The Complete Guide to Microsoft Certification Exams 2025
By Sarah Chen, Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert with 12 years of experience in cloud architecture and enterprise IT training
Microsoft certification exams are industry-recognized assessments that validate technical skills across Azure, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and security technologies. Microsoft certification exams include questions reflecting real-world problems faced in a job role, and candidates must pass required exams to earn industry-recognized certifications. These certifications demonstrate expertise to employers and can lead to higher salaries, with certified professionals earning up to 20% more than their non-certified counterparts.
What Are Microsoft Certification Exams?
Microsoft certification exams are role-based assessments designed to measure competency in specific Microsoft technologies and job functions. Microsoft offers certifications across key solution areas including Infrastructure, Data and AI, Digital & App Innovation, Modern Work, and Security certifications—each aligned with in-demand roles and Microsoft technologies. These exams validate practical skills rather than theoretical knowledge, requiring candidates to demonstrate their ability to implement, configure, and troubleshoot Microsoft solutions in real-world scenarios.
The certification program includes three main types:
- Traditional Certifications: Comprehensive role-based certifications requiring one or more exams
- Microsoft Applied Skills: Scenario-specific applied skills that focus on specific, scenario-based skill sets for critical business problems, earned by passing an online assessment requiring completion of tasks in an interactive lab experience
How Much Do Microsoft Certification Exams Cost?
Microsoft certification exam costs vary by certification level and geographic location. Effective November 1, 2024, Microsoft updated exam pricing to make it simpler and more consistent across geographies while offering a fair and affordable value proposition.
Current Pricing Structure (2025):
- Fundamentals Level: $99 USD per exam for entry-level certifications like Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
- Associate and Expert Level: $165 USD per exam for Associate and Expert level certifications
- Specialty Certifications: $165 USD per exam for specialty-focused certifications
Regional Pricing Variations: The new retail prices vary depending on the country or region where you take the exam. For most areas, there will be no change in price. For some areas, the price will decrease to make exams more affordable. For a few areas, the price will increase to align with global and regional standards.
What Are the Different Types of Microsoft Certifications?
Fundamentals Level Certifications
Entry-level certifications designed for beginners or those new to Microsoft technologies. Fundamental certifications provide a starting point for beginners and help understand the basics of cloud services and how they operate on Microsoft Azure.
| Exam Code | Certification Name | Technology Focus | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| AZ-900 | Azure Fundamentals | Azure cloud services and concepts | $99 |
| AI-900 | Azure AI Fundamentals | AI workloads and Azure AI services | $99 |
| DP-900 | Azure Data Fundamentals | Core data concepts and Azure data services | $99 |
| MS-900 | Microsoft 365 Fundamentals | Microsoft 365 cloud concepts and services | $99 |
| SC-900 | Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals | Microsoft security, compliance, and identity solutions | $99 |
| PL-900 | Power Platform Fundamentals | Power Platform core components and capabilities | $99 |
| MB-901 | Dynamics 365 Fundamentals | Dynamics 365 capabilities and Microsoft cloud concepts | $99 |
Associate Level Certifications
Intermediate certifications for professionals with some experience in their respective fields. Associate certifications are meant for those with moderate experience and require expert-level skills in administration and experience with development and DevOps processes.
| Exam Code | Certification Name | Technology Focus | Cost | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AZ-104 | Azure Administrator Associate | Azure environment administration and management | $165 | None |
| AZ-204 | Azure Developer Associate | Azure application development and deployment | $165 | None |
| AZ-500 | Azure Security Engineer Associate | Azure security implementation and management | $165 | None |
| DP-203 | Azure Data Engineer Associate | Data engineering solutions on Azure | $165 | None |
| DP-100 | Azure Data Scientist Associate | Machine learning solutions on Azure | $165 | None |
| DP-300 | Azure Database Administrator Associate | Azure SQL database administration | $165 | None |
| AI-102 | Azure AI Engineer Associate | AI solutions development on Azure | $165 | None |
| PL-300 | Power BI Data Analyst Associate | Power BI data analysis and visualization | $165 | None |
| PL-400 | Power Platform Developer Associate | Power Platform development | $165 | None |
| MS-102 | Microsoft 365 Administrator Associate | Microsoft 365 tenant administration | $165 | None |
| MS-500 | Microsoft 365 Security Administrator Associate | Microsoft 365 security implementation | $165 | None |
| SC-200 | Security Operations Analyst Associate | Security operations and threat response | $165 | None |
| SC-300 | Identity and Access Administrator Associate | Identity and access management solutions | $165 | None |
Expert Level Certifications
Advanced certifications for highly experienced professionals requiring mastery of complex scenarios. Expert certifications are designed for highly experienced professionals who require advanced skills in their roles.
