Microsoft retired the MTA certification in June 2022, offering the Fundamentals certifications as an alternative [1]<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- \n
Former MTA certifications were geared toward IT infrastructure, database, and developer aspects<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- \n
You can currently take other entry-level Microsoft certifications as an alternative to the MTA certification, like the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals or Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Explore what the MTA certifications were, why Microsoft decided to retire them, and five current certifications from Microsoft that cover the fundamentals of the Microsoft suite of tools. If you\u2019re ready to start preparing for a Microsoft certification, consider taking a preparatory course, like the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Exam Prep Specialization for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals exam. You\u2019ll have the opportunity to build expertise in IT and cloud computing concepts, as well as Microsoft Azure solutions and services, in as little as three months. Upon completion, you\u2019ll have not only earned a career certificate for your resume, but you\u2019ll also receive a 50 percent discount voucher to take the AZ-900 exam.<\/p>\n
What is an MTA certification? MTA certification explained<\/h2>\n
An MTA certification was an entry-level certification that demonstrated your skills with Microsoft technologies as an IT professional. It allowed those with little to no IT skills to develop their skill set and show employers they have the necessary skills for an entry-level role in the field. It was an accessible option for anyone seeking credentials with few prerequisites.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Each MTA certification, which spanned multiple areas ranging from Windows operating systems to using Java for programming, required passing an examination to prove you have the fundamental skills. As of June 2022, Microsoft retired the MTA (Microsoft Technology Associate) certifications. In its customer FAQs on why the company chose to retire the MTA, Microsoft cites a shift in the technology landscape that calls for different certification types based on the current skills desired in the job market [1<\/a>].\u00a0<\/p>\n
Former Microsoft MTA certification types<\/h3>\n
MTA certification paths were available in a range of disciplines. Each certification path combined multiple MTA exams to create the fundamental skills in one aspect of technology. The MTA paths Microsoft served were:<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
IT infrastructure: Demonstrated skills in cybersecurity, networking, IT infrastructure management, or cloud computing using Microsoft technologies like Windows System Center, Office 365, and Windows Server<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- \n
Database: Preparing for these credentials helped candidates gain skills for data-centric fields like database administration and business intelligence using Microsoft SQL Server<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- \n
Developer:<\/b>Microsoft geared these MTA certifications toward aspiring developers seeking careers as computer programmers or software engineers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Are MTA certifications still valid?<\/h3>\n
While you\u2019ll no longer be able to take or retake MTA certification exams, if you already have an MTA certification, it won\u2019t expire. The certification will remain on your transcript, even when you print it; however, it won\u2019t be in the \u201cActive\u201d section of your transcript but will move to the \u201cCertification History\u201d section two years after the certification\u2019s retirement<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/justfineinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/purple-hash-pattern.svg_-2.png\")
<\/p>\nAlternatives to the MTA certification<\/h2>\n
With the retirement of the MTA certification, Microsoft released the Fundamentals certifications as an improved alternative to gain skills for in-demand careers. Additionally, you can still access your MTA credential if you received one before it retired in the \u201cCertification History\u201d of your transcript<\/p>\n
However, if you still want to move forward and gain in-demand skills using Microsoft technologies, start with one of their Fundamentals certifications in topics such as:<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Let\u2019s take a closer look at each certificate, its requirements, and some relevant careers<\/p>\n
1. Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals<\/h3>\n
The Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals certification exam measures your understanding of machine learning in Azure, the workloads of AI and computer vision, and natural language processing and generative AI features. This Fundamentals certification prepares you for further certification in Azure for data scientists and the Azure AI Engineer certification<\/p>\n
Requirements:<\/b> No prior prerequisites, but an understanding of cloud computing and client-server architecture helps<\/p>\n
Cost (US):<\/b> $99 [2<\/a>]<\/p>\n
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals<\/h3>\n
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals certification exam measures your understanding of Microsoft Azure data tools. It tests your knowledge of the core data concepts, working with relational and non-relational data sets in Azure, and Azure’s data analytics workload. This certification prepares you for roles and further certification exams as an Azure Database Administrator Associate or Azure Data Engineer Associate.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Requirements:<\/b>No prerequisites, but knowledge of relational and non-relational data and data workloads is helpful<\/p>\n
Cost (US):<\/b> $99 [3<\/a>]<\/p>\n
3. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals<\/h3>\n
