Microsoft has recently transformed the certification landscape by introducing the ability to access Microsoft Learn directly during role-based exams, significantly enhancing the testing experience for candidates. This pivotal change allows test-takers to leverage a wealth of resources from Microsoft Learn while attempting exams such as PL-100, AZ-104, and others, effectively bridging the gap between learning and assessment. For those pursuing certifications, this new feature opens up avenues for real-time support and guidance, making exam preparation more efficient. However, understanding how to navigate this tool effectively and its implications on exam strategy is crucial. In this post, I’ll share my insights on this game-changing development and how it can impact your certification journey.
Microsoft just released some big news that you can now access Microsoft Learn while you’re taking a certification. But what does that mean for us? How can we leverage this on our exams? Is studying for assert pointless now? We are going to answer all of those today.
There is now a Microsoft Learn button on the bottom of the testing screen. This is going to open the world into the Microsoft Learn portal, so to speak. When browsing, you can search for different Microsoft Learn articles on topics related to your exam and even have multiple tabs open to the different resources you have found!
How are Microsoft Certifications Changing?
In my opinion, this change to the format of Microsoft Certifications is pretty sweet. I think its going to allow people to be more successful on their exams and reduce reduce testing anxiety. While the idea sounds promising, there are several important limitations to consider.
Firstly, if the article contains external links, such as those leading to GitHub or other websites, you will be unable to access them. You can only access Microsoft Learn resources. It is not an open web browser that would allow you to use any resources other than one3s Microsoft has specifically provided for you.
Secondly, you will not have access to any of the practice problems traditionally in the Learning modules. Also, your personal profile will be restricted as well. This restriction may be significant in cases where you have completed a Microsoft Learning module prior to an exam and wish to refer back to it by accessing your profile and viewing your history. This would not be available and you would need to “re-find” that resource organically by searching for it.
Thirdly, if you are using the Microsoft Learn portal, your test time will continue to tick away as you search. You should be cautious as it may consume your valuable time. The time constraint for some people can definitely feel like a real limitation and unfortunately, Microsoft Learn is only going to make the exam time feel even shorter.
Lastly, it is important to note that this only applies to role-based exams and not fundamentals. Initially, I was confused about the term “role-based exams”, but it refers to exams related to positions such as associate, consultant, architect, etc. So unfortunately, if you’re looking to take a fundamental exam, no Microsoft Learn for you there.
If you are unsure if a certification is a Role-based certification or a Fundamentals certification, be sure to check out the list below. Also, there is a little cheat code on the badge of the exam. It’s going to say either “Fundamentals” or the Role (like Associate, Expert, etc.).
Role-Based Certifications
There are 9 Primary Categories for Microsoft’s role based certifications and each certification would fall underneath one of these roles. The roles are:
- Administrator certification path: Administrators implement, monitor, and maintain Microsoft solutions.
- AZ-104, AZ-120, & AZ-140
- AZ-600
- MD-100 & MD-101
- MS-100 & MS-101
- MS-230
- MS-500
- MS-700
- SC-300 & SC-400
- AI engineer certification path: AI engineers use Cognitive Services, Machine Learning, and Knowledge Mining to architect and implement Microsoft AI solutions.
- AI-900
- AI-102
- Data engineer certification path: Data engineers design and implement the management, monitoring, security, and privacy of data using the full stack of data services.
- DP-900
- DP-203
- MB-260
- DP-420
- Data scientist certification path: Data scientists apply machine learning techniques to train, evaluate, and deploy models that solve business problems.
- DP-100
- Developer certification path: Developers design, build, test, and maintain cloud solutions.
- AZ-204 & AZ-220
- MB-300 & MB-500
- MS-600
- PL-400
- DevOps engineer certification path: DevOps engineers combine people, process, and technologies to continuously deliver valuable products and services that meet end user needs and business objectives.
- PL-100
- AZ-400
- Functional consultant certification path: Functional consultants leverage Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Power Platform to anticipate and plan for customer needs.
- PL-200
- MB-210, MB-220, MB-230, & MB-240
- MB-300, MB-310, & MB-330
- MB-800
- Security engineer certification path: Security engineers implement security controls and threat protection, manage identity and access, and protect data, applications, and networks.
- AZ-500
- SC-200, SC-300, & SC-400
- Solution Architect certification path: Solution architects have expertise in compute, network, storage, security.
- AZ-305
- MB-700
- PL-600
All of this being said, the question must be asked…
Are Microsoft Exams Easy now?
I actually recently passed the PL-100 exam. While taking the exam, I noticed the Microsoft Learn button at the bottom of the window, but I chose not to click on it as I felt well-prepared. Although I didn’t utilize this feature, I found it intriguing and quite impressive.
However, I believe that this will not significantly alter the experience of passing a certification, as the time limit already imposes considerable restrictions and may be difficult for individuals to meet. If you now allocate your time to searching in Microsoft Learn, it will only intensify this feeling of unease. Nonetheless, this is a valuable resource.
If you find yourself with spare time, have solved previous problems, and still have some uncertainties, you can refer to the documentation. Although in my opinion, the exam questions tend to ask you about some pretty detailed information or the nitpicks and nuances of the different features. A lot of times these aren’t explicitly covered in the documents, or if it is, you’re going to really have to dig to find the answer you’re looking for.
All things considered, I don’t believe this will significantly alter the way you should study for your exams. I don’t believe exams have become entirely open book and inherently simple. Unfortunate, I know. But you will still need to prepare.
Now, if you are planning to take an exam, I have a post where I explain the techniques I personally use to get ready for exams. These step-by-step methods have helped me pass every time. You can read the post by clicking here.
In Conclusion
The integration of Microsoft Exams with Microsoft Learn marks a change in the field of professional certification. This approach not only streamlines the certification process but also enhances the learning experience for professionals.
The ability to access Microsoft Learn directly from Microsoft Exams provides a seamless transition between learning and assessment. It allows professionals to easily navigate through a wealth of resources and apply their newfound knowledge in a practical exam setting. This integration fosters a more dynamic and interactive learning environment, promoting a deeper understanding of the material.
Happy Testing!