Visual Studio Adds Free Azure Certification Training
Subscribers can now access new learning paths to prepare for professional cloud certifications.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Distance Learning
Live Poll
Do you think professional certification training should be included with software developer subscriptions?
Microsoft has expanded Visual Studio subscriptions to include specialized Azure certification training materials. Current subscribers can now access structured learning paths via Cloud Academy and Pluralsight to prepare for industry-standard exams.
Why it matters
These added resources provide a clear pathway for learners to gain cloud computing skills and certifications. By integrating these materials directly into the portal, students and professionals can better align their technical training with professional credentialing requirements.
Microsoft now provides certification-focused training for the AI-103, AZ-104, and AZ-305 exams. Users should note that exam registration and associated fees are not included in the learning benefits and must be paid for separately.
The players
Microsoft
A multinational technology corporation that provides integrated development environments and cloud computing services.
Visual Studio
An integrated development environment used by software developers for coding, debugging, and software testing.
Cloud Academy
An online training platform that provides cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data learning paths.
Pluralsight
A technology workforce development company that offers online training courses for software engineers and IT professionals.
The details
Subscribers can access these materials by signing in through the Visual Studio Subscriptions portal to activate their Cloud Academy and Pluralsight benefits. The available training covers certification requirements, such as the prerequisite Azure Administrator Associate certification needed for the Azure Solutions Architect Expert credential. Additionally, users with subscriptions that include monthly Azure credits can practice these skills in a live cloud development environment.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: Microsoft announced the new training benefits.
Education Landscape
This development follows the industry-wide trend of integrating vendor-specific certifications into student and professional learning portals. It reflects the increasing emphasis on earning professional credentials to complement traditional academic degrees in technology.
Students and developers should check their subscription portal to see if their current plan includes access to these specific Azure training modules. If you are pursuing a career in cloud architecture, contact your academic adviser or career counselor to see how these certifications align with your current coursework.
The takeaway
Professional credentials like the Azure Solutions Architect Expert require methodical, stackable learning. Before beginning your study path, confirm that you have activated your benefits in the subscription portal and check current certification exam requirements.
Further reading
To see how technology providers are changing technical training, visit the Distance Learning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Visual Studio Magazine.
Live Poll
Do you think professional certification training should be included with software developer subscriptions?
