DoD Cloud Skills Challenge

[DevMonkey]

Microsoft Federal’s DoD Business Applications team is excited to announce our Cloud Skills Challenge for the Department of Defense. This challenge will run from November 21, 2022 – January 23, 2023 and is divided into 12 segments which allow you to select a learning path based on your current skillset and desired growth area. The content is presented in an accelerated learning environment where you compete against other service branches in a race for knowledge and leaderboard superiority. Throughout the challenge, Participants may view their learning progress against their peers and total completed modules under each challenge’s leaderboard.

This self-paced Cloud Skills Challenge is a fun, interactive way to develop your Power Platform and Dynamics 365 skills while empowering citizen/pro developers and administrators to build applications on the platform.

How to get started

** Participants may sign up at anytime before January 23, 2023 **

1. Sign up for a Profile on Microsoft Learn (https://aka.ms/mslearn or https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/) using a Microsoft Account (MSA) email address (Outlook, Hotmail, Gmail). If you do not already have a Microsoft Account, you may create one at https://signup.live.com/signup. Using your MSA will ensure that completed training can be retrieved at any time, regardless of your place of employment. If desired, you may link your progression with your .mil login under your learning profile.
   
   Note: If you are presented with a corporate sign-in page, select the link for "Sign in with another account" and login with your personal account to get started on the learning path.

2. Register for one (or more) of the Challenge paths below:

Power Platform
Power Platform Fundamentals:	https://aka.ms/dodFundamentals
Power Platform App Maker:	https://aka.ms/dodAppMaker
Power Platform Functional Consultant:	https://aka.ms/dodFunctional
Power Platform Developer:	https://aka.ms/dodDeveloper
Power Platform Solution Architect Expert:	https://aka.ms/Architect-expert
Power BI Data Analyst Associate:	https://aka.ms/Analyst-associate
Power Automate RPA Developer:	https://aka.ms/dodrpa

Governance and Government Cloud
Power Platform Governance:	https://aka.ms/Platform-governance
Understanding the Government Cloud:	https://aka.ms/Government-cloud

Dynamics 365
Dynamics 365 Fundamentals:	https://aka.ms/d365-fundamentals
Dynamics 365 Customer Service:	https://aka.ms/d365-cs
Dynamics 365 Customer Data Specialist:	https://aka.ms/d365-data

1. Select the branch of service you represent when registering.
2. Complete the challenge before January 23, 2022.
3. Earn Progress through each completed module and collection on Microsoft Learn.
4. Track your progress on the challenge leaderboard.

Common Questions

Q: Is this Challenge a requirement? 
A: This challenge is self-paced and optional but will help individuals gain a deeper understanding into cloud solutions and is included as part of your subscription. 

Q: How long is this challenge and can we continue to take this challenge once it’s over? 
A: This Cloud Skills Challenge will be open for 60-days. However, users can continue to take the training after the window is closed. Users are highly encouraged to take this challenge within the challenge window to make it as fun and competitive as possible.

Q: Who should I contact if there are any questions regarding this Challenge? 
A: Derek Durkovic (dedurk@microsoft.com) will be your primary point of contact. An alternate point of contact is Federalre@service.microsoft.com.

Q: Will the completion of this Cloud Skills Challenge count as a formal Microsoft acknowledged Power Platform or Dynamics 365 certification? 
A: No. The completion of this Cloud Skills Challenge will provide the necessary knowledge for users which will help learners pass their Power Platform Certification Exams. Upon completion of the online training via CSC, the learner can register for an exam via our Learner Experience Portal (LxP). Additionally, if a learner completes a Cloud Skills Challenge, they can request a certificate of completion to help satisfy continuous learning credits by contacting: Federalre@service.microsoft.com 

Video Tutorials

• How to register for the Learner Experience Portal: www.microsoft.com/en-us/videoplayer/embed/RWxGls
• How to register for the exam at no cost: https://aka.ms/LxPExamDiscountVideo 

Resources

• All Microsoft Certifications Roadmap: https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RE2PjDI

Derek Durkovic will post challenge updates through LinkedIn as the challenge progresses. Please be sure to follow or connect with him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddurkovic to receive the updates. We look forward to having you join this challenge while and eagerly wait to see who will come out on top. Please don’t hesitate to forward this challenge to others within the DoD, all are welcome to join and compete.

GOOD LUCK!

[TBitly]

@DevMonkey Is this open to "non Federal" App Makers/Power Platform Professionals?

[DevMonkey]

Hey @TBitly, this is open to Federal DoD Customers Only. However, you can browse similar learning paths at Microsoft Power Platform documentation - Power Platform | Microsoft Learn and pursue training outside of the Cloud Skills Challenge.