Request for Guidance on Using Microsoft Learn in Our E-Learning Platform

Question

Hi,

We recently launched our e-learning platform, WithinTech Learn, focused on training young people in digital skills in Rwanda.

We are currently exploring how to integrate Microsoft Learn into our platform and guide our students through your learning paths.

In addition, we would like to understand the correct process and requirements for issuing certificates to our students who complete these learning tracks, and whether it is possible to reference or include Microsoft Learn logo on such certificates when your materials are used.

Could you please advise on the recommended approach and any guidelines we should follow?

Thank you, and we look forward to your guidance.

Answer 1

Microsoft Learn content and credentials can be integrated into an e-learning platform in several supported ways, and students can earn Microsoft-verified credentials directly on Microsoft Learn. Certificates that use Microsoft trademarks (such as the Microsoft Learn logo) must follow Microsoft’s official branding and trademark rules, and any Microsoft-branded credential itself must be issued by Microsoft via its own systems.

For integrating Microsoft Learn into an e-learning platform like WithinTech Learn:

1. Use Microsoft Learn catalog data in your platform
   • The Microsoft Learn Platform Catalog API is a REST-based API that returns metadata for modules, units, learning paths, certifications, exams, and instructor-led courses in JSON format.
   • Typical use cases include:
     • Pulling a list of Microsoft Learn training and certification offerings and displaying them inside an internal LMS or custom learning experience.
     • Linking learners from your platform directly to the relevant Microsoft Learn modules, learning paths, or credentials.
   • The API requires authentication and onboarding of the calling application. The onboarding process is described in Get Started with the Microsoft Platform API.
   • There is no charge to use this API.
   • Limitations include: it only exposes publicly available Learn training and credential metadata and refreshes at least once per day.
   • Reference: Microsoft Learn Platform API feature overview.
2. Use Microsoft Learn as the core content source
   • Microsoft Learn is a free skilling platform with documentation, training, videos, forums, and certifications for Microsoft products.
   • Organizations commonly:
     • Let users access Microsoft Learn directly while still curating and recommending specific learning paths from within their own platform.
     • Combine Microsoft Learn modules and learning paths with their own local content and guidance.
   • Microsoft provides multiple services to help organizations integrate Learn more deeply (for example, surfacing Learn content in an LMS and tracking completions where appropriate).
   • Reference: Leverage Microsoft Learn in your organization.
3. Integrate Learn content into an LMS
   • For higher education and similar environments, Microsoft Learn content can be integrated into an LMS as part of course planning.
   • Educators are guided to:
     • Determine the curriculum integration approach and implementation plan.
     • Integrate Microsoft Learn content into their LMS.
     • Use Microsoft Learn benefits (such as credentials and reporting) to support student success.
   • Reference: Microsoft Learn for Educators course planning.

For credentials and certificates for students:

4. Use Microsoft-issued credentials (certifications and Applied Skills)
   • Microsoft Certifications are globally recognized, industry-endorsed credentials that validate skills in digital and cloud technologies.
   • For students:
     • Certifications help them stand out, build confidence, and validate their skills.
     • Students need exam vouchers or access to an institution’s certification exam license to sit certification exams and use practice exams.
   • Exam delivery and vouchers:
     • Certiport is the exam delivery provider for Fundamentals exams.
     • Pearson is the exam delivery provider for both Fundamentals and Advanced Role-Based exams.
     • Institutions can purchase exam vouchers via Certiport’s Academic Purchase Center (Fundamentals) or Pearson VUE’s Microsoft Voucher Store (Fundamentals and Advanced Role-Based).
     • Students can also purchase exams at academic pricing directly from Pearson VUE (exam results are then not trackable by the institution).
   • Educators can obtain free or discounted practice tests and exam vouchers via the Microsoft Learn for Educators (MSLE) portal.
   • Reference: Options for Certifications.
5. Use Microsoft Applied Skills for scenario-based validation
   • Microsoft Applied Skills are scenario-based credentials that validate targeted skill sets via interactive, real-world tasks.
   • They can be integrated into teaching in several ways:
     • Assigned as homework (students complete the associated learning path on Microsoft Learn).
     • Used as in-class instruction (teaching directly from the Learn modules that feed into the Applied Skills assessment).
     • Used to confirm understanding via the online, on-demand, lab-based assessment.
   • Students earn a verifiable credential by:
     1. Preparing with the assigned training.
     2. Passing the interactive lab-based assessment on Microsoft Learn.
     3. Sharing the credential (for example, on LinkedIn or in a résumé).
   • Reference: Applied Skills.

