How I’m Using Microsoft AI Skills Fest to Upskill (and Maybe Win a Free Exam)
If you’re always looking for practical ways to grow your skillset and add more certifications to your portfolio, it’s not too late to sign up for the Microsoft AI Skills Fest Challenge.
As someone who’s passionate about continuous learning (and yes, a sucker for a good freebie), I was excited to discover this 50-day, free learning initiative from Microsoft. It offers structured AI training—and the chance to win a 100% discount voucher for a Microsoft certification exam through a sweepstakes.
Here’s why I joined, what’s on offer, and how it’s going so far.
Why I Joined the Microsoft AI Skills Fest
Like many of you, I’m fascinated by how AI is rapidly becoming a core part of how we work, learn, and solve problems. My curiosity—especially around using AI to boost my work as a technical growth marketer—has led me down the AI rabbit hole… and I’m not one to miss a chance to dig deeper. Ha!
I signed up for the AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification. It complements my existing cloud knowledge (I already hold the AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect certifications), and helps me round out my understanding of cloud platforms in the context of AI.
If you’re looking for cheap ways to get AWS certified, check out these AWS exam discounts.
What the AI Skills Fest Offers
The Microsoft AI Skills Fest offers free AI training for everyone. During registration, you’ll open an account on Microsoft Learn, where you’ll find training resources for both beginners and experienced users. You’ll have access to:
- Structured Learning Paths: Curated content on Microsoft Learn with basics for beginners and more complex topics for experienced learners
- Community Forums: Interact and network with fellow AI enthusiasts during Q&A sessions, on social platforms, and at other community events
- Participate in the AI Skills Fest Challenges: Sign up for one of the challenges, grow your AI skills, and potentially win a full exam voucher for Microsoft certifications.
Here are the Microsoft certifications with free exam vouchers up for grabs in the AI Skills Fest Challenge.
How to Enter the Microsoft AI Challenge Sweepstakes 2025
- Register for one of the eligible certifications
- Complete the sweepstakes form
- You’re automatically entered into weekly draws
(And no need to reapply—if you don’t win one week, you’ll be rolled into the next draw!)
🗓️ Deadline to enter: May 28, 2025
📝 Certifications must be completed by: June 21, 2025
My Experience So Far
The Skills Fest kicked off on April 8th with a bang—over 126,000 people participated in setting a Guinness World Record for the most users to take an online AI lesson in 24 hours. The previous record? Just over 46,000 learners!
I joined a little later (so no world record fame for me), but my hunger for knowledge—and yes, the chance at a free voucher—drew me in.
Getting started was simple. I registered through Microsoft Learn, picked a challenge, and completed the sweepstakes entry form.
Below is the list of the eligible challenges which you’ll find in the Official Rules document.
I chose the “Migration Essentials for Azure and AI Workloads” learning path, which aligns perfectly with the AZ-900 exam.
The course is made up of 14 bite-sized modules, which I’ve been tackling during my daily commute—about an hour a day. Even as a beginner, it’s easy to follow and well-structured.
💡 Pro Tip: You don’t have to finish the learning path to qualify for the sweepstakes—but if you plan to sit the exam, studying is definitely a smart move.
Final Thoughts
The Microsoft AI Skills Fest has been a great way to stay motivated, structure my learning, and work toward a meaningful certification. Whether or not I win the exam voucher (fingers crossed! ), the skills I’m gaining are already paying off.
Are you joining too? Drop a comment or connect—I’d love to hear what certification you’re pursuing!
Ready to Level Up in AI?
We regularly share free courses, internships, scholarships, and career-building events to help you grow in tech and STEM. Check out this post with free STEM courses to help you grow your AI skillset.
