Due to the growing need for automated data tasks, many companies are adopting software tools, no matter how big or small. The main ones they find essential are Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Cloud-based CRM solutions. As the demand increases for Microsoft-certified solutions, field professionals also require more Dynamics 365 experts. Besides, professional elevation is a crucial part of life, and Microsoft makes sure their users can get all the benefits through provided certifications.
As a Dynamics 365 expert or beginner, this might be your chance to dwell into the certifications of D365 and direct your career path.
In this article, we can help you understand the types of certifications available and how Microsoft certification benefits your career.
What types of Dynamics 365 certifications are available?
Are you looking for ways of Validating skills with certifications? Start by understanding the groups. Dynamics 365 certificates are divided into several groups based on the certification type and the experience level.
- Fundamentals:
These are beginner-level certifications that cover the basics of a product or a group of products. They are suitable for super users and individuals starting their careers in Dynamics 365.
- Role-based:
These certifications are tailored to confirm the skills and knowledge required for specific job roles like Consultant, Developer, and Architect. They concentrate on one product, addressing topics relevant to that role’s responsibilities. Role-based certifications come in two levels, each targeting different experience levels:
- Associate: Geared towards those with intermediate Dynamics 365 knowledge and practical experience with the platform.
- Expert: Intended for senior Dynamics 365 professionals with over five years of experience and comprehensive functional and technical expertise.
- Specialty:
These certifications focus on particular functionalities or workflows, validating specialized knowledge in niche areas.
How to get started with Dynamics 365 Certifications?
Certainly, having work experience provides you with fundamental knowledge and practical exposure. However, obtaining a Microsoft Dynamics 365 certification goes beyond this, enabling you to uncover your full potential of becoming the best Microsoft ERP professionals. You can select your preferred field for certification, including operations, finance, marketing, customer services, and sales. Choose from the levels explained below:
- Dynamics 365 Beginners Level Certifications
Newcomers with under two years of experience should begin their Microsoft Dynamics 365 journey with a fundamental certification. These certifications benefit students, professionals, and developers seeking app and business insights. The old MB-901 certification covering cloud concepts was retired on June 30, 2021, and is replaced by two certifications:
- Fundamental Finance & Operations Apps CRM – MB 920
- Fundamental Customer Engagement Apps ERP – MB 920
These two certifications are designed for different job roles. MB-910 covers marketing & sales, customer service & field service, and project operations, while MB-920 covers finance & commerce, supply chain management, project operations, and human resources.
- Dynamics 365 Advanced Level Certifications
This is for Microsoft-certified professionals. Microsoft strongly recommends candidates to have over two years of experience in Microsoft Dynamics 365 before pursuing any of the certifications below. If you already possess foundational Dynamics 365 knowledge, you can aim for associate or expert-level certifications.
- Dynamics 365 Associate Level Certifications
Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate (PL-200 + MB-210)
Dynamics 365 Marketing Functional Consultant Associate (PL-200 + MB-220).
Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate (PL-200 + MB-240)
Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate (PL-200 + MB-230)
Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate (MB-300 + MB-310)
Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate (MB-800)
Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Developer Associate (MB-300 + MB-500)
Supply Chain Management Manufacturing Functional Consultant Associate (MB-300 + MB-320)
Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate (MB-300 + MB-330)
- Dynamics 365 Expert Level Certifications
Dynamics 365+Power Platform Solution Architect Expert (MB-600, retired in June 2021)
Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert (MB-700)
What do I get out of a Microsoft Dynamics 365 certification?
Certifications are a great way to prove your skills and show that you’re capable of doing a job well. They also help you stand out when looking for new opportunities. In Nigel Frank’s recent Microsoft Business Applications Careers and Hiring Guide, they asked Dynamics professionals about certification. 68% said Microsoft certifications make you a more valuable candidate.
Over half (58%) of respondents have at least one Microsoft certification, and 10% are working on their first.
What are the popular choices?
The most popular type is the associate level, held by 30% of certified professionals. 28% have fundamentals certifications, and 22% hold expert-level certifications.
Bottom Line
As you think about the earnings after getting on route to Certification pathways, you can find surveys on it and get a clear idea. If you are professionally in the field, your company might be offering training and certification resources. Otherwise, there are many authorized Microsoft learning partners available to help you understand the Microsoft certification roadmap. For more clarity, you can get in touch with Dynamics 365 consultants too.