Regarding issuing certificates and using Microsoft Learn branding:

6. Certificates for Microsoft credentials
   • Microsoft Certifications and Microsoft Applied Skills credentials are issued and verified by Microsoft through Microsoft Learn and its exam partners.
   • Learners view and share their Microsoft credentials from their Microsoft Learn profile and associated credential pages.
   • Institutions can:
     • Guide students to complete Microsoft Learn training and assessments.
     • Support students in registering for and taking Microsoft certification exams or Applied Skills assessments.
     • Recognize or supplement these achievements with institution-branded certificates or badges that acknowledge completion of a local learning track.
   • However, any certificate that claims to be a Microsoft credential (for example, “Microsoft Certified: …”) must be issued via Microsoft’s official systems and follow Microsoft’s credentialing rules.
7. Use of Microsoft Learn logo and trademarks on local certificates
   • The provided context describes how to integrate Learn content and how Microsoft-issued credentials work, but does not provide explicit logo or trademark usage rules.
   • In general, institutions can:
     • Use Microsoft Learn content and reference Microsoft credentials as part of their curriculum.
     • Issue their own institution-branded certificates for completion of local learning tracks that incorporate Microsoft Learn content.
   • Any use of Microsoft trademarks (including the Microsoft Learn logo) on institution-issued certificates or marketing materials must follow Microsoft’s official trademark and branding guidelines and may require explicit permission or compliance with partner branding programs.
   • For detailed, binding guidance on logo usage, trademark placement, and whether the Microsoft Learn logo can appear on institution-issued certificates, the appropriate path is to:
     • Consult Microsoft’s official trademark and brand usage documentation.
     • Engage with the Microsoft Learn for Educators program or the relevant Microsoft contact/partner channel for specific approval and guidance.

Putting this into a recommended approach for WithinTech Learn:

1. Content and navigation
   • Use the Microsoft Learn Platform Catalog API to:
     • Discover and catalog relevant modules, learning paths, certifications, and Applied Skills aligned to your digital skills curriculum.
     • Surface these items in WithinTech Learn with deep links to the corresponding Learn pages.
2. Curriculum design
   • Build structured learning tracks in WithinTech Learn that:
     • Sequence Microsoft Learn modules and learning paths appropriate for your audience.
     • Combine them with your own contextual content (local examples, mentoring, language support, etc.).
   • For higher-education-style delivery, follow the guidance in the Microsoft Learn for Educators course planning module to integrate Learn content into your LMS and clarify certification pathways for students.
3. Credentials strategy
   • For Microsoft-branded credentials:
     • Map each learning track to one or more Microsoft Certifications or Applied Skills.
     • Help students prepare using Microsoft Learn content and then sit the official exams or Applied Skills assessments.
   • For institution-branded recognition:
     • Issue WithinTech Learn certificates that recognize completion of your internal tracks.
     • Clearly distinguish these from Microsoft-issued credentials.
4. Branding and logo usage
   • Use Microsoft Learn and Microsoft credential names accurately when describing the learning paths and outcomes.
   • Before placing any Microsoft or Microsoft Learn logos on your own certificates or marketing materials, review and comply with Microsoft’s trademark/branding rules and, if needed, coordinate through your Microsoft contact or partner channel for explicit approval.

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References:

• Microsoft Learn Platform API feature overview
• Leverage Microsoft Learn in your organization
• Your path to success
• Chart your course to success
• Microsoft Learn for Educators course planning
• Applied Skills
• Options for Certifications
• Partner frequently asked questions