| Exam Code | Certification Name | Technology Focus | Cost | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AZ-305 | Azure Solutions Architect Expert | Azure architecture and solutions design | $165 | AZ-104 or AZ-204 |
| AZ-400 | Azure DevOps Engineer Expert | DevOps practices and Azure DevOps services | $165 | AZ-104 or AZ-204 |
| MS-102 | Microsoft 365 Administrator Expert | Advanced Microsoft 365 administration | $165 | One M365 Associate cert |
| SC-100 | Cybersecurity Architect Expert | Enterprise cybersecurity architecture | $165 | SC-200, SC-300, or AZ-500 |
| DP-500 | Azure Enterprise Data Analyst Expert | Enterprise-scale analytics solutions | $165 | PL-300 |
Specialty Certifications
Focused certifications that validate deep expertise in specific technology areas or scenarios.
| Exam Code | Certification Name | Technology Focus | Cost | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AZ-120 | Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty | SAP solutions on Azure | $165 | AZ-104 |
| AZ-140 | Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty | Windows Virtual Desktop solutions | $165 | AZ-104 |
| DP-420 | Azure Cosmos DB Developer Specialty | Cosmos DB development solutions | $165 | None |
| SC-400 | Information Protection Administrator | Microsoft Purview information protection | $165 | None |
| SC-600 | Security Operations Analyst Expert | Advanced security operations | $165 | SC-200 |
Microsoft 365 and Power Platform Certifications
| Exam Code | Certification Name | Technology Focus | Cost | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD-100 | Windows 10 Enterprise Administrator | Windows 10 deployment and management | $165 | Associate |
| MD-101 | Managing Modern Desktops | Modern desktop administration | $165 | Associate |
| MS-700 | Teams Administrator Associate | Microsoft Teams administration | $165 | Associate |
| MS-720 | Teams Voice Engineer Expert | Teams voice solutions | $165 | Expert |
| PL-600 | Power Platform Solution Architect Expert | Power Platform architecture | $165 | Expert |
Dynamics 365 Certifications
| Exam Code | Certification Name | Technology Focus | Cost | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MB-210 | Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant | Sales application configuration | $165 | Associate |
| MB-220 | Dynamics 365 Marketing Functional Consultant | Marketing application implementation | $165 | Associate |
| MB-230 | Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant | Customer service solutions | $165 | Associate |
| MB-240 | Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant | Field service management | $165 | Associate |
| MB-300 | Dynamics 365 Core Finance and Operations | Finance and operations core functionality | $165 | Associate |
| MB-310 | Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant | Finance application implementation | $165 | Associate |
| MB-330 | Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management | Supply chain management solutions | $165 | Associate |
| MB-500 | Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Developer | Finance and operations development | $165 | Associate |
| MB-700 | Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect | Enterprise architecture solutions | $165 | Expert |
What Is the Passing Score for Microsoft Certification Exams?
Microsoft uses a scaled scoring system across all certification exams. All technical exam scores are reported on a scale of 1 to 1,000, with a passing score of 700 or greater required. This is not a simple percentage—the actual percentage of questions that you must answer correctly varies from exam to exam and may be more or less than 70 percent, depending on the difficulty of questions you encounter.
Understanding Scaled Scoring: The passing score is based on the knowledge and skills needed to demonstrate competence in the skill domain and the difficulty of the questions that a candidate answers when taking the exam. This means:
- Easier question sets require more correct answers to pass
- More difficult question sets require fewer correct answers to pass
- The passing score is based on subject matter experts' review of question difficulty in relation to expected skill levels
How Do I Schedule and Take a Microsoft Certification Exam?
Microsoft offers two primary testing options for certification exams:
In-Person Testing
You can take Microsoft certification exams in person at a Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center. This traditional approach provides a controlled testing environment with professional proctoring.
Online Testing
Online testing is available in the comfort and privacy of your home with OnVUE, offering the same exam content with remote proctoring. This option provides flexibility for candidates who prefer testing from home.
Scheduling Requirements:
- You can only schedule up to two Microsoft exams concurrently, and exams can only be scheduled within the next 90 days
- Registration requires a personal Microsoft account (MSA)
- For English as a second language candidates, an additional 30 minutes is offered if the exam is not available in your native language
What Happens If I Fail a Microsoft Certification Exam?
Microsoft has specific retake policies to maintain exam integrity:
Retake Timeline:
- If you fail an exam the first time, you must wait 24 hours before retaking it
- All additional attempts are subject to a 14-day waiting period
- You may only retake an exam up to five times in 12 months following your first attempt
Retake Costs: To retake the exam, you must pay the fee the same as the first attempt—Fundamental $99, Associate, Expert, and Specialty $165. However, Microsoft frequently offers free retake promotions, especially at events like Microsoft Build.
