Microsoft’s New AB-Series Certs: What IT Pros Should Know

Microsoft recently introduced a new series of major certifications: Microsoft Certified: Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect, also called the AB-Series. With the launch of the new Microsoft certification updates, the company announced it is retiring several older certifications.

Microsoft is now focused on helping professionals design full AI systems for organizations, including the use of agentic AI. This means the software company is shifting away from the more product-focused skills tracks. If you handle training programs, these new Microsoft certifications will help your team prepare for future roles that concern AI, automation, and cross-platform design.

What the AB-Series Certifications Cover

Organizations increasingly need professionals who can plan and build end-to-end AI business systems. The new Microsoft Certified: Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect certifications have a key focus on agentic and multi-agent workflows. These include services like Azure AI, Copilot Studio, Power Platform, and Dynamics 365.

At the center of the new agentic AI business certifications is the AB-100: Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect exam, which is built around key skills, including solution design, generative AI, multi-agent orchestration, secure deployment, and measurable business outcomes. The exam is still in beta, but Microsoft plans to release instructor-led training by early 2026.

You can use CBT Nuggets courses to sharpen your Microsoft automation skills before moving on to AB-100. Building these basics first gives you a smoother path when you start learning the AB certification lineup.

When Will Microsoft Retire Old Certifications? 

With the introduction of the new lineup, older credentials are being retired as part of Microsoft’s certification consolidation. Those affected are the entry-level and product-based credentials. 

Here are the dates to keep in mind regarding Microsoft certification retirement:

• Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP) will be retired on Dec. 31, 2025.

• Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM) will be retired on Dec. 31, 2025.

• Microsoft 365 Fundamentals will be retired on March 31, 2026.

In addition, the following certifications are already retired:

• Microsoft Certified: Information Protection and Compliance Administrator Associate was retired on May 31, 2025.

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate was retired on March 31, 2025.

Even if you complete a newer credential, your existing credentials remain valid. However, the older credentials may no longer be relevant with Microsoft’s new focus on enterprise AI design.

How Microsoft Exam Changes Affect Your Learning Roadmap

If you manage training, these new Microsoft exam changes will impact how you plan your team’s Microsoft learning roadmap. Microsoft is looking to enable solution architects to design AI systems that scale, stay secure, support multi-agent workflows, and deliver solid ROI. 

Because AB-100 requires an active associate-level cert from the approved list, you need to review your team’s current status before moving forward. You can start by reviewing which active certifications are nearing retirement and by shifting future learning toward multi-agent design, generative AI, and secure deployment practices. This is the right time to build a foundation for AB-100 and other future AI business solutions training paths.

Want to learn more about becoming a Microsoft-certified solution architect or expand your Microsoft AI credentials? Check out the wide range of Microsoft Online Training available at CBT Nuggets. 

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