Best Microsoft Courses

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Contributor, Benzinga
October 30, 2020

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Microsoft courses can help you acquire the skills required by employers in many industries to land an entry-level role or work more efficiently in your current position. Whether you want to master Office 365, Microsoft Teams or other core functions, you can find options for all skill levels.

If you’re already familiar with Microsoft, consider a more advanced course on Microsoft Azure, Power or Windows 10 to position yourself for career advancement opportunities. 

Ready to move forward? Benzinga is here to help you identify the best Microsoft course for you.

Microsoft 365 Core Applications

Microsoft 365 Core Applications
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Microsoft Advanced Excel Dashboard : Zero To Hero (Complete)

Microsoft Advanced Excel Dashboard : Zero To Hero (Complete)
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Microsoft Azure cloud – Beginner Bootcamp (Updated Sep 2019)

Microsoft Azure cloud – Beginner Bootcamp (Updated Sep 2019)
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The Best Microsoft Courses:

Here’s a quick look at Benzinga’s top choices: 

What Makes a Microsoft Course Great?

Keep the following considerations in mind as you explore Microsoft course options.

Self-Paced

You need a course that lets you work at your own pace, especially if you’re already employed in a demanding IT role. Choose a course you won’t have to rush through to meet a deadline that doesn’t quite work for your schedule. 

Look for Supplementary Resources

Some Microsoft programs are far more complicated than others. The last thing you need is an instructor that rattles off loads of information over hours of dull lectures. You’ll have no way of knowing if you really understand the material and can implement it in the field. 

But if the course includes supplementary resources like assignments and quizzes, you can gauge your understanding of the material before moving on to other lessons or higher-skill level courses. 

Affordable 

Why spend hundreds or even thousands on a Microsoft course when you can find comparable options for a fraction of the cost? Some of our options listed here come with an affordable enrollment fee and others are free. 

Our Top Picks

We’ve explored several options and narrowed down the list to the top 9 online classes to help you find the perfect Microsoft course. Our picks are from edX, LinkedIn Learning and Udemy. Each of our hand-picked selections is facilitated by top Microsoft experts. 

You’ll find the courses organized by level for beginner, intermediate and advanced students. We’ve also included a description and the enrollment fee for each class to help you select the best option. 

Microsoft Courses for Beginners

You may find these courses useful if you’re just getting started with core Microsoft programs or cloud services.

Microsoft 365 Core Applications

Beginner • 11 videos • 1 hour
Microsoft 365 Core Applications
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1. Office 365 Core Applications by Udemy

  • Who it's for: Beginners 
  • Price: $29.99

Even if you are familiar with Microsoft Office 365 products, why not get the inside scoop on how to optimize your user experience? In this highly-rated course from Udemy, you’ll get just that and so much more. 

The enrollment fee is only $29.99 and includes instant access to 11 lectures delivered through video. Once you reach the final lesson, you can test your knowledge with a 10-question assessment. 

Know that this course is offered by computer training specialists, Intellezy Trainers, and is IAAP-certified. It also qualifies under the technology and information distribution content umbrella for 0.75 CAP certification points. 

Although it is a beginner-level class, you should have a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint on desktop. 

Get this course

AZ-900 – Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Training Bootcamp 2020

Beginner • 120 videos • 8.9 hours
AZ-900 – Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Training Bootcamp 2020
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2. AZ-900 – Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Training Bootcamp 2020 by Udemy

Who it's for: Beginners

Price: On sale 

Join over 30,000 students who have enrolled in this popular course. AZ-900 – Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Training Bootcamp 2020 is presented by XaaS Technologies. It features 9 hours of on-demand video, 1 article, 78 downloadable resources and 2 practice tests to help you master the cloud platform and prepare for the certification exam. 

Here’s a breakdown of what you will learn while enrolled: 

  • Module 1: Course Introduction
  • Module 2: Azure Cloud Introduction
  • Module 3: Azure Core Services – Virtual Machines 
  • Module 4: Azure Core Services – Additional Computing Options
  • Module 5: Azure Core Services – Storage
  • Module 6: Azure Core Services – Databases in Azure
  • Module 7: High-Level Overview on Other Azure Core Services
  • Module 8: Azure Resource Manager, Policies and Locks
  • Module 9: Monitoring and Compliance in Azure Cloud
  • Module 10: Security in Azure Cloud
  • Module 11: Pricing and Support Options in Azure
  • Module 12: Azure Account Cleanup
  • Module 13: Final Preparation Exam Practice Tests – Aim for the Best Score!
  • Module 14: Course Summary and Next Steps 

All of the course materials can be accessed right away for a price that’s too good to pass up. And the class also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied with the content for any reason. 
Enroll now.

3. Microsoft Cloud Services: Exchange Online and Security by LinkedIn Learning (Formerly Lynda.com)

Were you recently tasked with configuring Exchange Online for your company? Look no further than this beginner-level course from Udemy. It’s ideal if you’re an IT professional responsible for cloud-related matters within your organization. 

Taught by Microsoft technology trainer Andrew Bettany, the course includes 6 segments with lessons on a host of topics including cloud management, mobile device management, anti-spam, anti-malware and Intune Endpoint Protection. At the end of each segment, your comprehension of the material will be assessed through a chapter quiz. 

Enrollment is included with a $29.99 monthly LinkedIn membership, or you can grab a free seat by registering for a 1-month trial. 

Get this course

Intermediate Microsoft Courses

Do you already have a foundational knowledge of the Microsoft suite of programs? Take a look at these intermediate courses.

4. Microsoft Cloud Services: Administering Office 365 and Intune (2017) by LinkedIn Learning (Formerly Lynda.com)

Microsoft Cloud Services: Administering Office 365 and Intune is another useful course for IT professionals working in the cloud operations department for their organization. 

