Which Microsoft Certifications Matter for D365 Finance Professionals — and Why CFOs & Project Managers Should Care
Certifications are not everything — but they provide structure, credibility, and a consistent way to evaluate skills.
- If you're a consultant, they give you a roadmap for upskilling.
- If you're a CFO or project manager, they help you validate the competence of the people touching your ERP.
Here’s a clear, no-nonsense guide to the most important certifications in the Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations ecosystem.
🎓 Current Microsoft Certifications (2025)
1. Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate (MB-310)
Focus: GL, AP, AR, Fixed Assets, Budgeting, Financial Dimensions.
- For consultants: The baseline certification for anyone working on Finance. Requires MB-300 + MB-310.
- For CFOs/PMs: Expect this for anyone who configures your chart of accounts, dimensions, tax, posting profiles, or period-end processes.
👉 Related guides:
- Ledger vs Subledger in D365 Finance
https://www.fitgapfinance.com/ledger-vs-subledger-d365-finance/ - Fixed-Asset Posting Profiles — Complete Guide
https://www.fitgapfinance.com/en-fixed-assets-posting-profiles-d365/
2. Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate (MB-330)
Focus: Procurement, inventory, logistics, production, costing.
- For consultants: Complements Finance for end-to-end ERP roles. Requires MB-300 + MB-330.
- For CFOs/PMs: Shows understanding of how inventory and procurement integrate with Finance (valuation, landed cost, approvals).
👉 Related guide:
- ERP Implementation Environments — What You Need
https://www.fitgapfinance.com/erp-implementation-environment-strategy/
3. Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations Apps Developer Associate (MB-500)
Focus: X++, development, extensions, integrations.
- For consultants: Validates technical extension skills.
- For CFOs/PMs: This is a technical role — not a Finance SME. Don’t expect them to lead process design.
4. Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations Solution Architect Expert (MB-700)
Focus: Architecture, governance, solution design.
- For consultants: Senior credential. Requires an Associate certification first.
- For CFOs/PMs: If someone holds MB-700, they should guide architecture, integration decisions, project governance, and design principles.
👉 Complementary reading:
- Roles & Responsibilities in an ERP Project
https://www.fitgapfinance.com/roles-responsibilities-erp-project/
5. Power Platform Certifications (PL-200, PL-400, PL-600)
Focus: Power Apps, Power Automate, analytics, integration.
- For consultants: Future-proof skillset.
- For CFOs/PMs: Signals the ability to automate approvals, build lightweight apps, and create dashboards.
👉 Related:
- Workflow Best Practices in D365 Finance
https://www.fitgapfinance.com/d365-finance-workflow-best-practices/
🕒 Exam Process & Renewal
- Proctored exams: Taken online under supervision or in a test center.
- Annual renewal: Certifications expire every 12 months but can be renewed online (unproctored, much easier).
📜 Legacy Certifications (No Longer Offered)
- Dynamics AX 2012 Financials
- AX Trade & Logistics
- AX Projects
- MCSA: Dynamics 365
- MCSE: Business Applications
For CFOs/PMs:
These demonstrate past experience, but they do not map to the current role-based certifications. Treat them as historical credibility — not proof of current D365 expertise.
📌 Recommended Resource for Teams
If you want to assess roles, responsibilities, and skills more systematically:
- ERP Project RACI Matrix (EN)
https://fitgapfinance.gumroad.com/l/erp_raci_roles_responsabilities - Matrice RACI ERP (FR)
https://fitgapfinance.gumroad.com/l/erp_raci_roles_responsabilites_fr
✍️ Key Takeaway
For consultants: Certifications give structure and credibility — but hands-on implementation experience is what sets you apart.
For CFOs & PMs: Certifications are useful screening tools, but always dig into real project experience before assigning ownership of critical business processes.
© 2025 FitGap Finance Research Team — reproduction without permission prohibited.
