8 Beginner Microsoft Certifications Books That Build Your Skills

Explore Microsoft Certifications books written by leading experts like Brian L. Gorman and Byron Wright, perfect for beginners aiming to start strong.

Updated on June 27, 2025
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Every expert in Microsoft Certifications started exactly where you are now: at the beginning of their journey. Whether you’re aiming to master Azure cloud services, Windows administration, or programming with Python, starting with solid, accessible resources is key. Microsoft Certifications open doors to roles in IT, development, and business applications, making foundational knowledge an invaluable asset.

The books featured here are authored by professionals who understand the challenges newcomers face. These guides not only prepare you for certification exams but also equip you with practical skills you can apply immediately. From Brian L. Gorman’s hands-on Azure approach to Byron Wright’s clear Windows 7 explanations, these titles break down complex topics into manageable steps.

While these beginner-friendly books provide excellent foundations, readers seeking content tailored to their specific learning pace and goals might consider creating a personalized Microsoft Certifications book that meets them exactly where they are. Tailored learning can make sure you build confidence without overwhelm.

This book stands apart in Microsoft Certifications by offering a clear, hands-on route into Azure development. It appeals especially to newcomers by starting from fundamentals and building upward through practical examples tied directly to exam requirements. Its chapter-by-chapter alignment with the AZ-204 exam skills outline ensures you not only prepare effectively but also gain experience applicable to real projects. Developers aiming to deepen their Azure knowledge while securing certification will find this companion a reliable guide through the platform’s essential services and deployment strategies.
2023·792 pages·Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Certifications, Cloud Development, Serverless Solutions, Container Management

Unlike most Microsoft certification books that bombard you with dense theory, Brian L. Gorman takes a hands-on approach tailored for developers aiming to master Azure's cloud platform. You’ll find chapters aligned with the AZ-204 exam skills, each breaking down platform services from the ground up, complemented by real-world scenarios that clarify how these components interact. For example, the sections on serverless architecture and container management don’t just explain concepts—they walk you through practical deployments and messaging tools selection. This makes it a strong fit not only if you’re prepping for the exam but also if you want to confidently apply Azure solutions in your daily work.

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Best for Windows 7 certification beginners
Introducing a guide that makes Windows 7 accessible to newcomers and IT students alike, this book offers a clear path into Microsoft Certifications. It systematically covers essential topics like migration, advanced security, and troubleshooting while preparing you for Exam 70-680. Its combination of hands-on activities and review questions helps solidify your understanding, making it a practical companion for both study and on-the-job reference.
MCTS Guide to Microsoft Windows 7 (Exam # 70-680) book cover

by Byron Wright, Leon Plesniarski·You?

2010·656 pages·Windows, Microsoft Certifications, Windows 7, Security Features, Troubleshooting

What started as a need to clarify Windows 7's complexities for IT professionals evolved into a guide that welcomes novices into the world of Microsoft Certifications. Byron Wright and Leon Plesniarski break down migration processes, security features, and troubleshooting into digestible parts, making it easier to grasp how Windows 7 differs from its predecessors. You’ll find chapters dedicated to hands-on activities and case projects that build your practical skills, along with review questions to reinforce key concepts. This book suits anyone preparing for Exam 70-680 or those eager to understand Windows 7's deployment without getting overwhelmed.

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Best for step-by-step learning
This personalized AI book about Azure development is created based on your current knowledge, skill level, and specific certification goals. You share which Azure topics and certifications interest you most, and the book is written to match your pace and comfort. This tailored learning experience helps you build confidence steadily, avoiding overwhelm by focusing on foundational skills and practical steps that suit your background.
2025·50-300 pages·Microsoft Certifications, Azure Fundamentals, Cloud Development, Azure Deployment, Certification Preparation

This tailored book explores the essentials of Azure development specifically crafted to match your background and learning pace. It progressively introduces foundational concepts to newcomers, building confidence with clear, hands-on examples that focus on Microsoft Certification skills. By concentrating on your interests and goals, the content removes overwhelm and guides you through practical Azure tasks step-by-step. The book covers core Azure services, deployment techniques, and certification requirements, all presented in a way that aligns with your individual comfort level. This personalized approach ensures a supportive and engaging learning experience that fits your unique path toward mastering Azure development.

