Earlier this year Microsoft released a new set of Dynamics 365 exams, the new exams are broadly similar to the older ones but include updated content and have a slightly different focus.

The old exams used to “simply” test our knowledge of Dynamics 365 these newer exams additionally attempt to test our abilities to be a Dynamics 365 consultant. That means not just regurgitating a set of facts about Dynamics 365 but demonstrating real insight into how the product is used and implemented in the real world. This is reflected in a new set of certifications, as by passing multiple exams we can gain a “Dynamics 365 Functional Consultant Associate” certificate.

There are multiple associate certifications, including being an associate for sales, service, marketing and more. Each certification requires you to pass a core exam and a related specialism. For example, to become a Functional Consultant Associate for Sales, you need the sales exam (MB 210) and the core exam (MB 200).

If you’ve passed Dynamics 365 exams previously you may want to be aware that the core exam (MB 200) has a great deal in common with the older MB2-716 exam. But it will additionally cover new topics. These include new features like Microsoft Flow and new concepts around systems implementation. (Such as discovery, planning and analysis tasks.)

I have created multiple revision guides in the past, but this one will be a first for me! As I normally create these guides as I actually revise for the exam. In this case I’ve already taken and passed the MB 200 exam. But many people have contacted me requesting that I still publish a revision guide …. Hence this introduction to the revision guide I am about to retrospectively create.

My normal practice at this point is to print the skills measured statement and take time to very carefully review every bullet point. I painstakingly highlight each one that I m not 100% confident on and plan my revision accordingly.

As already mentioned, I have already passed this exam … hence no painstaking preparation! The approach I followed (this time) was very different and not one I can recommend! I had limited time available and an exam voucher burning a hole in my pocket so, I just booked the exam and took it half expecting to fail. It turned out that I was lucky and passed.

One of the reasons I did this was to experience the new style of questions. With past exams the questions were simply multiple choice. Meaning we selected one or sometimes two correct answers from a list. Traditional multiple choice questions do still exist, but you’ll find a greater variety of question formats. Examples include sequencing possible steps in a process, clicking on screen a shot or selecting possible answers to a statement from a pick list. If you haven’t experienced the new style questions, I should stress I don’t believe they are anything to worry about. I liked the varied question formats and often found them more logical.

But this has raised a question in my mind …. “why do I take these exams?“. Passing the exam (for me) is simply a piece of paper the main benefit is always the actual studying process and gaining new knowledge. It’s that knowledge that will enhance my career by hopefully making me a better consultant. Passing the exam is simply confirmation of what I’ve learnt. Obtaining a pass without deeply learning all of the content possibly misses the real reason I take the exams.

Any consultant working with Dynamics 365 will be aware that the product evolves rapidly. For me keeping certified helps ensure my knowledge is kept current. Therefore, I have come to understand that the process of learning is my primary goal. Passing the exams is simply a by product of my learning process.

I hope (like me) your reason for preparing for the MB 200 exam is to be a better consultant and that means learning new things. And having completed your learning journey the exam will “just” be a final confirmation step.

With that said, I encourage you to start your learning journey by very closely reviewing the skills measured statements and painstakingly highlighting everything you need to learn. A copy is shown below ….