Beyond Certifications: How Microsoft Applied Skills is Revolutionizing Tech Credentials

Introduction

In today's dynamic technology landscape, professionals are increasingly valued for their ability to apply practical, hands-on expertise to solve real-world challenges. Microsoft Applied Skills credentials represent a cutting-edge approach to skills validation, emphasizing scenario-based learning and task-oriented assessments. As a Microsoft Gold Partner and two-time winner of the Microsoft U.S. Learning Partner of the Year award, NetCom Learning stands at the forefront of providing comprehensive training for these valuable credentials.

Introducing Microsoft Applied Skills: Technical Validation for the Modern Era

Unlike traditional Microsoft certifications that assess broad knowledge across roles, Applied Skills zeroes in on specific, high-impact scenarios that directly translate to business value. Each credential puts your expertise to the test through a gauntlet of hands-on challenges, replicating the kinds of mission-critical implementations you'd tackle in the field.

Just a few examples of the valuable skillsets you could prove include:

• Architecting and deploying cloud-native apps on Azure Container Apps
• Harnessing generative AI's transformative potential with Azure OpenAI Service
• Fortifying cybersecurity stance by configuring SIEM with Microsoft Sentinel

What Are Applied Skills Credentials?

Microsoft's Applied Skills credentials are tailored to today's industry demands, emphasizing scenario-based skills over theoretical knowledge. These credentials complement traditional certifications by focusing on validating professionals' abilities to implement projects aligned with business goals using Microsoft technologies. Imagine deploying cloud-native apps on Azure Container Apps or ensuring information prevention and protecting against data loss prevention with Microsoft Purview—these are the hands-on challenges that define Applied Skills.

Benefits of Pursuing Applied Skills

1. Practical Knowledge
Applied Skills provides direct exposure to real-world challenges, preparing professionals to navigate complex scenarios within their organizations confidently.

2. Industry Recognition
Microsoft credentials are globally recognized and can significantly enhance your credibility and employability in tech-driven industries.

3. Career Advancement
Professionals with Applied Skills often have a competitive edge in job promotions and salary negotiations, demonstrating their ability to deliver tangible results.

How Applied Skills Raises the Bar Over Certifications

While Microsoft Certifications still hold tremendous value, the new Applied Skills credential program takes technical validation to newfound heights:

Certifications: Broad Scope

• Cover extensive knowledge across products, technologies, and job roles
• Validate skills through comprehensive exams, testing conceptual understanding

Applied Skills: Laser-Focused

• Concentrate on specific real-world scenarios and use cases
• Hands-on challenges assessing true implementation abilities

Certifications: Principally Knowledge-Based

• Measure theoretical competence for performing job responsibilities
• Gauge skills through traditional multiple-choice testing

Applied Skills: Purely Skills-Validated

• No hypothetical questions - just building solutions in live lab environments
• Directly showcase practical skills for executing critical projects

In essence, where certifications validate what you know, Applied Skills proves what you can do. They represent the modern evolution of technical credentialing tailored to the increasing industry demand for specialized, hands-on expertise.

Is Applied Skills Right for You?

Considering Applied Skills? Here are some key factors to weigh:

Career Goals: If your career involves hands-on application of Microsoft technologies, Applied Skills is a perfect fit.

Learning Style: Prefer interactive, task-based learning? Applied Skills offers a rewarding learning experience.

Industry Demand: In tech-centric industries, these credentials can boost your marketability and confidence.

Skill Level: Applied Skills is ideal for tech professionals with prior experience in relevant Microsoft technologies.

You can get a deeper insight on the learning path for Microsoft Applied Skills credentials, which is a very fluid journey towards gaining more actionable skills.

How to Earn Microsoft Applied Skills?

Earning Applied Skills involves registering for specific scenarios and completing hands-on challenges within a designated time frame. Preparation is key, and resources like Microsoft Learn or authorized training partners such as NetCom Learning offer tailored training to hone your skills.

Comparing Applied Skills with Certifications

While certifications validate a broader range of skills across various job roles, Applied Skills zooms in on specialized expertise for specific scenarios within the Microsoft ecosystem. It's all about depth versus breadth—the right choice depends on your career trajectory and learning objectives.

Why Choose NetCom Learning for Applied Skills Training?

NetCom Learning, a two-time winner of the Microsoft U.S. Learning Partner of the Year award, stands out as an ideal training partner. Their live instructor-led sessions, facilitated by Microsoft Certified Trainers, provide a dynamic learning environment that prepares professionals for the challenges ahead.

Get Started Today!

Ready to elevate your technical skills with Microsoft Applied Skills? Explore NetCom Learning's Applied Skills certification training programs and embark on a journey towards professional excellence. Whether you're aiming for career advancement, industry recognition, or simply seeking to enhance your technical capabilities, Applied Skills offers a clear pathway to success.

By investing in Microsoft Applied Skills through NetCom Learning, you're not just acquiring credentials—you're unlocking a world of opportunities and positioning yourself as a standout professional in the tech industry. Embrace the future of practical learning and discover the transformative potential of Microsoft Applied Skills today!