Microsoft Dynamics CRM certifications that will boost your pay

In our most recent Microsoft 365 and Azure Careers and Hiring Guide, we asked our Dynamics 365 professionals about certification; which badges they had, what technologies they were in, and perhaps most importantly, if they’d received a pay increase after earning their cert. 

A total of 29% of our respondents reported they experienced a pay increase after obtaining a Microsoft Dynamics 365 certification. This is a pretty juicy stat, and certification becomes even more attractive when you consider the wider appeal. 

The fact is, even if your current employer doesn’t immediately bump up your pay packet post-certification, getting your Dynamics 365 skills officially endorsed can increase your overall worth, leading to better prospects and greater opportunities. 

All this, as well as the potential to increase your salary, especially when taking the next step in your career. (And who doesn’t want that?) 

If you’re a Dynamics 365 professional specializing in its CRM-related apps—Sales, Customer Service, Marketing, Field Service and Project Operations—it could be high time to get certified. 

We’ve put together a handy guide to the Dynamics 365 certifications that are out there, and how you can get one. 

Dynamics 365 CRM certifications: What’re my options? 

Thinking about getting a certification in a Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM app? Here’s how it goes down. 

Microsoft has a huge number of certifications to choose from, and even more elective exams you can get your certifications by passing, meaning you have a fair amount of freedom when it comes to shaping your certification journey. 

When Dynamics 365 was released, Microsoft retired its standalone CRM certification, replacing it with MCSA: Microsoft Dynamics 365 and MCSE: Business Applications. However, these certifications have also now been retired, along with one of the exams you previously needed to take to pass them. 

But that doesn’t mean you don’t have other options; Microsoft isn’t going to shelve a cert focusing on its flagship CRM platform without replacing it. 

What is now on offer is a range of role-based certifications for Dynamics 365 professionals, spanning three experience levels, alongside some specialty badges that focus on specific topics.   

Beginner certifications 

• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM) 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP) 

Intermediate certifications 

• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Commerce Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Marketing Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Functional Consultant Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Developer Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Power Apps + Dynamics 365 Developer Associate 
• Microsoft Certified: Power Platform App Maker Associate 

Advanced certifications 

• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 + Power Platform Solution Architect Expert 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Expert 
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert 
• Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Solution Architect Expert 

Specialty certifications 

• Microsoft Certified: Customer Data Platform Specialty 

Let’s take a closer look at the certifications that relate to Dynamics 365’s CRM apps.  

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM) 

This entry-level certification focuses on broad, foundational knowledge for professionals starting their careers in Dynamics 365’s customer engagement apps. Topics covered by the Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM) certification include the platform’s marketing capabilities, and the automation of the sales, service and support lifecycles. 

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM) exam 

Earning this certification requires you to pass the MB-910: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM) exam. Here’s how the exam is broken down: 

• Describe Microsoft Dynamics 365 Marketing (15–20%) 
• Describe Dynamics 365 Sales (15–20%) 
• Describe Dynamics 365 Customer Service (20–25%) 
• Describe Dynamics 365 Field Service (15–20%) 
• Explore the core capabilities of Dynamics 365 customer engagement apps (20–25%) 

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate 

Centering on Dynamics 365’s customer service app, this certification validates your abilities to craft smart, effective customer experience solutions. You’ll be expected to know all the usual app-related stuff—managing data, configuring the platform, upkeeping security processes—as well as how to manage cases, queues, entitlements, and knowledge bases within the solution to anticipate and address customer needs. 

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate exam 

Earning this certification requires you to pass the MB-230: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant exam. Here’s how the exam is broken down: 

• Manage cases and Knowledge Management (25-30%) 
• Manage entitlements and SLAs (5-10%) 
• Implement scheduling (5-10%) 
• Implement multi-session experiences for Customer Service (20-25%) 
• Manage analytics and insights (10-15%) 
• Implement Microsoft Power Platform (5-10%) 
• Implement Connected Customer Service (5-10%) 
• Implement routing (5-10%) 

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate 

One for aspiring Dynamics 365 Functional Consultants, this certification focuses on the Field Service app. To earn this certification, you’ll need to be able to configure the app, manage the field service lifecycle, and deploy the Connected Field Service (IoT) solution to ensure the efficient processing of work orders and manage personnel and resources in the field. 

