Frequently asked questions

In many cases, the employer covers the cost of a training or masterclass. But as an individual, you can also choose to invest in your own professional growth.

Our trainings, learning tracks, and masterclasses are closely aligned with what employers are looking for. That means you’ll boost your chances on the job market — and strengthen your position within any organisation.

Currently unemployed? A learning track at Azure Academy can make finding a job significantly easier.
What’s more, our partners are ready to support you — both during your training and in finding a role that suits you.

All course materials are in English, and some trainings, tracks, and masterclasses are delivered entirely in English. A good command of English is therefore a clear advantage. At the same time, Dutch is still commonly spoken within many organisations, so having a good understanding of Dutch can further strengthen your position on the job market.

Trainings and learning tracks are typically offered as a combination of in-person sessions and online lessons. Masterclasses are always held on location.

The time investment for our training courses, tracks, and masterclasses varies per programme and depends on the duration and intensity. Some programmes require a strong commitment over a short period of time, while others can be followed part-time. We always coordinate the exact study load with you in advance.

The training courses, tracks and masterclasse s have different start dates and do not all follow the same timeline. Your (future) employer or intermediary can provide you with more details about the start date and duration of your specific programme.

All dates and durations are also listed on our website.

Unless stated otherwise, in-person training courses, and masterclasses are only available to participants residing in the Netherlands. Online training courses and tracks, however, can also be followed from abroad.

Our trainings, tracks, and masterclasses are designed for both newcomers taking their first steps toward a role in IT, and for professionals looking to deepen their expertise.
Each programme’s information page clearly states the expected entry level. In some cases, we recommend completing one or more preparatory training courses first.

We believe that IT experts are made by investing in talent — whether it’s already visible or still needs to be developed. That’s why we guide motivated participants step by step towards a meaningful role in IT.

Before the training starts, you will receive an invoice from us. This invoice must be paid no later than 10 working days before the start of the training.

The cancellation of a training course is subject to the NRTO General Terms and Conditions for Consumers, which can be found on our website.

No, there isn’t. You can easily start with an online training or track. The same applies to on-site training sessions.

This depends on the training and the preferences of both the instructor and the participants. The instructor will communicate this with the participants.

This depends on the instructor. Not all instructors are open to having their lessons recorded. During the lessons, you can ask your instructor whether they are open to this.

During the training, you may be asked to complete one or more assignments. It is expected that you prepare well for the next training day

Fundamental certifications are valid indefinitely.
Role-based certifications expire after one year. This ensures that technical professionals keep their skills up to date with evolving technology.

Each certification must be renewed individually by completing the corresponding renewal assessment. If your certification expires, you must earn it again by passing the required exam(s).

The only way to renew a Microsoft certification is by completing the free online renewal assessment available on Microsoft Learn.

👉 Renew your Microsoft Certification – Frequently Asked Questions | Microsoft Learn

If you want to know whether you are eligible for a subsidy for your training or track, please check www.leeroverzicht.nl or contact your local municipality, the UWV, or other organizations in your area that provide such funding.

You are free to stop the training at any time. Of course, we would regret it, as our aim is to guide you through to completion. Please note, however, that any training fees already paid are non-refundable

Unfortunately, it is not possible to pay in instalments.

For online classes, you need to have your own laptop. For in-person classes, laptops are provided on-site, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. You will also have access to all required programs through the learning environment that is set up especially for you.

For any questions about a training, track, or masterclass, you can always contact the Azure Academy team at contact@azure-academy.nl.

At Azure Academy, we distinguish between different types of tracks:

1. Starter tracks – Learning for an entry-level role, designed to make you “job ready” within 8–16 weeks.

2. Apprenticeship tracks – For those who want to learn on the job combined with a formal qualification. Your workplace is part of the training.

3. Career tracks – Studying alongside your job, aimed at (re)training professionals part-time without a work-study construction.

Starter tracks typically last 8–16 weeks. The other tracks usually range from 6 months up to 2 years, depending on available study time.

At Azure Academy, you can grow in IT in three ways: whether you are just starting out, want to retrain while working, or want to accelerate your career with certificates or diplomas – there is always a track that fits.

