The Dynamics 365 landscape is constantly evolving with new apps, new services and new certifications being released on a regular basis. Certifications are tailored to professionals looking to enhance and validate their skills and expertise in business applications, allowing them also to elevate their careers.
Who Should Get Certified?
Technical professionals who want to showcase their general proficiency and skills in specific modules like Sales, Customer Service, or Finance. These certifications ensure they understand how to design, implement, and optimise Dynamics 365 solutions for clients.
Business stakeholders and other end-users who are familiar with Dynamics 365 and want to validate their skills and experience. It’s also useful for those who use it daily in their operations, including roles in sales, customer service, finance, or supply chain and want to deepen their understanding and maximise on its capabilities which in turn will offer more opportunities for career advancement.
New graduates and career switchers - Individuals entering the workforce or transitioning into business applications from other fields like IT, finance, or CRM can leverage Dynamics 365 to move to the next level
Professionals aiming for a promotion or switching business from another field
Why Get Certified?
Career Advancement: Get recognition for your expertise, opening doors to new opportunities
Skill validation: Prove your proficiency in specific Dynamics 365 applications
Industry Demand: Microsoft-certified professionals are high in demand across various industries
Networking opportunities: join a global community of certified professionals and gain access to resources
Certification Paths
Organised into several key roles
Functional Consultant: Specialises in configuring and deploying D365 applications for customers. Key to finding the right business solutions for an organisation. Key certifications include:
Sales
Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate
Power Platform Solution Architect Expert
Supply Chain Management
Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate
Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Expert
Finance
Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate
Customer Service & Field Service
Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate
Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate
Customer Insight
Dynamics 365 Customer Insights - Data Speciality
Dynamics 365 Customer Insights - Journeys Functional Consultant Associate
Marketing
Dynamics 365 Marketing Functional Consultants Associate
Developer: Focus on building and extending applications using Microsoft’s tools. Key certifications include:
Customer engagement Apps
Power Automate RPA Developer Associate
Power Platform Solution Architect Expert
Finance and Operations Apps
Dynamics 365 Business Central Developer Associate
Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Developer Associate
Power Automate RPA Developer Associate
Solution Architect: Oversee end-to-end implementation of Dynamics 365 solutions. Responsible for the successful design, implementation, deployment and adoption of an overall solution. Key certifications include:
Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Solution Architect Expert
Power Platform Solution Architect Expert
Business Analysts, Owners and Users:
Power Platform App Maker Associate
Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM)
Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP)
Power Platform App Maker Associate
Certification Exams
Each certification requires passing one or more exams that assess your knowledge and proficiency in specific Dynamics 365 modules. Key exams include:
MB-910: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM)
MB-920: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP)
MB-240: Dynamics 365 Field Service
Most certification paths begin with a fundamentals exam, followed by role-based or advanced exams specific to the application area.
Preparation for Certifications
There are several steps you should take to ensure success;
Review the Exam Skills Outlines: Review the official exam objectives and skills outline provided by Microsoft for the certification you are targeting which provide information on what topics will be covered, the weight of each section and the key area of focus.
Training and Study Materials: Microsoft provides documentation for each product you're certifying in which offer detailed explanations of the features, capabilities and technical aspects, alongside official training courses and books. There are also online courses, books, and practice exams from reputable third parties which provide structured content, tips and exam-focused insights.
Hands-On Experience: Gain practical experience by working on real projects, using virtual labs provided by Microsoft, creating scenarios or practising in sandbox environments.
Practice Exams: Microsoft and its learning partners offer practice exams that closely resemble the actual certification tests. You can take these to assess your knowledge, and readiness and identify weak areas.
Join Study Groups and Online Communities: From Microsoft Learning Communities to LinkedIn and Reddit groups and study groups, you can engage with online communities and forums to connect with other professionals and learn from their experiences, get advice and ask questions.
Preparation Resources
Microsoft Learn: Free, self-paced learning modules and guides.
Instructor-led Training: Microsoft offers classroom-based training for in-depth learning.
Practice Exams: Test your knowledge with official practice exams before the real test.
Study Guides and Documentation: Microsoft’s official documentation and study guides are excellent resources for understanding key concepts.
Renewal and Continuing Education
Microsoft certifications require renewal every year. Stay updated with the latest developments in Dynamics 365 by taking annual renewal assessments or additional exams to maintain your certification
Tips for Success
Start with Fundamentals: If you’re new to Dynamics 365, begin with a fundamentals certification to build a strong foundation.
Hands-on Experience: Gain real-world experience by working on Dynamics 365 projects to complement your study.
Join Study Groups: Leverage online forums and study groups to share knowledge and tips with fellow professionals.
Conclusion
Microsoft Dynamics 365 certifications are a powerful asset for professionals seeking to advance their careers in the business applications space, offering a diverse range of options tailored to your specific goals. By selecting the right certification path and leveraging the available resources, you can sharpen your skills, showcase your expertise, accelerate your career, and open doors to new opportunities in this rapidly expanding field.