Introducing a world of opportunities: advance your skills with Microsoft
Are you ready to embark on a journey of growth and self-empowerment?
Microsoft is thrilled to stand alongside the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) and Government Technical Cloud Community in inspiring you to expand your horizons and validate your expertise through certification.
Certification isn’t just a badge; it’s a game-changer for you and your team. According to a recent study by Pearson VUE, 92 percent of participants reported boosted self-assurance after achieving certifications. In addition, 79 percent felt a surge of respect from their colleagues, and 74 percent gained greater autonomy in their work.
Managers, take note – certified candidates bring substantial advantages too. 81 percent deliver higher-quality output, 72 percent exhibit enhanced efficiency, and 82 percent excel in mentoring and supporting their peers. To discover more, download the Pearson VUE 2023 Value of IT Certification report.
Whether you’re a tech-savvy pro or a beginner, we offer a range of learning opportunities to propel you toward certification success. From self-study resources to interactive virtual classes led by expert instructors, our offerings cater to various learning styles. And we’ve teamed up with our valued learning partners to provide even more options.
Who can access these training resources?
Civil Servants with a gov.uk, gov.scot, gov.wales, nhs.uk, police.uk or sch.uk email domain are eligible to claim exam discounts, access ESI training and submit a claim for a certification prize. Additional training opportunities on this page, including Cloud Skills Challenges, Virtual Training Days and our Azure Connected Learning Experience, are open to all.
Learning resources on this page
Let’s start with AI
Exams and certifications
Live training sessions
Additional support
*Open to all
**Eligible participants only
Getting started
There’s a world of learning available for you from Microsoft, but knowing where to start can be daunting. This page brings together some great resources to help you get certified in October.
Where to start will depend on what you want to learn, and how:
- Our Fundamentals certifications are great for IT pros looking to start their certification journey from the beginning – or for anybody else that wants to learn more about an area, or understand the art of the possible. These are broken down by area: certifications are available for Azure Fundamentals, AI Fundamentals, Data Fundamentals, Power Platform Fundamentals, Security Fundamentals and more.
- Prefer to learn through self-study? Sign up for one of our free Cloud Skills Challenges that offer a curated collection of content that gives you the knowledge you need to pass the exam. These skills challenges run until the end of October and you can join as many as you like. Looking for more advanced content for self-study? Check out the content on Microsoft Learn or email us at OctCertHelp@microsoft.com and we’ll help you find what you need.
- Prefer video-based learning? Our Virtual Training Days are just for you. Offering a range of Fundamentals and non-certification content, these free classes are open to all. Look out for the non-certification classes if you’re looking for something more specific and technical.
- Need a little help with exam preparation? Our Azure Connection Learning Experience offers curated learning and exam preparation for a number of Microsoft certifications if you need extra help getting across the line.
- Check out the free sessions and other training from our valued learning partners. These links will take you to additional free classes that can support your learning. They include webinars, instructor-led classes, such as free Azure Administrator and Cybersecurity Architect training from Fast Lane.
When you feel ready, try one of our Practice Assessments to test your readiness before booking your exam. Don’t forget to utilise your ESI exam discount (50%) when booking. Make the exam free by claiming an additional discount and once you’re certified, complete the CCDO form for a chance to claim some great Microsoft swag.
Let’s start with AI
We’ve pulled together a wide array of learning opportunities, from foundational to more advanced role-based content. This includes some great study fundamentals on Azure, Data, AI, Power Platform and Security, together with some exciting content around Generative AI.
AI skills challenges
There is a massive amount of interest in this area currently, and it’s worth hearing from Angie Heise, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Worldwide Public Sector, on how Artificial Intelligence could support public sector organisations. Read this post from Angie Heise to understand some of the potential implications that advanced AI can have for the public sector, especially in areas such as citizen services, internal efficiencies, working with deep data and creative support.
To further expand your AI understanding and skills:
- Register for our Microsoft Build: AI Day at ExCeL London on October 19, 2023. This free one-day, in-person event helps developers discover new opportunities with AI and enhance their knowledge and skills to deliver more value using AI and Microsoft Azure. Join Microsoft product and engineering experts, and industry disrupters, to share ideas and unleash creativity with the power of AI.
- Register for our Career Essentials in Generative AI course and gain a Professional Certificate. This free course explains the core concepts of Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI functionality, preparing you to apply Generative AI in your own career.
