MS-900 Practice Test: Secure Your Cert Before 2026 Retirement

Microsoft has moved the retirement of the MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals certification and exam, giving those actively pursuing it some leeway. The MS-900 retirement is now slated for March 31, 2026.

The beginner-level certification was initially scheduled to close on Dec. 31, 2025. However, official Microsoft documentation showed an update for the cert with the new retirement date. The same documentation also confirmed that the Dynamics 365 Fundamentals exams, MB-910 and MB-920, were retired last year. The Microsoft Learn certification page for MS-900 now carries a notice informing would-be takers of its impending retirement.

More Time to Earn the Certificate

If you’ve been working to earn or renew the credential, you now have a month or so to prepare and take the exam. After March 31, 2026, you won’t be able to take the exam or earn the credential.

Is it Worth Earning the MS-900?

Since the MS-900 is a "Fundamentals" exam, it’s designed to be a low-stakes, high-yield credential. Here is the breakdown of why it remains a solid investment—and why some people might want to skip it.

3 Reasons the MS-900 is Worth It

• Resume Validation for Entry-Level Roles: If you are applying for Help Desk, IT Support, or Sales/Marketing roles in tech, this cert proves you understand the "business side" of the cloud. Employers looking for M365 expertise still use this as a baseline filter.

• The "Lifetime" Factor: Unlike higher-level "Associate" certifications that require renewal every year, Microsoft Fundamentals certifications never expire. Once you pass it before the March 2026 deadline, it stays on your transcript as a permanent achievement.

• Low Barrier to Entry: Most learners can prepare for the MS-900 in one to two weeks. Because it's relatively easy to earn, the Return on Investment (ROI) in terms of time spent versus the "certified" badge on your LinkedIn is very high.

2 Reasons You Might Skip It

• The Retirement is Close: If you can’t commit to testing before March 31, 2026, don’t start now. Instead, look toward the AB-900 (Microsoft 365 Certified: Copilot and Agent Administration Fundamentals), which is the AI-focused successor. 

• You Already Have Hands-on Experience: If you’ve been an M365 Admin for a year or more, the MS-900 might feel too basic. In this case, your time is better spent on the MS-102 (Microsoft 365 Administrator Expert), which carries much more weight for technical roles.

Get a Free MS-900 Study Guide

The MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals credential demonstrates your foundational knowledge of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Because the exam covers a broad range of topics—from licensing models to SaaS security—having a clear roadmap is essential to passing before the March 2026 retirement.

CBT Nuggets offers a comprehensive MS-900 study guide available for free download here. This guide provides a step-by-step 5-week plan to help you navigate every exam objective, including cloud concepts, core Microsoft 365 services, and security principles

Prepare with MS-900 Practice Tests

One of the most effective ways to ensure you’re ready for the real thing is by using MS-900 practice tests. Since you only have until March 31, 2026, you can’t afford to walk into the testing center unsure of the question format. Practice exams help you identify specific knowledge gaps—whether it’s in cloud security or deployment options—so you can focus your remaining study time where it matters most.

CBT Nuggets provides comprehensive MS-900 practice tests as part of the training. These tests are designed to mimic the actual exam environment, helping you hone your expertise and build the confidence needed to pass on your first attempt.

Part of a Wider Change

The retirement of MS-900 is part of a wider set of changes Microsoft is implementing to turn towards a more AI-focused training. Microsoft introduced an AI fundamentals credential, Microsoft 365 Certified: Copilot and Agent Administration Fundamentals. This certification gives people a new path if they want coverage focusing on Copilot and agent admin topics. The exam for this credential is currently in beta.

Don’t miss your chance to add this fundamental credential to your resume. Start learning CBT Nuggets today and use the MS-900 study guide and practice tests to get certified before the March 2026 retirement.