Top 10 Microsoft Free Certification Courses to Boost Your Career in 2025

Top 10 Microsoft Free Certification Courses to Boost Your Career in 2025

10 Sep 2025
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Free Azure Online Course with Certificate [For Beginners]

Microsoft Free Certification Courses are one of the best ways to learn in-demand tech and business skills without spending a single rupee. They allow students to gain knowledge in topics like cloud computing (Azure), artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data analysis, productivity programs (Excel, Power BI, Office 365), and software development.

In this Azure Tutorial, you will learn about the Top 10 Microsoft Free Certification Courses, organized into Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert levels. New to tech? Start your journey with this beginner-friendly, 100% Free Azure Course—earn a certificate and unlock global IT opportunities!”

Why Choose Microsoft Free Certifications in 2025?

Microsoft certifications are globally recognized and open doors to high-demand careers in cloud, AI, cybersecurity, data, and business applications. Here are the top reasons why pursuing them in 2025 is a smart move:

Key reasons to pursue them:

1. High Industry Demand
2. Global Recognition
  • Microsoft certifications are respected around the world, which can make your resume stand out and help you be taken seriously by top companies.
3. Free Learning Opportunities
  • You can take advantage of free training and often get free exam vouchers through Microsoft Learn and Virtual Training Days, making it easier to afford.
4. Career Advancement & Salary Boost
5. Future-Proof Skills
  • You will learn important skills in areas like cloud computing, AI, data, cybersecurity, and low-code applications, which are growing quickly.
6. Flexible Learning
  • With a combination of self-paced courses and live training sessions, you can learn whenever and wherever you want.
  • This is great for students, people working, and those changing careers.
7. Pathway to Advanced Roles
  • Begin with the basics (like AZ-900, AI-900, DP-900) and then advance to associate and expert certificates (like AZ-104, PL-300, AZ-400).
8. Boost Employability Across Domains
  • No matter if you're into IT, business analysis, project management, or data science, Microsoft has specific certifications for each area.

Top 10 Microsoft Free Certification Courses for 2025

CertificationCategory Key Skills GainedEstimated DurationFree/ Exam Cost
AZ-900: Azure FundamentalsCloud ComputingCloud basics, Azure services, security, pricing4-6 hoursFree training + Free exam
AI-900: AI FundamentalsArtificial IntelligenceAI/ML basics, NLP, computer vision, workloads6–10 hoursFree training + Free exam
DP-900: Azure Data FundamentalsData ScienceDatabases, analytics, big data4–8 hoursFree training + Free exam
SC-900: Security, Compliance & Identity FundamentalsCybersecurityCybersecurity basics, IAM, compliance5–7 hoursFree training + Free exam
PL-900: Power Platform FundamentalsLow-code/Business AppsPower BI, Power Apps, automation, low-code tools6–8 hoursFree training + Free exam
MB-910: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM)Business ApplicationsDynamics 365 basics, customer engagement8–12 hoursFree training + Free exam
MS-900: Microsoft 365 FundamentalsBusiness & ProductivityMicrosoft 365 apps, Teams, collaboration, security5–7 hoursFree training + Free exam
PL-300: Power BI Data AnalystBusiness IntelligenceData modeling, visualization, dashboards15–20 hoursFree training (Exam ~$165/₹4,800–6,800)
AZ-104: Azure Administrator AssociateCloud/DevOpsVirtual networks, storage, Azure monitoring20–30 hoursFree training (Exam ~$165 / ₹4,800–6,800)
AZ-400: Azure DevOps Engineer ExpertDevOps / Project ManagementCI/CD pipelines, automation, DevOps practices30–40 hoursFree training (Exam ~$165 / ₹4,800–6,800)

Fundamentals: Beginner Level Free Certifications

They are entry-level certifications that introduce core concepts in cloud, data, AI, security, productivity, and business apps. No prior technical background is required. They build a solid foundation for career starters.

It Includes:
  • AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals
  • DP-900: Azure Data Fundamentals
  • AI-900: Azure AI Fundamentals
  • SC-900: Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals
  • MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
  • PL-900: Power Platform Fundamentals
  • MB-910: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM)

1. AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals badge

AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals is a entry-level certification introducing cloud concepts, Azure services, pricing, and security.

1. Designed For: Beginners exploring cloud computing with no prior experience. 
2. Prerequisites: None, it is ideal first Microsoft certification.
3. Skills You’ll Gain:
  • Understanding cloud concepts and Azure services
  • Azure pricing, SLAs, lifecycle
  • Basics of security, compliance, and trust
4. Career Impact: Builds a strong foundation for cloud careers and acts as a stepping stone to advanced Azure certifications.
5. Job Roles: Cloud Support Associate, Cloud Intern, Junior Azure Administrator.
6. Salary: $55k–$80k (₹4.5–6.5 LPA)

Link: Microsoft AZ-900 Certification

2. DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals

Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals badge

DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals is a Foundational certification in core data concepts, relational/non-relational databases, and analytics on Azure.

