My Honest Opinion - Microsoft Applied Skills
I would like to share my feedback and insights on the experience.
What are Microsoft Applied Skills?
Microsoft Applied Skills are a new, verifiable credential that certifies a candidate's ability to apply the skills required to implement and execute real-world scenarios and objectives.
Having successfully completed 30 Applied Skills assessments, I would like to share my feedback and insights on the experience.
Advantages of Microsoft Applied Skills
Let me begin by highlighting the key advantages of Microsoft Applied Skills:
No cost: They are completely free, with no payment required.
Targeted validation: Each credential verifies a specific skill.
No proctoring: There is no need for proctored exams.
Flexible: They can be completed on-demand.
Project-based: Skills are assessed through real-world projects.
These features are particularly appealing for professionals with full-time commitments, as they eliminate the need to schedule formal exams or spend time studying for traditional certifications, which can often be time-consuming.
However, before embarking on your Microsoft Applied Skills journey, it's important to also consider a few potential drawbacks.
Drawbacks of Microsoft Applied Skills
Naturally, with every advantage comes a set of challenges. After completing several Microsoft Applied Skills assessments, I’ve identified the following drawbacks:
Misaligned preparation materials: Some of the provided resources do not accurately reflect the skills being assessed.
Unstable lab environment: The virtual lab environment can be unreliable, with frequent crashes, lags, or complete system freezes. These issues have often forced my assessments to end prematurely, resulting in failure due to incomplete tasks.
Mandatory three-day retry period: While I understand the rationale behind enforcing a waiting period between attempts, it can be frustrating - especially when a failed attempt was caused by technical issues beyond my control.
Email and browser issues: On several occasions, emails containing tasks, or even the entire browser, failed to load. This forced me to end my assessment and, again, wait three days to retake it.
The Value of Microsoft Applied Skills
Overall, Microsoft Applied Skills offer a flexible and accessible way to validate specific, real-world capabilities without the need for formal exams or certifications. Despite a few challenges, the benefits - such as project-based assessments, on-demand availability, and zero cost - make them an excellent option for professionals looking to enhance their skillset and showcase their expertise. By continually refining the platform, these credentials have the potential to become a valuable tool for career growth and development.
