Not sure where to start? Pick your track below — each one starts with a Fundamentals cert, then climbs the ladder to Associate and Expert. Recommended first steps and free practice on MS Exam Lab.
If you're new to a topic, begin with its Fundamentals cert, move to Associate as you get hands-on, and finish at Expert. Each step links to a free study guide and unlimited practice.
Azure exams, compared side by side, are at /exams/compare/azure.
Recommended path: AB-900: Copilot and Agent Administration Fundamentals → then AI-200: Azure AI Cloud Developer Associate.
Data & AI exams, compared side by side, are at /exams/compare/data-and-ai.
Recommended path: AB-731: AI Transformation Leader → then AI-102: Azure AI Engineer Associate.
Dynamics 365 exams, compared side by side, are at /exams/compare/dynamics-365.
Recommended path: AB-210: Dynamics 365 Sales AI Consultant Associate → then AB-250: Dynamics 365 Contact Center AI Engineer Associate.
GitHub exams, compared side by side, are at /exams/compare/github.
Recommended path: GH-900: GitHub Foundations → then GH-100: GitHub Administration.
Modern Work exams, compared side by side, are at /exams/compare/modern-work.
Recommended path: AB-730: AI Business Professional → then AB-650: AI Services Administrator Associate (beta).
Office exams, compared side by side, are at /exams/compare/office.
Recommended path: MO-100: Word Associate (Office 2019) → then MO-211: Expert (Microsoft 365 Apps).
Power Platform exams, compared side by side, are at /exams/compare/power-platform.
Recommended path: PL-900: Power Platform Fundamentals → then AB-410: Intelligent Applications Builder Associate.
Security exams, compared side by side, are at /exams/compare/security.
Recommended path: SC-900: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals → then SC-500: Cloud and AI Security Engineer Associate.
Windows exams, compared side by side, are at /exams/compare/windows.
Recommended path: AZ-802: Windows Server Administrator Associate (beta) → then 62-193: Microsoft Certified Educator.
Start with a Fundamentals cert in the area you work in or want to move into (Azure, Security, Data & AI, etc.), then progress to Associate and Expert as you gain hands-on experience.
For most cloud and IT careers, yes. They validate in-demand skills to employers and map to role requirements. Pair them with hands-on practice (free on MS Exam Lab) rather than memorizing dumps.
Fundamentals: ~1–2 weeks. Associate: ~4–6 weeks. Expert: ~8–12 weeks of consistent study. Timed simulations on MS Exam Lab's Pro tier help you rehearse the real format.