If you follow a Microsoft training, you can earn several official certificates that are globally recognized and validated directly by Microsoft. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

1. Microsoft Fundamentals Certification

   • Introductory level in Microsoft’s certification lines (e.g., AZ-900, MS-900).

   • Basic knowledge, no prior knowledge required.

2. Microsoft Certified: Role-Based Certifications

   • Focused on specific roles such as Azure Administrator, Security Engineer, Developer, etc.

   • Structured in two levels:

     • Associate (e.g., AZ-104, MS-102): for professionals with some experience.

     • Expert (e.g., AZ-305): for advanced professionals with in-depth knowledge.

   • Candidates who want to increase their chance of success can opt for a Replay Voucher. This provides access to one Microsoft Associate/Role-Based exam plus one free retake if the first attempt is unsuccessful.

• Open enrollment trainings (classroom or online): maximum 8–12 participants.

• In-company or tailor-made trainings: sometimes more flexible (up to 15–20 participants).

We use an attendance list that can be shared with the employer at the end of the course. Results are usually measured qualitatively through an official exam. Official exams are conducted via Pearson VUE. The employee receives the result directly (pass/fail, score). Employers can gain access if the employee chooses to share it.

Instructor-Led Training means you always receive lessons from an experienced trainer who actively guides the group. At Azure Academy, you can choose between virtual classroom (online) and in-person classroom training. There is no separate coach or mentor, except in tailor-made programs where this is usually arranged.

Yes. Besides open enrollment training, we also provide in-company and team training, where multiple employees are trained simultaneously in an efficient, practice-oriented way. For organizations with specific needs, we offer customized programs where content, pace, and focus are fully aligned with the organization’s requirements.

In 2025, STAP budgets are no longer available for individual training. Instead, you can use the SLIM scheme, aimed at SMEs and partnerships.

We offer three formats: online, in-person, and self-study.

• If you attend an on-site training, you are expected to be 100% present, which also increases the chance of success.

• If attendance is not possible in exceptional cases, we will consult with the trainer to see whether catching up is possible.

Yes, there is definitely a progression path after a Microsoft training. Microsoft offers a well-structured certification model that helps employees gradually advance in knowledge, skills, and specialization. Specialization paths include:

• Security & Compliance Specialist

• Azure Cloud Architect

• Data & AI Specialist

• Microsoft 365 Consultant/Admin

Alignment with the work field is ensured in several ways:

1. Role-based certifications – Microsoft certifications are role-oriented and directly tied to practical job functions (e.g., Azure Administrator, Security Engineer, Microsoft 365 Consultant, Power BI Analyst).

2. Hands-on labs and real-world scenarios – Many trainings include practice labs and realistic case studies. At Azure Academy, assignments can be adapted to your organizational context, for example:

   • Using your own tenant or environment.

   • Case studies based on your infrastructure, security policy, or migration projects.

   • Integration with existing tools and processes.

This increases the relevance and practical applicability of the training.

• Official Microsoft certifications conclude with an exam via Pearson VUE.

• Results are objective and internationally recognized.

• Upon passing, the participant receives a digital badge and certificate.

This is the most direct way to test knowledge and skills.

This depends on the training type, the employee’s role, and integration into your work environment:

• Fundamentals trainings – Applicable within a few days; directly useful for basic knowledge and understanding of Microsoft products.

• Associate trainings – Applicable within 1–2 weeks; focused on practical skills such as administration, configuration, and troubleshooting.

Yes. Candidates can purchase a Replay Voucher, which provides access to one Microsoft Associate/Role-Based exam plus one free retake.

The Reduction of Payroll Tax Act (Wva) offers employers the possibility, under certain conditions, to reduce the amount of payroll tax (wage tax and national insurance contributions) they have to pay when their employees are enrolled in an educational program.

On the website or in the brochure, you can find an overview of the programs that qualify for this scheme. A key requirement is that you are enrolled in a recognized vocational education (MBO) program or a bachelor’s program.

Would you like to know more? You can contact one of our advisors by phone. Additional information is also available at www.belastingdienst.nl