Microsoft Cert Retirements: A Shift in IT Training Priorities

Microsoft announced another round of certification changes, primarily retirements of old certs. These Microsoft cert retirements will affect several entry-level credentials that started at the end of 2025 and into early 2026. Microsoft is moving away from general fundamentals exams and putting more focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and security certifications. 

If you’re looking for certifications or you manage your team's training plans, now is a good time to check whether your current paths still align with where Microsoft is headed.

What’s Retiring

There are three confirmed Microsoft cert retirements.

• Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM) – MB-910

• Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP) – MB-920

• Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals – MS-900

The Dynamics 365 exams ceased on Dec. 31, 2025, while the MS-900 exam will remain until March 31, 2026. If you already have these certifications, they will still be on your Microsoft Learn transcript. But once the retirement dates pass, you won’t be able to take these exams.

If you’re studying for these certifications, some changes are needed. You’ll have to adjust course schedules, focus on different exams, or plan a new learning path. For example, many teams use MS-900 as a starting point for new hires, so you may want to plan a replacement before the exam is retired.

The adjustment can be smoother with added training. CBT Nuggets offers courses for Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365, as well as security-focused certifications. These courses help you move into training that better aligns with the current work demand.

Reason for the Changes

Companies are using fundamental tools differently now, and Microsoft is making the adjustments. The company is placing greater emphasis on AI, cloud management, and cybersecurity. Instead of broad introductions, you will see more exams that test practical skills. These include Azure environments, Microsoft 365 systems, and AI-based services.

If you’re looking for similar or more advanced credentials, check out all of Microsoft’s listed certs.

What to Train On?

As you plan for the year ahead, you can tailor your training around these new Microsoft cert retirements. Azure remains important for many IT roles, and CBT Nuggets offers training for Microsoft Azure certifications, from beginner to advanced administrator and developer tracks. At the same time, if you want to add AI skills, there are also courses that cover AI basics within Azure.

Keeping your plan up to date helps you avoid training gaps caused by exam retirements. CBT Nuggets Microsoft courses support cloud, security, and AI roles, so you can keep your team on track and ready for Microsoft’s next batch of certifications. Get a your first 7 days free for CBT Nuggets courses today.