Also taught by Andrew Bettany, it includes the following 8 modules: 

  • Module 1: Cloud Identity Fundamentals
  • Module 2: Create Users and Groups in Office 365
  • Module 3: Administrative Roles in 365
  • Module 4: Service Health Status in Office 365
  • Module 5: Administering Microsoft Intune
  • Module 6: Deploying Intune
  • Module 7: Configure Mobile Device Management
  • Module 8: Deploying Intune Policies

There’s no fee to enroll if you have a LinkedIn membership. But if you aren’t yet signed up, you can become a member for $29.99 per month or register for a 1-month trial membership. 

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5. Microsoft Teams Essential Training by LinkedIn Learning

Who it's for: Intermediate students 

Price: Included with the monthly membership

In a little under 2.5 hours, you can learn the core features of Microsoft Teams and how to leverage them to collaborate more effectively with colleagues. Plus, you’ll find 8 chapter quizzes to test your knowledge as you work through the lessons to ensure you get the most out of the course. 

Microsoft Teams Essential Training consists of these sections: 

  • Introduction 
  • Setup
  • Team Groups
  • Group Conversations Using Teams and Channels
  • Private Chats and Meetings
  • Sharing Files
  • Apps and Optional Features
  • Search, Settings and Customization
  • The Teams Mobile App
  • Conclusion 

Enrollment is free with a monthly LinkedIn membership, or you can grab a free seat in the course by registering for a 1-month trial. 

The course is facilitated by LinkedIn Learning Staff Author Nicholas Brazzi. 

Enroll now

6. Troubleshooting Microsoft Online Services by LinkedIn Learning (Formerly Lynda.com)

Learn how to help others troubleshoot common Microsoft Online issues through this intermediate-level course from LinkedIn Learning. It includes 5 modules and chapter quizzes to supplement your learning. 

This class teaches best practices to address installation, sign-in and network connectivity issues. You will also learn how to troubleshoot Exchange ActiveSync, help users repair their Outlook profile, resolve delegated mailbox issues and address Office 365 SharePoint and Skype for Business Online issues.

Do you have a $29.99 LinkedIn Learning membership? Enrollment in the course is included as a benefit. Or you can grab a seat to the course when you register for a 1-month trial membership. 

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Advanced Microsoft Courses

These Microsoft courses may be a great match if you’re a more advanced IT professional. 

Practical Office 365 Administration

Intermediate • 34 videos • 2.9 hours
Practical Office 365 Administration
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Practical Office 365 Administration by Udemy

Who it's for: Advanced students 

Price: On sale 

Offered by Packt Publishing, this Udemy bestseller is designed for professionals responsible for configuring, implementing and managing Office 365 within their organization. It explores the central administration center's essentials, the step-by-step process to establish a new company domain and manage both licenses and subscriptions, core functions of the Exchange admin center and so much more. 

Practical Office 365 Administration features the following sections: 

  • What is Office 365?
  • Office 365 Admin Center
  • Exchange Admin Center
  • Skype for Business Admin Center
  • OneDrive for Business Admin Center
  • SharePoint Admin Center
  • Other Admin Centers
  • Tips and Resources 

The course is currently being offered at a discounted rate and consists of 34 lectures jam-packed into 3 hours of on-demand video. You will also receive a certificate of completion when you reach the finish line. 

Facilitator Nikkia Carter is the CEO and president of Carter-McGowan Services LLC. 

Enroll now

Microsoft Power Automate: Advanced Business Automation by LinkedIn Learning

Who it's for: Advanced students

Price: Included with the monthly membership 

Learning and development professional Phil Gold brings you this advanced course on Microsoft Power Automate and how to use it to simplify challenging tasks. It spans 1 hour and covers workflow routines, process setup, automation with Dynamics, SharePoint and mobile devices. You will also take 5 chapter quizzes to demonstrate your proficiency in the core concepts.

Here’s a breakdown of the course content: 

  • Introduction 
  • Approve SharePoint Items
  • Improved SharePoint Alerts
  • Automate Data Collection 
  • Mobile-Friendly Flows
  • Work with Dynamics
  • Conclusion

Registration is included with a monthly LinkedIn membership. Not yet a member? You can get free access to the class if you opt-in for a 1-month trial. 

Enroll now

Mastering Office 365 (2019)

All Levels • 80 videos • 12.6 hours
Mastering Office 365 (2019)
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Mastering Office 365 (2019) by Udemy

Who it's for: Advanced students

Price: On sale 

Mastering Office 365 (2019) is another Udemy bestseller that’s worth considering if you frequently use this suite of programs. It moves beyond the basics of Office 365 to explore proven strategies that will make organizing and maintaining your virtual office using Microsoft 365 a breeze. 

Updated for 2020, this advanced course includes lessons on OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, Kaizala, Delve and much more. Plus, you’ll learn about a host of other powerful tools and applications that will boost your productivity and allow you to collaborate more effectively with your team.  

In-depth instruction is provided through 80 video lectures and 1 downloadable resource. Both are accessible 24/7 on your computer, laptop, smartphone or another electronic device. 

Instructor Chip Reaves is a serial entrepreneur. He’s also the president and founder of Bigger Brains. 
Enroll now.

Choose the Right Microsoft Course for You 

An online Microsoft course is an efficient way to acquire the skills you need to advance your career. Many course options require little to no investment to enroll and you can work at your own pace.

You can start with beginner-level courses if you’re relatively new to Amazon. Once you’re comfortable with the material, you can work your way up to intermediate and advanced course offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

Can microsoft certifications get you a job?

A

Although nothing is for sure, Microsoft certifications can certainly increase your chances for a job opportunity.

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