What's changing for Azure Cosmos DB and Power Platform Developer Certifications?
Developers aren't building the same applications they were just a few years ago.
Today, they're creating cloud-native solutions, integrating AI experiences, connecting data across platforms, and working with tools that evolve at an unprecedented pace. As developer roles continue to expand, the skills they need and the certifications that validate those skills must evolve too.
We're making updates to Microsoft Certifications for Azure Cosmos DB and Microsoft Power Platform developers. These changes help ensure that certifications continue to reflect the real-world skills developers use every day while helping learners demonstrate expertise in today's rapidly changing technology landscape.
Azure Cosmos DB Developer Certification evolves with modern development
When Exam DP-420 was first introduced, it focused on validating the skills needed to build applications with Azure Cosmos DB.
Since then, the role of an Azure Cosmos DB developer has expanded significantly. Developers are now building cloud-native applications, designing modern application architectures, and increasingly creating AI-powered experiences that rely on data stored in Azure Cosmos DB.
To better reflect this broader role, we're updating the certification's name and level. The updated certification will be Microsoft Certified: Azure Cosmos DB AI Developer Associate. If you hold this certification, the name change will appear automatically; no action is required.
The updated certification will continue to validate the core Azure Cosmos DB development skills learners rely on today, while placing greater emphasis on modern application development patterns and AI-related scenarios that developers increasingly encounter in their work.
What does this mean for current certification holders?
If you've already earned the certification, your achievement remains valid.
When the update takes effect, the certification name and level will automatically be updated on your transcript. You'll continue to renew your certification through the existing renewal process, and no additional action is required to maintain your credential.
Key dates
- Certification name update effective: October 6, 2026
- Updated exam available: October 6, 2026
Exam PL-400 Is Becoming AB-400
We're also updating Exam PL-400 to AB-400: Extending Microsoft Power Platform Solutions with Code and AI, effective October 16, 2026.
This change reflects the way Power Platform developers are building solutions today. Modern development increasingly includes AI integrations, custom code experiences, intelligent agents, and advanced extensibility capabilities across the Microsoft ecosystem.
The refreshed AB-400 exam will continue to validate the core skills expected of Power Platform developers while incorporating newer capabilities and development patterns, including:
- Power Apps code apps
- Microsoft Foundry agent integration
- Copilot Studio agent integration
- AI-powered application development scenarios
- Modern extensibility and customization approaches
What's staying the same?
While the exam number is changing, the certification earned remains unchanged.
Learners who pass the exam will continue to earn the Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Developer Associate certification. The value of the credential, recognition from employers, and renewal process all remain the same.
The transition from PL-400 to AB-400 simply helps align the exam within Microsoft's certification portfolio while ensuring that the skills measured reflect the latest Power Platform capabilities.
Important transition dates
- The updated AB-400 exam will be available beginning October 16, 2026, and registration is available today. Register now
- October 16, 2026: Registration for PL-400 closes, and registration opens exclusively for AB-400.
- Learners who register for PL-400 on or before October 16 can continue to schedule and take the exam through October 30, 2026.
What This Means for Learners
Technology continues to evolve, and certifications should evolve with it.
These updates help ensure Microsoft Certifications remain aligned to the skills developers are using in modern application development, AI integration, and cloud-native architectures. Whether you're building AI-enabled applications with Azure Cosmos DB or extending Microsoft Power Platform solutions with code and AI, your certifications will continue to represent relevant, in-demand expertise.
As you plan your next learning milestone, explore AI Skills Navigator to discover certifications and training opportunities aligned to your goals.
aiskillsnavigator.microsoft.com/credentials
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