D365 training

Question

I've previously been a project manager for a Microsoft partner focused mostly on O365 and specifically SharePoint. I moved away from this area for 5 years to work on some start ups and now want to return focusing on D365 this time.

It seems that the recommended certifications for beginners in this space have been retired in 2025 so I'm looking for some recommendations on what training I should consider.

I'm not a developer but have worked as a Project Manager in software development for over 13 years so my technical knowledge is fair and I'm not opposed to going a bit further into the technical detail than might be required for my role.

Any thoughts or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!!!

Answer 1

Given a project management background and interest in Dynamics 365 (D365), the most effective path is to combine role-based learning paths with fundamentals and then move toward a functional area (Sales, Customer Service, Finance, etc.).

Recommended sequence:

1. Establish Dynamics 365 fundamentals
   • Start with beginner learning paths that introduce Dynamics 365, its apps, and how they fit together:
     • Learn the fundamentals of Dynamics 365 projects – covers what Dynamics 365 business apps are, roles like functional consultant/business analyst, and how projects are structured.
     • Discover the Dynamics 365 landscape (module within that path) – gives a high-level view of the different apps (Sales, Customer Service, Finance, Supply Chain, Business Central, etc.) and how they integrate with the wider Microsoft stack.
   • These are ideal for someone coming from Microsoft 365/SharePoint who needs to understand how D365 is positioned as business applications rather than collaboration tools.
2. Move into implementation-focused training
   • With project management experience, implementation-oriented content is a strong fit:
     • Implement Dynamics 365 Projects learning path – focuses on how D365 solutions are implemented end-to-end:
       • Designing the Dynamics 365 deployment
       • Presenting solution designs to stakeholders
       • Documenting the solution for customers
       • Testing the implementation
       • Understanding application lifecycle management (ALM) for D365
   • This aligns closely with project manager / functional consultant responsibilities and lets you go deeper into solution design and delivery without being a developer.
3. Choose a functional track (role-based)
   • Dynamics 365 certifications and training are role-based (functional consultant, solution architect, developer, business user). For a non-developer with strong PM background, the most relevant roles are:
     • Functional Consultant (e.g., Sales, Customer Service, Finance, Supply Chain, Business Central)
     • Business Analyst / Business User for lighter, process-focused content
   • Use the role filters on Microsoft Learn to find suitable paths:
     • For business/functional roles: browse Microsoft Learn training for Dynamics 365 for business users, business owners, and functional consultants.
   • Pick one workload to specialize in first (for example, Customer Service or Sales if coming from collaboration/CRM-style work; or Finance/Supply Chain/Business Central if interested in ERP).
4. Use Microsoft Learn as the primary training hub
   • Microsoft Learn provides:
     • Free, self-paced, hands-on learning paths for all D365 apps and roles.
     • Structured paths from fundamentals through intermediate and advanced topics.
   • For deeper, exam-aligned preparation once a target certification is chosen, use:
     • Dynamics 365 and Power Platform learning paths that match the chosen product and role.
5. Plan for certification (even if exams have changed)
   • Dynamics 365 certifications are periodically renamed or updated, but the structure remains:
     • Fundamentals → Associate (Functional Consultant) → Expert (Solution Architect, etc.).
   • Use the Dynamics 365 certification overview pages to:
     • Identify current certifications for the chosen app (e.g., Sales Functional Consultant, Finance Functional Consultant, Business Central Functional Consultant).
     • Map those to the corresponding learning paths on Microsoft Learn.
6. Consider instructor-led or blended training later
   • Once a target certification is selected and some self-paced modules are completed, virtual instructor-led training (VILT) from Microsoft Learning Partners can:
     • Fill gaps for exam preparation.
     • Provide structured, intensive courses (including bootcamps) aligned to specific D365 certifications.
   • Options include self-paced, blended, and private group training depending on learning style and schedule.

Practical starting set of resources from the context:

• Learn the fundamentals of Dynamics 365 projects – to understand roles, project structure, and the D365 landscape.
• Implement Dynamics 365 Projects – to align PM skills with D365 implementation practices.
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 training – to browse all D365 learning paths by product and role and select a functional area to specialize in.
• Build and certify expertise with Microsoft Dynamics 365 intelligent business apps – for an overview of how learning paths and certifications fit together across Dynamics 365 and Power Platform.

This combination will quickly refresh Microsoft ecosystem knowledge, introduce D365 concepts, and position for a functional consultant or project-focused role in Dynamics 365.

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References:

• Learn the fundamentals of Dynamics 365 projects
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 training
• Build and certify expertise with Microsoft Dynamics 365 intelligent business apps
• Implement Dynamics 365 Projects
• Dynamics 365 certification and exam names are changing
• Learning Partners Offer Vital Virtual Dynamics 365 Training