What are Microsoft Applied Skills?

Increasingly, leaders are realising the importance of training and development on their team. From certification to instructor-led training; from bootcamps to self-paced modules —as the cloud world continues to grow, vendors and providers are building out new ways for users to add credibility to their skills, and solidify and showcase their expertise.

Introducing Microsoft Applied Skills; an initiative crafted to validate individuals’ proficiency in the skills required to deliver on mission-critical projects. Let’s dive deeper into Microsoft Applied Skills: what they are, why they’re good for individuals and employers alike, and how you can get started today.

What are Microsoft Applied Skills?

Microsoft Applied Skills shift the focus from theory, to specific scenario-based skills that mirror real-world challenges. Unlike traditional certifications, Applied Skills credentials validate your inherent ability to implement projects using Microsoft technologies. These credentials place a large emphasis on hands-on experience and practical application, acting as a tangible demonstration of your capabilities in the workforce.

Let’s compare: Applied Skills vs Certifications

Unlike certifications, which focus on role-based competencies, Applied Skills emphasise project-based learning and scenario-based assessments —they focus on the particular skills required to deliver a project, rather than the skills required for a particular role. In a nutshell: they’re more targeted and timely compared to certifications, which are about demonstrating competencies across a broader scope.

This table from the Microsoft team sums it up nicely:

	Applied Skills credentials	Microsoft Certifications
Validates	One specific skill set that can be directly applied in your organisation to solve a scenario-based critical business challenge	Four to six skill sets designed to address the needs of a specific job role that makes the most of Microsoft solutions and technologies
Focus	Project-based	Role-based
Preparation time	Varies depending on the specific scenario and your familiarity with the subject matter	Varies depending on the specific certification and your familiarity with the subject matter
Assessment or exam	Take the online lab-based assessment over a total of two hours	Take the proctored certification exam (multiple choice, case studies, and other question types), with Microsoft Learn resources, over a total of two hours or more

Why choose Applied Skills?

In response to the industry’s shift towards skills-based hiring, Applied Skills provides a pivotal pathway for employees —prioritising practical expertise over theoretical knowledge or formal qualifications. Acquiring an Applied Skills credential not only gives employees a little extra hands-on lab experience, but also provides industry recognition to help give credibility to their experience —which can help to accelerate career growth.

For employers, supporting your team to achieve Applied Skills credentials offers a range of advantages. Cultivate a talent pool equipped with the practical know-how needed to drive critical projects —while enhancing employee morale and boosting retention. It’s also a risk-aversion strategy for complex or high-stakes projects: a way to validate your team’s competencies and ensure you’ve got the range of the skills needed to deliver on your project objectives.

What’s more, having a team proficient in Applied Skills can position your company as a leader in the industry — helping to attract the best talent and bolstering the organisation’s competitive edge in the marketplace.

How to get started

Preparing for an Applied Skills credential involves a structured approach that emphasises hands-on learning and practical application. Remember, these credentials are about validating your skills —so ideally, you have the skills to begin with!

Start out by exploring the range of credentials available and selecting one aligned with your career goals, and current competencies. If you’re looking to brush up before your exams, use resources like Microsoft Learn, or a training partner like Bespoke to familiarise yourself with the tasks and concepts.

The last hurdle? Take the lab-based assessment to demonstrate your skills. Work through the scenarios and showcase how you can use Microsoft technologies to solve real-world challenges.

Supercharge your Applied Skills with a little help from Bespoke

With Microsoft Applied Skills paving the way for a new era of skills validation, the Bespoke team are on-hand to help accelerate your team’s journey to proficiency. As your trusted training partner, we offer programs designed to help you brush up on existing skills or acquire new ones —so you’ll have all the practical know-how needed to earn your Applied Skills credentials.

Ready to take the next step? Get in touch with us today to learn more about our courses and start your journey towards cloud mastery and Microsoft Applied Skills!