The ultimate certification guide for Microsoft Dynamics 365 professionals

The Microsoft Dynamics space is constantly evolving, giving rise to new apps, new services, and new certifications that validate your ability to make the most of them.  

In recent years, Microsoft’s certification pathways have been overhauled, shaking up its Dynamics 365 certification options in the process.  

Today, there are a total of 17 active certifications available to Dynamics 365 professionals to earn, across various difficulty levels and product specialisms.  This includes:

• Fundamental certifications
• Associate certifications
• Expert certifications
• Specialist certifications

In this blog, we’re going to take a look at what certifications are currently on offer for ambitious techies working with Dynamics 365 and answer some of the most common questions about Microsoft certification.  

What types of Dynamics 365 certifications are available?

Dynamics 365 certifications are split into a few categories, based on type and experience level. 

• Fundamentals: Beginner-level certifications that cover the fundamentals of a product (or group of products), these badges are great for super users and those at the start of their professional journey in Dynamics 365. 
• Role-based: These certifications are designed to verify the skills and knowledge used in specific job roles, such as Consultant, Developer, and Architect. They typically focus on one product, covering the kind of topics that someone in that role would need to know when working with that particular app, or collection of apps. Role-based certifications come in two difficulty levels, targeted at different experience levels:
  – Associate: These certifications are generally aimed at those with mid-level knowledge of Dynamics 365, who have applied knowledge of the platform and hands-on experience.
  – Expert: These certifications are generally aimed at senior Dynamics 365 professionals with five+ years of experience and deep functional and technical knowledge of the platform. 

• Specialty: These certifications are often focused on a specific type of functionality or workflow and validate a niche area of specialist knowledge. 

What certifications are available for my Dynamics 365 role? 

With so many positions on offer in the Dynamics 365 ecosystem, Microsoft recently decided to align its certification paths with job roles. The reason for this change, the company said, was “to help you and your career keep pace with today’s business requirements”. 

Thanks to this change, the majority of Dynamics 365 certifications offered by Microsoft are role-based. Since role-based certifications became the focus and new Dynamics 365 apps have been released, more badges have been added to reflect the product suite.  

Largely covering Functional Consultant roles, there are also certifications geared toward Developers, Engineers, Architects, and Business Analysts.  

Though not aligned to a particular role, the broad Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals certifications are a great jumping-off point for anyone looking to get more involved with Dynamics 365, whether they’re aspiring super users or junior professionals with an eye on a career in administration, consulting, or development.  

These Fundamental certifications are not prerequisites for more advanced certifications, but they’re handy to have, even if you just want to see what the certification process looks like. 

For Business and Data Analysts 

• Microsoft Certified: Customer Data Platform Specialty 

For Consultants (or Administrators looking to advance in their career) 

• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Commerce Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Marketing Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Power Platform App Maker Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Expert 

For Developers and DevOps Engineers 

• Microsoft Certified: Power Platform App Maker Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Developer Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Power Platform App Maker Associate  
• Microsoft Certified: Customer Data Platform Specialty 

For Architects 

• Microsoft Certified: Power Platform App Maker Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 + Power Platform Solution Architect Expert 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert 
• Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Solution Architect Expert  
• Microsoft Certified: Customer Data Platform Specialty 

What do these Dynamics 365 certifications cover? 

FUNDAMENTAL CERTIFICATIONS

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM) 

This entry-level certification focuses on broad, foundational knowledge for professionals starting their careers in Dynamics 365’s customer engagement apps. Topics covered by the Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM) certification include the platform’s marketing capabilities and the automation of the sales, service and support lifecycles. 

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM) exam 

Earning this certification requires you to pass the MB-910: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM) exam. Here’s how the exam is broken down: 

• Describe Microsoft Dynamics 365 Marketing (15–20%) 
• Describe Dynamics 365 Sales (15–20%) 
• Describe Dynamics 365 Customer Service (20–25%) 
• Describe Dynamics 365 Field Service (15–20%) 
• Explore the core capabilities of Dynamics 365 customer engagement apps (20–25%) 

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP) 

Like the certification above, this badge covers all the basics of working with Dynamics 365 ERP apps (that’s Finance and Operations, Business Central, Supply Chain Management, Commerce etc.). 

That includes general knowledge of how operations and finance teams can use Dynamics 365 to improve their effectiveness, and integrate it with other platforms to meet business needs.  

