Microsoft Fundamentals Certifications: Replacing MTA Certifications

In June 2022, Microsoft officially retired its Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certifications, making way for the new Microsoft Fundamentals certifications. This transition marks a significant shift in Microsoft’s certification strategy, aiming to provide more role-specific and up-to-date credentials that align with the evolving needs of the IT industry.

Understanding the Transition from MTA to Microsoft Fundamentals

The MTA certifications were designed to provide foundational knowledge across various IT domains, including software development, database administration, and IT infrastructure. However, with the rapid technological advancements and the increasing need for specialized skills, Microsoft recognized the necessity for more focused and relevant certifications. Thus, the Microsoft Fundamentals certifications were introduced to replace the MTA certifications.

What Are Microsoft Fundamentals Certifications?

Microsoft Fundamentals certifications are entry-level, role-based credentials that comprehensively introduce key Microsoft technologies. These certifications are specifically designed for individuals new to the IT field who lack foundational technical skills. The certifications are available in several essential areas:

Azure Fundamentals: This certification focuses on cloud services and covers the basics of Azure, including core services, solutions, and management tools. It is ideal for those interested in cloud computing and related technologies.

Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals: This certification provides an understanding of Microsoft security, compliance, and identity solutions, emphasizing essential concepts and services related to cybersecurity.

Microsoft 365 Fundamentals: This certification covers the basics of Microsoft 365 services, such as productivity, teamwork, and security solutions. It is suitable for those interested in leveraging Microsoft 365 for organizational productivity.

Power Platform Fundamentals: This certification introduces the capabilities of the Microsoft Power Platform, including Power BI, PowerApps, and Power Automate. It is geared toward those looking to create solutions for business problems using the Power Platform.

Earning a Microsoft Fundamentals Certification

A Microsoft Fundamentals certification involves passing a single exam in the preferred focus area. Each exam is meticulously designed to test the candidate’s understanding of basic concepts, services, and solutions relevant to the chosen certification. The exams ensure that individuals have a solid grasp of the foundational knowledge required for further specialization and advanced certifications.

Benefits of Microsoft Fundamentals Certifications

According to the Pearson VUE Candidate Report, 91% of certification candidates feel more confident in their abilities after earning a credential (MS Learn). Also:

Accessibility for Beginners: These certifications are tailored for individuals with little to no technical background, making them an excellent starting point for anyone new to IT.

Role-Based Focus: Unlike the broad scope of MTA certifications, Microsoft Fundamentals certifications are role-based, providing targeted knowledge and skills relevant to specific IT domains.

Career Advancement: Earning a Microsoft Fundamentals certification can significantly enhance an individual’s resume, showcasing their commitment to learning and foundational understanding of key technologies.

Pathway to Advanced Certifications: These certifications serve as a stepping stone to more advanced Microsoft certifications, enabling individuals to build upon their foundational knowledge and pursue specialized career paths.

Differences Between MTA and Microsoft Fundamentals Certifications

While both MTA and Microsoft Fundamentals certifications serve as entry points into the IT field, there are several key differences:

Content Focus: MTA certifications covered various topics, providing an overview of various IT domains. In contrast, Microsoft Fundamentals certifications are more focused, offering in-depth knowledge in specific areas such as Azure, security, Microsoft 365, and Power Platform.

Role-Based Approach: Microsoft Fundamentals certifications are designed to align with specific roles within the IT industry, ensuring that the knowledge and skills gained are directly applicable to real-world job functions.

Relevance and Modernity: The content of Microsoft Fundamentals certifications is regularly updated to reflect the latest technological advancements, ensuring that certified individuals possess current and relevant knowledge.

Pathway to Specialization: Microsoft Fundamentals certifications provide a clear path to more advanced and specialized certifications, allowing individuals to build a progressive and comprehensive skill set.

Conclusion

The retirement of MTA certifications and the introduction of Microsoft Fundamentals certifications represent a strategic move by Microsoft to address the evolving needs of the IT industry. By offering role-based, entry-level certifications in key technology areas, Microsoft ensures that individuals new to IT have a clear and relevant pathway to gaining the foundational skills required for career success. Whether cloud computing with Azure, cybersecurity, productivity with Microsoft 365, or creating business solutions with Power Platform, Microsoft Fundamentals certifications provide a robust starting point for aspiring IT professionals.

