In This Blog
- Introduction
- Why Microsoft Data & Analytics Skills Are Critical in 2026
- Top Microsoft Applied Skills and Certifications to Consider
- How Certifications Impact Your Organization
- Free Data Warehouse Assessment with Our Certified Experts
- FAQ
Introduction
Data is the lifeblood of modern businesses, and organizations that can turn raw data into actionable insights gain a significant competitive edge. In 2026, the demand for data professionals who can navigate Microsoft’s cloud, AI, and analytics ecosystem will continue to grow.
Microsoft’s applied skills and certifications are the perfect starting point for leveling up your team’s expertise this year. From building AI-powered applications to managing complex data pipelines, these certifications ensure your team can design and implement data solutions with confidence and efficiency.
Whether you’re an aspiring data engineer, a developer, or a database administrator, these certifications provide structured paths to mastery in the tools and technologies that are shaping the future of business intelligence.
Why Microsoft Data & Analytics Skills Are Critical in 2026
The digital landscape is changing rapidly, and organizations need data professionals who can:
- Implement AI and machine learning solutions to drive smarter decision-making
- Migrate legacy databases to scalable, cloud-based solutions
- Build secure, compliant, and high-performance data architectures
- Deliver real-time insights to support fast-paced business environments
By investing in Microsoft certifications, your team gains validated skills that improve project outcomes while increasing organizational credibility. Teams with certified professionals can implement solutions faster, reduce errors, and unlock innovative possibilities that drive business growth.
13 Microsoft Data & Analytics Applied Skills and Certifications to Consider
Here’s a curated list of applied skills and certifications that can make a meaningful impact on your team in 2026. Below is a full comparison chart with role, level, description, and why each is important:
| Name | Type | Level | Role Focus | Description | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Build AI-powered solutions using Azure Database for PostgreSQL | Applied Skill | Intermediate | Developer | Learn to build AI-powered applications integrated with Azure Database for PostgreSQL. | Enables developers to integrate AI solutions with scalable, reliable databases. |
| Configure and migrate to Azure Database for PostgreSQL | Applied Skill | Intermediate | Database Administrator | Gain skills in configuring and migrating workloads to Azure Database for PostgreSQL. | Ensures smooth migration and management of critical databases in the cloud. |
| Implement a Real-Time Intelligence solution with Microsoft Fabric | Applied Skill | Intermediate | Data Engineer | Build real-time intelligence solutions using Microsoft Fabric. | Supports instant insights for faster business decision-making. |
| Implement a data science and machine learning solution with Microsoft Fabric | Applied Skill | Intermediate | Data Engineer | Implement end-to-end machine learning and data science pipelines. | Enables predictive analytics and AI-driven solutions. |
| Implement a data warehouse in Microsoft Fabric | Applied Skill | Intermediate | Data Engineer | Design and deploy scalable data warehouses. | Centralizes data for reporting, analytics, and BI. |
| Implement a lakehouse in Microsoft Fabric | Applied Skill | Intermediate | Data Engineer | Combine data lakes and warehouses for unified analytics. | Simplifies data architecture while improving performance. |
| Migrate SQL Server workloads to Azure SQL Database | Applied Skill | Intermediate | Database Administrator | Migrate SQL Server workloads to Azure SQL for cloud scalability. | Reduces infrastructure overhead and improves database performance. |
| Azure Cosmos DB Developer Specialty | Certification | Intermediate | Developer | Specialize in designing and building globally distributed applications using Cosmos DB. | Ensures highly available and scalable applications worldwide. |
| Azure Data Fundamentals | Certification | Beginner | Data Engineer | Learn the core concepts of data services in Azure. | Ideal for beginners looking to understand cloud data basics. |
| Azure Database Administrator Associate | Certification | Intermediate | Database Administrator | Manage and optimize Azure SQL and database solutions. | Critical for maintaining high availability and performance. |
| Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate | Certification | Intermediate | Data Engineer | Implement analytics solutions on Microsoft Fabric. | Provides expertise in analyzing complex datasets efficiently. |
| Fabric Data Engineer Associate | Certification | Intermediate | Data Engineer | Build and maintain data engineering pipelines on Microsoft Fabric. | Ensures reliable data flow and processing for analytics. |
| Power BI Data Analyst Associate | Certification | Intermediate | Data Analyst | Transform raw data into actionable insights using Power BI. | Supports informed business decisions with interactive dashboards and reports. |
How Certifications Impact Your Organization
Microsoft certifications and applied skills have tangible benefits for your organization:
- Faster Deployment and Implementation: Certified teams are familiar with best practices, reducing project timelines.
- Improved Data Accuracy and Security: Certified professionals understand compliance, security, and governance requirements.
- Strategic Insights: Teams can leverage AI and analytics to identify opportunities and make data-driven decisions.
- Competitive Advantage: Certifications demonstrate expertise to clients, partners, and stakeholders.
In short, certifications help your organization stay ahead in an increasingly data-driven world.
Looking to Make the Most of Your Data?
If you’re looking to transform your data into actionable insights and ensure your organization’s reporting and analytics capabilities are optimized, our Data Warehouse Discovery Workshop is the perfect next step.
This free, collaborative, multi-session engagement helps your team define project requirements, evaluate data sources, and create a high-level solution design that aligns with both your immediate and long-term goals. By the end of the workshop, you’ll receive:
- Business Requirements Inventory: Prioritized goals and features for your data warehouse
- Data Sources and Requirements: Detailed understanding of data sources, access methods, and performance expectations
- Data Quality Analysis: Identification of quality issues and opportunities for improvement
- Infrastructure Recommendations: Scalable infrastructure guidance tailored to your current and future needs
Take the first step toward a data-driven future with Emergent Software’s Data Warehouse Discovery Workshop. Reach out here!
FAQ
How do applied skills differ from certifications?
Applied skills focus on hands-on, practical knowledge for specific tasks or tools. Certifications validate broader expertise and are recognized credentials that demonstrate your ability to solve real-world problems. Together, they provide a balanced path for continuous learning and professional growth.
Who should pursue Microsoft Fabric certifications?
Data engineers and analytics professionals benefit most, as these certifications focus on building pipelines, managing data warehouses, and delivering real-time insights. Even experienced engineers can benefit as Fabric evolves, offering advanced capabilities for AI and analytics.
Are beginner certifications worth pursuing for experienced professionals?
Yes. Beginner certifications like Azure Data Fundamentals ensure everyone on the team shares a common understanding of foundational concepts, reducing knowledge gaps and improving team communication. They also provide a structured path for future growth.
How does working with a certified partner improve outcomes?
Certified partners bring current, validated knowledge and experience to projects. They follow best practices, optimize architectures, and reduce risks, ensuring projects are delivered on time and perform reliably. Organizations gain peace of mind knowing experts are handling critical solutions.
