Microsoft Developed PowerShell to serve as an object-oriented automation engine and scripting language with an interactive command-line shell to help IT professionals configure systems and automate administrative tasks. PowerShell was originally developed to be available only on Windows. Later In 2016, Microsoft open-sourced PowerShell and made it available on Linux and macOS.
PowerShell allows developers, IT admins, and DevOps professionals to automate tasks and configurations using code. Its bifunctional attribute to work as both an open-source shell and a scripting language makes it hugely popular. Hence, PowerShell certification training is most sought after among IT professionals.
Most of the Microsoft certifications are focused on PowerShell. As an IT professional, the basics of PowerShell and key cmdlets must be known irrespective of development or administration work. There is no full-fledged PowerShell course or certification. Any Microsoft learning path for administrators will have a PowerShell component to it. Any institute offering Microsoft certification training surely will cover Powershell concepts.
Let us dive in and learn five Microsoft certification courses that require PowerShell knowledge.
- Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator (Office 365)
PowerShell can manage Microsoft 365 user accounts, license services, exchange online, teams, and SharePoint online. This advantages the command line and scripting language environment for speed, automation, and additional capabilities.
PowerShell provides a way to execute simple or complex commands or scripts. Administrators should be able to use PowerShell for Microsoft 365 because some configuration procedures can only be done through PowerShell for Microsoft 365 commands.
PowerShell for Microsoft 365 can reveal information you can’t see with the Microsoft 365 admin center, such as users, licenses, mailboxes, and sites. PowerShell for Microsoft 365 is best for bulk operations, filtering data, easy printing and saving data, and managing across server products.
With all the above advantages, it is most important for a Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator to know and learn more about PowerShell.
- Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security
MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert) is an expert-level certification from Microsoft. It is part of the certification programs professionals take to validate their expertise and knowledge of some of the most famous Microsoft products and services. In enterprise environments, MCSE-certified individuals are highly demanded to administer, operate, deploy, and optimize Microsoft-based technology solutions.
Professionals with exposure to Microsoft 365 workloads and Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), part of Microsoft Entra, and who have administered at least one of these are required to appear for this exam. Knowing networking, server administration, DNS, and PowerShell is also advised.
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator
PowerShell is a strong scripting language Microsoft has impacted on multiple platforms. It could be used to create different kinds of programs. It’s most helpful in automating and managing Microsoft environments. As an Azure administrator, having PowerShell experience and knowledge is just icing on the cake and a feather to your cap.
- MCSE: Productivity
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert or MCSE Productivity Certification proves you have the skills to move your organization to the cloud, increase user flexibility and productivity, improve data security, and reduce data loss for your organization.
The certification requires exposure to almost everything, and PowerShell is one of those must-need skills. You can expect mandatory PowerShell questions in the MCSE certification exam.
- MCSA: Windows Server 2016
The most important sections of MCSA involve PowerShell. The syllabus teaches you the installation of Windows servers in both environments, which covers installation, upgradation, and migration of servers and task loads. It also covers the implementation of PowerShell Desired State Configuration and maintains the integrity of established environments.
Windows PowerShell gives you an image to create, manage, and maintain the deployment. The next aspect covered in MCSA is the implementation of storage solutions, including installing disks and arranging the volumes using Windows PowerShell. Configure Server Message Block and session settings using Windows PowerShell; configure Server Message Block server and Server Message Block client configuration settings using Windows PowerShell; systematically align file and folder settings.
Implement Hyper-V has installation and configuration Hyper-V where Windows Powershell direct is used. The usage of Windows PowerShell is necessary to determine scenario requirements for implementing Storage Spaces Direct and enabling Storage Spaces Direct.
Another important aspect is the Determination of DNS installation requirements; installation of DNS; configuration of forwarders; configuration of Root Hints; configuration of delegation; implementation of DNS policies; configuration of DNS server settings requires the usage of Windows PowerShell. Creation and management of Active Directory groups and organizational units entail PowerShell. Every aspect of MCSA involves PowerShell the most.
Conclusion
PowerShell is one of the administrators’ most efficient tools for managing Windows systems. But it can be challenging to master, especially when time is limited. Strong PowerShell certification training can accelerate this process by logically prioritizing and presenting the most crucial topics.
Many training institutes offer Microsoft online courses to help working professionals, especially administrators, attend the courses at flexible times and places.