Tailored Guide
Certification Focus
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for Windows 10 admins starting out
Microsoft Exam MD-100 Windows 10 Certification Guide stands out as a practical entry point for newcomers aiming to master Windows 10 administration and pass the MD-100 exam. Jeroen Burgerhout’s guide equips you with all the necessary skills to deploy, configure, and secure Windows 10 environments, focusing on actionable knowledge rather than overwhelming theory. This book is designed to help you navigate device management, network setup, and troubleshooting, making it a valuable resource for those seeking Microsoft Certifications without prior extensive experience.
2020·442 pages·Microsoft Certifications, Windows 10, Device Management, Network Configuration, Security Monitoring

Jeroen Burgerhout challenges the conventional wisdom that Microsoft certification guides are dense and overwhelming by delivering a focused, approachable manual tailored for both novices and seasoned IT administrators. You gain hands-on knowledge about deploying Windows 10, managing users and devices, configuring networks, and troubleshooting—all essential skills directly aligned with the MD-100 exam objectives. The book breaks down complex topics like Windows editions, security monitoring, and recovery tools into manageable segments, making it easier for you to grasp the essentials without getting lost in jargon. If you're preparing for the Modern Desktop Administrator Associate certification or seeking practical Windows 10 administration skills, this guide offers a solid foundation without unnecessary fluff.

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This guide offers a practical route through Microsoft Python certifications by focusing on the 98-281 and PCEP exams, making it a solid choice for those who have basic Python knowledge and want to deepen their exam preparedness. It features four modules targeting essential programming concepts and two comprehensive practice tests that mirror the exam format. Designed to help beginner developers, college students, and professionals aiming to stand out in competitive job markets, the book emphasizes skill-building and confidence to help you succeed in these recognized Microsoft Certifications.
2021·151 pages·Microsoft Certifications, Programming, Python, Certification Exams, Data Types

Unlike most certification guides that start from scratch, this preparation book assumes you have basic Python skills and builds on them with focused modules and practice tests designed for the Microsoft 98-281 and PCEP certifications. The authors, affiliated with Raman Publications, crafted this guide to help those ready to sharpen their programming knowledge specifically for these exams, covering key topics like data types, control flow, file operations, and error handling. You’ll find detailed practice questions and two full-length tests that simulate the real exam environment, providing a targeted way to boost your confidence and exam readiness. This book is best suited if you’re past beginner tutorials and want a structured, exam-focused approach rather than a general programming introduction.

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This guide stands out in Microsoft Certifications by offering a clear, approachable path to mastering Azure data fundamentals. The book’s practical structure, including mock exams and detailed explanations, makes it ideal for newcomers seeking to pass the DP-900 exam on their first try. It covers key topics like database types, Azure Cosmos DB, and data analytics with Power BI, providing a foundation for aspiring Azure data professionals. Marcelo Leite’s focused approach addresses the specific challenges of this certification, making the journey less daunting and more accessible for beginners.
2022·300 pages·Microsoft Certifications, Microsoft Azure, Data Fundamentals, Cloud Data, Relational Databases

What started as a practical need to navigate Microsoft's cloud data services led Marcelo Leite to craft this focused guide for the DP-900 exam. You’ll learn to distinguish relational and non-relational databases, understand Azure’s data solutions like Cosmos DB and Synapse Analytics, and gain hands-on skills through mock tests that mirror the exam’s challenges. The book breaks down core concepts such as IaaS and PaaS, making complex ideas approachable for those new to cloud data. If you’re aiming to clear the DP-900 exam and want a clear path without unnecessary complexity, this guide offers a solid foundation and a realistic preview of what to expect.

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Best for gradual skill building
This personalized AI book about Windows 10 administration is created based on your background, skill level, and certification goals. By focusing on what you want to learn and how comfortable you are, it offers a learning experience that feels just right—not overwhelming or too basic. Using AI to tailor the content means you get exactly the skills and knowledge you need for Microsoft Certification success, helping you progress with confidence and clarity.
2025·50-300 pages·Microsoft Certifications, Windows 10, System Configuration, User Management, Security Features

This tailored book explores focused Windows 10 administration techniques aligned with Microsoft Certifications, designed to suit your unique background and learning pace. It starts with a gentle introduction for newcomers, building foundational knowledge without overwhelm. As you progress, the content deepens, reinforcing key skills with practical examples relevant to certification objectives. By addressing your specific goals, this personalized guide ensures a comfortable and confident learning journey, enabling you to master essential Windows 10 tasks with clarity and purpose. Whether you're new to IT or refreshing your skills, the book matches your interests and experience, making certification preparation both accessible and engaging.

Tailored Guide
Certification Readiness
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for certification path planners
This guide provides a thoughtful approach to Microsoft Certifications, especially for those new to the field or cloud technology. It addresses the common challenge of selecting the most suitable certification by clearly explaining the options across experience levels and career goals. The author’s straightforward presentation helps you identify which path fits your background and ambitions, making it an ideal starting point for anyone aiming to grow their skills in Microsoft Azure cloud environments.
2019·153 pages·Microsoft Certifications, Cloud Computing, Career Development, Azure, Certification Paths

Chris Pietschmann, drawing from his extensive experience in cloud technologies, tackles the confusion many face when choosing the right Microsoft Certification path. You gain clear insights into the range of certifications available, tailored to different experience levels—from complete beginners to seasoned IT professionals aiming to deepen their Azure cloud expertise. The book breaks down what each certification entails and how it aligns with specific career goals, helping you make informed decisions rather than guessing. If you're starting out or looking to strategically advance in Microsoft Azure, this guide lays out practical pathways without overwhelming jargon or unnecessary complexity.

