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SepTop 10 Microsoft Free Certification Courses to Boost Your Career in 2025
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:
- By the year 2026, there will be more than 356,700 IT jobs opening up every year.
- Many of these positions will need skills in Microsoft Azure, artificial intelligence, and security.
- Microsoft certifications are respected around the world, which can make your resume stand out and help you be taken seriously by top companies.
- 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.
- People who are certified can earn a salary that is 20 to 40 percent higher worldwide.
- Jobs like Azure Administrator, Data Analyst, or DevOps Engineer can pay between $120,000 and $180,000 a year, or ₹8 to 20 lakhs per year in India.
- You will learn important skills in areas like cloud computing, AI, data, cybersecurity, and low-code applications, which are growing quickly.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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
Certification | Category | Key Skills Gained | Estimated Duration | Free/ Exam Cost |
AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals | Cloud Computing | Cloud basics, Azure services, security, pricing | 4-6 hours | Free training + Free exam |
AI-900: AI Fundamentals | Artificial Intelligence | AI/ML basics, NLP, computer vision, workloads | 6–10 hours | Free training + Free exam |
DP-900: Azure Data Fundamentals | Data Science | Databases, analytics, big data | 4–8 hours | Free training + Free exam |
SC-900: Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals | Cybersecurity | Cybersecurity basics, IAM, compliance | 5–7 hours | Free training + Free exam |
PL-900: Power Platform Fundamentals | Low-code/Business Apps | Power BI, Power Apps, automation, low-code tools | 6–8 hours | Free training + Free exam |
MB-910: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM) | Business Applications | Dynamics 365 basics, customer engagement | 8–12 hours | Free training + Free exam |
MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals | Business & Productivity | Microsoft 365 apps, Teams, collaboration, security | 5–7 hours | Free training + Free exam |
PL-300: Power BI Data Analyst | Business Intelligence | Data modeling, visualization, dashboards | 15–20 hours | Free training (Exam ~$165/₹4,800–6,800) |
AZ-104: Azure Administrator Associate | Cloud/DevOps | Virtual networks, storage, Azure monitoring | 20–30 hours | Free training (Exam ~$165 / ₹4,800–6,800) |
AZ-400: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert | DevOps / Project Management | CI/CD pipelines, automation, DevOps practices | 30–40 hours | Free 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.
- 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
AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals is a entry-level certification introducing cloud concepts, Azure services, pricing, and security.
- Understanding cloud concepts and Azure services
- Azure pricing, SLAs, lifecycle
- Basics of security, compliance, and trust
Link: Microsoft AZ-900 Certification
2. DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals
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.
- 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.
3. AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals
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.
- Fundamentals of AI workloads
- Basics of machine learning concepts
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) & Computer Vision
Link: Microsoft AI-900 Certification
4. SC-900: Microsoft Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals
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.
- Security, compliance, and identity principles
- Microsoft security solutions (Azure AD, Defender)
- Zero-trust fundamentals
Link: Microsoft SC-900 Certification
5. MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
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
Link: Microsoft MS-900 Certification
6. PL-900: Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals
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
Link: Microsoft PL-900 Certification
7. MB-910: 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.
- Dynamics 365 CRM basics
- Customer engagement & business apps
- ERP vs. CRM use cases
4. Career Impact: Opens roles in business consulting & CRM management.
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.
- PL-300: Power BI Data Analyst Associate
- AZ-104: Azure Administrator Associate
8. PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate
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).
- Data modeling & transformation
- Building dashboards & reports in Power BI
- Advanced DAX and data visualization techniques
Link: Microsoft PL-300 Certification
9. AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate
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.
- Deploying & managing virtual networks
- Managing storage & Azure identities
- Monitoring & backup solutions
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.
- AZ-400: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
10. AZ-400: Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
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.
- CI/CD pipelines in Azure DevOps
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
- Monitoring & automation best practices
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.
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