Your Roadmap to Microsoft Power Platform Developer Associate Certification

The digital transformation of organizations around the world requires software developers who can work with the latest technology, including the next generation of automation. As companies invest in evolving technology, the need for workers who are deeply knowledgeable about the latest technology is increasing rapidly. This means that software developers need to constantly upskill and validate their skills to remain relevant and competitive in the job market.

One way to validate software development skills is through industry-recognized certifications. Microsoft has developed the Microsoft Certified Power Platform Developer Associate certification for software developers who extend and customize Microsoft Power Platform. This Power Platform certification is designed to validate the development skills of software developers and help them advance their careers in the industry.

Certifications are a great way for software developers to showcase their expertise to potential employers. Adding certifications to their resume and LinkedIn page can alert potential employers of their skills and experience and can give developers an edge in the job market. According to a Nigel Frank survey, 61% of respondents believe that certifications can give you an edge in the job market.

Whether you are just starting out or brushing up on your skills as a seasoned IT professional, it is advisable to constantly upskill and validate your skills to remain competitive in the job market.

What does a developer do?

The role of a Microsoft Power Platform Developer requires a passion for problem-solving and a commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry trends.

As a Microsoft Power Platform Developer, your role is to design, develop, secure, and extend solutions on the platform. This requires a strong applied knowledge of Microsoft Power Platform services and a basic understanding of DevOps practices. To earn the certification, you must be able to execute the following:

• Create solution components
• Create custom user experiences
• Develop system integrations
• Execute data conversions
• Generate custom process automations
• Formulate custom visualizations

Your background should include experience in various development languages and tools such as JavaScript, JSON, TypeScript, C#, HTML, .NET, Azure, Microsoft 365, RESTful Web Services, ASP.NET, and Power BI. You should also have experience working with app makers, functional consultants, solution architects, and IT administrators. Your responsibilities may vary but will typically involve creating technical designs and Power Apps, configuring Dataverse, Power Apps, and business process automation, extending the platform and user experience, and developing integrations.

Microsoft developer Greg Hurlman, who has over 20 years of experience, recommends using Power Apps to save time and effort in development. He also prefers to create an app using Power Apps first, rather than custom code, as it is faster and has many necessary features for developers.

Advantages of Certification

Getting certified as a developer offers many benefits beyond just the validation of your technical skills. With the rapid changes in technology, staying ahead of the curve is essential for career growth and confidence. Certification can help build that confidence by ensuring you have the latest knowledge and skills needed to succeed in your role.

The benefits of IT certification go beyond earning potential:

1. According to the Global Knowledge 2020 IT Skills and Salary Report, earning a certification or acquiring a new skill can increase an IT professional’s pay by up to $12,000 a year.
2. 93 percent of respondents in the same survey believe certified employees add more value, close skills gaps, are more productive than their non-certified peers, and meet their clients’ needs better.
3. The Pearson VUE report on the value of IT certification highlights personal benefits of earning certifications, such as increased credibility in the workplace and greater self-confidence.

Hence, it is safe to say that the possession of multiple certifications can aid in exploring diverse paths to success by providing career flexibility and earning options.

Getting Started with PL-400T00: Microsoft Power Platform Developer Certification

If you’re interested in becoming a certified Microsoft Power Platform Developer, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started:

Step 1: Assess Your Fit for the Certification

Before you begin studying for the developer certification, it’s important to assess whether this certification is the right fit for you. This exam is designed for individuals with technical skills and knowledge in Power Platform and Dynamics 365, as well as experience in technical problem-solving and automation.

To make your journey towards certification as smooth as possible, it’s recommended to use the Journey Map provided below. This map outlines the skills, knowledge, and tasks required to become a certified Microsoft Power Platform Developer.

Step 2: Explore Training Options Available

Once you have determined your journey to become a certified Power Platform Developer, begin by researching the available training options. The PL-400T00: Microsoft Power Platform Developer Certification course is a good starting point.

Step 3: Learn Key Topics Covered in the Exam

The PL-400T00: Microsoft Power Platform Developer course covers a range of important topics that will be tested in the exam. These topics include creating technical designs, configuring Common Data Service, creating and configuring Power Apps, automating business processes, extending user experiences, extending the platform, and developing integrations. Make sure to familiarize yourself with these topics and their subtopics to feel confident in your ability to pass the exam.

Step 4: Take Advantage of Practice Tests

Before taking the real exam, it’s recommended to take practice tests. These tests will help you assess your knowledge and identify areas where you need to improve. Microsoft offers practice tests for PL-400T00, which can help you feel confident and prepared when taking the actual exam.

Step 5: Earn Your Certification and Explore Further Opportunities

After passing the exam and earning your certification, you can continue to expand your knowledge and advance your career by exploring intermediate and advanced certification paths offered by Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365. With these opportunities, you can achieve your career goals and reach new heights in your professional journey.

Other certifications for you

If you’re interested in expanding your skills and knowledge beyond the Microsoft Power Platform Developer Associate certification, here are some other certifications to consider:

Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate

This Microsoft Power Platform Functional Consultant certification is designed for those with experience in creating application enhancements, custom user experiences, system integrations, data conversions, and custom visualizations with Microsoft Power Platform. To earn this certification, you must pass Exam PL-200.

Check out our blog on Microsoft Power Platform Functional Consultant to gain a better understanding of the role and the certification process!

Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Solution Architect Expert

If you’re interested in a senior role, the Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Solution Architect Expert certification may be a great fit. This certification can take your skills to the next level and prepare you for a leadership role.

Gain a more comprehensive information on the role and certification with our blog on Microsoft Power Platform Solution Architect Expert.

Exploring and obtaining one or more of these certifications can broaden your skills and knowledge in the IT industry, while also unlocking new career opportunities. Take the time to investigate the various certification options available to you and select the ones that best align with your interests and career aspirations.

Conclusion

To summarize, the Microsoft Power Platform Developer Associate certification is an excellent way for developers to showcase their skills and knowledge in building and customizing Microsoft Power Platform apps. With the right combination of training, experience, and certification, you can become a highly sought-after IT professional with a bright future ahead.