New Microsoft Certifications Coming in 2024

New Microsoft Certifications Coming in 2024

Microsoft is a renowned IT vendor that has earned its reputation through decades of innovation and excellence. With a vast array of software solutions, including Windows, Office, Azure, and more, Microsoft has become an integral part of the global IT landscape. To excel in the IT industry and leverage Microsoft’s tools effectively, earning Microsoft certifications is essential.

Microsoft certifications validate one’s expertise in various Microsoft technologies and demonstrate a commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field. These certifications, thoughtfully categorized into proficiency tiers (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced), provide a comprehensive framework for individuals to showcase their competence in specific technological fields. In addition, they not only enhance job prospects but also provide the knowledge and skills needed to solve complex IT challenges. They are a valuable investment for IT professionals seeking career advancement and businesses looking to harness the full potential of Microsoft products.

In 2024, Microsoft is launching a range of new certifications aimed at enabling professionals in asserting their technical skills within a continuously changing digital environment. Here are some noteworthy highlights.

1. Microsoft Certified: Business Central Developer Associate

In January 2024, Microsoft introduces the Certified: Business Central Developer Associate certification, designed for professionals mastering Dynamics 365 Business Central. Addressing the rising need for skilled specialists in business management solutions, the certification centers around Exam MB-820: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Developer (beta). This challenging test assesses candidates on their ability to innovate and create apps enhancing Business Central functionalities.

First, covering the notion of Dynamics 365 Business Central stands as a primary choice for small and mid-sized organizations, offering an integrated approach to business management. This cloud-based solution unifies and automates multiple business processes, connecting sales, service, finance, and operations. Business Central developers play a fundamental role in extending solution functionalities, showcasing innovation and problem-solving skills.

Second, let’s figure out what we know about the MB-820 exam. This assessment paves the way to the Associate level certification for Business Central Developers! It has long been rumored, but now we know that the Beta is starting from January 2024. This exam is categorized as an “Intermediate” level exam, aligning with MB-800 for the Functional Consultant. It’s important to note that this is not an “Advanced” certification.

If you do not suggest what the “Beta” exam means, then go on reading. The associated exam MB-820 is a beta test, offering a discounted opportunity for candidates. Microsoft seeks 400 beta test-takers for a valid evaluation. An 80% discount is available for a limited time, as posted on the Microsoft Learn blog. Early registrants secure discounted seats. Participants using the discount code receive a 25% voucher for their next exam. To enhance chances, join the SME Profile database for an exclusive code. Those who take part in this Beta exam, contribute to the certification, eliminating the necessity for a retest. Results become available 10-14 weeks after the exam, underscoring a comprehensive assessment procedure.

So, the Business Central Developer Associate certification is a great entry point for candidates in 2024 as it requires no prerequisites. Aspirants can validate their expertise by passing the newly introduced exam, demonstrating Microsoft’s commitment to providing an accessible pathway for professionals. The certification emphasizes troubleshooting and debugging skills, establishing individuals as proficient Business Central developers.

2. Microsoft Certified: Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate

 Adding to the excitement, Microsoft is inducting the Microsoft Certified: Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate certification. As Fabric is a relatively new entrant, this certification provides a comprehensive understanding of all aspects relevant to an Analytics Engineer in Fabric. Set to release in beta in January 2024, this credential is backed by Exam DP-600: Implementing Analytics Solutions Using Microsoft Fabric.

The Fabric Analytics Engineer certification spans tasks from loading data into Lakehouses and Warehouses to presenting it in semantic models and reports within a full end-to-end Fabric solution. To qualify for the certification, candidates need in-depth familiarity with Fabric solutions. Other substantial skills include experience in data transformation, data modeling, Git-based source control, exploratory analytics, and proficiency in languages such as PySpark, SQL, and DAX.

For those looking to excel in the DP-600 exam, one must demonstrate proficiency in developing, designing, and implementing large-scale data analytics solutions for enterprises. Here’s essential advice to boost your DP-600 exam success. Candidates are encouraged to leverage the Fabric Career Hub for valuable insights, engage in the Fabric Cloud Skills Challenge to sharpen their skills, and consider enrolling in the comprehensive course titled “Microsoft Fabric Analytics Engineer” for in-depth training. Furthermore, for added convenience, online proctored exams are readily accessible.