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate exam 

Earning this certification requires you to pass the MB-240: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant exam. Here’s how the exam is broken down: 

• Configure field service applications (20–25%) 
• Manage work orders (20–25%) 
• Schedule and dispatch work orders (20–25%) 
• Manage the Dynamics 365 Field Service mobile app (5–10%) 
• Manage inventory and purchasing (1–5%) 
• Manage Connected Field Service and customer assets (5–10%) 
• Implement Microsoft Power Platform (5–10%) 
• Manage customer experiences (5–10%) 

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Marketing Functional Consultant Associate 

The newest of the Dynamics 365 customer engagement certifications, this badge validates knowledge and experience with Dynamics 365 model-driven applications and data modeling principles.  

The certification covers multiple functions of the app, including marketing initiatives like campaigns, emails, and customer journeys, as well as the configuration of Dynamics 365 Marketing and setting up Dynamics 365 organizational security.  

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Marketing Functional Consultant Associate exam 

Earning this certification requires you to pass the MB-220: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Marketing Functional Consultant exam. Here’s how the exam is broken down: 

• Configure marketing applications (15–20%) 
• Manage segments and lists (10–15%) 
• Create and manage marketing forms and pages (5–10%) 
• Manage leads, contacts, and accounts (5–10%) 
• Create and manage marketing email messages (10–15%) 
• Manage customer journeys (20–25%) 
• Manage events and webinars (10–15%) 
• Configure Dynamics 365 Customer Voice (5–10%) 

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate 

One for Dynamics 365 for Sales specialists, to pass these exams and earn the cert, you need to demonstrate your ability to implement solutions that maximize sales teams’ productivity. That includes anticipating and planning customer connections, managing leads and deals, and helping sales teams make informed decisions using data analytics. 

The Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate exam 

Earning this certification requires you to pass the MB-210: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant exam. Here’s how the exam is broken down: 

• Configure Dynamics 365 Sales (35–40%) 
• Manage core sales tables (40–45%) 
• Configure additional tools and services (10–15%) 

Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM certification cost 

Each of Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 certifications requires you to sit at least one exam. The majority of these exams cost $165 USD per attempt, though the exam for the entry-level Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals badge is slightly cheaper at $99 USD. 

If you don’t pass the first time, you’ll have to pay for the exam again. The good news is that Microsoft provides several exam packages that offer cheaper resits. 

The Exam Replay package costs $230 USD, and includes one certification exam, plus one retake. Your other option is the Example Replay with Practice Test, which includes one certification exam, one retake, and access to one official Microsoft practice test. This package costs $265 USD. 

Why get a Dynamics 365 CRM certification? 

The Microsoft Dynamics 365 ecosystem is considered a high growth industry, especially after the release of the game-changing Dynamics 365. Demand for Dynamics 365 professionals is set to increase as more and more businesses digitize their business processes and seek to increase the value they get out of their IT functions. 

So, whether you’re a Technical Consultant, Functional Consultant, Developer or Practice Lead, when you get a Dynamics 365 CRM certification you essentially increase your worth as an IT professional.  

Not only will it help you command a higher salary, but it can also help mark you out from other candidates when looking for work and increase your “curb appeal” with potential employers; according to Microsoft, you’re five times more likely to get hired when in possession of a Microsoft certification. In the same study, it’s stated that 86% of hiring managers surveyed prefer a job applicant with a Microsoft certification. 

And once you’ve landed that great job, you’re more likely to take home a better salary if you have a badge against your name. Microsoft says that employees who hold a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification can earn “up to $16,000 more annually” than their non-certified IT colleagues. 

Being certified can also help you keep, and move forward in, your Dynamics 365 CRM role. In a fast-moving industry like IT, demonstrating your skills and making yourself a critical part of an organization is vital. By putting in the time and effort to earn your certificate, you’re showing your commitment to keeping up with new developments and advancing your skillset; which benefits not only yourself but also the company you work for, making you an asset they can’t afford to lose. 

What should you be earning as a Dynamics 365 professional? 

Download a copy of the full Microsoft 365 and Azure Careers and Hiring Guide report, including more information about the Dynamics 365 market and salary data from thousands of professionals around the world.