Microsoft LinkedIn Learning & Industry Certifications

LinkedIn Learning (formerly known as Lynda.com) is an online learning platform of video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills. 

The LinkedIn Learning platform supports the most in-demand, future-forward IT careers with resources that build skills and knowledge and prepare learners for industry-recognized certifications that lead to education credits and living-wage employment.

The Washington State Library (WSL) funds statewide access to LinkedIn Learning, made possible through Legislative appropriation. LinkedIn Learning is accessible with a library card from any Washington public library (including the State Library), via the libraries' website.

WSL provides access to Industry certifications in partnership with many of Washington's public and tribal libraries, and community/technical colleges. 

These partners offer Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE), Quickbooks, Adobe Associate, Unity Certified User and IC3 digital literacy certifications. Learn more about taking certification exams in Washington, and find preparation resources on our Learn, Practice, Certify page. Certification exams are free for Washington residents and employees, although some testing locations may charge a proctoring fee of up to $30 per exam. Find an authorized testing center near you; contact the testing center directly for information on specific fees and scheduling. 

Please note that WSL requires proof of proficiency before scheduling; you may present a high school or college transcript showing a passing grade in a course covering certification exam objectives or achieve scores of more than 85 percent on at least 2 GMetrix practice exams corresponding to the certification exam you wish to take. Access codes are provided free of charge to Washington residents; please contact your local public or tribal library, or visit the State Library's Learn, Practice, Certify page.

 

Microsoft LEARN (formerly Imagine Academy)

In December of 2022, Microsoft transitioned their Imagine Academy program into Microsoft Learn.  All participating libraries were notified of the transition, and any remaining MISA vouchers expire on October 31^st, 2023.  Microsoft Learn’s two locations host expanded learning resources, Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC), and certification preparation materials:

The Microsoft Learn Educator Center is Microsoft’s centralized training and professional development platform for K12, where educators and school leaders can explore free learning and skills resources and learn about programs, professional development offerings, and Microsoft technologies that advance teaching and learning practices. Please let your education community know about these up-to-date resources to assist them in the changing education landscape. Here is a direct link to the new location for MSIA Office 2019 content: Microsoft Office 2019 certification preparation materials | Microsoft Learn.

The Microsoft Learn for Educators program for technical skilling enables you to bring MOC and instructor-led training materials into a classroom or workshop setting. Eligible educators and faculty members at colleges, universities, community colleges, polytechnics, and secondary schools can access Microsoft ready-to-teach curriculum and teaching materials aligned to industry-recognized Microsoft Certifications. These certifications augment a student's existing academic path and validate the skills needed to be successful across a variety of technical careers.

Program Goals

• Help Washingtonians attain industry-recognized IT skills and Microsoft Office and other software certifications that make them competitive in the rapidly evolving 21st century workplace.

• Support attainment of statewide economic development objectives, capitalize on job and workforce demands, and prepare the next generation Washington workforce for IT/STEM and IT-infused jobs across industry sectors.

• Support Washington leadership in innovative IT and digital skills education reform by creating a sustainable long-term lifelong learning framework with measurable learning outcomes mapped to skills standards and certifications aligned with business and workplace requirements.

• Promote a foundation for lifelong learning—the ability to adapt and upgrade individual skills in a rapidly changing world—by providing the essential digital skills all Washingtonians require to thrive in today's technology intensive environment, and to compete and place Washington at the forefront of the 21st-century global economic system.

• Ensure equity of access for all Washingtonians regardless of race, color, national origin, location, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identification, socioeconomic status, or physical ability.