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP) exam 

Earning this certification requires you to pass the MB-920: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP) exam. Here’s how the exam is broken down: 

• Describe Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management (25-30%) 
• Describe Dynamics Finance (25-30%) 
• Describe Dynamics 365 Commerce (5-10%) 
• Describe Dynamics 365 Human Resources (10-15%) 
• Describe Project Operations (5-10%) 
• Describe shared features (10-15%) 

ASSOCIATE CERTIFICATIONS

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate 

Previously known as Dynamics NAV, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is the suite’s core ERP platform for small and medium-sized businesses. This certification validates that you have the know-how needed to configure the app and use functionality including insights, cues, action tiles, reports, and charts. You’ll also need to know how to augment Business Central’s capabilities using Microsoft Power Platform. 

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate exam 

Earning this certification requires you to pass the MB-800: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant exam. Here’s how the exam is broken down: 

• Set up Business Central (20–25%) 
• Configure financials (30–35%) 
• Configure sales and purchasing (15–20%) 
• Perform Business Central operations (25–30%) 

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Commerce Functional Consultant Associate 

Earning this certification shows you know how to configure, deploy, and maintain Dynamics 365 Commerce (FKA Dynamics 365 for Retail) applications. You’ll need to have a good grasp on 

unified commerce business operations, and be able to configure functionality like headquarters and call centers, store and e-commerce, as well as manage products, prices, discounts, loyalty, and affiliations in the app. 

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Commerce Functional Consultant Associate exams 

Earning this certification requires you to pass two exams: MB-300: Microsoft Dynamics 365: Core Finance and Operations, and MB-340: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce Functional Consultant. 

Here’s how the exams are broken down: 

Exam MB-300: Microsoft Dynamics 365: Core Finance and Operations  

• Describe finance and operations apps, and extend apps by using Microsoft Power Platform technologies (20–25%) 
• Configure administrative features and workflows (30–35%) 
• Manage finance and operations data (20–25%) 
• Validate and support solutions (15–20%) 

Exam MB-340: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce Functional Consultant 

• Configure Dynamics 365 Commerce Headquarters (25—30%) 
• Configure products, prices, discounts, loyalty, and affiliations (25—30%) 
• Manage Point of Sales (POS) in Dynamics 365 Commerce (15—20%) 
• Configure and manage Dynamics 365 Commerce call centers (10—15%) 
• Manage e-commerce (15—20%)  

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate 

Dynamics 365 Finance is one of the most substantial apps in the suite, so earning this certification requires a lot of knowledge, and practical experience with financial processes. You’ll need to know how to take business requirements and configure solutions using Dynamics 365 Finance, and how to configure and manage the app to deliver effective finance and business accounting services.  

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate exams 

Earning this certification requires you to pass two exams: Exam MB-300: Microsoft Dynamics 365: Core Finance and Operations, and Exam MB-310: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant. 

Here’s how the exams are broken down: 

Exam MB-300: Microsoft Dynamics 365: Core Finance and Operations  

• Describe finance and operations apps, and extend apps by using Microsoft Power Platform technologies (20–25%) 
• Configure administrative features and workflows (30–35%) 
• Manage finance and operations data (20–25%) 
• Validate and support solutions (15–20%) 

Exam MB-310: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant 

• Set up and configure financial management (40—45%) 
• Implement accounts receivable, credit, collections, and revenue recognition (15—20%) 
• Implement and manage accounts payable and expenses (10—15%) 
• Manage budgeting (10—15%) 
• Manage fixed assets (10—15%) 

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate 

Managing a supply chain is a complex task, but holders of this certification can show that they have the expertise to help make managing product information, sales and procurement, inventory and warehousing, and transportation a little easier. Knowledge covered includes the design and configuration of Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management and related tools, analysis of business requirements, and development of fully realized business processes and solutions that adhere to industry best practices.   

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate exams 

Earning this certification requires you to pass two exams: Exam MB-300: Microsoft Dynamics 365: Core Finance and Operations, and Exam MB-330: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant. 

Here’s how the exams are broken down: 

Exam MB-300: Microsoft Dynamics 365: Core Finance and Operations  

• Describe finance and operations apps, and extend apps by using Microsoft Power Platform technologies (20–25%) 
• Configure administrative features and workflows (30–35%) 
• Manage finance and operations data (20–25%) 
• Validate and support solutions (15–20%) 

Exam MB-330: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant 

• Implement product information management (35-40%) 
• Implement inventory management (20-25%) 
• Implement and manage supply chain processes (15-20%) 
• Implement warehouse management and transportation management (15-20%) 
• Implement Master planning (5–10 %) 

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate 

Centering on Dynamics 365’s customer service app, this certification validates your abilities to craft smart, effective customer experience solutions. You’ll be expected to know all the usual app-related stuff—managing data, configuring the platform, maintaining security processes—as well as how to manage cases, queues, entitlements, and knowledge bases within the solution to anticipate and address customer needs. 