Which Microsoft Certifications Are Most Valuable in 2025?
Based on industry demand and salary data, several certifications stand out as particularly valuable:
Cloud and Infrastructure Certifications
Azure-certified professionals are in high demand, and Azure certifications are the most popular Microsoft certifications to pursue in 2025. The cloud-first approach of most organizations makes Azure skills essential.
Top Azure Certifications:
- Azure Solutions Architect Expert: Highest-paying architectural role
- Azure Administrator Associate: High demand for cloud administration
- Azure Security Engineer Associate: Advanced level certificate for experienced cloud security engineers with credentials in compliance, identity, and security portfolio
Security Certifications
AI and cybersecurity skills become increasingly important in the workplace, making security certifications particularly valuable.
Data and AI Certifications
With the rise of artificial intelligence and data analytics, certifications in these areas show strong growth potential for career advancement.
How Should I Prepare for Microsoft Certification Exams?
Official Microsoft Resources
Microsoft provides carefully curated, guided videos, and practice assessments to prepare for certification exams. The official Microsoft Learn platform offers comprehensive, free training materials aligned with exam objectives.
Key Preparation Resources:
- Microsoft Learn: Free self-paced training modules
- Practice Assessments: Practice assessments provide an overview of the style, wording, and difficulty of questions you're likely to experience on the exam
- Exam Readiness Zone: Microsoft Learn exam readiness zone can help you prepare for select exams with tips, tricks, and strategies designed to increase your chances of passing
- Study Guides: Official exam study guides outlining specific skills measured
CertVista Practice Questions
At CertVista, we provide hundreds of exam-style questions on a highly realistic test engine that simulates the actual Microsoft certification exam experience. Our practice questions are continuously updated to reflect the latest exam objectives and provide detailed explanations to help you understand not just the correct answers, but the underlying concepts.
Hands-On Experience
Microsoft recommends that you train and get hands-on experience before you take the exam, offering self-study options and classroom training. Practical experience with Microsoft technologies is crucial for exam success.
How Do Microsoft Certifications Impact Career Growth?
Microsoft certifications provide measurable career benefits:
Professional Advantages:
- Greater recognition of skills due to validation
- 20% higher salary compared to non-certified professionals
- 49% more chances of getting employed in the IT industry
- 62% of those who earned certifications felt that the quality of their work improved, with 47% more engaged at work and 45% performing duties faster
Industry Recognition: Microsoft-verified credentials provide organizations full confidence in the authenticity and reliability of role-based skills. These certifications are globally recognized and respected by employers across industries.
What's New with Microsoft Certifications in 2025?
Microsoft continuously evolves its certification portfolio to reflect current technology trends:
Recent Updates
- Microsoft Learn continually reviews and evolves its portfolio to help learners stay up to date with the latest technologies, especially as AI and cybersecurity skills become increasingly important
- GitHub Certification exams are now available, expanding beyond traditional Microsoft technologies
- Enhanced focus on AI integration across certification paths
Pricing Adjustments
Microsoft updated exam pricing effective November 1, 2024, to make pricing simpler and more consistent across geographies while maintaining fair and affordable value.
Bottom Line: Microsoft certification exams in 2025 represent a proven pathway to career advancement in cloud computing, security, and modern workplace technologies. With costs ranging from $99 for fundamentals to $165 for advanced certifications, the investment typically pays for itself through increased earning potential and enhanced job opportunities. Success requires dedicated preparation using official Microsoft resources, hands-on experience, and realistic practice testing—all of which contribute to joining the millions of professionals who have advanced their careers through Microsoft certifications.
- What Are Microsoft Certification Exams?
- How Much Do Microsoft Certification Exams Cost?
- What Are the Different Types of Microsoft Certifications?
- Fundamentals Level Certifications
- Associate Level Certifications
- Expert Level Certifications
- Specialty Certifications
- Microsoft 365 and Power Platform Certifications
- Dynamics 365 Certifications
- What Is the Passing Score for Microsoft Certification Exams?
- How Do I Schedule and Take a Microsoft Certification Exam?
- In-Person Testing
- Online Testing
- What Happens If I Fail a Microsoft Certification Exam?
- Which Microsoft Certifications Are Most Valuable in 2025?
- Cloud and Infrastructure Certifications
- Security Certifications
- Data and AI Certifications
- How Should I Prepare for Microsoft Certification Exams?
- Official Microsoft Resources
- CertVista Practice Questions
- Hands-On Experience
- How Do Microsoft Certifications Impact Career Growth?
- What's New with Microsoft Certifications in 2025?
- Recent Updates
- Pricing Adjustments