SSWConsulting · tinacloud-app · Jul 31, 2026 · Jul 31, 2026 · Jul 31, 2026 · Jul 31, 2026
diff --git a/categories/infrastructure-and-networking/rules-to-better-system-administrators.mdx b/categories/infrastructure-and-networking/rules-to-better-system-administrators.mdx
@@ -41,6 +41,7 @@ index:
 - rule: public/uploads/rules/run-rsat-from-non-domain-computer/rule.mdx
 - rule: public/uploads/rules/what-is-dns/rule.mdx
 - rule: public/uploads/rules/tasks-with-a-ticking-clock/rule.mdx
+- rule: public/uploads/rules/power-platform-certifications/rule.mdx
 ---
 
 System Administrators (SysAdmins) are the lifeblood of any business. They mantain the infrastructure, networks and systems and cloud of businesses. This is why we have developed these standards for better System Administrators.

diff --git a/categories/software-engineering/rules-to-better-azure.mdx b/categories/software-engineering/rules-to-better-azure.mdx
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@ type: category
 title: Rules to Better Azure
 uri: rules-to-better-azure
 guid: f816a7f4-473a-4cff-ae39-50f414641409
-seoDescription: 'SSW''s rules for using Microsoft Azure effectively. Learn best practices for cloud services, infrastructure, security, and cost management.'
 index:
   - rule: public/uploads/rules/choose-azure-services/rule.mdx
   - rule: public/uploads/rules/learn-azure/rule.mdx
@@ -52,6 +51,7 @@ index:
   - rule: public/uploads/rules/host-classic-asp-on-azure/rule.mdx
   - rule: public/uploads/rules/system-assigned-vs-user-assigned-managed-identities/rule.mdx
   - rule: public/uploads/rules/azure-private-networking/rule.mdx
+  - rule: public/uploads/rules/power-platform-certifications/rule.mdx
 created: 2024-03-06T09:25:01.000Z
 createdBy: 'Jayden Alchin [SSW]'
 createdByEmail: 75593567+jaydenalchin@users.noreply.github.com

diff --git a/categories/software-engineering/rules-to-better-power-platform.mdx b/categories/software-engineering/rules-to-better-power-platform.mdx
@@ -1,23 +1,20 @@
 ---
-_template: category
 type: category
 title: Rules to Better Power Platform
-guid: 906a33a1-9fd5-4fab-aed9-c53687d2f007
 uri: rules-to-better-power-platform
-seoDescription: Best practices for Microsoft Power Platform. Learn how to use Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, and Power Virtual Agents together.
+guid: 906a33a1-9fd5-4fab-aed9-c53687d2f007
 index:
-- rule: public/uploads/rules/create-a-solution-and-use-the-current-environment-when-creating-flow-for-dynamics/rule.mdx
-- rule: public/uploads/rules/take-advantage-of-power-automate-and-azure-functions-in-your-dynamics-solutions/rule.mdx
-- rule: public/uploads/rules/use-the-common-data-service-connector-instead-of-the-dynamics-365-connector/rule.mdx
-- rule: public/uploads/rules/control-who-can-manage-power-platform-environments/rule.mdx
-- rule: public/uploads/rules/power-automate-flows-service-accounts/rule.mdx
-- rule: public/uploads/rules/power-automate-flows-convert-timezone/rule.mdx
-- rule: public/uploads/rules/automation-tools/rule.mdx
-- rule: public/uploads/rules/power-platform-versioning/rule.mdx
-- rule: public/uploads/rules/power-platform-certifications/rule.mdx
-
+  - rule: public/uploads/rules/create-a-solution-and-use-the-current-environment-when-creating-flow-for-dynamics/rule.mdx
+  - rule: public/uploads/rules/take-advantage-of-power-automate-and-azure-functions-in-your-dynamics-solutions/rule.mdx
+  - rule: public/uploads/rules/use-the-common-data-service-connector-instead-of-the-dynamics-365-connector/rule.mdx
+  - rule: public/uploads/rules/control-who-can-manage-power-platform-environments/rule.mdx
+  - rule: public/uploads/rules/power-automate-flows-service-accounts/rule.mdx
+  - rule: public/uploads/rules/power-automate-flows-convert-timezone/rule.mdx
+  - rule: public/uploads/rules/automation-tools/rule.mdx
+  - rule: public/uploads/rules/power-platform-versioning/rule.mdx
+_template: category
 ---
 
 The Microsoft Power Platform is more than the sum of its parts. Connect them together—and to Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Azure, and hundreds of other apps—and build end-to-end business solutions.
 
