The Microsoft certifications are offered by Microsoft Corporation, a leading technology company. The certificates vary from the entry to advanced levels with the program that is divided into six distinct categories. They are cloud, data, mobility, app builder, productivity, and business applications.

Cloud-based certifications include Windows Server 2016, machine learning, server infrastructures, such as Windows Server 2012/2014 and Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014, business intelligence, hybrid and private clouds, Microsoft Azure, Linux on Azure, data analytics, and DeVops.

Data-based certifications are related to business applications, cloud platform, data engineering with Azure, data management, as well as analytics, business intelligence, Microsoft SQL 2016, and all Microsoft technologies that are data based.

Mobility certifications are focused on technologies that involve planning and management of devices that are used in an enterprise setting. They include Windows 10, desktop, as well as enterprise applications, and using System Center Configuration Manager.

Productivity-based certifications are dedicated to knowledge of how to use Microsoft Office applications. The office application credentials are, among others, Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), SharePoint Server, Exchange Server, Microsoft Office 365, and also Skype for Business.

Business Applications certifications are credentials that are focused on business platforms, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, customer service, financials, retail, finance related, and sales specific Dynamics 365 technology.

App-builder credentials include those that focus on building of software and web applications. It involves designing, testing, installation and managing of software and web solutions, such as Visual Studio, SharePoint Server, and Azure-related solutions.

Each of the certifications from the categories mentioned above fall into one of the available certification levels that range from entry to advanced. These levels are:

• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

It is about office applications, such as Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint. The MOS certifications are divided into Specialist, Master, and Expert. The exam for MOS takes up to 90 minutes.

• Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

This is an entry-level credential for those who are just starting out with technology. One is required to pass any of the 14 available exams with no prerequisites. There are 30-50 exam questions that need 50 minutes to complete.

• Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)

This is an associate-level certification that comprises 17 certifications. One is required to pass two required exams to qualify. Each test takes up to 2.5 hours and consists of 45-65 questions. There are no prerequisites.

• Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

It is an expert-level certification. It consists of 5 credentials. A candidate must be a holder of the related MCSA certification, and then pass one related exam. The test comprises 45-65 questions and lasts for up to 2.5 hours.

• Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)

This is targeted at those who want to learn how to design, build and install web applications and software. The MCSD App Builder credential is the only one at this level. One is required to have the MCSA Universal Windows Platform or Web Applications certification, and then pass one of the six exams available.

Once the students attain the minimum required points, which are 700/1000 for most Microsoft exams, they are issued with a certification. Microsoft credentials do not expire.