ECHO
The weekly ping that keeps you ahead of the tech curve.
Hello tech enthusiasts, and welcome to the May edition of Echo!
This month, we’re diving deep into the latest shifts and crucial updates across the tech certification landscape to keep you ahead of the curve and informed on your learning journey.
Inside this issue, you’ll discover how major vendors are revamping their certification tracks, what new credentials are emerging, and how learning resources are evolving to meet today’s demands.
Get ready to explore key changes in infrastructure, security, AI, and more, ensuring you’re well-equipped for your next career move.
- ✨ Key certification retirements and new replacements from Microsoft Azure, impacting data engineering and security specializations.
- 🛡️ Significant updates to core security certifications from CompTIA, (ISC)², ISACA, and EC-Council to address evolving cyber threats.
- 🤖 The latest in AI certifications, including Microsoft’s AI Skills Fest, new learning resources from AWS, and prominent Google Cloud AI credentials.
- 📈 Important shifts in Data & Analytics, DevOps learning resources, and emerging certification paths critical for career growth in 2025.
☁️ Infrastructure
The backbone of modern tech, infrastructure certifications are seeing dynamic shifts. This May, major players like Microsoft, Cisco, and VMware are updating programs and requirements, while CompTIA refreshes foundational certs, and AWS expands its rich learning resources.
Microsoft Azure Revamps Key Data and Security Certifications
Microsoft’s Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203) officially retired on March 31, 2025, with professionals now guided towards the Fabric Data Engineer Associate. Additionally, the Information Protection Administrator Associate (SC-400) is retiring May 31, 2025, to be replaced by the new SC-401 “Information Security Administrator” certification, reflecting shifts in Azure’s data and security strategies.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/partner-center/announcements/2025-may: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 UpdateCisco CCNP Data Center Evolves for AI Integration
Effective May 21, 2025, Cisco is updating its CCNP Data Center track to better align with current technologies, including AI. The 300-610 exam is now “Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure for Traditional and AI Workloads.” Concurrently, the 300-630 DCACIA exam retires, with its key concepts integrated into the updated 300-620 DCACI exam.
https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/question/0D56e0000EBsdbCCQR/coming-may-2025-ccnp-data-center-exam-topic-updates: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 UpdateVMware Removes Mandatory VCP Recertification
VMware has made a significant change by eliminating the mandatory recertification requirement for its VCP certifications. This offers professionals more flexibility, moving away from the traditional two-year expiration model. VMware is also refreshing its training portfolio, introducing new courses like “VMware Aria Operations: Install, Configure, Manage.”
https://www.exam-labs.com/blog/vmware-changes-the-game-no-more-cert-expirations: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 Update🔒Security
The cybersecurity landscape demands continuous learning. Key certification bodies are updating their offerings to address the latest threats, emphasizing practical skills and emerging areas like AI-driven attacks and cloud security.
(ISC)² Refreshes CSSLP and CC Certifications
(ISC)² is updating its Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) to include new domains like Secure Software Concepts and Supply Chain Security. The Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) exam is also being revised to emphasize Security Principles, Network Security, and Incident Response, ensuring relevance in the evolving threat landscape.
https://www.isc2.org/certifications/csslp: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 Update https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CC: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 UpdateISACA Updates CRISC and Launches New CCOA Certification
ISACA is revising its Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification with updated job practice areas focusing on IT Risk Assessment and Information Technology and Security. ISACA has also launched the new Certified Cybersecurity Operations Analyst (CCOA) certification, emphasizing hands-on, performance-based learning for cybersecurity analysts.
https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/crisc: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 Update https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/ccoa: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 UpdateEC-Council Enhances CEH and CCT for Modern Threats
EC-Council is updating its flagship Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) program to include modules on AI-driven cyber threats and advanced cloud security. The Certified Cybersecurity Technician (CCT) is also being enhanced with more hands-on labs and practical scenarios to equip professionals against sophisticated cyber attacks.
https://www.eccouncil.org/train-certify/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh/: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 Update🤖Artificial Intelligence
AI continues its rapid expansion, with certification providers offering new pathways and resources. Stay updated on Microsoft’s AI skilling initiatives, AWS’s machine learning credentials, and Google Cloud’s expert-level AI certifications.
Microsoft Boosts AI Skills with AI Skills Fest
Microsoft is promoting AI skill development through its AI Skills Fest, running until May 28, 2025, offering chances to win free certification exams. While the “Train and manage a machine learning model with Azure Machine Learning” Applied Skill retired on April 30, 2025, the Azure AI Fundamentals certification remains a popular entry point for understanding AI/ML concepts on Azure.
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftlearnblog/microsoft-credentials-roundup-in-demand-news-for-in-demand-skills-may-2025-editi/3666869: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 UpdateAWS Enhances ML Offerings and Security for AI Services
The AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty remains a key credential for validating expertise on the AWS platform. Supporting AI development, AWS recently added its Amazon Q Developer service to the scope of its ISO and CSA STAR certifications, highlighting a commitment to secure and compliant AI services.
https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-machine-learning-specialty/: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 Update https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/security/2025-iso-and-csa-star-certificates-now-available-with-four-additional-services/: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 UpdateGoogle Cloud Highlights Professional ML Engineer Certification
Google Cloud’s Professional Machine Learning Engineer certification assesses comprehensive skills in designing, building, and managing ML solutions on GCP. This certification is targeted at experienced professionals. For those starting, the Cloud Digital Leader certification provides foundational knowledge of Google Cloud services, including AI.
https://cloud.google.com/learn/certification/machine-learning-engineer/: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 Update📈Data & Analytics
Data skills are paramount. This month sees Microsoft pivoting to Fabric for data engineering, while AWS expands its hands-on labs for data services, and Google Cloud continues to offer robust data engineering credentials.
