New certification and required exam for Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Voice Engineer Expert

As previously announced, we’re retiring the Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Voice Engineer Expert certification and its required Exam MS-720: Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer, on June 30, 2023.

 

The certification will be replaced by the new Microsoft 365 Certified: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate certification, available now.  We’re expanding the definition of the role—the current certification is focused on one technology, but as we carefully examine what organizations are looking for, it’s clear that the role has evolved to include a broader-based set of skills to build and manage solutions across multiple communications technologies, including audiovisual (AV), telephony systems, and team meeting room solutions. 

 

To earn the new certification, you’ll need to pass the new Exam MS-721: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer. Because this certification embraces a wider range of skills rather than deep expertise in a single technology, the level will be associate. The associate-level certification will not require any prerequisites—you need only pass the new exam. 

 

Updates to the Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Voice Engineer Expert certification.

The following questions and answers can help you determine how this news impacts your learning journey:

Q. I’ve already earned the Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Voice Engineer Expert certification. What happens now? 

A. If you’ve already earned the Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Voice Engineer Expert certification, you’ll see both the original Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Voice Engineer Expert and the new Microsoft 365 Certified: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate certifications on the transcript in your profile on Microsoft Learn.

 

In November 2023, the renewal window opens for the new Microsoft 365 Certified: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate certification. Be sure to pass the renewal assessment before the certification expires, to prove that you’re current on the skills for the new definition of the role.

 

The Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Voice Engineer Expert certification will stay on your transcript in your profile on Microsoft Learn, and you’ll be able to renew it through December 2023 (extending the expiration for one year). After it expires, it will move to the certification history section of your transcript.

 

Q. I’m preparing for Exam MS-720, and I’ve already earned the Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Administrator Associate certification that’s required for the Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Voice Engineer Expert certification. What should I do? 

A. If you’re preparing for Exam MS-720, and you’ve already earned the Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Administrator Associate certification, you can continue preparation for Exam MS-720 and take it before it retires in June 2023. If you pass the exam, you’ll earn the Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Voice Engineer Expert certification and will be granted the new Microsoft 365 Certified: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate certification.

 

Q. I’m considering earning the Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Voice Engineer Expert certification but haven’t started yet. What should I do? 

A. If you’re considering earning the Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Voice Engineer Expert certification, we recommend that you instead work toward the new Microsoft 365 Certified: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate certification. You can get started with the skills measured on Exam MS-721 and this curated collection of collaboration communications systems engineer learning paths.