Overview of Power Platform Certification Renewal
Microsoft Power Platform certifications serve as official recognition of the technical and functional skills of professionals working with automation, analytics, and low-code development technologies. However, because the platform evolves rapidly, it’s essential to maintain your credentials through a periodic renewal process. Microsoft has introduced a free annual renewal system to ensure certified professionals continue to demonstrate mastery of the platform’s latest capabilities.
The renewal process applies to all Associate and Expert level certifications, including Power Platform credentials such as PL‑100, PL‑200, PL‑400, PL‑500, and PL‑600. Fundamentals level certifications, such as PL‑900, do not expire and therefore do not require renewal.
Certification Duration and Expiration
Each Power Platform certification is valid for 12 months from the date of achievement. Microsoft sends email notifications approximately six months before expiration, inviting candidates to complete the renewal assessment available on the Microsoft Learn portal. This exam focuses on platform updates and is free of charge.
Access to the Renewal Exam
The renewal exam is available through your Microsoft certification profile. Once signed in, you can start the self-paced online assessment, which consists of multiple-choice questions and scenario-based exercises covering the latest platform updates.
Duration and Renewal Method
- Validity: 12 months from achievement date
- Renewal: free via Microsoft Learn portal
- Renewal window: starts 6 months before expiration
- Assessment: self-paced online evaluation
- Minimum passing score: 70%
Skills Reassessed During Renewal
The renewal exam content varies by certification. However, Microsoft generally reassesses core areas of expertise relevant to Power Platform professionals:
- New Microsoft Dataverse features and changes in data management and relationships
- Updates to the Power Apps Component Framework (PCF) and new client-side extensibility methods
- Improvements to Power Automate cloud and desktop flows, including new connectors and security policies
- Enhancements and new capabilities in Power Pages for external websites
- Deeper integration with Microsoft Teams and Azure for automation and dashboards
- New AI Builder models and updates regarding limits and performance
Renewal Policies and Minimum Requirements
To keep your certification active, you must meet the following requirements:
- Access the Microsoft Learn portal before expiration and complete the online renewal.
- Achieve a minimum score of 70% on the assessment.
- Complete the test within the deadline indicated in your certification profile.
If your certification expires, you must retake the full exam associated with the credential, such as PL‑200 for the “Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate” certification.
Benefits of Renewal
Maintaining an active certification offers multiple professional advantages:
- Demonstrate up-to-date skills aligned with the latest platform releases.
- Maintain visibility on your Microsoft Learn Profile.
- Access globally recognized digital badges.
- Strengthen your positioning as a Microsoft Power Platform certified expert.
Best Practices for Renewal Preparation
To successfully complete the renewal exam, it is recommended to follow a structured preparation approach using official and supporting resources:
- Attend official training courses such as PL‑200T00 or PL‑400T00.
- Study the latest updates documented on Microsoft Power Platform Docs.
- Use practice tools such as the exam simulator or the PL‑200 checklist.
- Follow the custom study roadmap provided by Esamatic.
Renewal Process Diagram
Renewal and Application Lifecycle Management (ALM)
In the context of Power Platform solution ALM, certification renewal ensures that professionals remain up to date with deployment and versioning methodologies. As described in Microsoft best practices, managed and unmanaged solutions require a systematic approach to maintain consistency across development, test, and production environments.
Certified professionals should demonstrate proficiency with tools such as Azure DevOps, Power Platform Build Tools, and continuous integration pipelines to ensure efficient and traceable lifecycle processes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do I have to renew my Power Platform certification?
You have until the expiration date indicated in your certification profile. The renewal period begins about six months before expiration, and you can complete it online anytime during that window for free.
Do I need to retake the full exam if my certification expires?
Yes. If your certification expires, you must retake the full associated exam, such as PL‑200 or PL‑400, to regain active status.
Can I renew multiple certifications at once?
Yes, you can renew multiple certifications, but each has its own specific update assessment based on that credential’s latest content.
Does the renewal process have a cost?
No, renewal is completely free and is performed online through the Microsoft Learn platform.