SharePoint is used by 85% of Fortune 500 firms; thus, it makes sense that there is a growing demand for SharePoint specialists in the IT industry. In fact, just on LinkedIn, there are more than 65,000 job listings for SharePoint-related employment. The six most common SharePoint roles are administrator, architect, developer, engineer, consultant, and analyst.
We have 20+ SharePoint specialists at Microtek Learning who have received SharePoint certification. As a seasoned provider of SharePoint solutions and managed SharePoint support, we know that Microsoft certifications offer a distinct benefit to individuals and businesses looking to attract new clients. This article will summarize the Microsoft SharePoint certification and its top 3 levels that you must know.
Microsoft SharePoint
With the help of workflow apps, “list” databases, other online components, and security measures, corporate teams can work together using the web-based collaboration system SharePoint. The company can use SharePoint to control who has access to information and to speed up communication across departments.
Why should you choose SharePoint certification?
The advantages of having a Microsoft SharePoint certification are significant for both technical experts and the IT firms that employ them.
Advantages for Individuals:
Evidence of experience and skills: The holder of a SharePoint certificate at the Associate or Expert level has demonstrated proficiency with SharePoint for at least two years and has acquired marketable abilities that employers value.
Advantage over competitors: According to Microsoft, 86% of hiring managers prefer candidates with an IT certification. Therefore, certified SharePoint experts are more likely to be employed.
Higher roles and salaries: Professionals with certification make 15% more money than those without. Additionally, senior roles are more likely to be filled by trained professionals.
Advantages for Businesses:
High credibility: It is pretty simple to validate SharePoint certifications. An HR manager can view a candidate’s record on the Microsoft certification site by asking them for their unique access code.
High output: According to 63% of hiring managers, certified workers are more productive than non-certified ones. Microsoft-certified developers also work 90% harder.
Microsoft partner status: To take part in several Microsoft competency partnerships, a company must have a certain number of certified staff. For instance, a company needs at least 4 employees who have passed the SharePoint certification examinations to be a Microsoft Gold partner in Collaboration and Content.
SharePoint certifications
There are three levels of SharePoint certification, which are part of the Microsoft Modern Workplace professional path:
Fundamental: A foundational level intended for people just starting with SharePoint Server or SharePoint Online or considering a career change.
Associate: This platform required minimum 2 years of skills/knowledge. For those who choose the Associate level, the Fundamental level is optional.
Expert: The level demands 2–5 years of extensive technical SharePoint experience. In addition, achieving the Associate level is necessary in order to earn the Expert level.
Below is a summary of SharePoint certifications and the examinations required to earn them.
Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
The knowledge of the benefits of installing the SaaS cloud model and the Microsoft 365 cloud service is attested to by this certification, which is only available to specialists. To obtain this certification, they must pass the exam MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Teamwork Administrator Associate
An expert with this certification is able to set up and administer Office 365 collaboration technologies like Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint (online, on-premises, and hybrid). Receiving this certificate requires passing two exams:
- MS-300: Deploying Microsoft 365 Teamwork
- MS-301: Deploying SharePoint Server Hybrid
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Enterprise Administrator Expert
This certification includes knowledge on how to evaluate, plan, relocate, deploy, and support Microsoft 365 services. Receiving this certificate requires passing two exams:
- MS-100: Microsoft 365 Identity and Services
- MS-101: Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security
Certification Costs:
The number of tests necessary determines how much certification will cost. Exams cost $165 each. Because MCSA and MCSE require two examinations, their costs are $330 and $165 each for the Microsoft 365 Fundamentals credential. Furthermore, the cost of the exam only covers one attempt; subsequent attempts require additional payment. Microsoft offers exam bundles that come with discounted retakes. The Certify with Confidence package for the Microsoft 365 Fundamentals certification costs $230 and comes with one exam and two retakes.
Use SharePoint certification to your advantage
Both IT firms and individuals who desire to develop a profession around this platform, such as developers, can benefit from Microsoft certification in SharePoint. As a result, these professionals become more marketable job applicants who may command higher incomes and positions in the eyes of employers. The benefits of certified SharePoint workers for IT companies include strong teams, high levels of productivity, and favorable reputations with partners and clients.
Microtek Learning Can Help You Get Ready for a SharePoint Certification
Specialized SharePoint job opportunities are emerging in all industries as SharePoint becomes more customized and complicated.
The majority of businesses concur those candidates for SharePoint jobs benefit from having Microsoft certifications and training.
As a Microsoft Learning Partner, Microtek Learning provides courses and certification training delivered by subject matter experts in SharePoint, Windows Server, Office 365, and other technologies that will help you prepare for a career in this broad industry.