Additionally, concerning the exam, candidates are required to successfully pass the beta exam initially. The rescore process starts 8 to 12 weeks after the beta period, with final scores released approximately 10 days later. Note, that exam is not available in Turkey, Pakistan, India, or China. And the first 300 participants taking exam DP-600 (beta) on or before January 25, 2024, can avail of an 80 percent discount off the market price.

As a certified professional, one’s responsibilities incorporate converting data into sustainable analytics resources using Microsoft Fabric components such as data warehouses, dataflows, lakehouses, notebooks, semantic models, data pipelines, and reports. Additionally, a vital aspect of one’ role involves the implementation of best practices in analytics within Fabric, encompassing procedures for version control and deployment.

As a Fabric analytics engineer, collaboration with various roles is crucial. This collaborative effort involves working closely with data engineers, data scientists, database administrators, solution architects, AI engineers, and Power BI data analysts.

Therefore, selecting the Microsoft Certified: Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate certification is an excellent decision for the year 2024.

Introducing Microsoft’s Newest Applied Skills Credentials

In the ever-evolving landscape of professional certifications, Microsoft is introducing Applied Skills credentials. These new offerings are designed to complement rather than replace role-based certifications, catering to the diverse requirements of learners and customers. They provide a more detailed validation of specific skill sets, offering a tailored solution to the swiftly changing technical environment.

While role-based certifications are geared towards evaluating a wider array of skills essential for success in diverse roles, Applied Skills credentials shine when it comes to addressing highly specific business needs. Within the dynamic realm of technology, organizations commonly encounter distinct challenges demanding specialized expertise. Applied Skills credentials come into action to authenticate professionals’ capability in addressing these specific challenges, providing a more individualized response to the intricacies of modern business requirements.

Applied Skills credentials, therefore, play a pivotal role within the broader certification ecosystem. They offer professionals an opportunity to validate their skills in a focused manner, directly aligning with the demands of specific scenarios encountered in the real-world business environment. This targeted approach not only enhances the credibility of professionals in the eyes of employers but also ensures that organizations that these skills are directly applicable to their specific challenges.

Thus, the introduction of Applied Skills credentials does not signal the replacement of role-based certifications but rather an augmentation of the credentialing landscape. Applied Skills credentials take a scenario-based approach, honing in on a narrower skill set that directly addresses critical business problems or challenges faced by organizations. This focused evaluation allows professionals to demonstrate their proficiency in resolving particular problems, offering a precise and effective validation of their capabilities.

Retiring Exam MB-300: Certification Process Streamlining

On February 29, 2024, Microsoft is set to retire Exam MB-300: Microsoft Dynamics 365: Core Finance and Operations, a significant move in the certification landscape. This change comes as part of an effort to simplify and streamline the certification process for Dynamics 365 professionals.

The retirement of exam MB-300 will bring about several key benefits. Firstly, candidates pursuing associate-level certifications will no longer need to pass two exams, reducing the requirements to just one exam. This change means that individuals aiming for certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate and Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate will only need to pass exam MB-310 or exam MB-330, respectively.

Moreover, this shift will also impact expert-level certifications, reducing the number of exams required from three to two. As the relevant content from exam MB-300 gets incorporated into other exams and certifications, it aims to make the certification journey more efficient and accessible for Dynamics 365 professionals.

While this retirement marks a significant change, it won’t affect the quality or relevance of the certifications. Microsoft is committed to maintaining the integrity of its certification program while making it more straightforward and attainable for aspiring professionals in the world of Dynamics 365.

Conclusion

In 2024, Microsoft is revolutionizing professional certifications with the introduction of Applied Skills credentials, offering a nuanced validation of specific skill sets. The Certified: Business Central Developer Associate certification addresses the demand for skilled Dynamics 365 Business Central professionals, emphasizing innovation in app development. Additionally, the Microsoft Certified: Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate certification covers end-to-end analytics solutions using Fabric, ensuring expertise in data transformation and collaboration with diverse roles. Microsoft’s commitment to professional growth is evident in these accessible certifications, reflecting the company’s dedication to helping professionals navigate the evolving technological landscape. As Microsoft continues to innovate, these certifications empower individuals to stay competitive and validate their skills effectively.