft cloud. Learn core Azure concepts, services and pricing — no prior experience needed.
Fundamentals
Azure Data Fundamentals
Core data concepts and how they map to Azure data services — a gentle start for data-focused careers.
Fundamentals
Power Platform Fundamentals
An introduction to Power Apps, Power Automate and Power BI for low-code business solutions.
Associate
Azure Administrator Associate
Manage Azure subscriptions, storage, networking and identity — the core cloud administration role.
Associate
Azure Developer Associate
Design, build and maintain cloud applications and services on Azure.
Associate
Azure Security Engineer Associate
Implement security controls, identity management and threat protection across Azure.
Associate
Power BI Data Analyst Associate
Model, visualise and analyse data with Power BI — one of the most in-demand data skills.
Associate
Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
Administer Windows Server across on-premises and hybrid cloud environments.
Associate
Microsoft 365 Endpoint Administrator Associate
Manage devices, apps and security across a Microsoft 365 environment.
Expert
Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Design and implement complete cloud solutions on Azure — the top, expert-level certification.
At a glance
Microsoft Certifications by Area
Microsoft’s role-based certifications group into four main areas. Each course prepares you for a specific exam, sat through Pearson VUE as an optional add-on.
| Area | Fundamentals | Associate | Expert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azure (cloud) | Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) | Administrator (AZ-104) · Developer (AZ-204) · Security Engineer (AZ-500) | Solutions Architect (AZ-305) |
| Microsoft 365 | — | Endpoint Administrator (MD-102) | — |
| Power Platform | Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900) | Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300) | — |
| Data | Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) | — | — |
| Hybrid / on-premises | — | Windows Server Hybrid Administrator (AZ-800 & AZ-801) | — |
| Official exam | Optional Pearson VUE add-on | Optional Pearson VUE add-on | Optional Pearson VUE add-on |
Everything in the price
What’s Included in Every Microsoft Course
Every Microsoft course at Career Smarter comes with the study tools and support you need to prepare with confidence.
Online & Self-Paced Learning
Access your full course online, 24 hours a day — on desktop or mobile. Study around work and family with no fixed schedule or classroom to attend.
Exam Preparation Built In
Structured lessons, knowledge checks and practice questions map to the objectives of your Microsoft exam — so you know what to expect before you sit it. The official exam is an optional Pearson VUE add-on you can arrange when you’re ready.
Dedicated Account Manager
A single point of contact to guide you through your course, answer questions and help you get set up to book your exam through Pearson VUE when the time comes.
Digital Badge & Certificate
On passing your Microsoft exam, you receive a verifiable digital badge and certificate you can add directly to your LinkedIn profile and CV.
Hands-On Practice
Microsoft exams test practical understanding, so the courses point you to a free Azure trial and lab exercises to build real skills alongside the theory.
Flexible Payment Plans
Spread the cost over several months with Payl8r finance — so you can start studying now and pay in manageable instalments.
Who it's for
Who Should Study Microsoft Certifications?
Microsoft certifications are role-based, so there’s a clear path whether you’re in infrastructure, data or development.
IT Professionals
System administrators and security engineers moving to Azure and Microsoft 365 — from AZ-900 up to the Administrator and Security Engineer roles.
Data Professionals
Analysts and database specialists building cloud data skills with Azure Data Fundamentals and the Power BI Data Analyst certification.
Developers & Cloud Engineers
Developers and DevOps professionals building on Azure — from Developer Associate to the Solutions Architect Expert.
Everything you need to know
Microsoft Exam Details
Microsoft exams are role-based and delivered through Pearson VUE, online or at a test centre.
How Scoring Works
The Three Levels
Exam Preparation Tips
Microsoft Certifications, Explained
Microsoft training helps you build the skills employers actually deploy — across Microsoft 365, Azure and the Power Platform. The certifications are structured around real job roles rather than products, so what you learn maps directly to the work you’d do.
The Three Certification Levels
Fundamentals
The entry tier, for beginners. Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), Azure Data Fundamentals and Power Platform Fundamentals teach core cloud and business-automation concepts with no prerequisites.
Associate
Role-based, intermediate certifications. These cover specific jobs — Azure Administrator, Developer, Security Engineer, Power BI Data Analyst and Windows Server Hybrid Administrator.
Expert
The advanced tier. The Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is for designing and implementing complete cloud solutions, and is one of the most respected credentials in cloud.
Where to Start
Almost everyone should begin with a Fundamentals certification, most commonly AZ-900. It gives you the language and the mental model for the cloud, which makes the role-based Associate certifications far more approachable. From there, pick the Associate role that matches your job or your goal.
Fundamentals, Associate and Expert — Choosing Your Level
Microsoft’s levels build on each other. Fundamentals certifications — Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) and Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900) — have no prerequisites and are the sensible starting point if the cloud is new to you. Associate certifications sit in the middle and map to specific jobs: Azure Administrator (AZ-104), Developer (AZ-204), Security Engineer (AZ-500) and Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300) among them. At the top, the Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) certification is designed for people already working at the Associate level who want to design complete cloud solutions.
Course Cost and the Optional Exam
The course price covers your online training, study materials and support — including a dedicated account manager and, on passing, a digital badge and certificate. The official Microsoft exam itself is separate: it is an optional Pearson VUE add-on rather than part of the course price. You can add your exam voucher at checkout, or arrange it later when you feel ready, and your account manager will help you get set up to book it online or at a test centre. If the up-front cost is a factor, Payl8r payment plans let you spread it over several months.
Where Microsoft Certifications Lead
Microsoft skills are widely used across UK employers, from small businesses running Microsoft 365 to large organisations building on Azure. Because the certifications are role-based, they describe the work directly — an Azure Administrator manages cloud infrastructure, a Power BI Data Analyst turns data into reporting, a Security Engineer protects cloud environments. Starting with a Fundamentals certification and progressing into the Associate role that matches your goal gives you a credible, recognised route into cloud, data or infrastructure work.
Related Courses
- CompTIA courses — vendor-neutral foundations including Cloud+ and Security+
- Cisco courses — networking skills that complement cloud roles
Popular courses
Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) — £295 Power BI Data Analyst — £295 Azure Solutions Architect — £295Need advice?
Not sure which Microsoft role-based path fits you? Our team can map it out.
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Microsoft Courses — Frequently Asked Questions
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Ready to Build Your Microsoft Cloud Skills?
Start with Azure Fundamentals and move into a role-based certification. Add the official exam when you’re ready. Study at your pace.
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