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate exam 

Earning this certification requires you to pass the MB-230: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant exam. Here’s how the exam is broken down: 

• Manage cases and Knowledge Management (25-30%) 
• Manage entitlements and SLAs (5-10%) 
• Implement scheduling (5-10%) 
• Implement multi-session experiences for Customer Service (20-25%) 
• Manage analytics and insights (10-15%) 
• Implement Microsoft Power Platform (5-10%) 
• Implement Connected Customer Service (5-10%) 
• Implement routing (5-10%) 

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate 

One for aspiring Dynamics 365 Functional Consultants, this certification focuses on the Field Service app. To earn this certification, you’ll need to be able to configure the app, manage the field service lifecycle, and deploy the Connected Field Service (IoT) solution to ensure the efficient processing of work orders and manage personnel and resources in the field. 

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate exam 

Earning this certification requires you to pass the MB-240: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant exam. Here’s how the exam is broken down: 

• Configure field service applications (20–25%) 
• Manage work orders (20–25%) 
• Schedule and dispatch work orders (20–25%) 
• Manage the Dynamics 365 Field Service mobile app (5–10%) 
• Manage inventory and purchasing (1–5%) 
• Manage Connected Field Service and customer assets (5–10%) 
• Implement Microsoft Power Platform (5–10%) 
• Manage customer experiences (5–10%) 

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Marketing Functional Consultant Associate

The newest of the Dynamics 365 customer engagement certifications, this badge validates knowledge and experience with Dynamics 365 model-driven applications and data modeling principles.  

The certification covers multiple functions of the app, including marketing initiatives like campaigns, emails, and customer journeys, as well as the configuration of Dynamics 365 Marketing and setting up Dynamics 365 organizational security.  

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Marketing Functional Consultant Associate exam 

Earning this certification requires you to pass the MB-220: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Marketing Functional Consultant exam. Here’s how the exam is broken down: 

• Configure marketing applications (15–20%) 
• Manage segments and lists (10–15%) 
• Create and manage marketing forms and pages (5–10%) 
• Manage leads, contacts, and accounts (5–10%) 
• Create and manage marketing email messages (10–15%) 
• Manage customer journeys (20–25%) 
• Manage events and webinars (10–15%) 
• Configure Dynamics 365 Customer Voice (5–10%) 

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate 

One for Dynamics 365 for Sales specialists, to pass these exams and earn the cert, you need to demonstrate your ability to implement solutions that maximize sales teams’ productivity. That includes anticipating and planning customer connections, managing leads and deals, and helping sales teams make informed decisions using data analytics. 

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate exam 

Earning this certification requires you to pass the MB-210: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant exam. Here’s how the exam is broken down: 

• Configure Dynamics 365 Sales (35–40%) 
• Manage core sales tables (40–45%) 
• Configure additional tools and services (10–15%) 

Microsoft Certified: Power Platform App Maker Associate

Being able to harness Microsoft’s Power Platform is a must for any Dynamics 365 professional today. Using Power Platform components, pros can extend and augment Dynamics 365 functionality by building custom, low-to-no-code apps. These apps allow professionals and users of all levels to take advantage of cutting-edge tech like automation and AI. This certification proves you’ve got the ability to solve business problems using Power Platform, and possess skills like basic data modeling, UX design, and process analysis. 

The Microsoft Certified: Power Platform App Maker Associate exam 

Earning this certification requires you to pass Exam PL-100: Microsoft Power Platform App Maker. Here’s how the exam is broken down: 

• Design business solutions (20–25%) 
• Analyze and visualize data (10–15%) 
• Create business solutions (60–65%) 

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Developer Associate 

This certification is designed to verify the skills of Dynamics 365 Developers working primarily with Finance and Operations apps. It tests your ability to translate business requirements into effective functionality, delivering full-formed solutions that bring together standardized application coding patterns, extensible features, and external integrations. You’ll have to have robust knowledge of the Finance and Operations apps and their underlying frameworks, as well as an understanding of development lifecycle methodologies and data compliance practices.  

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Developer Associate exams 

Earning this certification requires you to pass two exams: Exam MB-300: Microsoft Dynamics 365: Core Finance and Operations, and Exam MB-500: Microsoft Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Developer. 