Microsoft Focuses on Fabric for Data Engineering
With the retirement of the Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203), Microsoft is steering professionals towards the new Fabric Data Engineer Associate certification. This shift is underscored by Microsoft AI Skills Fest challenges related to Fabric, indicating Microsoft Fabric as a central platform for data engineering and analytics in Azure.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/fabric-analytics-engineer-associate/?practice-assessment-type=certification: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 UpdateAWS Expands Data Analytics Learning with New Builder Labs
AWS continues to support its Certified Data Analytics – Specialty certification by adding new hands-on resources to AWS Skill Builder. Recent additions include AWS Builder Labs for querying data with Amazon Athena and configuring and analyzing data with Amazon OpenSearch Service, enhancing practical learning.
https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/training-and-certification/march-2025-new-offerings/: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 UpdateGoogle Cloud Data Engineer Certification Remains Key
The Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer certification continues to be a vital credential, assessing skills in designing, building, and maintaining data processing systems on GCP. Google emphasizes native-cloud skills, which are central to this certification and highly valued in the industry.
https://cloud.google.com/learn/certification/data-engineer/: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 Update⚙️DevOps & SRE
DevOps and SRE practices are crucial for efficient software delivery. While major certification updates were light this month, learning resources and the application of DevOps principles in areas like AI continue to expand.
AWS Enhances DevOps Learning with Advanced Jam Journey
For those pursuing the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional, AWS Skill Builder offers valuable resources. The “DevOps on AWS (Advanced)” AWS Jam Journey provides an interactive, gamified way to hone practical skills needed for complex DevOps tasks on the AWS platform.
https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/training-and-certification/march-2025-new-offerings/: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 UpdateMicrosoft DevOps Engineer Expert: A Key Credential
The Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400) remains a significant certification for professionals implementing DevOps practices on Azure. It validates skills in source control, CI/CD, testing, delivery, and monitoring within the Microsoft ecosystem.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/devops-engineer/: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 UpdateApplying DevOps Principles to AI with Azure
The practical application of DevOps is expanding, as highlighted by resources on automating Azure AI Foundry deployment using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with Bicep and GitHub Workflows. This showcases the integration of DevOps methodologies in managing complex AI solutions.
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 Update📱Web & Mobile Development
In Web and Mobile Development, the focus remains on practical skills and platform-specific expertise. Recent updates include refreshed learning labs from Microsoft and continued support for AWS developer certifications.
Microsoft Refreshes ASP.NET Core Web App Applied Skill Lab
Microsoft continues to support .NET developers by refreshing learning resources. A notable update includes a refreshed lab for an ASP.NET Core web app Applied Skill, ensuring developers have current materials for honing their front-end and back-end development skills with Microsoft technologies.
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftlearnblog/microsoft-credentials-roundup-in-demand-news-for-in-demand-skills-may-2025-editi/3666869: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 UpdateAWS Certified Developer – Associate Supported by Skill Builder
The AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification remains a key credential for validating skills in writing and deploying cloud-based applications on AWS. AWS Skill Builder continues to provide comprehensive training materials and labs to support candidates preparing for this certification.
https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-developer-associate/: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 Update📱Web & Mobile Development
The tech landscape is always evolving, with new certification paths and learning trends emerging. Focus areas include specialized roles in cloud, AI, and cybersecurity, alongside accessible learning opportunities.
New Certifications Address Specialized Tech Roles
Several new or significantly updated certifications are carving out paths for specialized roles. These include the Microsoft Fabric Data Engineer Associate, CompTIA’s CloudNetX for hybrid networking, and ISACA’s Certified Cybersecurity Operations Analyst (CCOA), reflecting growing industry demand for these specific skill sets.
https://totalsem.com/certification-updates-in-2025-what-you-need-to-know/: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 UpdateHigh Demand Areas: Cybersecurity, AI, and Cloud
Employer demand continues to be strongest in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, DevOps, cloud computing, and data analytics. Certifications in these domains, such as those from Microsoft, AWS, Google Cloud, CompTIA, and (ISC)², often correlate with significant career advancement and earning potential.
https://www.tcworkshop.com/certification-highlight-may-2025: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 UpdateAccessible Learning: Free and Discounted Opportunities
Access to learning is expanding with more free or discounted certification opportunities. Initiatives like the Microsoft AI Skills Fest (offering chances for free exam vouchers) and Google Cloud’s free learning paths make it easier for professionals to upskill and get certified in high-demand areas.
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftlearnblog/microsoft-credentials-roundup-in-demand-news-for-in-demand-skills-may-2025-editi/3666869: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tech Certifications – May 2025 Update