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So you’re considering the path of a business analyst, and you’ve come across the Microsoft Business Analyst Professional Certificate. But is it any good and is it worth taking?
In this review post, we’ll have a first look at the content and what this certificate has to offer.
Read more about this below:
My Verdict: Microsoft Business Analyst Professional Certificate
The Microsoft Business Analyst Professional Certificate is worth doing for its focus on both technical and non-technical skills. It features engaging lectures on business analysis tools in the Microsoft ecosystem like Excel and Visio. This makes it a great choice for those who want to improve their business analytics skills using popular tools.
I like that this certificate also focuses on the soft skills essential to a business analyst, such as effective communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These skills are crucial in any business role and make this certificate valuable not just for aspiring business analysts but also for professionals in other fields looking to enhance their skill sets.
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage of technical and non-technical skills
- Hands-on training with popular Microsoft tools and a capstone project
- Emphasis on soft skills essential for a business analyst role
- Training provided by Microsoft employees
- Flexible schedule and self-paced learning options
- Includes 50% off the Microsoft Certification Exam (PL-900)
Cons
- Relatively new compared to other online courses or certificates
- Limited networking opportunities compared to in-person programs
- Not a formal accreditation or certification
What You’ll Learn:
The Microsoft Business Analyst Professional Certificate covers the following topics:
- Introduction to business analysis and its role in organizations
- Defining requirements and creating visual models using Visio and Power BI
- Data manipulation and analysis with Excel, SQL, and Power Query
- Effective communication techniques for business analysts
- Project management principles and tools for successful project delivery.
By completing this certificate, you’ll develop proficiency in these areas and gain practical experience through hands-on projects.
Who Is
Course Content: What Can You Expect?
The Microsoft Business Analyst Professional Certificate consists of six courses, each focusing on different aspects of business analysis.
Here are the courses:
- Business Analysis Fundamentals
- Data for Business Analysts Using Microsoft Excel
- Data and Business Process Modeling with Microsoft Visio
- Requirements Gathering in Business Analysis
- Power Platform in Business Analysis
- Project Delivery in Business Analysis and Capstone Project
As you can see, this six-course series will cover, in detail, the essential skills and knowledge required for a business analyst role.
In each course, you’ll find engaging lectures, practical exercises, and quizzes to reinforce your learning. You’ll also have access to downloadable resources like templates and reference materials.
The capstone project will allow you to apply all your newfound knowledge in a real-world scenario, solving a business problem using Microsoft tools and techniques.
Course Instructors
One of the highlights of this certificate is that it’s taught by Microsoft employees with years of experience in their respective fields. They bring industry expertise and valuable insights into the course content, making it relevant and up-to-date.
What Skills Will You Learn?
When it comes to starting a new career option, you’ll need to be picking up plenty of professional skills.
Here are some you’ll learn in this certificate:
- Business analysis fundamentals and techniques
- Data manipulation, analysis, and visualization
- Modeling business processes
- Gathering requirements and creating visual models
- Creating business automation
- Communication and project management skills
You’ll also develop significant proficiency in using popular tools like Excel, Power BI, Power Platform, and Visio. These are crucial skills for anyone looking to start or advance their career as a business analyst.
Who Should Take the Certificate?
If you’re interested in becoming a business analyst or simply want to enhance your skills in data analysis, project management, and effective communication, this certificate is for you.
It’s designed for:
- Aspiring business analysts
- Data analysts or professionals looking to transition into a business analyst role
- Individuals who want to improve their proficiency in Microsoft tools used for business analysis
- Anyone looking to strengthen their skill set with valuable soft skills essential in any business role.
Why Take the Certificate?
I’ve put together some reasons why anyone would take this certificate. Let’s have a look below.
1. Taught by Microsoft Employees:
As mentioned earlier, this certificate is taught by Microsoft employees with years of industry experience. They bring real-world knowledge and expertise into the classroom, making the course content relevant and up-to-date.
2. Flexible Schedule & Self-paced Learning:
The certificate allows you to learn at your own pace, which makes it ideal for busy professionals or students who need a more flexible approach to learning. You can also choose from various schedules available throughout the year that suit your needs.
3. Hands-on Learning
The practical approach to teaching in this certificate makes it stand out from other online courses. You’ll have access to real-world projects and downloadable resources, allowing you to apply what you learn immediately.
4. Microsoft Certification Exam Discount
The certificate includes a 50% discount on the Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals PL-900 Exam. This is an added bonus for those looking to obtain a formal accreditation in business analysis.
This exam tests your knowledge of using the Power Platform tools, so this is a good chance for you to attain a proper accreditation on top of your professional certificate. This can be a good addition to your resume.
Related Questions
How much does the certificate cost?
The Microsoft Business Analyst Professional Certificate costs $49 USD monthly. This fee covers all six courses, hands-on projects, and a 50% discount on the Microsoft Certification Exam.
How long does it take to complete the certificate?
The certificate can be completed in approximately three months if you dedicate 8-10 hours per week. However, since it’s self-paced learning, you can take longer or shorter depending on your schedule and learning speed.
Is prior experience required for this certificate?
No, prior experience is not required for this certificate. However, some basic knowledge of Microsoft tools and business concepts may be helpful. The courses are designed for beginners, but individuals with previous experience can also benefit from the advanced techniques and practical projects included in the curriculum.
What jobs can I apply for after completing this certificate?
Completing this certificate can open doors to various job opportunities such as Business Analyst, Data Analyst, Project Manager, Business Process Analyst, and more. The skills you’ll learn are highly sought after in many industries and can be applied to a variety of roles within a company.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Microsoft Business Analyst Professional Certificate offers a comprehensive and practical approach to developing skills essential for a business analyst role. It’s taught by industry experts and can be completed at your own pace, making it ideal for busy professionals or students. The added discount on the Microsoft Certification Exam is an excellent opportunity to gain formal accreditation in addition to the certificate.
So, if you’re interested in pursuing a career as a business analyst or enhancing your skills in data analysis and project management, this certificate is worth considering.
