Microsoft Dynamics GP Consultant Certification Changes

In addition to all of the partner certifications changes, Microsoft has quietly made some changes to the way that certifications work for consultants. So, I figured a quick recap was in order for everyone.

The newest certifications are:

Microsoft Certified IT Professional

• Applications
• Installation and Configuration

Candidates are required to pass one to two core exams and two to three elective exams, depending on the product and knowledge area selected.

This is the more stringent of the two certifications and there are two variations. It replaces the Microsoft Certified Business Management Solutions Professional certification (as best I can tell. MCBMSP is still listed in Partnersource but the links take you to the MCITP site).

The big change is that the Report Writer, Field Service and Modifier with VBA exams have been retired. Since the latest exams for these areas are for version 9.0, users who passed them previously can apply them toward these certifications but the exam is no longer open to new candidates. I find this strange since Report Writer and VBA haven’t changed appreciably since 9.0 so a version 9.0 competency should still be relevant. I think MS should at least update the version number on the test and keep offering it.

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist

Candidates are required to pass one certification exam to become a Technology Specialist.

This is not a difficult certification to achieve. We’ve got folks straight out of college achieving this in 30 days.

Notes for You

• The whole certification site is woefully out of date still showing GP 10 in most of the overview sections. GP 2010 specific certifications are available for:
• Financials
• Inventory and Order Processing
• Project Accounting
• Installation and Configuration
• There is no Management Reporter exam, you’re stuck with the FRx certification
• The “Dynamics GP Certified Master” certification is long retired. The requirements never measured up to say a SQL Server Certified Master. I still see occasionally see people using this and what it tells me is that their certifications aren’t up to date.
• An MVP is not a certification. It’s a recognition award and it is reviewed and potentially renewed annually.

“With the MVP Award, we thank these inspiring individuals for representing the voice of thousands in the community through the powerful and independent feedback they give us, and for helping our customers maximize the potential of their software.”