PathCert Guide

How to use PathCert

PathCert works like a GPS for tech certifications. Tell it where you want to go and it maps the exact route. Here's how to get the most out of every feature.

Quick Start: 2 minutes to your personalised path

Not sure where to begin? Skip to the quiz and get your personalised certification roadmap instantly.

Take the Find My Path Quiz

Six ways to use PathCert

01

Take the Find My Path Quiz

Start here if you're unsure

If you're not sure which certification to pursue, the Find My Path quiz is your best starting point. Answer 6 quick questions about your experience, interests, and goals. PathCert will recommend the best certifications specifically for you.

  • Takes under 2 minutes to complete
  • No technical knowledge required
  • Get personalised recommendations instantly
  • Retake it any time your goals change
Take the quiz
02

Explore Career Paths

Understand where certifications lead

The Career Explorer shows you what each tech role actually involves: required skills, average salary, job demand, time to entry, and most importantly, how AI is changing each role in 2024. Every career shows the exact certifications needed to get hired.

  • Filter by Cloud, AI, Data, Development, Security, or Business
  • See salary ranges and top companies hiring
  • Understand AI relevance for your chosen career
  • Click any certification badge to go straight to its roadmap
Browse careers
03

Follow a Certification Roadmap

Your step-by-step study plan

Each certification has a detailed roadmap breaking the study journey into clear steps. Each step tells you exactly what to learn, how long it takes, the best free and paid resources, and practical tips from people who have already passed the exam.

  • Tick off steps as you complete them to track progress
  • Each step includes specific resources (not just 'study more')
  • Expert tips highlight what actually appears in the exam
  • Progress is saved automatically when signed in
Browse roadmaps
04

Find the Right Courses

Curated for every budget

The Course Directory lists handpicked courses for every certification from Microsoft Learn, Coursera, Udemy, YouTube, and more. Filter by free vs paid, difficulty, platform, or certification. Every course shows ratings, duration, instructor, and a direct link.

  • Filter by 'Free Only' to find entirely free study paths
  • Microsoft Learn is always free and official
  • Udemy courses go on sale for under £10 regularly
  • YouTube has full certification courses for most entry-level certs
Browse courses
05

Practice with Mock Tests

Built to match real exam format

Mock tests on PathCert are designed to feel like the real exam, with timed questions, multiple choice format, and immediate feedback. After each question you see a full explanation. At the end you get a score breakdown by topic area so you know exactly where to focus.

  • Each question has a 60-second timer to simulate exam pressure
  • Read every explanation even for questions you got right
  • Aim for 80% in mock tests before sitting the real exam
  • The weak area breakdown at the end tells you what to revise
Try a mock test
06

Track Progress in Your Profile

Your certification journey in one place

Sign in to unlock your personal profile. Save certifications to your wishlist, track roadmap progress, view your quiz history and scores, and earn badges as you hit milestones. Your progress syncs across all your devices.

  • Sign in with Google for instant access
  • Saved certifications show up on your profile dashboard
  • Badges are earned automatically as you progress
  • Quiz history tracks improvement over multiple attempts
View profile

Frequently asked questions

QIs PathCert free to use?

Yes. PathCert is completely free to use. We don't charge for roadmaps, career guides, or mock tests. Some courses we link to are paid (e.g. on Udemy or Coursera), but we always highlight free alternatives where available.

QDo I need to create an account?

You can use most of PathCert without an account. The Find My Path quiz, roadmaps, course directory, and mock tests all work without signing in. An account is needed to save progress, track quiz scores, and earn badges.

QWhich certification should I start with if I'm a complete beginner?

If you're completely new to tech, we recommend starting with AZ-900 (Microsoft Azure Fundamentals) or AWS Cloud Practitioner. Both are beginner-friendly, cost under $200 to sit, and can be studied using entirely free resources. Take the Find My Path quiz for a personalised recommendation.

QHow accurate is the salary and exam information?

Salary figures are estimates based on publicly available data and vary significantly by location and employer. Exam costs and details can change, so always verify on the official certification provider's website before purchasing. See our Disclaimer for full details.

QWhy should every professional care about AI certifications?

AI tools are transforming every tech role in 2024. Whether you're a data analyst, cloud engineer, or business analyst, understanding AI concepts and tools (like Microsoft Copilot, Azure AI, or Google Gemini) makes you significantly more productive and employable. PathCert highlights AI relevance for every career path.

QHow do I suggest a missing certification or course?

We're always expanding the platform! Use the Contact page to suggest a certification, course, or career path you'd like to see added. We read every message.

Still have questions?

Contact us