Previously, I have been doing a different blog post for every single offer Microsoft did regarding certification exams. As there are more and more opportunities to get discounted certifications, I will now just have a single blog post per month that highlights all the different options in an easier to consume blog post! If you want to save $$$ on Microsoft Certifications, you are at the right spot!

Microsoft Ignite Cloud Skills Challenge – Free Voucher

The Microsoft Ignite Cloud Skills challenge is a limited time challenge in which you can get a free certification. The challenge starts at March 2, 2021 at 4:00 PM UTC and ends on March 30, 2021 at 4:00 PM UTC. Similar to previous Ignite Cloud Skills Challenges, you need to finish a Microsoft Learn Path in order to get the exam voucher for free, however, this time Microsoft really shrunk down the list of available exams. This exam offer is exam-specific and only redeemable for select Microsoft exams. Eligible exams are:

• AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator
• DP-100: Designing and Implementing a Data Science Solution on Azure
• MS-700: Managing Microsoft Teams
• MS-100: Microsoft 365 Identity and Services
• MS-101: Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security
• DA-100: Analyzing Data with Microsoft Power BI
• SC-200: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst
• SC-300: Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator
• SC-400: Microsoft Information Protection Administrator

Links

• Official Page / Sign up for the challenge: https://csc.docs.microsoft.com/ignite/registration/March2021
• Rules: https://csc.docs.microsoft.com/ignite/OfficialRules/March2021

Microsoft Virtual Training Days – Free Voucher & Training

Microsoft Virtual Training Days don’t only give you a free certification voucher – they also give you free training . This opportunity is really centered around Fundamentals exams, mainly the AZ-900 / AI-900/ DP-900 / PL-900 / Dynamics 365! They keep adding new dates so make sure you check often!

Links

• Microsoft Virtual Training Days Landing Page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-ie/training-days
• I have also blogged more details around this in September 2020 over here: https://vladtalkstech.com/2020/09/get-free-training-and-a-free-certification-voucher-with-microsoft-virtual-training-days.html

[US Only] Microsoft Cloud Skills Challenge – Free Voucher

Yes, this is confusing from a naming perspective versus the one before, but it is a different one! This article was posted on the US Partner Team blog and is only available to residents of the United States.

• Fundamentals
• Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate
• Building applications and solutions with Microsoft 365 Core Services
• Microsoft 365 Security Administration
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Service
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance

Links

• Official Page / Sign up for the challenge: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/us-partner-blog/2020/10/05/sharpen-your-teams-technical-skills-with-the-cloud-skills-challenge/
• Rules: https://learncloudchallengeapp.blob.core.windows.net/sharedfiles/updated_tcs_us_ocp_dec_2020_final.pdf

[Canada Only] Data & AI Academy – Free Voucher & Training

This one is for Canada only – so as a Canadian I have to say Sorry to everyone else. Here’s the description: Now there’s a more rewarding approach to hands-on learning that helps you learn, get certified, and achieve your goals faster. #InvestInYourself with free certifications and virtual courses for Canadian professionals. This Academy allows you to get either the Training, Voucher, or both Training and Voucher for most DP- / AI- certifications for free!

• Data & AI Academy Landing Page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/sites/dataAIAcademy/

30 Days to Learn It Cloud Skills Challenge – 50% Off

30 Days to Learn It can help you build skills and start your preparation for Microsoft Certifications for AI, DevOps, Microsoft 365, low code, IoT, data science, cloud development, and more. Select your challenge, work through learning modules, and exchange ideas with peers through a global community forum. You can be eligible for 50 percent off the cost of a Microsoft Certification exam by completing your challenge within 30 days.

Links

• Official Page / Sign up: https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/offers/30-days-to-learn-it
• Terms and conditions: https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/offers/30-days-to-learn-it/official-rules#terms-and-conditions

MCT & MVP Discounts

If you are a Microsoft MCT or MVP, remember you can get 75% or 50% off respectively for your Microsoft Certifications. You can learn more about this either on MCT Central or on the MVP site. As an MVP you need to request the code, so make sure you do it before you schedule your exam!

Did I miss any offers? Let me know in the comments! Remember to also check my Microsoft Certification Study Guides to get ready for your exams! If this blog post saved you some money, please do leave a comment, I always enjoy reading them and knowing my content helped you out!