Benefits using LearnKey Microsoft Fundamentals Certifications Coursework Prep

For those looking to prepare for their Microsoft Fundamentals certifications, LearnKey offers comprehensive coursework prep. LearnKey’ s prep courses equip candidates with the knowledge and skills to pass their exams and gain certifications. By enrolling in LearnKey’s coursework prep, individuals can enhance their learning experience and increase their chances of success in earning their Microsoft Fundamentals certification.

Microsoft Office 2019, Here We Come…

A belated Happy New Year to you all. January is over, so I can say that. As I sit here writing this wondering when winter will ever end, I am happy to let you all know that we are in the midst of building and producing our Office 2019 suite of courses. As we are always trying to improve our product and your employability prospects, here is what you can expect to see as these courses start to roll out this spring:

Word 2019 – building a resume, cover letter, schedule, and small brochure.

Excel 2019 – building a small budget, a schedule list, and multiple summaries of data.

PowerPoint 2019 – building recruiting presentations for a small business and a school club.

Outlook 2019 – the whole personal information management package, from email, to calendar, to contacts, to tasks, to notes, and how all are used for continuity in the business world.

Access 2019 – a database to manage a small business.

Oh, small business, yes, I almost forgot: all of these courses are going to revolve around scenario-based learning (here are part I and part II of the scenario-based learning blogs for your reading pleasure) as we cover most of the material through two avenues: day-to-day usage at a fictitious athletic club business, and practical scenarios for students and those looking for a new career, as outlined in some of the scenarios above. We are not only about helping you pass the Office 2019 MOS exams (yes, these courses will help you do so), but we are also about making learning fun, fast-paced, enjoyable, scenario-based, and, most importantly, there to improve your employability.

And, these courses are loaded with practical tips, brought to you by our new “face of LearnKey,” Marie, who is helping us bring you a rich, practical, and full learning experience not only for Office 2019, but for more of our future courses. We look forward to start bringing you this series later this spring. Until then, here’s to spring getting here. Now. At least pitchers and catchers start reporting this week. Hope springs eternal!

MTA Introduction to Programming Using Java (98-388) Course Release!

Today, we are excited to announce the release of our MTA Introduction to Programming Using Java (98-388) course.

MTA Introduction to Programming Using Java (98-388)

The MTA Introduction to Programming Using Java (98-388) course is excellent for someone wanting to learn how to code in Java, a powerful object-oriented programming language. This course will also help students get ready to pass the MTA 98-388 exam and improve employability prospects for any software development position requiring Java coding skills. Specifically, this course covers Java fundamentals, data types and variables, flow control, object-oriented principles, and compiling and debugging code. These concepts are covered through simulating writing code for an online store, thus adding a real-life scenario to this course.

Our hope is that through our courseware we may provide learners with the guidance, preparation, and skills they need to succeed. For more information and to learn about additional LearnKey products visit our website.

MTA Introduction to Programming Using JavaScript Released Today!

Today, we are excited to announce the release of our MTA Introduction to Programming Using JavaScript course.

MTA Introduction to Programming Using JavaScript (98-382)

The MTA Introduction to Programming Using JavaScript (98-382) course is an excellent course for those looking to gain valuable introductory JavaScript skills. Topics covered include: learning about JavaScript operators, keywords, and methods, using variables, data types, and functions, implementing decisions and loops, interacting with the DOM (Document Object Model), and interacting with forms. In all of these topics, students will clearly see how JavaScript is used to enhance existing webpages. Furthermore, this course covers the material on the MTA 98-382 exam, and will help anyone looking to improve their employability prospects in the areas of designing and building webpages.

MTA Introduction to Programming Using Python Released Today!

Today, we are excited to announce the release of our MTA Introduction to Programming Using Python course.

MTA Introduction to Programming Using Python (98-381)

LearnKey’s MTA Introduction to Programming Using Python (98-381) course covers Python, a very versatile programming language which can be used to power websites, build games, and even program hardware. This course is also an excellent course for someone new to programming, as many of the topics covered are basic programming topics which carry over well to other programming languages. Specifically, this course covers data types and operators, decisions and loops, input and output, code documentation and structure, troubleshooting, and modules and tools. The course topics directly map to the MTA 98-381 exam and will help anyone looking to improve their employability prospects in Python and for programming jobs in general.

