Updated requirements for Microsoft Azure VMware Solution specialization
Updated requirements for the Microsoft Azure VMware Solution (AVS) specialization make it simpler to obtain—offering a path to showcase your unique capabilities and technical expertise. What's changed We removed the requirement to pass the outdated AVS technical assessment to earn the specialization. We also removed the Broadcom certification requirements, which were previously checked as a portion of the audit. Highlights of the specialization Show customers you're uniquely qualified to migrate VMware workloads to Azure with the AVS specialization. Highlights include: Verified expertise badge. Priority listing in Microsoft directories. Access to incentives and co-sell programs. Visit Partner Center to verify that you meet the new AVS specialization requirements, then apply or renew today.Showcase your deep sovereignty expertise with the new Digital Sovereignty specialization
As announced on November 6 during our AI Tour, we're excited to introduce the Digital Sovereignty specialization. We designed this specialization so partners can capitalize on rising demand for sovereign cloud solutions as governments and critical industries seek data sovereignty and security in response to global uncertainty. This is a key growth opportunity as market demand for data, application, and infrastructure sovereignty increases. Starting in early 2026, partners who meet certain criteria can attain the Digital Sovereignty specialization. Here's what to know: This specialization signals to customers your deep technical expertise in designing, implementing, and managing sovereign cloud environments, including data operations, technical, and AI sovereignty. Attainment gives you access to benefits aligned to the specialization, including incentives, specialized badging, and increased discoverability. Microsoft will prioritize your organization for sovereign cloud opportunities. Partners who are interested in attaining this specialization must complete audit requirements and enroll via Partner Center. For more details, review the Digital Sovereignty specialization deck. Learn moreSkilling updates to the Analytics specialization, DW Migration specialization, and Azure Expert MSP
As always, Microsoft is seeking ways to evolve with the growing needs of our partners. Recent updates to some specialization requirements are just one way we’re working toward that goal. On June 18*, we are adjusting the certification requirements for the Analytics on Microsoft Azure specialization, the Data Warehouse Migration to Microsoft Azure specialization, and the Azure Expert MSP offering. These updates are designed to account for the retirement of the Azure Data Engineer Associate certification on March 31, 2025. For both the Analytics specialization and the Data Warehouse Migration specialization, the Azure Data Engineer Associate certification will be replaced with the Fabric Data Engineer Associate certification. For the Azure Expert MSP offering requirements, the Azure Data Engineer Associate certification is being removed without replacement. To meet the updated requirements, please ensure you have enough certified individuals in relevant certifications. The number of required certified individuals across each of the three offerings will remain the same. If you meet the prior requirements and are negatively impacted, you will have a six-month grace period to work toward meeting the new requirements. During this time, an override status will be indicated in Partner Center. Check out these links for more information: Skilling resources Specializations re-enrollments Analytics on Microsoft Azure specialization Data Warehouse Migration to Microsoft Azure specialization *Language has been updated since the original post was publishedPerformance and skilling updates coming to Infra and Database Migration specialization
Microsoft is always looking for ways to evolve with the growing needs of our partners. Recent updates to some specialization requirements are just one way we’re working toward that goal. On March 4, we made adjustments to the performance, skilling, and certification requirements for the Infrastructure (Azure) specialization, Infra and Database Migration to Azure. To showcase your organization’s competency in implementing secure migrations for customers, more flexible performance requirements will now include Azure Consumed Revenue (ACR) from either Windows or Linux and either SQL or open-source database (OSDB). Current requirement: You need to meet both Windows and Linux ACR requirements. Updated requirement: You need to meet either the Windows or Linux ACR requirement. Current requirement: You need to meet both SQL and OSDB ACR requirements. Updated requirement: You need to meet either the SQL or OSDB ACR requirement. Additionally, as of March 4, the Azure Security Engineer Associate certification is now a requirement for the Infra and Database Migration specialization. Partners who wish to enroll, or remain enrolled, in the specialization will need to have a certain number of their employees pass the Azure Security Engineer Associate certification. Furthermore, the Azure Data Engineer Associate certificate will expire on March 31, 2025. If you completed it before retirement, you will be credited for holding the certification for one year after obtaining it. Moving forward, this certification is replaced by Azure Database Administrator Associate. Your organization must have at least four individuals pass the following certifications, and each certification listed below must be held by at least one individual: DevOps Engineer Expert Azure Administrator Associate (New) Azure Security Engineer Associate Azure Data Engineer Associate* or Azure Database Administrator Associate *This certification will expire on March 31, 2025. If completed before retirement, it will remain valid for one year. Customers want to know you have the skills they need for their cloud migrations—make sure you meet these new requirements before you apply for a specialization renewal. If you’re unsure about your organization's qualifications for the updated requirements, please check the Infra and Database Migration to Azure specialization page in Partner Center. If you meet the prior requirements at the time of the change and are negatively impacted, you will have a six-month grace period to work toward meeting the new requirements. During this time, an override status will be indicated in Partner Center. As Microsoft marks our 50th anniversary, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued partners and customers. Your unwavering support and collaboration have been instrumental in shaping our journey.
