A Microsoft professional certification program that covers the basics of AI, Cloud, Data, Security and more has received the seal of approval from the UK’s professional body for IT. The British Computer Society (BCS – the Chartered Institute for IT), has given the Microsoft Certified Fundamentals Programme its new Tech 10 Accreditation.
To receive this new BCS quality standard accreditation, courses must fulfil 10 criteria to demonstrate excellent course development and delivery standards. Microsoft Certified Fundamentals allows students and early career starters to demonstrate proficiency in the digital skills they need to thrive in the modern workplace.
Jen Wyatt, Director of Education at Microsoft UK, said: “Receiving BCS Tech 10 accreditation for Microsoft Fundamentals Certifications for the first time is fantastic. It signifies another key step in our journey as an organisation to embed digital skills training across the academic curriculum in areas including cloud, data, and security, to enhance students’ employability with globally recognised certifications.
“We’re delighted to partner with BCS to help close the growing digital skills gap in the UK through these courses and equip individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the workplace. At Microsoft, we’re already demonstrating this through our UK Get On commitment to help build tech careers and connect 300,000 to tech job opportunities. Bringing BCS accredited certifications to students is another step in our promise to help individuals in the UK jump-start their careers.”
Zoe Spilberg, BCS, Director of L&D Deployment for Education, said: “It’s fantastic we are validating the Microsoft Fundamentals Certifications with the BCS Tech 10 accreditation. In such a fast-paced industry, digital skills and IT training must be of the highest quality and accessible to all.
“Our Tech 10 standard is a set of criteria that align with our core mission to make IT good for society. Confirmation that Microsoft Fundamentals succeeds in delivering each of the ten criteria, which also enhances the employability of learners, is great news.”
Andrew Flood, CEO, Prodigy Learning, commented “By 2025, 70% of jobs will involve working directly with data. Global spending on AI technology will top $500 billion in 2023, up by over 20.7% compared to the previous year. Skills in AI, Cloud, Data and Security are essential for modernisation and growth for organisations across the world.”
“Equipping students with these skills through Microsoft Certified Fundamentals Certification is crucial, as businesses will need to hire the very finest professionals who are comfortable with programming languages, database management, AI, Machine Learning and cloud technologies. We’re proud to partner with the BCS and the Microsoft Education team to see the Microsoft Certified Fundamentals Certification awarded Tech 10 Accreditation.”
The first cohort took the newly accredited Microsoft courses at the biggest Education Technology exhibition in the world, Bett, held at ExCeL London between the 29th – 31st of March.
Don Jones, Head of Data and Analysis, Ormiston Academies Trust (pictured) was amongst the first to pass and said: “I wanted to assess my practical learning against industry standards and benchmarks, gain certification and external recognition for my skills development. It’s also the first step on my journey to more advanced MS qualifications, and I wanted to show my team that I practice what I preach.”
The Microsoft Fundamentals which have been awarded certification include:
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- Microsoft AI Fundamentals
- Microsoft Data Fundamentals
- Microsoft Security Fundamentals
- Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
- Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM)
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP)
About Prodigy Learning
Prodigy Learning is an award-winning global EdTech business, providing innovative online platforms that empower learners to develop and prove their skills. These solutions range from skills assessments in education through to job-ready digital skills credentials.
Established in 2000, the Company now has offices in Dublin (Ireland), London (United Kingdom), Sydney (Australia) and New York (United States) and serves >4,000 education customers worldwide.