-Want to be more effective and efficient in your business? Check [SSW's Power Platform consulting page](https://www.ssw.com.au/consulting/power-platform).
+Want to be more effective and efficient in your business? Check [SSW's Power Platform consulting page](https://www.ssw.com.au/consulting/power-platform).
diff --git a/public/uploads/rules/power-platform-certifications/cert-levels.webp b/public/uploads/rules/power-platform-certifications/cert-levels.webp
diff --git a/public/uploads/rules/power-platform-certifications/certs-poster-corner.png b/public/uploads/rules/power-platform-certifications/certs-poster-corner.png
diff --git a/public/uploads/rules/power-platform-certifications/rule.mdx b/public/uploads/rules/power-platform-certifications/rule.mdx
@@ -1,130 +1,119 @@
 ---
-seoDescription: Microsoft Power Platform certifications offer a range of training options to help professionals learn new skills, fill knowledge gaps and boost productivity.
 type: rule
-title: Do you know the relevant Power Platform certifications and associated exams?
-categories:
-  - category: categories/software-engineering/rules-to-better-power-platform.mdx
+title: Do you know the relevant Microsoft certifications and associated exams?
 uri: power-platform-certifications
+categories:
+  - category: categories/software-engineering/rules-to-better-azure.mdx
+  - category: categories/infrastructure-and-networking/rules-to-better-system-administrators.mdx
 authors:
   - title: Bryden Oliver
-    url: https://www.ssw.com.au/people/bryden-oliver/
-created: 2022-01-07T05:02:20.942Z
+    url: 'https://www.ssw.com.au/people/bryden-oliver/'
+  - title: Chris Schultz
+    url: 'https://www.ssw.com.au/people/chris-schultz'
 guid: fa25d879-7de6-43ce-9b2b-485fde08fb51
+seoDescription: 'Microsoft Power Platform certifications offer a range of training options to help professionals learn new skills, fill knowledge gaps and boost productivity.'
+created: 2022-01-07T05:02:20.942Z
+createdBy: Chris Schultz
+createdByEmail: ChrisSchultz@ssw.com.au
+lastUpdated: 2026-07-31T06:48:44.153Z
+lastUpdatedBy: Chris Schultz
+lastUpdatedByEmail: ChrisSchultz@ssw.com.au
 ---
 
-Whether you're an expert or just getting started, working towards gaining a new certification is a worthwhile investment.
+Whether you're an expert or just getting started, working towards gaining a Microsoft certification is a worthwhile investment.
 
 Microsoft provides numerous certifications and training options to help you:
 
-* Learn new skills
-* Fill technical knowledge gaps
+* Learn new skills and fill technical knowledge gaps
+* Prove your competence to clients, and improve your LinkedIn profile
 * Boost your productivity
-* Prove your competence
+* Help your company with their Microsoft Partnership status
 
 <endIntro />
 
+<imageEmbed alt="Image" size="large" showBorder={false} figurePrefix="none" figure="Microsoft Certification levels" src="/uploads/rules/power-platform-certifications/cert-levels.webp" />
 
-<imageEmbed
-  alt="Image"
-  size="large"
-  showBorder={false}
-  figurePrefix="none"
-  figure="Microsoft Certification RoadMap"
-  src="/uploads/rules/power-platform-certifications/certification-map.png"
-/>
-
-
----
+***
 
 ## Fundamentals
 
-If you're just getting started, take a look at:
+If you're just getting started, take a look at Fundamental exams, for example:
 
