Your certification guide to the Power Platform Professional

Your journey to becoming a Power Platform Professional starts now. A Microsoft Power Platform certification may sound like a lot of effort at first, but with the right guidance it can become a motivating learning journey. This guide takes you step-by-step through the most relevant options in the official Microsoft Power Platform certification landscape. From the first basic certificate to the experts, we will show you what knowledge you should have and which skill it courses will support you. Get ready to develop your skillset and open up new career opportunities!

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Overview: Which Power Platform certificates are available?

[DEFINITION][Power Platform Certificates][Microsoft Power Platform includes tools such as Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, Power Virtual Agents and Power Pages. Accordingly, there are various certifications that cover different roles and knowledge. The Fundamentals certification PL-900 offers a classic entry point, followed by several associate-level certifications for specialized roles, and the crowning glory is the Expert certification PL-600 for solution architects].

Below you will find an overview of the most important certifications. You will also see the corresponding skill it course that will optimally prepare you for the respective certification exam. Whether you are at the beginning of your journey or want to deepen your expertise as a solution architect: here you will find the course that will bring you a decisive step closer to your goal (you can find more details on the certifications below).

PL-900: Power Platform Fundamentals (Fundamentals) Introduction to the Power Platform

Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900) - 2-day introductory course that covers all core components (Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, Power Virtual Agents, Power Pages) and specifically prepares you for the PL-900 exam.

PL-100: Power Platform App Maker (Associate) Low-Code App Development

As the PL-100 certification was discontinued in mid-2024, there is no longer a direct certification course. Instead, the following courses are suitable for building up the necessary skills:
‍Get Started with Power Apps and Power Automate (PL-712) - 2-day practical workshop on creating canvas apps and automations (flows) with Power Automate.
Microsoft Power Apps: Create and manage model-driven apps (PL-7003) - 1-day intensive course on model-driven Power Apps (data modeling in Dataverse, forms, views, etc.).

‍Optional:
Microsoft Power Platform: The Copilot in Power Apps - 1-day course that introduces the new AI-powered Copilot features in Power Apps (for advanced users).

PL-200: Power Platform Functional Consultant (Associate) Functional consultant

Microsoft Power Platform Functional Consultant (PL-200) - 4-day official training covering all topics of thePL-200 exam (Dataverse configuration, canvas and model-driven apps, Power Automate Flows, chatbots with Power Virtual Agents, integration with third-party systems). Provides comprehensive preparation for the role of functional consultant .

PL-300: Power BI Data Analyst (Associate) Data analysis with Power BI

Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300) - 3-day official PL-300 preparation course that teaches data preparation, modeling, visualization and deployment with Power BI. participants learn to transform data with Power Query and write DAX expressions.

PL-400: Power Platform Developer (Associate) developer for Power Platform

Microsoft Power Platform Developer (PL-400) - 4-day course to prepare for PL-400, providing in-depth development knowledge: e.g. writing code (JavaScript, C#) for plugins and extensions, using the Power Platform SDKs, Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) and DevOps for Power Platform. A sound knowledge of Power Platform is a prerequisite; participants should be familiar with the performance limits and possibilities of the services.

PL-600: Power Platform Solution Architect (Expert) Solution Architect:in

Microsoft Power Platform Solution Architect (PL-600) - 4-day expert training for prospective solution architects. Covers end-to-end planning of complex Power Platform solutions (requirements analysis, architecture design, security and governance aspects, deployment). Several years of experience as a Power Platform consultant or developer is recommended. candidates should already have in-depth knowledge of the Power Platform, Dynamics 365 and the associated cloud services.

[DEFINITION][Note:][Additionally, there are specialized exams such as PL-500 (Power Automate RPA Developer) or Dynamics 365-related certifications. In this guide, we will focus on the most important general Power Platform certifications].

The Power Platform certifications in detail

As you can see, you can take different paths depending on your interests and career goals. Below we look at each certification in detail.

PL-900: Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals

The PL-900 is the ideal starting point for becoming a Power Platform professional. It conveys the basic business benefits and product diversity of the platform. candidates for this exam are often users from specialist departments or prospective IT professionals who want to increase their productivity by automating business processes, analyzing data and creating simple apps. No prior technical knowledge is required. The Fundamentals are also explicitly aimed at newcomers. Only a general interest in digital solutions and some practice with Office 365 or similar tools are helpful.

Target group:
newcomers with no prior knowledge who want to understand the basics of the Power Platform.

Recommended knowledge & learning objectives

• Overview of the Power Platform:
  • Functions & benefits of Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, Power Virtual Agents
  • Basic terms such as dataverse, connectors, flows
• Practical understanding:
  • Create a small canvas app
  • Build a simple automation flow
  • Understanding the benefits of generative AI features such as Copilot

Goal:
By passing the exam you will receive the certification "Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals", a recognized starting point for all further certifications. Preparatory skill it course: Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900).

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PL-100: Microsoft Power Platform App Maker (Associate)

Let's continue with the (former) App Maker certification PL-100. Why "former"? Microsoft has officially phased out this exam as of June 30, 2024. This means that new PL-100 certifications can no longer be acquired. But don't worry: the content and skills that a Power Platform App Maker should master remain highly relevant. Some of them will be incorporated into other certifications or can be maintained as independent competencies.

Target group & role:
App Makers are business users with a deep understanding of the business who use low-code tools such as Power Apps and Power Automate to build individual solutions without professional development skills. The focus is on creativity, process understanding and problem solving.

Recommended skills

• Data modeling: Understanding tables, relationships and column types in Dataverse, SharePoint or Excel.
• UX design: designing intuitive user interfaces, e.g. screens and controls in canvas apps.
• Process analysis: Recognize business processes and implement them in apps or flows.
• Tool practice: Power Apps (especially canvas apps), Power Automate (flows with triggers & actions), Power BI (basic reports), possibly AI Builder (e.g. Copilot).

