Free Microsoft Certifications in August 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Are free Microsoft certifications available in August 2025? Yes! Whether you’re a student, job seeker, or professional upskilling, Microsoft Learn and partner programs continue to offer free access to certification exams – especially for fundamentals-level credential. Staying ahead in your career means continuously learning and adapting. One of the most credible ways to showcase your skills , especially in areas like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, and productivity tools is through professional certifications. Among the most recognized certifications in the tech industry are those offered by Microsoft. In an era where AI , technology, and digital transformation are redefining every industry from healthcare and finance to logistics and education upskilling is no longer optional – It is a necessity. The demand for professionals with certified skills in –  cloud computing, data analytics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence is rising rapidly across business sectors. One of the most trusted ways to demonstrate your readiness for these evolving roles is by earning a Microsoft certification.  The good news is: many of these certifications can be obtained for free.

Whether you’re an aspiring AI developer, a business professional looking to understand digital tools, a student aiming to launch a tech career, or someone transitioning into the technology sector, Microsoft offers multiple pathways to get certified without any cost. These opportunities, available throughout August 2025, are accessible through Microsoft Learn, Virtual Training Days, Cloud Skills Challenges, and academic or community programs.

This guide will help you navigate these options and take full advantage of the free Microsoft certification offers currently available. And if you’re a part of India’s growing tech community, you’ll be glad to know that platforms like TechPanchayat are helping professionals discover and share such upskilling opportunities every day.

The good news is that many of these valuable certifications can be earned for free, thanks to Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to digital skilling. If you’re looking to earn a Microsoft certification at no cost in August 2025, this guide will help you understand the opportunities available, how to access free exam vouchers, and how to best prepare using official resources.

Whether you’re a student, job seeker, IT professional, or someone looking to switch careers, Microsoft offers several free pathways to get certified. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything from Microsoft Learn modules and Virtual Training Days to Cloud Skills Challenges and academic programs each offering free access to certification exams.

Why Microsoft Certifications Are Still Relevant in 2025

Microsoft certifications are globally recognized and highly respected across industries. They validate your expertise in Microsoft technologies and platforms, such as  – Azure, Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Power Platform, AI, and security.

In 2025, employers are increasingly looking for candidates with demonstrated skills in cloud technologies, data analysis, AI, and cybersecurity. Microsoft certifications provide a practical and credible way to prove these skills. These certifications:

• Enhance your resume and LinkedIn profile

• Help you qualify for better job opportunities

• Validate your hands-on experience with Microsoft technologies

• Boost your confidence when entering a new role or career

Fundamental-level certifications, such as AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) and AI-900 (AI Fundamentals), are especially popular because they require no prior technical background and serve as a great starting point for deeper specialization.

Free Microsoft Certification Pathways in August 2025

There are multiple legitimate ways to earn Microsoft certifications for free this month. Below are the most accessible and widely used options:

1. Microsoft Virtual Training Days

Microsoft Virtual Training Days are free, live, instructor-led online sessions that cover foundational topics in areas like Azure, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, Dynamics 365, Security, and AI.

These events usually last between 1 to 2 days and include:

• Hands-on labs

• Real-world use cases

• Expert guidance

• A free certification exam voucher for attendees who complete the full training

Popular certifications available through Virtual Training Days:

• AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals

• AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals

• DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals

• PL-900: Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals

• SC-900: Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals

• MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals

• MB-910/MB-920: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM and ERP)

To access the current list of available sessions, visit Microsoft’s official Virtual Training Days page.

2. Microsoft Cloud Skills Challenge

The Microsoft Cloud Skills Challenge is a time-limited campaign where participants complete a series of Microsoft Learn modules related to a specific certification track. Upon successful completion, they earn a free exam voucher.

The Cloud Skills Challenge usually runs during major Microsoft events like:

• Microsoft Ignite

• Microsoft Build

• AI Skills Fest

While the exact challenges vary by event, some common tracks include:

• Azure Fundamentals

• AI Fundamentals

• Data Fundamentals

• Power Platform Fundamentals

• Security Fundamentals

Participants must complete the required learning paths within the challenge period , typically 30 days and will then receive a free exam voucher via email.

In August 2025, Microsoft may still be offering follow-up opportunities from the earlier AI Skills Challenge 2025, so keep an eye on the official Microsoft Learn Blog or Tech Community for updates.

3. Microsoft Learn Student Hub

If you’re a student with a valid academic email address, the Microsoft Learn Student Hub provides tailored resources and access to:

• Free certification exam vouchers

• Student discounts on certification exams

• Learning paths geared toward beginners

• Resume and LinkedIn optimization tips

Eligible students can typically earn certifications like:

• AZ-900

• AI-900

• DP-900

• PL-900

• SC-900

Visit the Microsoft Learn Student Hub and sign up with your school-issued email to access these offers.

4. Enterprise Skills Initiative (ESI)

If you work for an organization that is part of Microsoft’s Enterprise Skills Initiative (ESI), you may be eligible for:

• Free access to official Microsoft instructor-led training

• Unlimited access to Microsoft Learn for Organizations

• Free or subsidized certification exam vouchers

Check with your employer or learning and development team to see if your company participates in the ESI program.

5. Partner Programs and Educational Institutions

Microsoft also partners with educational institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies to provide no-cost training and certification opportunities. In India, Africa, the U.S., and parts of Europe, programs like Microsoft Future Ready Talent, Skills for Jobs, and Microsoft Philanthropies are active in supporting learners and job seekers.

These programs typically offer:

• Free access to Microsoft Learn training materials

• Free practice exams (sometimes via MeasureUp)

• Complimentary certification exam vouchers

To find out if there’s an active Microsoft certification program in your region, check local Microsoft Education pages or follow regional Microsoft social media channels.

How to Claim a Free Microsoft Certification Exam

Follow this step-by-step process to successfully earn a free certification:

1. Create a Microsoft Learn Account

   • Sign up at Microsoft Learn using your personal, student, or company email.

2. Choose the Certification

   • Pick a fundamentals-level exam that aligns with your goals (e.g., AZ-900, AI-900, DP-900).

3. Register for a Virtual Training Day or Cloud Skills Challenge

   • Complete the full session or challenge to become eligible for a free exam voucher.

4. Receive and Redeem Your Voucher

   • Check your email within 5–10 days after event completion. Redeem the voucher through the Microsoft Certification Dashboard.

5. Schedule and Take the Exam

   • Exams can be taken online via Pearson VUE, often with flexible scheduling options.

Week	Activity
Aug 1–7	Register for Microsoft AI Skills Fest follow‑up events or Cloud Skills Challenge ● Attend a Virtual Training Day for AZ‑900 ● Start Microsoft Learn modules
Aug 8–14	Complete full learning path and quizzes ● Claim and redeem exam voucher soon after receipt
Aug 15–21	Schedule your exam date before voucher expiry (likely 3–6 months ahead)
Aug 22–31	Take your first free exam ● Share your badge on LinkedIn ● Consider next fundamentals exam (e.g. PL‑900 or SC‑900)

Conclusion