-#### [Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-au/learn/certifications/power-platform-fundamentals/?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-33518)
+* [Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/azure-fundamentals/)
+* [Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-901)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/azure-ai-fundamentals/)
+* [Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/power-platform-fundamentals/)
 
-Earn this certification to prove you have a foundational knowledge of the Power Platform.
-
-You will need to pass Exam [PL-900: Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-au/learn/certifications/exams/pl-900?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-33518).
-
----
+***
 
 ## Associate
 
-Once you've mastered the fundamentals, developers should move on to:
-
-#### [Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-au/learn/certifications/data-analyst-associate/?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-33518)
-
-Earn this certification to prove you have skills and knowledge in data processing and storage.
-
-You will need to pass Exam [DA-100: Analyzing Data with Microsoft Power BI](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-au/learn/certifications/exams/da-100?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-33518).
+Most people can skip the exams above, and jump into Associate certifications.
 
-#### [Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-au/learn/certifications/power-platform-functional-consultant-associate?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-33518)
+Some popular ones are:
 
-Earn this certification to prove you can build solutions on the Power Platform using low code or no code solutions.
+* [Azure AI Cloud Developer Associate (AI-200)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/azure-ai-cloud-developer-associate/)
+* [Azure AI Apps and Agents Developer Associate (AI-103)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/azure-ai-apps-and-agents-developer-associate/)
+* [Power Platform Developer Associate (PL-400)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/power-platform-developer-associate/)
+* [Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/azure-administrator/)
+* [Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/azure-network-engineer-associate/)
 
-You will need to pass Exam [PL-200: Microsoft Power Platform Functional Consultant](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-au/learn/certifications/exams/pl-200?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-33518).
+***
 
-#### [Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Developer Associate](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-au/learn/certifications/power-platform-developer-associate?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-33518)
-
-Earn this certification to prove you can design, develop, secure and extend Microsoft Power Platform solutions.
-
-You will need to pass Exam [PL-400: Microsoft Power Platform Developer](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-au/learn/certifications/exams/pl-400?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-33518).
-
-#### [Microsoft Certified: Power Platform App Maker Associate](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-au/learn/certifications/power-platform-app-maker?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-33518)
-
-Earn this certification to prove that as a business stakeholder you can engage well with Power Platform developers to design and specify business automations.
-
-You will need to pass Exam [PL-100: Microsoft Power Platform App Maker](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-au/learn/certifications/exams/pl-100?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-33518).
+## Expert
 
-#### [Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-au/learn/certifications/d365-business-central-functional-consultant-associate?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-33518)
+Once you have an associate certification or 2, prove your advanced skills by getting an Expert certification. Note these generally have prerequisites, for example AZ-305 requires AZ-104.
 
-Earn this certification to prove you have a solid knowledge of Dynamics 365 Business Central.
+The main expert certifications are:
 
-You will need to pass Exam [MB-800: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-au/learn/certifications/exams/mb-800?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-33518).
+* [Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/azure-solutions-architect/)
+* [DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/devops-engineer/)
+* [Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect (AB-100)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/agentic-ai-business-solutions-architect/)
+* [Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/cybersecurity-architect-expert/)
 
----
+***
 
 ## Specialty
 
-#### [Microsoft Certified: Customer Data Platform Specialty](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-au/learn/certifications/customer-data-platform-specialty?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-33518)
+Specialty exams focus on specific workloads or skills, including GitHub, Virtual Desktops, and Cosmos DB:
 
-Earn this certification to prove you understand using the Power Platform to manage customer retention, improve customer experiences.
+* [ Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty (AZ-140)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/azure-virtual-desktop-specialty/)
+* [GitHub Administration (GH-100)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/github-administration/)
+* [Agentic AI Developer (GH-600)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/agentic-ai-developer/)
+* [Azure Cosmos DB Developer Specialty (DP-420)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/azure-cosmos-db-developer-specialty/)
 
-You will need to pass Exam [MB-260: Microsoft Customer Data Platform Specialist](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-au/learn/certifications/exams/mb-260?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-33518).
+***
 
----
-
-## Expert
+## All certifications
 
-#### [Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Solution Architect Expert](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-au/learn/certifications/power-platform-solution-architect-expert?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-33518)
+[Check the Become Microsoft Certified poster](https://aka.ms/CertificationsPoster) to see all certifications and the related exams.
 