Programming in C# Course Released!

Today, we are excited to announce the release of our Programming in C# course.

Programming in C# (70-483)

LearnKey’s Programming in C# course is geared toward those who have some programming experience and are looking to improve their employability prospects for jobs requiring intermediate C# knowledge. The course is also geared toward those looking to take and pass exam 70-483, a Microsoft Certified Professional-level exam. 70-483 is one exam that leads toward the MCSA: App Builder certification. Specifically, this C# course covers managing program flow, creating and using types, debugging applications, implementing security, and implementing data access.

Next Up on the Programming Track: Programming in C#

Greetings, one and all. Every once in a while, I’ll step on a golf course that says, “recommended handicap of 15 or lower for the championship tees.” For you non-golfers, this means that one should have decent skills before taking on the challenge of playing a golf course from a challenging set of tees. Those who aren’t quite there should play from the regular tees, as this will (in theory) make their day more enjoyable.

In some respects, this metaphor applies to our upcoming Programming in C# course, which ties to the Microsoft 70-483 exam, Programming in C#. A lot of what we do for courses is geared toward the MTA certifications, which are terrific for first-level certifications. This course isn’t one of them. This and other MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) courses assume you have some programming experience, or the equivalent therein. Does that mean that if you are brand new to programming, you shouldn’t take this course? Absolutely not. But, you should take the Introduction to Programming course and maybe the Introduction to Programming using Python course (also coming out soon) to get some experience working with a programming language. Oh, by the way, that language I said in the Introduction to Programming course we use that I wouldn’t reveal then? It’s C#. So that course is helpful for C# knowledge as well.

In this Programming in C# course, there are four main topics:

Managing Program Flow
Creating and Using Types
Debugging Applications and Implementing Security
Implementing Data Access

Not only do these map to the 70-483 exam, these are topics that are essential for improving your employability prospects in the programming field. You can take what you learn here and apply it to other programming languages as well. So, for those of you who have a little experience and are looking to take your skills to the next level, this will be a good spot for you indeed.

As to whether my golf game is good enough for those signs that tell you what tees to play from, well, my handicap number isn’t for public consumption, but I’ll just say I usually play from the championship tees. I like a good challenge.

Timing is Everything – A Programming Track Update

A hearty summer greetings to you from your humble senior instructor. I have occasionally brought to you in this blog space some news about our new programming track. Well, it has officially started with last month’s release of the Introduction to Programming course, which is a course that focuses mainly on programming and design concepts.

Now, about the “timing is everything” part. In building this programming track, we were (or at least I was) trying to come up with a way to bridge the Introduction to Programming courses to some of the existing Microsoft MCSA Certifications, which are more geared for those with 1-2 years of experience in programming (or possess equivalent knowledge). And, a great percentage of you looking to explore this programming track are probably new to programming (hence the Intro to Programming course).

All that said, Microsoft is rolling out, over the next few months, four new MTA (Microsoft Technology Associate) certifications. They are:

Exam 98-381: Introduction to Programming using Python
Exam 98-382: Introduction to Programming using JavaScript
Exam 98-383: Introduction to Programming using HTML and CSS
Exam 98-388: Introduction to Programming using Java

These courses/certifications are the perfect gap between the Introduction to Programming course and the MCSA and other advanced courses we have for our programming track, which we are rolling out over the next several months. And, these courses fit in nicely with our three programming tracks: Web Development, Mobile Development, and General Languages. They mold so well, we even built a road map for you, which you will find a link to at the end of this blog.

Over the next several weeks, I will be posting blog entries for each of the courses in the programming track we are releasing this year.

You see, timing is everything.

Oh, that link: https://www.learnkey.com/careertracks/programming_and_development

MTA Security Fundamentals Released!

Today, we are excited to announce the release of our MTA Security Fundamentals course.

MTA Security Fundamentals (98-367)

LearnKey’s MTA Security Fundamentals course is geared toward those looking to learn basic operating system security fundamentals. This course will also prepare students to take and pass the MTA Security Fundamentals exam (98-367). The four main topics covered in this course are: security layers, operating system security, network security, and security software. This course will also improve employability prospects for those trying to gain an entry-level IT support/desktop position with some basic security knowledge requirements.