Big changes to Microsoft’s certification expiration policy affects D365FO staff
Microsoft has introduced a new certification expiry policy that will affect all certified D365FO staff (and more) from June 2021.
Instead of certifications being valid until a new version of the product (and then normally some additional “grace years”), new certifications will now expire after just one year!
Changes to Microsoft's certification expiration policy
Microsoft has announced a change in certification expiration policy, starting in June 2021:
- Any role-based or specialty certification earned will be valid for one year from the date you earned it.
- Any role-based and specialty certifications earned before June 2021 will remain valid for two years from the date you earned them.
Renewal schedule
Approximately six months after role-based and specialty certifications have been in the market, associated renewal assessments and collections of learning modules will be made available on Microsoft Learn. Renewal assessments will be updated in alignment with updates made to certification exams.
Those who have an active certification expiring within six months can renew their certification annually.
When you’re eligible to renew your certification, you’ll be notified via email linked with your Microsoft Certification ID (MCID). You will receive up to four email reminders before your certification expires. After you have renewed your certification, you’ll no longer receive reminders until it’s time to renew again.
Does Microsoft's new certification policy affect D365FO staff?
Yes – for short.
However, the policy does not change until June 2021, and from then, it seems that current certification holders will have two years to pass a new Renewal assessment. Certifications obtained after June 2021 will have to be renewed within a year.
If you don't renew in time, you will lose your certification, and you have to earn it again. So make sure that your email is updated on your Microsoft Docs profile since this is going to receive renewal reminders. Also, make sure that your Microsoft Certification profile is connected with your Microsoft Docs profile.
More details in Renew your Microsoft Certification (on docs.microsoft.com).
Renewal assessments available in early Feb 2021
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate |
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate |
Renewal assessments available mid-Feb to Mar 2021
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Functional Consultant Associate |
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Developer Associate |
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert |
Where to practice for the new assessments?
On AXcademy, as on-demand courses and probably also as live online courses (from February).
Microsoft Learn (from February, I guess).
Where to read more details?
Renew your Microsoft Certification (on docs.microsoft.com)