Microsoft Wins IT Certification Council’s 2025 Innovation Award

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 24, 2025--

Microsoft received the IT Certification Council (ITCC) 2025 Innovation Award, presented March 23 at ITCC’s Spring Member Meeting. This annual award recognizes organizations making transformational changes to an IT certification exam, certification program, or the testing industry as a whole.

This is the eleventh year the award has been given, with past winners including Caveon, Stripe, SAP/Questionmark, Certiverse, IBM, HPE, ISACA, and the Linux Foundation. Microsoft also won the inaugural Innovation Award in 2015 for the AppToCert program.

Submission qualifications include:

• Implementation of an innovative test, process, or service within the past two years
• The product, service, or initiative should provide value to stakeholders in the IT certification and testing industry, such as:
  • Enhanced test security
  • New methods for evaluating competencies
  • Improved convenience or market access to your program
  • Increased respect and demand for certified professionals
  • Greater accessibility and inclusivity of your program
• Open to companies and individuals in the IT certification industry (ITCC membership is not required)

In August 2023, Microsoft implemented a new testing experience as part of their efforts to enhance the candidate experience and improve accessibility and inclusivity. This update allows candidates to access Microsoft's online technical documentation hosted on Microsoft Learn during all role-based certification exams. These exams are administered through a secure browser specifically designed to limit internet access. This solution ensures that candidates can utilize a dynamic website while being restricted from visiting other websites, including specific content on Microsoft Learn that is prohibited.

Microsoft: Microsoft designed the business rules for the solution, provided design input, and provided final approval of the solution.

Internet Testing Systems (ITS): ITS developed a Lockdown Browser to support running Microsoft Learn in the Certiport test centers on Windows and Mac. ITS enhanced the test driver to add browser controls to the exam experience, collect data on feature usage, and ensure the solution is accessible.

Pearson VUE: Pearson VUE developed a Lockdown Browser to support running Microsoft Learn in all Pearson VUE test delivery models. Pearson VUE operationalized support and training for proctors and ensured the solution is accessible. They also ensured quick roll out across test centers worldwide.

"Microsoft, along with ITS and Pearson VUE, have built a solid user testing experience aligned with modern work processes and accomplished this while keeping their exams secure and psychometrically valid. It is proving to be useful to them and can be used by others if desired. This is a great solution and well deserves the ITCC Innovation award." - Jim Lucari, ITCC Vice Chair

About ITCC:

The IT Certification Council (ITCC) is a nonprofit organization committed to growing and promoting professional IT certifications. Its core purpose is to support its member companies by championing the value of certification within the industry, driving innovation in validating IT skills, promoting exam security, and collaborating on best practices. Founded in 2007, ITCC is a community of 50+ of the most respected companies in the IT certification industry. Members have access to exclusive resources, collaborate with industry leaders, and engage in task forces working on initiatives to benefit the certification industry. Learn more at www.itcertcouncil.org.

About Microsoft:

The Microsoft Certification program is designed to validate and recognize the skills and knowledge of IT professionals and developers. By earning a Microsoft Certification, individuals demonstrate their expertise in Microsoft technologies and solutions, enhancing their career opportunities and contributing to their professional growth. The program offers a wide range of certifications across various levels and technologies, ensuring that there is a certification path for everyone, from beginners to advanced professionals. With a Microsoft Certification, individuals can showcase their technical proficiency and commitment to continuous learning, making them valuable assets to any organization.

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CONTACT: Emily Hendershot

Info@itcertcouncil.org

KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA ILLINOIS