Microsoft is launching a new generation of Certifications designed specifically for AI powered roles. These certifications span entry level to advanced and are built for developers, data professionals, and business users alike. They reflect the major forces shaping today’s workplace, including generative AI, autonomous agents, and the growing convergence of cloud and AI platforms.
Just as importantly, they recognise a key shift in how people work. Business professionals are no longer just users of technology; they’re becoming orchestrators of AI driven workflows and innovation. Because AI is ultimately about amplifying human capability, these certifications focus on practical, real-world skills that stay relevant not just today, but well into 2026 and beyond.
What This Means for Your Business?
AI is creating new opportunities for partners to lead meaningful conversations with customers about AI, security, and long-term value. By staying across these certification changes, you can guide customers with more confidence, recommend the right next steps, and position AI-ready solutions that deliver real outcomes.
There’s also a clear partner benefit: building these skills through exams and certifications helps strengthen your organisation’s standing in the Microsoft partner ecosystem, because certifications contribute to the “Skilling” component of the Partner Capability Score used for Microsoft Solutions Partner Designations. That means investing in certifications doesn’t just upskill your team it can also support your ability to earn and maintain partner recognition, helping you stand out and build trust with customers. The partners who move early and align their skills with the future of work will be best placed to grow alongside their customers.
What This Means for Your Team Certification Path
Whether your team members are just starting their cloud and AI journey or looking to refresh and renew their expertise, staying ahead of these changes is critical. Treat your team career like a product keeps it current, invest in the right skills, and position your business for the opportunities that AI is creating.
The key thing to watch out for: if you’re currently planning to sit AZ204, AI900, AI102, DP100, AZ500, AZ801, or AZ800, it’s worth pausing before you book, because these exams are being retired. Below is a list of the exams that are being retired, along with the certifications replacing them.
The good news is that Microsoft is introducing a brand new certification lineup focused on AI, designed to reflect how skills will be validated in the future. If team members have already started studying for any of the retiring exams, here are the smarter replacements I’d suggest switching to:
The certification landscape is changing, but that change brings opportunity. Take the time to review your business roadmap, choose the right AI aligned certifications, and invest in skills that will matter long term. A little planning now can make a big difference in where your career goes next. The partners who plan early will be better positioned to advise customers confidently, deliver stronger outcomes, and drive more services and project opportunities.
Need help?
You can read more about this announcement in this Microsoft blog. As always, reach out to your local Dicker Data Microsoft team and we can guide you on your skilling journey.