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The Microsoft Enterprise Skills Initiative (ESI) offers practical training designed to improve technical skills and knowledge related to Microsoft and Azure technologies. ESI provides interactive courses, role-specific training programs, and Microsoft Certifications for participating organizations. Microsoft with partnership to UTD is providing UTD university members with complimentary access to these ESI offerings:
- Microsoft Learn: Engage deeply with topics through structured learning paths and interactive, hands-on modules.
- Microsoft Training Days: Participate in digital events with live moderators who address attendee inquiries.
- Exam Preparation: Equip yourself for Microsoft Certification exams with sessions that deliver practical insights and guidance.
- Microsoft Certifications: Enhance your career prospects, achieve recognition, and confirm your technical proficiency with accredited Microsoft Certifications which can be taken at a discount. Learn more about Microsoft certification discounts here.
From this portal, you can explore Microsoft Learning options, register for Microsoft Training Days, and plot pathways to earn Microsoft Certifications.
- Students, Faculty and Staff.
- There is no cost for this service at this time. However, if you plan to pursue Microsoft Certification then they would cost you.
- Visit ESI.Microsoft.com
- Click Sign in now.
- Enter your @utdallas.edu email and click Next.
- You may be asked to authenticate via Duo Mobile. If so, please complete the authentication steps.
- Read the agreement and click on I have read and agree to the ESI Learning Opportunities Agreement > Agree > Continue.
- Customize your options (example below).
Microsoft ESI provides customized learning opportunities tailored to user roles. For instance, a new Microsoft user might choose "Fundamental Skills" as their role to enhance their understanding of collaborative tools like Teams or to learn the basics of modern IT security or Azure. Conversely, an experienced engineer who has been using Microsoft technologies for years might select Network Engineer as their role to discover programs and certifications focused on Azure Architecture or Data Management.
Users have the flexibility to select and update their roles within their ESI settings at any time, simplifying the process of finding relevant training options when exploring learning pathways and certifications.
- Log in to your ESI portal.
- Click Settings in the top menu bar.
- Scroll down until you find the "Role" option.
- Click the drop-down arrow and select your Role from the list.
- Click Save Changes at the bottom of the page.
Your selected role will influence the results displayed when you explore Learning Pathways, Training Days, and Certifications. The results now display based on the personalization catered to your results only. You have the flexibility to change your role at any time and are free to explore topics beyond your designated role, as it primarily serves to organize available options for you. Additionally, you may choose multiple roles when browsing learning resources by selecting or deselecting options in the filter section of a page.
Microsoft is offering UTD students, faculty and staff the ability to earn Microsoft Certifications at half price through ESI. Fundamental exam prices start at $99 and Advanced Role-Based start at $165, with topics including a variety of Microsoft tools and technologies, including but not limited to:
- Microsoft 365
- Microsoft Azure
- Information Protection
- Microsoft Teams
- Windows
UTD members can avail discounts for Microsoft Certification Exams through Microsoft ESI account and student discounts. Learn more about Microsoft certification discounts here.