- Register for our 1-day Master Class: OpenAI ChatGPT Capabilities, Use Cases and Integrations on October 27, 2023. This exclusive one-day (Fast Lane developed) course provides AI users and business decision-makers with a comprehensive introduction to the technology, key functionalities and pricing, an understanding of its capabilities and limitations, best practices, and the chance to find out how you can incorporate ChatGPT technology to support your business today.
Keen to find out more about AI and Azure? Check out these great resources to get you started:
If you’re looking for even more content on Generative AI, please check out this AI Learning Companion pathway.
Cloud skills challenges*
You can also invest in your learning by participating in our fun and friendly cloud skills challenges.
Compete Track your progress using the leaderboard as you navigate Microsoft’s digital learning platform Microsoft Learn. |
Learn Sign up for one or more challenges and work through the content at a time that works for you. |
Develop Skills Check out the practice assessment on the exam page to make sure you are exam-ready before taking advantage of exam discounts to get certified. |
Choose your challenge:
Azure Connected Learning Experience*
Microsoft Azure Connected Learning Experience (CLX) is an experiential training programme that sets a path for you to become an Azure expert. The CLX programme offers a personalised journey that aims to optimise your learning experience while maximising your return on time invested.
The four-step programme is designed to deliver exam readiness with a personalised learning journey that’s curated to meet your needs.
- Register to receive recommendations on specific modules to study, elevate your understanding with practice tests and comprehensive Microsoft Learn study materials, and access on-demand hands-on labs and interactive guides to elevate your practical insights.
- Join multiple instructor-led cram sessions hosted by world-class industry experts who will guide you to be ready for your first or next Azure certification exam.
- Prepare at your own pace and crack your Azure Certification Exam efficiently.
Register for the Microsoft Azure Connected Learning Experience
Exams and certifications
Discounts
If your organisation is enrolled in the Microsoft Enterprise Skills Initiative (ESI) you’ll have access to a 50 percent discount on a range of exams, making your certification journey even more accessible.
Our Claiming Your Exam Discount guide walks you through the steps to claim your discount and schedule your exam. We’ve even reserved a limited number of exam vouchers that stack on top of the ESI discount, reducing your exam cost to zero.
Don’t miss out – secure your spot by completing the Microsoft exam voucher application form.
The additional vouchers are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’ve missed the opportunity, you might be able to reclaim this balance payment from your Learning and Development (L&D) team, if the certification supports your current role. Please check with them first.
If you have any questions about the programme or claiming your exam discount, please contact us at OctCertHelp@microsoft.com.
Practice assessments and support*
You can gear up for success with our range of free practice assessments. These invaluable tools allow you to fine-tune your skills before the big exam day. Check out the exam page for each assessment to access these practice resources – or follow the links below for some of our most popular ones:
Need help or advice on what content you should start with, or what is most relevant to your role? Perhaps you have a technical question or want to discuss your project with a Microsoft SME. We’re only an email away at OctCertHelp@microsoft.com. Alternatively, why not join one of our many drop-in sessions running through October:
| Week | Date | Theme | Link |
| 3 | 17th October 12pm | M365 / Power Platform | Register |
| 3 | 17th October 1pm | Skills/Certifications | Register |
| 3 | 17th October 1pm | Applications & AI | Register |
| 3 | 18th October 2pm | Azure | Register |
| 3 | 18th October 2.30pm | Data/AI | Register |
| 4 | 24th October 1pm | Skills/Certifications | Register |
| 4 | 25th October 12pm | Azure | Register |
| 4 | 25th October 12.30pm | Data/AI | Register |
| 4 | 25th October 1pm | Applications & AI | Register |
| 4 | 26th October 12pm | M365 / Power Platform | Register |
Certification prizes**
We believe in celebrating your achievements, so we’re also delighted to let you know about our certification prizes. Simply complete the certification prizes claim form provided by CDDO, who will then share your details with us. The first 200 to correctly provide the requested proof of a certification achieved in October 2023 will receive a special Microsoft swag voucher in their inbox.
Please note that prize claims are subject to the following terms and conditions:
- Claims will only be accepted from customers of a participating government department. Personal email addresses won’t be considered.
- By completing and submitting the CDDO form, you agree to us validating your certification and contacting you about your claim.
- Certificate prizes are limited to the first 200 submissions and will be sent to UK postal addresses only.
- One prize per customer, regardless of the number of exams passed during the event.
- Claims must be submitted by Friday, November 10, 2023, 12:00 p.m. (GMT+1). Claims received after this date won’t be considered.
- Prizes are non-negotiable, non-transferable and non-refundable. No cash alternative is available.