-Earn this certification to prove you have a foundational knowledge of the Power Platform.
+<imageEmbed alt="Image" size="large" showBorder={false} figurePrefix="none" figure="View the poster to see all certifications" src="/uploads/rules/power-platform-certifications/certs-poster-corner.png" />
 
-You will need to pass Exam [PL-600: Microsoft Power Platform Solution Architect](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-au/learn/certifications/exams/pl-600?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-33518)
+## Tips for preparing
 
-and complete one of
+Preparing for exams can involve a lot of work, but remember, you're not in school anymore! You've chosen to take this exam, and no one is forcing you. So just sit back and **enjoy the journey - you should feel excited by the new skills you will soon learn**.
 
-[Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-au/learn/certifications/power-platform-functional-consultant-associate/?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-33518)
+Here are some quick tips to help you pass:
 
-OR
-
-[Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Developer Associate](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-au/learn/certifications/power-platform-developer-associate/?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-33518).
-
----
+1. Take practice tests, e.g. from [Mindhub](https://au.mindhub.com/microsoft-exam-replay-with-practice-test-mcp-exam/p/Microsoft-Exam-Replay-PT)
+2. Pair up - studying with someone else is good as you can hold each other accountable, and it’s just more enjoyable!
+3. [Attend SSW training](https://www.ssw.com.au/events) - have a look at when the next SSW Azure Super Skills is being held in your city and book it in! These are great and offer a wealth of knowledge about the certification process and can make your time getting certified easier.
 
+Good luck!
 
-<imageEmbed
-  alt="Image"
-  size="large"
-  showBorder={false}
-  figurePrefix="none"
-  figure="Get the poster to see Microsoft's certifications"
-  src="/uploads/rules/power-platform-certifications/screen-shot-2022-01-06-at-10.17.14-pm.png"
-/>
+***
 
+## Retired exams
 
-[Check the Become Microsoft Certified poster](https://aka.ms/traincertposter) for details of exams required for each of the certifications.
+Microsoft retired a bunch of exams through mid-2026, replacing them with AI-focused exams instead.
 
-Preparing for exams can involve a lot of work, and in some cases stress and anxiety. But remember, you're not in school anymore! You've chosen to take this exam, and no one is forcing you. So just sit back and **enjoy the journey - you should feel excited by the new skills you will soon learn**. If you want some great advice and tips, be sure to check out [Successfully Passing Microsoft Exams by @JasonTaylorDev](https://jasontaylor.dev/successfully-passing-microsoft-exams/).
+| **Retiring exam**                                     | **Retirement date** | **Replacement exam**                                                                                                                                                                   |
+| ----------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
+| Azure Data Scientist Associate (DP-100)               | June 1, 2026        | [Machine Learning Operations Engineer Associate (AI-300)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/operationalizing-machine-learning-and-generative-ai-solutions/) |
+| Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900)                        | June 30, 2026       | [Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-901)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/azure-ai-fundamentals/)                                                                  |
+| Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102)                  | June 30, 2026       | [Azure AI Apps and Agents Developer Associate (AI-103)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/azure-ai-apps-and-agents-developer-associate/)                    |
+| Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204)                    | July 31, 2026       | [Azure AI Cloud Developer Associate (AI-200)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/azure-ai-cloud-developer-associate/)                                        |
+| Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)            | August 31, 2026     | [Cloud and AI Security Engineer Associate (SC-500)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/cloud-and-ai-security-engineer-associate/)                            |
+| Windows Server Hybrid Administrator (AZ-800 & AZ-801) | September 30, 2026  | [Windows Server Administrator Associate (AZ-802)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/windows-server-administrator-associate/)                                |
 
-Good luck!
+See [the blog post](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/skills-hub-blog/the-ai-job-boom-is-here-are-you-ready-to-showcase-your-skills/4494128) for more information.