The Path to Microsoft Fabric – Chapter 1 – The First Step

After my participation in the European Microsoft Fabric Community Conference at the end of September and the exchange with other participants on this topic, I was asked several times what opportunities for further education there are in the field of Power BI and Fabric. In my private life, I have also been asked several times about opportunities in the field of Microsoft and data analysis. The focus was on opportunities, career opportunities and training. I would like to share my findings and simplify the path for evaluators into the Microsoft data world.

Anyone can start with a simple first step.

The Microsoft world is powerful. There are countless tools and technologies. The documentation, learning opportunities, books, etc. are almost endless.

First of all, it is advisable to deal with general reading. Microsoft has continuously optimized the learning platform over the years. Most recently, I came across the "Career Paths on Microsoft Learn" page, which provides a comprehensive overview of career opportunities (Explore Career Paths on Microsoft Learn). The individual pages offer you a good introduction with certifications, learning content and further topics. I recommend that you use these pages to get an overview.

Would you like to find out about possible certifications? Then I can recommend Microsoft's certification poster. It contains links to the relevant certifications and learning content (Become Microsoft Certified). The certifications are divided into categories:

Fabric is listed in the "Data and AI" category. For users with no experience, I recommend starting with Azure Data Fundamentals. This is a good basis for the next steps. Otherwise, it is recommended to start with the "Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate DP-600" course.

Several times a year, Microsoft organizes challenges where you can receive free certification vouchers. In addition, webinars on the fundamentals will be offered, where certification vouchers for the fundamentals will also be available. I earned most of my certifications this way. In addition, these webinars offer the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the topic (e.g. webinar on Data Fundamentals DP-900).

Of course, a certain amount of time is to be expected for reading documents, working on exercises and writing tests. After a few months, you will have basic knowledge and initial experience as well as at least one certification.

By now, you should also be familiar with the Microsoft learning platform. There are courses or curricula that consist of several learning paths that prepare for certification. The learning paths comprise several modules, which in turn consist of several units.

Once again to the summary:

• Analysis of Microsoft career paths or certification posters for decision-making
• Learning for the appropriate certification
• Search for a free certification voucher after a webinar
• Participate in a Fabric Challenge to earn a free certification voucher
• Taking the Certification Exam

In the next step, you should gain practical experience. The second part of the guide "We get our slopes dirty" will be published next month.

Any questions? Experiences to share?

I wish you a lot of fun learning and much success!