Becoming a Certified Microsoft Full Stack Developer

Full stack web development is currently an in-demand tech field, sporting a 23.4% projected growth in the next five years (according to SEEK statistics). As a specialty juggling multiple types of software and programming languages, certifications are a popular pathway to validating your specialised skills and experience.

Among the various platforms and training providers, Microsoft stands tall in industry-standard skills and global recognition. Those certified in their name often demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of their specialty, thus allowing for faster employment and career progression.

We dive further into the benefits of a Microsoft certification below, and how to achieve one in full-stack development.

What is a Full Stack Developer?

A full-stack developer is a web developer who manages both front-end and back-end web development tasks.

Front-end (or client software) web development addresses direct interactions with the end user. This includes how information or media is presented on your website, and how such content is displayed through both desktop and mobile browsers. As such, front-end development involves expertise in languages such as HTML, CSS, and Javascript; all required to manipulate and design the website’s information to appear both functional and aesthetically effective.

Back-end web development, on the other hand, focuses on the server side of web development. This primarily involves handling, assessing, and manipulating the data received from the front-end of the website. The developer must thus create organised databases or management systems to help collect and store this information.

Back-end development also includes the tasks of server management, allowing developers to adjust the scalability of their website as well as troubleshoot any slow or erratic applications.

Full-stack developers bring both specialties together in a single role, demonstrating proficiency in both front-end and back-end frameworks, languages, and environments. Complex as the role may be, their skills are helpful for speeding up IT projects, sourcing new and upcoming technologies, and providing help to all members of a team.

According to SEEK, the most common salary offered to full stack developers is $110,000 AUD a year.

The benefits of getting Microsoft-certified

The IT field can be a highly competitive one, driven by a constant flow of new skills, technologies, and coding languages. With Microsoft an industry leader in IT skills and certifications, their credentials can help you stay ahead of the curve.

In fact, Microsoft-certified professionals are often employed faster, with 23% of certified technologies garnering up to a 20% salary increase (according to the 2017 whitepaper by Pearson VUE Value of Certification).

Certified employees have additionally reported to having greater confidence in performing complex tasks, with many often playing an influential role in technology deployments, compared to their non-certified counterparts.

Microsoft certifications especially benefit rigorous IT roles such as full stack web development, as individuals can validate and refine their expansive, varied set of skills. These credentials also ensure that they’re up to date with the latest industry trends and technologies, helping them stand out in a saturated job market.

Preparing for your certification

Earning your Microsoft certification requires passing the appropriate exam. Currently, Microsoft certifications in IT development include their Developer Associate, Power Platform Developer Associate, and Power Apps + Dynamics 365 Developer Associate.

Passing your exam will require plenty of preparation with the proper training courses and study materials. We explore these options below.

Make use of available online study materials

Online books, guides, and articles are a common starting point in preparing for your Microsoft exam.

Study guides and articles are often the most affordable sources, with many certified professionals sharing their learning experiences, training paths, and materials online. There are also plenty of tutorial videos that provide a step-by-step guide to building the specific skills explored in the exam topics.

However, students are also recommended to invest in books or publisher study guides to build a more in-depth understanding of these concepts. Costs can vary depending on the source, though students are advised to pursue credible publishers such as MS Press, APress, and Sams.

Take up a course or a Microsoft Learning path

Your next step is to undergo an online training course or pursue a Microsoft Learning Path.

Lumify Learn’s Certified Microsoft Full Stack Developer course is one such option for those pursuing the role, helping students gain a refined, robust understanding of all topics and concepts related to the exam. Individuals are also guided by assigned trainers who can offer extra educational support each step of the way. Programs such as these are an ideal (and necessary) step to building one’s expertise for the final exam.

Microsoft also offers step-by-step learning to help students master the “core concepts” of their certification. Each learning path is comprised of modules exploring a specific aspect of their exam, with the amount varying depending on the subject.

Under their Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate certification, for example, students can prepare through learning paths that explore data storage in Azure, website deployment, resource management, and creating serverless applications.

Take up practice tests

Finally, students are encouraged to take practice tests to not only simulate the experience of the actual exam – but to pinpoint any knowledge gaps that require further study.

There are official practice tests for most Microsoft certifications, with questions are typically written in a similar format to the actual exam. Students can thus familiarize themselves with the style, and process of these tests. These materials are provided by authorized companies – the two leading sources being CyberVista and MeasureUp – and while uncredited third-party sources may offer their own practice exam materials, students are generally advised against them.

Taking up practice tests is usually the final step of the study process, helping students refine their approach and identify mandatory areas for study.

Ready to become a Microsoft-Certified Full Stack Developer?

Pursuing an IT career is no easy feat, though with the right training and education – the profession offers plenty of growth, opportunity, and stability for those committed. Certifications, in particular, are sure-fire way to get noticed on the job market – helping expand your employment opportunities and accelerate your career progression.

To ensure full preparation for your Microsoft Developer certification, Lumify Learn’s Certified Microsoft Full Stack Developer course is an exclusively online program to help train you in all the necessary concepts and skills required. Its digital delivery also provides a flexible online experience, helping you study according to your needs and schedule.

Build the Microsoft-certified skills you need as a full stack developer, and enquire with us today.