1. Designed For: Students and professionals interested in data analytics, data engineering, or database administration. 2. Prerequisites: No prior data background required.

3. Skills You’ll Gain:
  • Core data concepts and workloads
  • Relational vs. non-relational data
  • Basics of analytics and visualization

4. Career Impact: Opens entry-level opportunities in data science, BI, and analytics.

5. Job Roles: Data Analyst Intern, Junior Data Engineer, Business Intelligence Associate. 
6. Salary: $58k–$85k (₹5–7 LPA)

3. AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals

Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals badge

AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals is a Certification covering basic AI concepts, machine learning, and Azure AI services like NLP and Computer Vision.

1. Designed For: Beginners curious about AI and machine learning applications. 2. Prerequisites: Basic math & logic understanding helpful, but not mandatory.

3. Skills You’ll Gain:
4. Career Impact: Helps transition into AI/ML roles and advanced Azure AI certifications.
5. Job Roles: AI/ML Intern, Junior AI Engineer, AI Support Specialist.
6. Salary: $60k–$90k (₹5–7.5 LPA)

Link: Microsoft AI-900 Certification

4. SC-900: Microsoft Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals

Microsoft Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals badge

SC-900: Microsoft Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals is a introductory certification on cybersecurity, compliance, and identity solutions in Microsoft and Azure environments.

1. Designed For: IT students & professionals seeking to understand cybersecurity basics. 2. Prerequisites: None.

3. Skills You’ll Gain:
  • Security, compliance, and identity principles
  • Microsoft security solutions (Azure AD, Defender)
  • Zero-trust fundamentals
4. Career Impact: Opens cybersecurity career pathways; demand is high globally.
5. Job Roles: Security Analyst Intern, Compliance Specialist, Junior Identity & Access Administrator.
6. Salary: $60k–$95k (₹5–8 LPA)

Link: Microsoft SC-900 Certification

5. MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals

Microsoft 365 Fundamentals badge

MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals is a beginner certification for understanding Microsoft 365 services, Teams, SharePoint, and cloud productivity.

1. Designed For: Business users, IT beginners, and professionals who use Microsoft 365 daily. 2. Prerequisites: Basic computer literacy.

3. Skills You’ll Gain:

  • Microsoft 365 services & productivity tools
  • Collaboration with Teams, Exchange, SharePoint
  • Security & compliance in Microsoft 365
4. Career Impact: Adds credibility for business & IT support roles in enterprises.
5. Job Roles: IT Support Specialist, Office 365 Administrator, Productivity Consultant.

Link: Microsoft MS-900 Certification

6. PL-900: Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals

Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals badge

PL-900: Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals is a certification focusing on low-code app development using Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Virtual Agents.

1. Designed For: Professionals and students exploring low-code/no-code app building. 2. Prerequisites: None.

3. Skills You’ll Gain:

  • Power BI for data visualization
  • Power Apps for app creation
  • Power Automate & Virtual Agents basics
4. Career Impact: Prepares you for careers in business automation & data analysis.
5. Job Roles: Power Platform Developer, Business Analyst, Automation Specialist.
6. Salary: $60k–$88k (₹5–7.3 LPA)

Link: Microsoft PL-900 Certification

7. MB-910: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM)

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM)

MB-910: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM) is a Foundational certification in Dynamics 365 CRM covering customer engagement and business application basics.

1. Designed For: Business professionals, consultants, or IT beginners interested in ERP/CRM. 2. Prerequisites: None.

3. Skills You’ll Gain:
  • Dynamics 365 CRM basics
  • Customer engagement & business apps
  • ERP vs. CRM use cases

4. Career Impact: Opens roles in business consulting & CRM management.

5. Job Roles: CRM Consultant, Business Applications Specialist, Dynamics 365 Administrator.
6. Salary: $58k–$86k (₹5–7 LPA)

Associate: Intermediate Level Free Certification 

They are role-based certifications that validate hands-on technical skills in cloud administration, data analysis, and related fields. Ideal for those with some experience or who have completed fundamentals.

It Includes:
  • PL-300: Power BI Data Analyst Associate
  • AZ-104: Azure Administrator Associate

8. PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate

Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate badge

PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate is a Associate-level certification for designing data models, building reports, and creating dashboards in Power BI.

1. Designed For: Aspiring or current data analysts. 2. Prerequisites: Basic understanding of data concepts (DP-900 recommended).

