Written by: Last updated: Jan 17, 2023
If you’re in the technology field, Microsoft certifications are an omnipresent part of the professional landscape. Some employers swear by them. Others, not so much. At the end of the day, are they worth it? The short answer is: Yes. In spite of the love-hate relationship, there are many benefits of Microsoft certifications for both employees and employers.
How Employees Can Reap the Benefits of Certification
Want a new job? How about a bigger salary, a promotion, or increased credibility? Microsoft certifications can advance your career by helping you:
Land a Job
According to a recent CompTIA study, more than 90 percent of employers believe IT certifications play a key role in the hiring process and that IT certifications are a reliable predictor of a successful employee. So it stands to reason that Microsoft certifications can send your resume to the top of the pile – particularly if you hold certifications for in-demand technologies like cloud computing. If it comes down to two candidates vying for the same position, the one with the Microsoft certification will have an edge.
Get Promoted and Boost Your Salary
If you’re after a promotion or a bigger paycheck, Microsoft certifications can help you get there. In the CompTIA study, 88 percent of employers said that IT-certified employees are rewarded (bonus and pay increase) for obtaining IT certifications. Preparing for and earning a Microsoft credential not only signals your expertise in the technology, but also your commitment to the company and to staying on top in an ever-changing field.
Retain Your Current Position
Not interested in climbing the career ladder? That’s OK! Microsoft certifications can help you keep the job you already have. By investing in yourself and keeping current with emerging technologies, you can increase your value to your company. Should hard times befall your organization, your demonstrated knowledge and skills may save your job from the chopping block.
Access Networking Opportunities
Earning Microsoft certifications puts you in good company – namely, a unique group of professionals skilled in a particular technology. This peer group can be an invaluable career-long resource when you’re facing a difficult problem or if you’re seeking specific technical advice.
Enhance Your Professional Credibility
Perhaps you’re familiar with what I like to call “consultant syndrome.” If not, it goes something like this: You propose a solution to a problem within your area of expertise, but it’s not implemented. Suddenly, a consultant arrives, proposes the same solution you offered, and this time, it’s implemented. What gives?
Consultant syndrome occurs for a variety of reasons, and one of them is the increased credibility sometimes afforded to professionals with certifications and specialist designations. By earning a Microsoft certification, YOU will be the professional with increased credibility, and as a result, your professional opinion will carry more weight in the decision-making process.
There Are Advantages to Certification for Employers, Too
Employees aren’t the only ones who stand to benefit from training and certification. Employers who encourage and support earning Microsoft credentials can help their organizations:
Ensure Necessary Skills and Experience Are In-House
One way to guarantee that your company stays up to date on emerging technology is to help staff members upskill or reskill with a Microsoft certification program. Usually, training includes hands-on work which will allow employees to experiment with new technologies in a non-production environment. At the conclusion of the program, you’ll be rewarded with employees who are highly knowledgeable and who can respond immediately to incidents or company needs.
As side benefit, you might reduce employee turnover as a result of providing certification training. A recent LinkedIn Learning report showed that 94 percent of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development.
Land Clients Who Want to Work With Certified Professionals
If your company competes for IT contracts, you may have found that some clients only want to work with Microsoft-certified professionals. Ensuring that your staff has these in-demand credentials can allow you to broaden your prospective client pool and increase the value of earned contracts.
USF Offers the Most Sought-After Microsoft Certification Courses
From foundation-level certifications like Modern Desktop Administrator Associate to the more advanced Microsoft Azure Developer Associate, USF offers the Microsoft certification courses companies want most. All courses are delivered in a live online format that’s ideal for busy working professionals, and participants earn valuable digital badges in addition to Microsoft certifications. Learn more about course costs, schedules, and instructors today.