For any questions, please contact OctCertHelp@microsoft.com.
Live training sessions
Virtual Training Days*
Microsoft Virtual Training Days are free, in-depth virtual training events covering foundational concepts, terms, and capabilities. A great alternative (or complement) to self-study to get you ready to earn your Fundamentals certification.
| Topic | Date | Time | Registration Link |
| Azure for Developers | 16th/17th October | 9am-11.30am | Register |
| Security, Compliance and Identity Fundamentals | 17th/18th October | 1pm-5pm | Register |
| Microsoft 365 Fundamentals | 17th/18th October | 10am-12pm | Register |
| Well-Architected Framework | 18th-19th October | 9am-11.15am | Register |
| Azure Fundamentals | 19th/20th October | 2pm-5pm | Register |
| Security – Protect Data and Mitigate Risk | 19th/20th October | 1pm-4pm | Register |
| Power Platform Fundamentals | 23rd October | 2pm-6pm | Register |
| Microsoft 365 Fundamentals | 23rd/24th October | 1pm-3.30pm | Register |
| Digitally transform with Modern Analytics | 24th/25th October | 9am-12.30pm | Register |
| Data Fundamentals | 24th/25th October | 10am-12.45pm | Register |
| Innovate, Operate, and Secure with Azure ARC | 25th/26th October | 1pm-3.30pm | Register |
| DevOps with GitHub | 26th/27th October | 9am-12pm | Register |
| Dynamics ERP Fundamentals (MB-920) | 30th/31st October | 2pm-4.15pm | Register |
| Dynamics CRM Fundamentals (MB-910) | 30th/31st October | 1pm-3.30pm | Register |
Additional support
Microsoft Learn*
Microsoft Learn. Spark possibility.
Build skills that open doors. See all you can do with documentation, hands-on training and certifications to help you get the most from Microsoft products. Access a range of self-study resources at Microsoft Learn. For a collection of Microsoft resources aligned to role and certain products, please also see www.aka.ms/pathways.
Microsoft Learning Partners**
Microsoft Learning Partners can help you get the most out of your organisation’s technology investment, building knowledge and new skills in Microsoft technologies through classroom training or Microsoft Official Courses On-Demand. Our learning partners are proud to support this skills initiative – please check their details below.
Fastlane
Fast Lane is uniquely positioned among a select few globally, having achieved all six Microsoft solution designations. Fast Lane’s approach is not just about education; it’s about practical, hands-on skilling that tackles the intricate realms of Cloud, Data, AI, and Security. With a highly targeted and tailored approach, Fast Lane doesn’t just teach – it solves real-world challenges. Through precise alignment with and a deep understanding of Microsoft’s ecosystem, Fast Lane empowers individuals and organisations with the skills needed to thrive in today’s complex technological landscape.
Find out more about Fast Lane’s support for this skills initiative and also register for its free ChatGPT 1-day webinar and free virtual instructor-led classes on Azure Administrator (AZ-104) and Cybersecurity Architect (SC-100).
Firebrand
Firebrand is proud to be a Microsoft Cloud Partner. It is one of a number of companies in the world to have received this badge through proven expertise in delivering quality solutions across six specialist business areas: Business Applications (Dynamics 365 and Power Platform), Data & AI, Infrastructure, Digital & App Innovation, Modern Work and Security.
QA
QA is one of the largest Microsoft Learning Partners in the UK, and one of the only Microsoft Learning Partners to be recognised as a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Microsoft Cloud. QA offers a broad range of training in Microsoft technologies and applications, including cloud technical skills (from Azure to Office 365) and office apps (from Excel to Power BI).
Skillsoft
(Coming soon.)
Achieve more with Microsoft
We’re genuinely excited for you to seize this opportunity to embark on a transformative learning journey. As you equip yourself to learn and take on new career challenges, you may soon be ready to distinguish yourself as a public sector change agent.
If you have any questions or need guidance on where to start, our dedicated team is here to help. Please reach out to us at OctCertHelp@microsoft.com, and we’ll be delighted to help you on your path to success.
Let’s elevate your skills and make your mark together!
*Open to all
**Eligible participants only
About the author
Paul is the Microsoft UK Public Sector Skills Lead with over 20 years of experience in the IT industry. He is passionate about cloud computing, and how learning can power digital innovation and transform careers. Paul is currently leading the development of training programmes for Microsoft’s public sector customers across Central Government, Local Government and Policing, helping individuals and organisations realize the benefits of their investment in Microsoft solutions.
