A Complete Certification Guide for Dynamics 365 Business Central

khushitaneja
Sep 8
3 min read

When it comes to Microsoft Dynamics 365, one of the fastest-growing solutions in the ERP world is Business Central. Designed for small and medium-sized businesses, it brings together finance, operations, sales, and supply chain into a single system. But as the platform expands, so does the demand for professionals who know how to configure, implement, and customize it.

That’s where certifications come in. They don’t just validate your knowledge; they open doors to better roles, higher salaries, and recognition in a competitive market. If you’re looking to build or advance your career in Business Central, this guide is for you.

A Complete Certification Guide for Dynamics 365 Business Central

Why Get Certified in Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Credibility & Trust – Certifications prove to employers and clients that you’re skilled in Business Central.
Career Growth – According to Microsoft, certified professionals often see better job opportunities and higher salaries. Some even report salary boosts of up to 20% after certification.
Employer Value – 78% of certified Microsoft professionals say their certification makes them more valuable to their company.
Future-proofing – As Business Central continues to evolve, certifications keep your skills relevant.

The Two Main Certification Paths

Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate (Exam MB-800)

If you’re more interested in the business process side, this certification is for you.

Role Focus:

Implementing and configuring core Business Central applications
Setting up financials, sales, purchasing, and inventory modules
Supporting SMBs with end-to-end ERP functionality

Skills Measured:

Set up Business Central (20–25%)
Configure Financials (30–35%)
Configure Sales & Purchasing (15–20%)
Configure Operations (25–30%)

Level: Intermediate

Renewal: Every 12 months (free online assessment on Microsoft Learn)

Dynamics 365 Business Central Developer Associate (Exam MB-820)

If coding and solution development excite you, MB-820 is your path.

Role Focus:

Building custom solutions and extensions with AL language
Managing CI/CD pipelines
Creating integrations with other Microsoft and third-party apps

Skills Measured:

Describe Business Central (10–15%)
Install & Deploy (10–15%)
Develop AL Objects (35–40%)
Work with AL (15–20%)
Development Tools (10–15%)
Integrations (10–15%)

Level: Intermediate–Advanced

Latest Update: English version refreshed in June 2025

Exam Details and Logistics

Both MB-800 and MB-820 exams:

Duration: ~100 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice and scenario-based questions
Proctored online or at test centers
Cost: ~$165 per attempt
Retake policy: 24 hours for the first retake, then longer gaps for additional attempts

Certification Validity: 1 year

Renewal: Free online assessment within 6-month renewal window

How to Prepare for Business Central Exams

1. Use Microsoft Learn

Free learning paths tailored to MB-800 and MB-820
Official study guides regularly updated (last update: August 2025 for MB-800)
Practice assessments and exam sandbox features

2. Hands-On Experience

Work on trial environments of Business Central
Configure real modules (finance, supply chain) or build simple AL extensions

3. Structured Training Programs

Training providers like ReSKILL or Readynez offer intensive bootcamps
Some include exam vouchers and job placement support

4. Best Practices

Simulate exam conditions with practice tests
Review exam objectives carefully
Balance study with real-world scenarios to deepen understanding

Choosing the Right Path

Functional Consultant (MB-800): Perfect for finance professionals, ERP consultants, or anyone strong in business processes.
Developer (MB-820): Best suited for technical specialists with programming knowledge and interest in custom development.

Tip: If you’re new to Dynamics 365, consider starting with a fundamentals certification before diving into these role-based ones.

Costs, Time Investment & ROI

Exam Fee: ~$165 each
Time Investment: A few weeks to months depending on experience
ROI: Increased job security, higher employability, stronger career progression

Renewal Strategy

Track your certification expiry dates in your Microsoft Learn profile
Take free renewal assessments within 6 months of expiration
Stay updated with new Business Central features, as they often appear in renewal content

Summary & Next Steps

Getting certified in Dynamics 365 Business Central is one of the smartest moves you can make in today’s ERP job market. Whether you choose the Functional Consultant (MB-800) or Developer (MB-820) path, both open up high-demand career opportunities with Microsoft partners and global enterprises.

Next Steps:

Pick your path (functional vs developer)
Explore the Microsoft Learn resources for your chosen exam
Plan your study and practice schedule
Register and take the exam
Keep certifications renewed yearly

FAQs

Q: Which certification is better – MB-800 or MB-820?It depends on your career goals. MB-800 is business-process focused, while MB-820 is technical and developer-oriented.

Q: How long does certification last?1 year, renewable through a free Microsoft Learn assessment.

Q: Can I do both MB-800 and MB-820?Yes. Some professionals hold both to cover functional and technical expertise.

At Live D365, we specialize in connecting certified Dynamics 365 professionals with Microsoft Partners worldwide. If you’re preparing for MB-800 or MB-820 and want to put your certification to work, reach out to us.