Microsoft certifications
Gain valuable skills to help you succeed in today’s digital economy with industry recognised certifications to develop the real-world skills that make you more employable.
There is a huge growth in digital and cloud related jobs as companies of all sizes embrace the digital revolution. At the same time, many companies are reporting a shortage of digital skills in the marketplace.
Nottingham University Business School has recognised this trend, and in association with Microsoft is now able to offer a number of industry recognised certifications through the Microsoft Learn programme. This provides you with an industry-aligned curriculum and certifications to build your competencies and validate your skills in high-demand technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data and analytics. You will gain valuable skills to help you succeed in today’s digital economy.
Whatever the level of your technial ability these certifications are aimed at all Nottingham University Business School students. They will empower you for the jobs of tomorrow.
The Microsoft Azure digital platform is now used by 90% of Fortune 500 companies with over 20 million paid Co-Pilot seats in use
Microsoft certifications
Nottingham University Business School is offering its students the following Microsoft certifications alongside their degree programme:
Azure Fundamentals - AZ-900
Azure Fundamentals is designed for individuals looking to learn and demonstrate foundational-level knowledge of cloud services and how those services are provided with Microsoft Azure.
With this learning path you will:
- understand cloud concepts
- learn core Azure services
- understand security, privacy, compliance, and trust
- explore Azure pricing and support
Azure Data Fundamentals - DP-900
Azure Data Fundamentals can be used to prepare for other Azure role-based certifications like Azure Database Administrator Associate or Azure Data Engineer Associate, but it’s not a prerequisite for any of them.
Students will take the DP-900 certification exam.
With this learning path, you will:
- learn core data concepts
- understand how to work with relational data on Azure
- know how to work with non-relational data on Azure
- understand an analytics workload on Azure
Azure Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fundamentals - AI-901
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how organisations operate and make decisions. Developing an understanding of AI concepts and technologies can help you build valuable digital skills that are increasingly in demand across a wide range of industries.
With this learning path you will:
- understand AI and machine learning concepts
- explore computer vision technologies
- work with natural language AI
- discover conversational and generative AI
- understand responsible AI practices
- learn how Azure AI services are used
Power Platform Fundamentals - PL-900
Students can prove they understand the core capabilities of Power Platform – from business value and core product capabilities to building a simple Power Apps canvas app, connecting data sources, automating basic business processes with Power Automate, creating a Power BI dashboard, and creating powerful chatbots with Power Virtual Agents.
Students will take the PL-900 certification exam.
With this learning path you will:
- learn the business value and product capabilities of Power Platform
- create a simple Power App
- connect data with Common Data Service
- build a Power BI dashboard
- automate a process with Microsoft Automate
Copilot and Agent Administration Fundamentals - AB-900
Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace, with tools such as Microsoft 365 Copilot helping people work more efficiently, automate routine tasks and make better use of information. This certification helps students understand how organisations are using AI technologies to improve productivity, collaboration and decision-making.
With this learning path you will:
- understand Microsoft 365 Copilot and AI agents
- explore workplace applications of AI
- learn about data security and protection
- understand responsible AI principles
- explore compliance and governance concepts
- discover how organisations manage AI tools
Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals - CS-900
This certification is for students who are looking to familiarise themselves with the fundamentals of security, compliance, and identity (SCI) across cloud-based and related Microsoft services.
With this learning path you will:
- learn the concepts of security, compliance, and identity
- understand the capabilities of Microsoft Entra
- explore the capabilities of Microsoft security solutions
- understand the capabilities of Microsoft compliance solutions
Please note that the availability of these exams is subject to change in line with Microsoft and their education partner policies.
Affordable and supported certifications
Through our partnership with Microsoft, Business School students can take Microsoft certification exams free of charge. Free exam attempts are available on a first-come, first-served basis until the school's allocation of 500 exam attempts has been used. You will engage directly with Microsoft Learn for all materials and for your certification exams. While most students will access these certifications online without additional support, we also provide technology specialists to offer support, to answer questions and to provide direction.
According to LinkedIn jobs data (2024), graduates are ‘2.4 times more likely to get hired with Microsoft certifications on their CV’ and ‘85% of job searches on LinkedIn have certifications as a key criterion for shortlisting’.
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