Microsoft AI Skills Fest is running now through June 12, 2026, as a free, fully online event designed to help professionals at every level build practical AI skills and earn a recognized certification at no cost. Registration is open at aiskillsnavigator.microsoft.com and takes only a few minutes.
The event runs on Microsoft’s AI Skills Navigator platform across five days, combining a global Mainstage, role-based learning playlists, daily live shows on LinkedIn, expert-led certification prep sessions, and the Agents League Hackathon. The hackathon is an esports-style competition where developers build and submit custom AI agents, climb a leaderboard, and compete for prizes. The Mainstage features candid conversations between industry leaders on where AI is heading and which skills matter most for every type of professional.
Learning tracks cover every major role. Developers can explore AI inside GitHub, Azure Foundry, and Azure DevOps. IT professionals have dedicated playlists on Azure administration, Microsoft 365 agent management, and AI in security scenarios. Business professionals can access tracks on drafting, sales workflows, and customer communications. Students, faculty, and executives all have tailored content available.
The most valuable incentive is the free Microsoft Certification exam voucher. Any participant who completes at least one featured learning playlist between June 8 and June 12 and submits a claim form by June 12 at 11:59 PM local time earns a 100% discount voucher for nearly any Microsoft or GitHub certification exam, including beta exams.
The voucher is available worldwide, including Pakistan. All 85 certifications tracked in AI Skills Navigator are eligible, with the exception of Certiport-delivered exams and Microsoft Office Specialist exams.
The prize pool adds $25,000 in additional incentives, including three VIP trips to Microsoft Ignite 2026 in San Francisco valued at $5,000 each and 25 technology packages worth $400 each.
Physical prizes are restricted to residents of the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, India, and Mexico, but the certification voucher has no country restrictions.