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals certification teaches IT professionals the foundational workings of Azure. It covers the Azure architecture components, such as computing, networking, and available storage services. The exam covers Azure architecture and concepts, cloud concepts, and Azure data management and governance.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The exam measures various aspects of your understanding of Azure data centers, including their restorage options, and security.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Requirements:<\/b>No formal prerequisites, but knowledge of IT infrastructure, database management, and software management are essential prior skills to have<\/p>\n
Cost (US):<\/b>$99 [4<\/a>]<\/p>\n
4. Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals<\/h3>\n
The Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals certification shows your skills in app development using Power Apps, Dataverse, and Power Automate. The examination tests your ability to describe the business solutions of Power Platform, how Power BI and other apps work, and the solutions that work with Power Apps, such as AI.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Requirements:<\/b> No prerequisites\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cost (US):<\/b>$99 [5<\/a>]<\/p>\n
5. Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals<\/h3>\n
The Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals certification measures your understanding of Microsoft\u2019s security, compliance, and identity concepts in its cloud-based solutions. This certification is for those who may have less IT experience, business professionals, and learners who want to prove their knowledge of Microsoft cloud services. The examination measures your skills in each security, compliance, and identity category.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Requirements:<\/b> An understanding of Azure, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft SCI solutions<\/p>\n
Cost (US):<\/b> $99 [6<\/a>]<\/p>\n
How to study for Microsoft Fundamentals certifications<\/h2>\n
Microsoft provides study guides for each certification exam detailing the percentage of each topic on the exam, summaries of the topics, and additional links to reams and accommodations. Each certification page also includes courses from Microsoft that cover the topics on the exam.\u00a0<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll also find many Microsoft Fundamentals exam prep options on Coursera. Check out some of the exam prep Specializations below:<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Exam Prep Specialization<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 Exam Prep Specialization<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals AI-900 Exam Prep Specialization<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The Azure, Power Platform, Azure Data, and Azure AI Fundamentals Specializations each grant you 50 percent off the cost of your Microsoft certification examination when you pass all courses on Coursera<\/p>\n
Strengthen your skills with practical learning tools<\/h2>\n
Want to keep your skills future-ready? Get the latest insights into trends and skills in your industry by subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat. Or if you want to keep exploring IT skills, careers, and courses, check out these free re<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Take the quiz:<\/b>Which IT Course Should You Take? Find Out in 1 Minute\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- \n
Watch on YouTube:<\/b>7 IT Career Paths to Explore in 2025 (And How to Start)<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- \n
Hear from a fellow learner:<\/b>Meet the IT Support Tech Advancing Toward a Cybersecurity Career\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Develop and advance job-ready skills from industry leaders like Microsoft, Google, and IBM with a Coursera Plus subscription, available in monthly and annual tiers. You\u2019ll have opportunities to earn shareable certificates you can add to further enhance your resume<\/p>\n
- \n
![\"cplus](\"https:\/\/justfineinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Coursera_Plus_White_Logo-2.png\")
\nBreak down barriers to learning with big savings<\/h3>\n
Get Coursera Plus
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/justfineinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/NAMER_MainCampaign_CannedCollection-480x350-3.png\")
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nArticle sources<\/h2>\n
1.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Microsoft Ignite. \u201cMTA Retirement FAQs, https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/credentials\/certifications\/mta-retirement-faqs\/.\u201d Accessed September 1, 2026<\/p>\n
Updated on Sep 2, 2026
\nWritten by:<\/p>\nCoursera Staff<\/h3>\n
Editorial Team<\/p>\n
Coursera\u2019s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact<\/p>\n
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals<\/p>\n
\n\n Related:<\/strong>
\n <a href="https:\/\/yoursite.com\/automation<\/a>-training-benin\/” title=”Digital<\/a> Automation Training Benin: 5 Winning Skills Employers Demand in 2026″>
\n Digital Automation Training Benin: 5 Winning Skills Employers Demand in 2026
\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n\n <a href="https:\/\/yoursite.com\/automation-africa\/" title="WhatsApp<\/a> Marketing Automation Africa: 6 Dangerous Mistakes Brands Make in Nigeria”>
\n WhatsApp Marketing Automation Africa: 6 Dangerous Mistakes Brands Make in Nigeria
\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nWant to learn this practically?<\/h3>\n
Join Justfine Infotech<\/strong> and build real digital skills in AI, automation, web development, digital marketing, office productivity, e-commerce, freelancing and cybersecurity.<\/p>\n
Available Programmes:<\/strong>
\n 6 Weeks Certificate \u2022 3 Months Professional Certificate \u2022 6 Months Diploma \u2022 Full Professional Diploma<\/p>\nWhatsApp:<\/strong>
\n +229 01 57 57 99 15
\n +229 01 66 68 11 60<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
- \n
- \n
- \n
- \n
- \n
- \n
- \n