By Steve Endow
Two weeks ago I was coordinating with a Dynamics GP partner to update my Dynamics GP certifications in conjunction with them renewing their MPN certification requirements.
But when one of the consultants tried to schedule an exam on the Prometric web site, the web site would not let her complete the registration process, saying that only vouchers could be used to pay for the Dynamics GP exam.
At the same time, we found some discrepancies on the Microsoft web site regarding the Dynamics GP certification requirements and MPN certification requirements, so the partner inquired with Microsoft. We were told that some changes were being made to the certification requirements, and that the updates would be communicated shortly.
Today we received an official announcement that Microsoft is eliminating the exams and certifications for most, but not all, of the Dynamics products.
https://mbs.microsoft.com/partnersource/northamerica/readiness-training/readiness-training-news/MSDexamreqchanges
I have mixed feelings about this change. A few years ago, Microsoft made such a big push for requiring Dynamics GP certification, and requiring all partners to have several certified consultants on staff. That produced dramatic changes in the partner channel that affected a lot of people. Eventually things settled down and the exams and certifications became routine.
This announcement appears to be a 180 degree shift from that prior strategy, and completely abandons exams and certifications. While this may open the market back up to smaller partners, I now wonder if consulting quality may decrease as a result. But this assumes that the exams and certifications mattered and actually improved consulting quality--I don't know how we could measure or assess that.
So, welcome to a new phase in the Microsoft Dynamics strategy.
What do you think? Is this a good thing? A bad thing? Neither?
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Clik here to view.
Two weeks ago I was coordinating with a Dynamics GP partner to update my Dynamics GP certifications in conjunction with them renewing their MPN certification requirements.
But when one of the consultants tried to schedule an exam on the Prometric web site, the web site would not let her complete the registration process, saying that only vouchers could be used to pay for the Dynamics GP exam.
At the same time, we found some discrepancies on the Microsoft web site regarding the Dynamics GP certification requirements and MPN certification requirements, so the partner inquired with Microsoft. We were told that some changes were being made to the certification requirements, and that the updates would be communicated shortly.
Today we received an official announcement that Microsoft is eliminating the exams and certifications for most, but not all, of the Dynamics products.
We are announcing the elimination of certification/exam requirements for Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Microsoft Dynamics SL, Microsoft Dynamics RMS and Microsoft Dynamics C5 effective August 13th. This includes pre-sales and sales assessments as well as implementation methodology and technical certifications covering both SPA and MPN.
Microsoft Dynamics AX and Microsoft Dynamics CRM are not impacted by this announcement. Assessment and certification requirements remain for these product lines.A brief version of the announcement is posted on this Partnersource page:
https://mbs.microsoft.com/partnersource/northamerica/readiness-training/readiness-training-news/MSDexamreqchanges
I have mixed feelings about this change. A few years ago, Microsoft made such a big push for requiring Dynamics GP certification, and requiring all partners to have several certified consultants on staff. That produced dramatic changes in the partner channel that affected a lot of people. Eventually things settled down and the exams and certifications became routine.
This announcement appears to be a 180 degree shift from that prior strategy, and completely abandons exams and certifications. While this may open the market back up to smaller partners, I now wonder if consulting quality may decrease as a result. But this assumes that the exams and certifications mattered and actually improved consulting quality--I don't know how we could measure or assess that.
So, welcome to a new phase in the Microsoft Dynamics strategy.
What do you think? Is this a good thing? A bad thing? Neither?
Steve Endow is a Microsoft MVP for Dynamics GP and a Dynamics GP Certified IT Professional in Los Angeles. He is the owner of Precipio Services, which provides Dynamics GP integrations, customizations, and automation solutions.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