3. Skills You’ll Gain:
  • Data modeling & transformation
  • Building dashboards & reports in Power BI
  • Advanced DAX and data visualization techniques
4. Career Impact: One of the most in-demand roles — strong opportunities in data analytics & BI.
5. Job Roles: Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Developer, Reporting Specialist.
6. Salary: $75k–$110k (₹8–14 LPA)

Link: Microsoft PL-300 Certification

9. AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate

Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate badge

AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate is a certification validating skills in managing Azure subscriptions, storage, virtual networks, and monitoring solutions.

1. Designed For: IT professionals managing Azure environments. 2. Prerequisites: AZ-900 recommended + basic IT knowledge.

3. Skills You’ll Gain:
  • Deploying & managing virtual networks
  • Managing storage & Azure identities
  • Monitoring & backup solutions
4. Career Impact: Unlocks Azure Administrator/Cloud Engineer roles (avg. $145k salary globally).
5. Job Roles: Azure Administrator, Cloud Engineer, IT Infrastructure Specialist.
6. Salary: $85k–$120k (₹10–16 LPA)

Link: Microsoft AZ-104 Certification

Read more: Azure 104 Certification: Cost, Exam Details & Preparation Guide

Expert: Advanced Level Free Certificate 

It is a high-level certifications designed for experienced professionals. They focus on advanced architecture, DevOps, and enterprise-level solutions, preparing learners for leadership and specialized roles.

It Includes:
  • AZ-400: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert

10. AZ-400: Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer Expert

Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer Expert badge

AZ-400: Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer Expert is a Expert-level certification in implementing CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code, and DevOps practices using Azure.

1. Designed For: Experienced IT professionals and DevOps engineers. 2. Prerequisites: Prior Azure knowledge.

3. Skills You’ll Gain:
4. Career Impact: High-paying DevOps Engineer/Cloud Architect opportunities worldwide.
5. Job Roles: DevOps Engineer, Cloud Solutions Architect, Release Manager. 6. Salary: $110k–$150k+ (₹18–25 LPA)

Link:  Microsoft AZ-400 Certification

How to Get Started with Free Microsoft Certifications

Microsoft makes it simple to begin your certification journey with Microsoft Learn. Follow this step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Create a Free Microsoft Account

  • Go to Microsoft Account and sign up, if you don’t already have one.
  • This account will track your progress, badges, and certifications.

Step 2: Visit Microsoft Learn

  • Navigate to learn.microsoft.com
  • In the search bar, type the certification name (e.g., “AZ-900 free learning path”).

Step 3: Start the Learning Path

  • Choose the official certification learning path.
  • Complete modules that include videos, readings, and hands-on labs (sandbox environments provided free).

Step 4: Track Your Progress

  • Earn badges and achievements as you complete modules.
  • Your progress is saved automatically in your Microsoft account.

Step 5: Join Virtual Training Days 

  • Microsoft often offers live virtual events where you can attend free sessions.
  • Completing these sometimes gives you a free exam voucher.

Step 6: Prepare for the Exam (Optional but Recommended)

  • If you want the official certification, schedule the exam (usually $99–$165 / ₹4,800–₹6,800).
  • Use Microsoft’s practice tests, sample questions, and sandbox labs to prepare.
Conclusion

These top 10 Microsoft free certification courses can transform your career in 2025 by giving you knowledge in cloud technology, artificial intelligence, and data—fields that are expanding quickly around the world. From AZ-900 for beginners to SC-100 for experts, they offer accessible paths to higher pay and opportunities. 

Ready to earn ₹8-12 lakhs annually? Sign up for the Azure Developer Course today, learn in-demand skills like app deployment and authentication, and position yourself for lucrative developer jobs in the booming cloud industry.

FAQs

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) is the most recommended certification for beginners. It introduces cloud concepts, Azure services, pricing, and security—ideal for freshers or non-technical professionals transitioning to IT. 

 Yes. Microsoft offers free learning paths on Microsoft Learn. You can study at no cost, though the official exam for certification is paid. 

Professionals often see a 20–50% salary increase. For example, Azure administrators, developers, and security engineers often cross six-figure salaries globally, with Indian professionals seeing ₹7–25 LPA depending on role and experience. 

Yes, especially in entry-level roles like Cloud Support Associate, Data Analyst Intern, or Power BI Developer. For mid-to-senior roles (DevOps Engineer, Solution Architect), employers usually expect hands-on experience plus certifications. 

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Girdhar Gopal Singh (Author and Passionate Consultant)

Girdhar Gopal Singh is a well-established and highly experienced trainer. He has done M.Tech with computer science, understandably, therefore he has a strong technical background, However, thanks to his broad variety of interests he has also developed multiple training skills. He successful trained thousands of students for both technical as well as HR interview skills.
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