Microsoft
MicrosoftThank you all for taking the time to share your feedback. We understand the concerns many learners have expressed regarding the retirement of MS-102.
MS-102 was a broad certification that validated knowledge across many areas of Microsoft 365 administration, and we recognize that it became an important milestone for many administrators building and demonstrating their expertise. Pls note, we have pushed its retirement out to 11/30, so learners who may have already registered for the exam will have an additional month to study and obtain their certification.
As Microsoft 365 administrator responsibilities evolve, Microsoft periodically reviews certification portfolios to ensure they reflect current job roles and customer needs. The newer AB-650 certification was designed to incorporate emerging responsibilities such as Microsoft 365 Copilot and agent administration while continuing to cover core Microsoft 365 administration areas, including tenant management, identities, collaboration workloads, security, and governance.
We also recognize that some learners valued the depth and breadth of coverage represented by MS-102 and do not see AB-650 as an exact equivalent. That feedback has been heard and has been shared with the teams responsible for certification strategy and design.
For learners seeking deeper specialization in areas such as security, identity, compliance, or other advanced administration disciplines, Microsoft continues to offer role-based certifications that provide focused validation in those domains. Please explore all credentials at AI Skills Navigator | Credentials
We sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback from the community. Customer and learner input plays an important role in shaping future certification and skilling investments, and we will continue to monitor and share feedback with the appropriate teams.
I would like to challenge Microsoft's handling of the MS-102 retirement, particularly the decision to eliminate the Microsoft 365 Administrator Expert certification without establishing a meaningful transition policy for candidates already pursuing it.
Microsoft acknowledges that MS-102 provided broad validation of enterprise Microsoft 365 administration expertise and that AB-650 is not necessarily viewed as an equivalent replacement.
Yet Microsoft is proceeding with the retirement of an Expert-level credential and replacing it with a substantially different Associate-level certification.
That raises several questions.
First, why is Microsoft eliminating an established Expert-level certification instead of expanding its objectives to incorporate AI governance, Copilot administration, and emerging Microsoft 365 capabilities?
Second, why has Microsoft not established a grandfathering policy allowing candidates who pass MS-102 before November 30 to complete an eligible Associate prerequisite afterward?
Under the current policy, a candidate could demonstrate the required Expert-level knowledge by passing MS-102, subsequently earn MD-102 or MS-700, and still be denied the Administrator Expert credential because of an administrative deadline.
What exactly is the technical or procedural justification for that restriction?
Third, what provisions are being made for candidates who purchased examination retake packages but cannot exercise those benefits before the exam is retired?
Extending the deadline by one month does not adequately resolve these issues.
Microsoft's certification program exists, in part, to provide credible, recognized validation of professional expertise. Its design should reflect not only Microsoft's evolving product strategy but also the practical needs of enterprise employers and the professionals who maintain its technology.
I strongly encourage Microsoft to reconsider the retirement policy and provide a concrete response regarding prerequisite grandfathering, examination retakes, and the future of broad Expert-level Microsoft 365 certification.
Acknowledging feedback is appreciated. Addressing its substance would be considerably more meaningful.
Why not keep MS-102 as it is and make AB-650 a prerequisite instead? That would give us more flexibility while preserving the integrity of MS-102. Please reconsider this approach. The certification should not be shaped only by what Microsoft wants; it is also important to consider test takers and the impact on their resumes, employers and careers.
Why the downgrade from Expert to Associate? Is there another certification upcoming to earn Expert on AB-650 line?