Learning path (also without certification):

• PL-712 (2 days): Introduction to Canvas apps and Power Automate as a practical start.
• Model-driven apps (1 day): Focus on dataverse, forms and business rules.
• Copilot course (1 day): Using AI for app and flow creation.

Tip: Even without an exam, this course teaches practical skills. It is ideal for internal app development or as an introduction to PL-200 certification.

‍Companyingskill it courses:

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PL-200: Microsoft Power Platform Functional Consultant (Associate)

The PL-200 certification is aimed at all those who want to professionally introduce and adapt the Power Platform in companies. As a Functional Consultant, you act at the interface between the functional requirements and the technical implementation. You talk to customers and specialist departments, translate their wishes into concrete solutions and configure the Power Platform components in order to optimize processes. In short: you are the "enabler" who forges tailor-made business solutions from the tools of the Power Platform.

Prerequisites:
Ideally, previous knowledge from PL-900 or corresponding Power Platform experience.

Recommended knowledge:

• Dynamics 365 Basics: Understand how model-driven apps and D365 modules (e.g. Sales, Service) work.
• Power Platform know-how:
  • Dataverse: Data modeling, relationships, business rules
  • Canvas apps: Navigation, responsive design, advanced formulas
  • Power Automate: complex flows including approvals and error logic
  • Power Virtual Agents & Power BI integration
• Project & solution orientation:
  • Analyze, document and implement requirements
  • Fit-gap analysis, agile working, collaboration with devs & stakeholders
• ALM basics:
  • Solution management, environment change, Azure DevOps pipelines

Goal:
Becoming fit for project responsibility and consulting, PL-200 is also a possible basis for the next career step as a Solution Architect (PL-600).

Preparatory skill it course: Microsoft Power Platform Functional Consultant (PL-200)

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PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (Associate)

Do you love making data talk? Then the PL-300: Power BI Data Analyst certification is made for you. It confirms your ability to connect and prepare data sources and transform them into meaningful visualizations that deliver business value. This certification was formerly known as DA-100 and was renamed PL-300, but the goal remained the same: to train professionals who use Power BI to create data analyses and reports.

Target group:
For data analysts and BI developers with experience in Excel, SQL or other BI tools.

Requirements & recommended knowledge:

• Master Power BI Desktop with confidence:
  • Retrieve & transform data (Power Query)
  • Create data model (incl. relationships & measures)
  • Design dashboards and visuals
• Writing DAX formulas:
  • Measures, calculated columns, Time Intelligence
• Data understanding:
  • Relational data, star schema, data quality
• Understanding the business context:
  • Visualize relevant KPIs, promote self-service BI

Goal:
After passing the exam, you will be a Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate, in demand in every data-driven organization.

Preparatory skill it course: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300)

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PL-400: Microsoft Power Platform Developer (Associate)

While App Makers and Functional Consultants tend to work with configuration and low-code, PL-400: Power Platform Developer gets down to the nitty-gritty of development. This certification is right for you if you are or want to become a software developer who programs and extends solutions on the Power Platform. This is where the boundaries between the Power Platform and classic software development become blurred. Knowledge of JavaScript, .NET, Azure etc. comes into play.

Target group:
For developers with experience in Power Platform and modern web technologies who want to build complex, extensible solutions.

Requirements & recommended knowledge:

• Understanding the Power Platform in depth:
  • Standard vs. user-defined connectors
  • Use of code with complex logic, limits of canvas formulas
• Programming skills:
  • PCF with HTML/TypeScript
  • Plugins & Azure Functions in C#
  • Dealing with REST APIs & JSON
• ALM & DevOps know-how:
  • Git, Azure DevOps Pipelines, Solution Packager, CI/CD for Canvas Apps
• System integration:
  • API connection, Azure services, custom visuals for Power BI

Objective: After passing this course, you will be a Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Developer Associate, a professional for complex extensions in Power Platform and Dynamics 365 projects. It is a possible basis for the step to Solution Architect (PL-600).

Preparatory skill it course: Microsoft Power Platform Developer (PL-400)

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PL-600: Microsoft Power Platform Solution Architect (Expert)

Welcome to the top rung of the Power Platform career ladder! The PL-600 certification as a Solution Architect is the pinnacle for all those who like to design the big picture. As a certified Power Platform Solution Architect Expert, you prove that you can lead complex projects from the idea to the productive solution - technically, conceptually and communicatively.

Target group:
Experienced functional consultants or developers who design and are responsible for complex, company-wide solutions.

Requirements & recommended knowledge:

• Broad platform knowledge:
  • Power Platform, Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, Azure, third-party systems
• Architectural experience:
  • Capture requirements, create solution design, documentation
  • Application of the Well-Architected Framework
• Communication & leadership skills:
  • Collaboration with devs, consultants & management
  • Moderate workshops, explain architectural decisions
• Technical depth:
  • Licenses, Power Platform Limits, Migration Strategies, Admin Center

Prerequisite:
At least one associate certification (e.g. PL-200 or PL-400)

Objective:
Upon successful completion, you will become a Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Solution Architect Expert, the strategic key role for enterprise solutions based on the Power Platform.

Preparatory skill it course: Microsoft Power Platform Solution Architect (PL-600).

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Your journey to becoming a Power Platform Professional

Whether beginner or professional, the Power Platform certifications offer the right path for every learning level. Your motivation is crucial: it's not just the certificate that counts, but the knowledge and skills you acquire.

With this guide you have your roadmap. Use the Power Platform courses from skill it for practical knowledge transfer and preparation for certification.