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This guide stands out in the landscape of Microsoft Certifications books by combining a thorough introduction to Microsoft Word with focused preparation for the Microsoft Word Certification Exam. It carefully balances foundational skill-building with exam-specific strategies, making it approachable for newcomers eager to gain certification without feeling overwhelmed. The book’s structure, including detailed chapters aligned with exam objectives plus 95 short video tutorials, caters to different learning styles and ensures you grasp both conceptual and practical aspects of Word. If you’re aiming to build proficiency in Word and earn certification, this manual offers a clear path forward with practical tools like practice exam software and study guides tailored for success.
2021·216 pages·Microsoft Certifications, Microsoft Word, Document Management, Text Formatting, Paragraph Styling

Daniel John Stine draws on his extensive experience with Microsoft Office to deliver a clear and approachable guide for mastering Microsoft Word, specifically tailored to the Microsoft 365 Apps and Office 2019 versions. You’ll find detailed chapters that map directly to the Microsoft Word Certification Exam objectives, such as managing documents, formatting text and graphics, and collaboration tools, each paired with short video tutorials to reinforce learning. This guide doesn’t just prepare you for the exam; it also builds practical skills for day-to-day document creation and editing, offering tips on registration, exam strategy, and practice software that simulates the real test environment. If you want a straightforward, no-nonsense way to gain both confidence and competency in Word, especially if certification is your goal, this book provides a solid foundation without overwhelming you.

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This book offers a clear pathway into Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals, especially suited for those stepping into the Microsoft Certifications arena for the first time. Tailored to beginners, it distills the essentials of Dynamics 365 finance and operations applications into digestible concepts that anyone can grasp. Cyber Reads delivers a focused approach to exam preparation, helping you understand how business and finance teams can leverage Dynamics 365 to enhance enterprise efficiency. Whether you’re a student or a budding functional consultant, this guide serves as a solid foundation to kickstart your certification journey and build practical expertise.
2023·49 pages·Microsoft Certifications, ERP, Business Operations, Financial Management, Supply Chain

What started as a need to simplify complex enterprise resource planning concepts became this focused guide from Cyber Reads, designed specifically for newcomers to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP). You’ll gain a clear understanding of how finance and operations applications integrate within business workflows to boost efficiency. The book breaks down essential topics like business processes, financial management, and supply chain operations, making it approachable for students and functional consultants alike. If you’re looking to validate your skills with the MB-920 certification without wading through overwhelming jargon, this pocket guide offers a straightforward introduction tailored to your pace and goals.

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Beginner-Friendly Microsoft Certifications Just for You

Build confidence with personalized guidance without overwhelming complexity.

Customized learning paths
Focused skill building
Efficient exam prep

Many successful professionals started with these same foundations

Azure Mastery Blueprint
Windows 10 Launchpad
Python Certification Code
Dynamics 365 Starter Kit

Conclusion

These eight books emphasize clear, beginner-friendly guidance and build progressively from fundamentals to practical skills. If you’re completely new, starting with "The Ultimate Guide to Microsoft Certification" helps you understand your options and plan your path. For hands-on skills, moving next to Brian L. Gorman’s Azure book or Jeroen Burgerhout’s Windows 10 guide will deepen your expertise.

Meanwhile, specialized titles like the Microsoft Python Certification guide or the Dynamics 365 Fundamentals pocket guide let you target specific certifications with confidence. Consider the learning format that suits you best—whether detailed manuals or concise study guides.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Microsoft Certifications book that fits your exact needs, interests, and goals to create your own personalized learning journey. Building a strong foundation early sets you up for success as you advance in your Microsoft Certifications journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "The Ultimate Guide to Microsoft Certification" for a clear overview of certification paths. It helps you choose the right focus before diving into specialized topics like Azure or Windows.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Microsoft Certifications?

No, each book is designed with beginners in mind, breaking down complex concepts into approachable lessons that build your skills step-by-step.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with a broad guide like Chris Pietschmann’s certification overview, then progress to hands-on guides such as Brian L. Gorman’s Azure companion or Jeroen Burgerhout’s Windows 10 manual.

Do I really need any background knowledge before starting?

No prior experience is required. These books assume you're new and provide foundational knowledge, so you can build confidence right from the start.

Will these books be too simple if I already know a little about Microsoft Certifications?

They balance fundamentals with practical insights, so even if you have some knowledge, you'll find value in their clear explanations and exam-focused strategies.

How can I tailor my learning if these books don't cover my specific goals?

These expert books offer solid foundations, but for personalized learning tailored to your pace and interests, you can create a customized Microsoft Certifications book that fits your unique needs perfectly.

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