Here’s how the exams are broken down: 

Exam MB-300: Microsoft Dynamics 365: Core Finance and Operations  

• Describe finance and operations apps, and extend apps by using Microsoft Power Platform technologies (20–25%) 
• Configure administrative features and workflows (30–35%) 
• Manage finance and operations data (20–25%) 
• Validate and support solutions (15–20%) 

Exam MB-500: Microsoft Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Developer 

• Plan architecture and solution design (5-10%) 
• Apply developer tools (10-15%) 
• Design and develop AOT elements (20-25%) 
• Develop and test code (10-15%) 
• Implement reporting (10-15%) 
• Integrate and manage data solutions (10-15%) 
• Implement security and optimize performance (10-15%) 

EXPERT CERTIFICATIONS

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert 

This certification is built to validate the expert-level knowledge of Dynamics 365 professionals such as Solution Architects, Functional Consultants, and Technical Consultants with a deep understanding of Finance and Operations apps. It’ll cover capabilities like liaising with stakeholders to turn business requirements into secure, scalable, and reliable solutions. You’ll need to know your way around the architectural components of Dynamics 365 finance and operations apps, and be familiar with platforms, tools, and functionality required in areas such as finance, supply chain management, and manufacturing. 

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert exams 

Earning this certification requires you to pass two exams; one associate exam, plus the MB-700: Microsoft Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect exam. 

First, you must pass one of the following exams: 

• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Developer 

Once you’ve ticked off one of the above, you can tackle the expert exam. Here’s how Exam MB-700: Microsoft Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect is broken down: 

• Architect solutions (20–25%) 
• Define solution strategies (35–40%) 
• Manage implementations (20–25%) 
• Manage testing (10–15%) 

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Expert 

One for an experienced or senior Functional Consultant with advanced skills, earning this certification requires substantial knowledge and first-hand experience with deploying and optimizing the more advanced features of Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management. You’ll also need a thorough understanding of supply chain management operations including production, logistics, and asset management in either a discrete, process, or lean manufacturing environment. 

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Expert exams 

Earning this certification requires you to pass two exams; Exam MB-330: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant, and the new Exam MB-335: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Expert. 

Here’s how the exams are broken down: 

Exam MB-300: Microsoft Dynamics 365: Core Finance and Operations  

• Implement product information management (35-40%) 
• Implement inventory management (20-25%) 
• Implement and manage supply chain processes (15-20%) 
• Implement warehouse management and transportation management (15-20%) 
• Implement Master planning (5–10 %) 

Exam MB-335: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Expert (beta) 

• Configure products (15–20%) 
• Configure production prerequisites (20–25%) 
• Implement production methods (15–20%) 
• Configure production control (20–25%) 
• Describe and implement additional supply chain management features (10–15%) 

Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Solution Architect Expert 

There’s a lot you can do with Power Platform, so for the real Power Platform wizards, there’s this Expert-level certification. You might be a Solution Architect, a Developer, or a Senior Consultant but whatever your job role, you’ll need to have an in-depth understanding of Power Platform architecture and at least a few years of experience working hands-on with the platform’s components. You should also be well-acquainted with Dynamics 365 customer engagement apps and other related Microsoft cloud solutions. 

The Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Solution Architect Expert exams 

Earning this certification requires you to pass two exams: one associate exam, plus the PL-600: Microsoft Power Platform Solution Architect exam. 

First, pass one of the following exams: 

• Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Developer Associate 

Next, you can tackle the expert exam. Here’s how Exam PL-600: Microsoft Power Platform Solution Architect is broken down: 

• Perform solution envisioning and requirement analyses (35–40%) 
• Architect a solution (40–45%) 
• Implement the solution (15–20%) 

SPECIALIST CERTIFICATIONS

Microsoft Certified: Customer Data Platform Specialist 

Specialty certifications can be relevant across a number of Dynamics 365 roles. This certification in particular proves your ability to implement solutions that deliver insight into customer behaviour and help businesses track engagement activities. You’ll have a good understanding of how this kind of data can be used to improve customer experiences and boost retention. You’ll need deep working knowledge of Dynamics 365 Customer Insights (and preferably at least one additional app), as well as Power Query, Microsoft Dataverse, the Common Data Model, Azure Machine Learning, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Factory, and Microsoft Power Platform. The certification also vouches for your knowledge of marketing automation practices such as validation, visualization, preparation, matching, fragmentation, segmentation, and enhancement. Expect to be tested on data-based areas like privacy, compliance, consent, security, responsible AI, and data retention policy too. 

