CertificationCamps

10/13/2026

Microsoft 365 Administrator Expert retires on November 30. After that date, no one can earn or renew it.

If you are anywhere on that path, here is how we would use the next seven weeks.

You already hold it: it stays active until its expiration date. If your renewal window is open before November 30, renew now. That gives you one more year.

You have the associate and are nearly ready for MS-102: take it before November 30. You will hold the certification until it expires, but you will not be able to renew it.

You are just starting: do not race a deadline for a certification you cannot keep. Put that time into AB-650, the new Microsoft 365 and AI Services Administrator Associate. Managing and securing Copilot and agents makes up more than a third of it.

The associate certifications that led to the Expert, such as Endpoint Administrator, are not retiring.

If you would rather prepare with an instructor, our 5-day AB-650 bootcamp includes the exam voucher, a retake voucher and 90 days of lab access: https://www.certificationcamps.com/bootcamps/ab-650-bootcamp-microsoft-365-certified-ai-services-administrator-associate/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=chester-linkedin&utm_content=2026-10-13-m365-expert

10/06/2026

PL-400 registration closes October 16. From that date, AB-400 is the exam for Power Platform Developer Associate.

The certification is not retiring, and if you already hold it, nothing changes. Register for PL-400 by October 16 and you can still test through October 30.

But AB-400 is not PL-400 with a new number. The focus moves toward code and AI:

• Power Apps code apps
• Microsoft Foundry agents that integrate with Power Platform
• Copilot Studio workflows alongside Power Automate
• No more canvas app or app troubleshooting sections

If you are ready to test this month, book PL-400 now. If not, prepare for AB-400 from the start.

09/29/2026

You passed your Microsoft certification exam. Do you have to take it again next year?

For an active certification eligible for renewal, the answer is no. Microsoft has a separate renewal process.

Here’s what to know once you’ve earned your credential:

• Associate, expert, and specialty certifications are generally valid for one year.
• The renewal window opens six months before your certification expires.
• Renewal is free and completed through an online assessment.
• The assessment is open book and unproctored, with a focus on updated skills.
• Fundamentals certifications do not expire and do not need annual renewal.

One detail worth knowing: renewing early does not cost you time on your certification.

If your certification expires in December and you renew in July, the new expiration date is December of the following year. The extra year is added to your existing expiration date.

That’s why our advice is to put the renewal window in your calendar as soon as you earn the certification. Give yourself time to review what has changed and complete the assessment without a last minute rush.

The deadline matters. Once a certification expires, you cannot use the renewal assessment to bring it back. You need to meet the current requirements to earn it again, if it is still available.

09/24/2026

Azure Administrator or Azure Architect?

Many of our students ask us which certification they should pursue: AZ-104 (Administrator) or AZ-305 (Architect)?

The first thing we discuss is the work they do today and where they want to go next.

If you spend your time configuring networks, managing permissions, deploying virtual machines, and keeping Azure resources running, AZ-104 connects directly to those responsibilities.

AZ-305 shifts the focus toward design decisions. Which services fit the business requirements? How should a solution handle outages? What are the tradeoffs between cost, security, and availability?

You can see the difference with something as familiar as storage. Configuring access to a storage account is an administration task. Choosing a storage approach for an application with specific recovery and performance requirements is an architecture decision.

That’s why we encourage students to build a solid administration foundation before moving into architecture. Understanding how a solution behaves in practice helps you make better design decisions.

There’s also a certification requirement to keep in mind: passing AZ-305 alone does not earn Azure Solutions Architect Expert. You also need Azure Administrator Associate.

For someone building their Azure skills, we would generally recommend focusing on AZ-104 first.

For someone who already holds Azure Administrator Associate and is taking on solution design responsibilities, AZ-305 is a natural next step.

09/21/2026

Planning a Microsoft certification in the next six months? Two retirement dates deserve your attention.

September 30, 2026
AZ-800 and AZ-801 retire.

These are the two exams previously required for Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate. The certification path continues through AZ-802: Administering Windows Server.

Existing certification holders do not need to take AZ-802 simply because the exams are changing. Normal renewal requirements still apply.

November 30, 2026
MS-102 and Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert retire.

This change affects both the exam and the certification. After retirement, you can no longer earn or renew that credential.

If you are working toward it, passing MS-102 is only part of the requirement. You also need a qualifying associate certification, so your schedule needs to account for both.

09/16/2026

Windows Server certification is moving from two exams to one.

AZ-802: Administering Windows Server replaces AZ-800 and AZ-801, which retire on September 30, 2026.

If you work with Windows Server, here’s what that means for your preparation.

The new exam brings seven areas together:

• Active Directory
• Hybrid server management
• Virtual machines
• Networking
• Storage and file services
• Security
• Monitoring and troubleshooting

A single exam still covers a broad set of responsibilities. Experience in one area can leave gaps elsewhere.

For example, you might manage users and Group Policy every day but rarely work with Azure Arc. Or you might be comfortable with virtual machines but have limited experience recovering Active Directory.

If you already hold the Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate certification, you do not need to take AZ-802 simply because the exam requirements are changing. Keep track of your normal certification renewal requirements.

For anyone starting now, build your preparation around AZ-802 and give the areas you use least at work the most deliberate practice.

02/24/2026

☁️ Looking to level up your cloud career in 2026? Microsoft Azure skills are in higher demand than ever, especially with the rapid growth of AI and hybrid infrastructure.

Whether you're just starting your tech journey or you're a seasoned architect looking to validate your expertise, earning the right certification can unlock new job opportunities and boost your earning potential.

We’ve just published a comprehensive guide breaking down the 10 Best Azure Certifications for 2026.

Discover the 10 best Azure certifications for 2026. Explore top credentials like AZ-900, AZ-104, and AI-102 to boost your cloud skills and advance your career.

02/17/2026

A practical, detailed path you can follow to become a Microsoft Certified Professional in 2026.

https://www.certificationcamps.com/become-microsoft-certified-professional/

02/14/2026

Attend this boot camp and become a Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect in 5 Days.

https://www.certificationcamps.com/bootcamps/mce-microsoft-certified-azure-solutions-architect-training-certification-boot-camp/

04/05/2025

🚀 Thinking about leveling up your IT career in 2025?
Microsoft Infrastructure Certifications are the key to mastering cloud, networking, and hybrid solutions with Azure.

📌 Whether you’re just starting (AZ-900) or aiming for advanced roles (AZ-305, AZ-700), there’s a path for every professional.

✅ Fundamentals
✅ Role-Based Certifications
✅ Specialty Certifications

🔒 Secure your future in tech with globally recognized credentials. - https://www.certificationcamps.com/