Your credential ID is the unique number Microsoft assigns to prove you passed a specific exam
When you pass a Microsoft certification exam, Microsoft issues you a credential ID — a string of numbers that serves as your official proof of certification. This ID is what employers, clients, and verification services use to confirm that you actually earned the certification. It is not the same as your exam score or your Microsoft account number. The credential ID is tied to that specific certification only.
You receive your credential ID immediately after passing the exam, usually within minutes. Microsoft sends it to you via email and also displays it on your exam results page. You will need this number if you want to add the certification to your LinkedIn profile, share proof with an employer, or have someone verify that you hold the certification.
Key Takeaways
- A credential ID is a unique number Microsoft assigns after you pass a certification exam, and it proves you earned that specific certification.
- You receive your credential ID immediately after passing, and Microsoft sends it to your registered email address.
- You can verify any Microsoft certification by entering the credential ID on Microsoft's official verification page, which anyone can do without your permission.
- Credential IDs do not expire, but the certification itself may have a renewal requirement depending on which Microsoft certification you earned.
- You should keep your credential ID in a safe place because you will need it to update your professional profiles and respond to verification requests.
Where to find your credential ID after you pass the exam
Your credential ID appears in two places immediately after you pass. First, it shows on your exam results page right after you finish testing — the proctor will give you a printed score report that includes it. Second, Microsoft sends an email to the address you registered with when you scheduled the exam. The email arrives within a few minutes and contains your credential ID, a link to your digital badge, and instructions for claiming your certification in your Microsoft Learn profile.
If you cannot find the email, check your spam folder first. If it is not there, log into your Microsoft Learn account and go to your Certifications page — your credential ID will be listed there under the certification you just earned. You can also retrieve it by visiting the Microsoft Credentials page and signing in with the same Microsoft account you used to take the exam.
How employers and schools verify your certification using the credential ID
Anyone can verify that you hold a Microsoft certification without asking you for permission. They visit Microsoft's official verification page, enter your credential ID, and see your name, the certification title, and the date you earned it. This is why the credential ID is public information — it is meant to be shared and checked.
Many employers ask for your credential ID during the hiring process or before offering a job. Some will verify it themselves; others will ask you to provide proof. Schools and training programs also use credential IDs to confirm that students completed required certifications. Because verification is this straightforward, there is no reason to hide your credential ID — sharing it is actually the fastest way to prove your certification is real.
The difference between a credential ID and your digital badge
Your digital badge is a visual image that represents your certification — it shows the Microsoft logo, the certification name, and your name. Your credential ID is the number that proves the badge is legitimate. You can share your badge on LinkedIn, your resume, or your website, but the badge alone does not prove anything without the credential ID to back it up.
When you claim your digital badge in your Microsoft Learn profile, you get a shareable link that includes your credential ID embedded in it. This link lets anyone click through and see your verified certification details. You can also download the badge image itself and add it to your LinkedIn profile — LinkedIn will recognize it as a Microsoft certification and display it with a verification checkmark if someone clicks through to verify it.
Whether your credential ID expires and what happens to your certification
Your credential ID itself never expires. Once Microsoft issues it, that number remains valid forever as proof that you earned the certification on that date. However, the certification itself may have an expiration date depending on which Microsoft certification you earned.
Some Microsoft certifications, like the Azure Administrator or Microsoft 365 certifications, require you to renew every two years by passing an exam or completing a renewal assessment. Other certifications, like some of the legacy ones, do not expire at all. When you renew, you receive a new credential ID for the renewed certification, and your old credential ID still proves you held the certification during that period. If your certification expires and you do not renew, your credential ID still shows that you earned it — it just shows the expiration date as well.
What to do if you lose your credential ID
You can retrieve your credential ID at any time by logging into your Microsoft Learn account and viewing your Certifications page. You do not need to contact Microsoft support or take the exam again. If you have the email Microsoft sent you after you passed, your credential ID is in that email. If you deleted the email, simply log in to Microsoft Learn and it will be there.
Write down your credential ID and store it somewhere safe — a password manager, a document on your computer, or a note in your phone. This takes 30 seconds and saves you from having to dig through your email or log into Microsoft Learn every time someone asks you to verify your certification. Some people add it to their resume or LinkedIn profile directly so they do not have to look it up.
How to add your credential ID to LinkedIn and other professional profiles
On LinkedIn, go to your profile, scroll to the Licenses & Certifications section, and click Add a License or Certification. Select Microsoft as the issuing organization, then search for your specific certification by name. LinkedIn will ask for your credential ID — paste it in, and LinkedIn will verify it against Microsoft's database. Once verified, the certification will display on your profile with a checkmark and a link that anyone can click to confirm it is real.
For other professional profiles or resumes, you can simply type your credential ID next to the certification name. You can also include the direct verification link: Microsoft's verification page URL followed by your credential ID. This lets anyone click directly to see your verified certification without having to search for it themselves. Some people include both the credential ID and the link to their digital badge for maximum transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else use my credential ID to claim my certification?
No. Your credential ID is tied to your name and the date you earned it. When someone verifies it, they see your name and the exact date you passed the exam. If someone tried to claim your certification as their own, the verification would immediately show it belongs to you, not them.
Do I need a credential ID for every Microsoft certification I earn?
Yes. Each certification you earn gets its own unique credential ID. If you earn five Microsoft certifications, you will have five different credential IDs. Each one proves you passed that specific exam on that specific date.
What if I took the exam but did not pass — do I get a credential ID?
No. Microsoft only issues a credential ID when you pass the exam. If you did not pass, you do not receive a credential ID, and there is no record of the attempt in your certifications list. You can retake the exam and earn the credential ID on your next attempt.
Can I share my credential ID on my resume without worrying about fraud?
Yes. Your credential ID is meant to be public and shared. Anyone who sees it can verify it is real by checking Microsoft's verification page. Sharing it actually proves your certification is legitimate because it gives people an easy way to confirm it.
If I renew my certification, do I get a new credential ID?
Yes. When you renew a Microsoft certification, you receive a new credential ID for the renewed version. Your old credential ID still exists and proves you held the certification during that period, but the new one reflects your current renewal status.