The Microsoft Certified: Customer Data Platform Specialist exam 

Earning this certification requires you to pass the MB-260: Microsoft Customer Data Platform Specialist exam. Here’s how the exam is broken down: 

• Design Customer Insights solutions (5–10%) 
• Ingest data into Customer Insights (15–20%) 
• Create customer profiles through data unification (20–25%) 
• Implement AI predictions in Customer Insights (5–10%) 
• Configure measures and segments (15–20%) 
• Configure third-party connections (15–20%) 
• Administer Customer Insights (5–10%) 

Which Microsoft Dynamics 365 certifications have recently been retired? 

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Functional Consultant Associate 

In early 2023, Microsoft shelved the Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Functional Consultant Associate certification, as well as the exam that aligned with it; Exam MB-320: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing. 

In its place, the Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Expert was launched, with the aim of better aligning Dynamics 365’s supply chain-related certifications with real-world roles and a fast-evolving industry. 

As a result, supply chain management certifications now sit on a single track, making it easier for ambitious Dynamics 365 professionals to map out their career paths. 

Microsoft Certified: Power Apps + Dynamics 365 Developer Associate 

Another casualty in the most recent certification reshuffle was the Microsoft Certified: Power Apps + Dynamics 365 Developer Associate badge. The certification was dropped after the two exams professionals needed to pass to earn it (Exam MB-200: Microsoft Power Platform + Dynamics 365 Core and Exam MB-400: Microsoft Power Apps + Dynamics 365 Developer) were retired. 

How much do Microsoft Dynamics 365 certifications cost? 

Each of Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 certifications requires you to sit at least one exam (though not at the same time). The majority of these exams cost $165 USD per attempt, though the exams for the entry-level Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals badges are slightly cheaper at $99 USD. 

If you don’t pass the first time, you’ll have to pay for the exam again. The good news is that Microsoft provides several exam packages that offer cheaper re-sits. 

The Exam Replay package costs $230 USD, and includes one certification exam, plus one retake. Your other option is the Example Replay with Practice Test, which includes one certification exam, one retake, and access to one official Microsoft practice test. This package costs $265 USD. 

How do I renew my Microsoft Dynamics 365 certification? 

All associate, expert, and specialty certifications must be renewed annually. 

Renewals are free; all you need to do to validate them for another year is to pass a short, unproctored, open book assessment on Microsoft Learn.  

These assessments aim to make sure your skills are still current, and to test your knowledge on updates to the Dynamics 365 apps you use in your job role. 

You can take the renewal assessment at any time within a six-month eligibility window. If you don’t pass it first time, you can try again as many times as you long within that window (just make sure you wait 24 hours between retakes). 

If you miss your renewal window, you’ll have to re-take the full certification exam(s) to get re-certified. Luckily, Microsoft will send you an email notification when it’s time to renew.  

What do I get out of a Microsoft Dynamics 365 certification? 

Certifications are a great way of validating your skills and proving that you have the skills and competency to do the job right.  

They’re also useful for boosting your marketability as a candidate and giving you the edge when searching for new opportunities. In our most recent Careers and Hiring Guide: Microsoft Business Applications edition, we asked Dynamics professionals what they thought about certification. More than two-thirds (68%) believe Microsoft certifications make you a more valuable candidate. 

More than half (58%) of respondents said they hold at least one Microsoft certification, and a further 10% said they were working toward their first.  

So what kinds of certifications are most common in the Dynamics 365 community? The most popular type of Dynamics 365 certification was the associate level, with 30% of certified respondents holding such an accreditation. Twenty-eight percent had earned a fundamentals badge, and 22% had achieved an expert-level cert.  

Given their foundational level, it’s no surprise that the Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals certifications were the most common among our respondents, with 26% and 21% holding the CRM and ERP certifications respectively. By the same token, the rarest certification among our respondents was one of the most difficult to earn: Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert. 

We also asked our Dynamics 365 professionals what they’d gained since earning a certification. These are the top five advantages our respondents felt they’d achieved post-certification.  

• A verification of my skills with Microsoft Business Applications products 40%  
• Added skills and value to my organization 39%  
• More trust from my employer 33%  
• Better career progression opportunities 32%  
• Better marketability to employers 29% 

Tying for fifth place, 29% of respondents also said they believed their salary had increased as a result of getting certified, with the average raise coming in at 20%. 

How much should you be earning as a Dynamics 365 professional? 

Fill out the form below and download a copy of the full Microsoft Dynamics 365 Salary Survey report, including more information about the Dynamics 365 market and salary data from thousands of professionals around the world.