Microsoft updated every major certification exam in 2024-2026, with AI integration driving the biggest changes in certification history. If you're planning to certify in 2026, understanding these updates determines whether you study outdated content or focus on what actually appears on current exams.
Microsoft releases exam updates on a rolling basis, but 2024-2026 saw unprecedented changes across the entire certification portfolio. The driver: AI integration and cloud service evolution.
Key Update Statistics
- 100% of fundamentals exams updated with AI content
- 14 certifications retired or consolidated in 2024
- 23 role-based exams received AI-related updates
- Average 15-20% content change per exam
This guide provides certification-by-certification breakdowns of what changed, what stayed, and how to adjust your study plan.
2026 Update Overview: What Changed and Why
The AI Integration Wave
Microsoft's strategy is clear: AI is no longer a specialty topic—it's core infrastructure. Every certification now assumes candidates understand AI concepts relevant to their role.
Phase 1: Fundamentals (Q4 2023 - Q1 2024)
AZ-900, AI-900, SC-900, and MS-900 received AI content additions. AI-900 was completely restructured to reflect Azure OpenAI Service.
Impact: 12-18% of exam questions now cover AI topics in non-AI fundamentals certifications.
Phase 2: Associate Level (Q2 2024 - Q4 2024)
AZ-104, AZ-204, MS-102, and SC-200 updated to include AI service management, AI security, and Copilot administration.
Impact: 8-15% of role-based exams now test AI-related skills.
Phase 3: Expert Level (Ongoing Q1 2026+)
AZ-305, SC-100, and other expert certifications receiving AI architecture and governance topics.
Expected impact: 10-12% AI content by mid-2026.
Service Deprecations Driving Changes
Microsoft retired or consolidated dozens of services in 2024, forcing exam updates:
- Azure AD renamed to Microsoft Entra ID: All security exams updated terminology
- Skype for Business retired: MS-900 and MS-700 removed SfB content entirely
- Azure Cognitive Services consolidated: Simplified to Azure AI Services in AI-102
- Windows Server 2012 end of support: AZ-104 removed Server 2012 migration topics
Critical for Test-Takers:
Old study materials from 2023 or earlier may teach deprecated services that no longer appear on exams. Always verify study resources are updated for 2026.
Practice with 2026-Updated Questions
Our question banks reflect all 2026 exam changes. Try 40 free questions for AZ-900, MS-900, or SC-900.
AZ-900 Changes: Azure Fundamentals
Last major update: January 23, 2024
Next scheduled update: Q3 2026 (estimated)
Current exam version: AZ-900 (2024)
What's New
AI and Machine Learning (Expanded)
AI content increased from ~5% to 12-15% of exam weight.
New topics added:
- • Azure OpenAI Service capabilities and use cases
- • Azure Machine Learning workspace fundamentals
- • Responsible AI principles and implementation
- • Cognitive Services rebranded to Azure AI Services
- • Document Intelligence (formerly Form Recognizer)
Azure Arc (New Coverage)
Hybrid and multi-cloud management now tested.
- • What Azure Arc does (extends Azure management to any infrastructure)
- • Arc-enabled servers, Kubernetes, and data services
- • Use cases for hybrid cloud scenarios
Microsoft Entra (Terminology Update)
All references to "Azure Active Directory" replaced with "Microsoft Entra ID."
- • Entra ID (identity management)
- • Entra Domain Services
- • Entra External ID (B2B/B2C scenarios)
Well-Architected Framework
New section on Azure Well-Architected Framework pillars.
What's Removed
- • Azure Service Fabric (deep technical details removed, high-level awareness only)
- • Azure Batch (simplified, less emphasis)
- • Detailed pricing calculator questions (replaced with cost management concepts)
- • Specific SLA percentages for individual services (focus on SLA concepts instead)
Domain Weight Changes
AZ-104 Changes: Azure Administrator
Last major update: July 31, 2024
Next scheduled update: Q2 2026 (estimated)
Current exam version: AZ-104 (2024)
What's New
Azure AI Services Management
Administrators now expected to provision and manage AI resources.
- • Creating Azure OpenAI Service resources
- • Configuring AI service access and security
- • Managing AI service endpoints and keys
- • Implementing RBAC for AI resources
Container Apps (New Service)
Serverless container platform added to exam objectives.
- • Deploying applications to Container Apps
- • Configuring scaling and networking
- • Difference between Container Apps, AKS, and Container Instances
Enhanced Monitoring with Azure Monitor
Deeper monitoring and alerting requirements.
- • Azure Monitor Workspace (new resource type)
- • Managed Prometheus for container monitoring
- • Log Analytics workspace configuration
- • Action groups and alert processing rules
Microsoft Entra ID Updates
Beyond terminology change—new Entra features tested.
- • Entra ID Protection identity risk policies
- • Conditional Access authentication context
- • Entra Connect cloud sync (vs traditional Entra Connect)
- • Managed identities for Azure resources (expanded coverage)
What's Removed or De-Emphasized
- • Windows Server 2012 migration scenarios (end of support reached)
- • Classic Azure deployment model (fully retired)
- • Azure AD Domain Services detailed configuration (simplified to basics)
- • VPN Gateway legacy SKUs
Domain Weight Changes
Updated Practice Questions for Every Exam
Don't study outdated content. Our question banks match current 2026 exam objectives for AZ-900, AZ-104, SC-900, and MS-900.
SC-900 Changes: Security Fundamentals
Last major update: September 12, 2024
Next scheduled update: Q1 2026 (estimated)
Current exam version: SC-900 (2024)
What's New
Security Copilot
Major addition—AI-powered security operations assistant.
- • What Security Copilot does (incident investigation, threat intelligence)
- • Integration with Defender and Sentinel
- • Natural language security queries
- • Licensing and deployment considerations
Microsoft Entra Suite
Expanded identity and access management coverage.
- • Entra ID Protection capabilities
- • Entra ID Governance (identity lifecycle)
- • Entra Verified ID (decentralized identity)
- • Entra Permissions Management
AI-Powered Threat Detection
How AI enhances security across Microsoft platforms.
- • Behavioral analytics in Defender
- • Anomaly detection in Sentinel
- • Attack disruption automation
- • Threat intelligence correlation
Microsoft Purview Unified Platform
Data governance and compliance consolidated.
- • Data classification and labeling
- • Data loss prevention (DLP) policies
- • Insider risk management
- • eDiscovery and audit capabilities
What's Removed
- • Azure AD terminology (replaced with Entra ID throughout)
- • Azure Sentinel branding (now Microsoft Sentinel)
- • Cloud App Security standalone product (integrated into Defender for Cloud Apps)
- • Compliance Manager detailed scoring (simplified to concepts)
Domain Weight Changes
MS-900 Changes: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
Last major update: January 16, 2024
Next scheduled update: Q4 2026 (estimated)
Current exam version: MS-900 (2024)
What's New
Microsoft 365 Copilot
Biggest change—entire section on Copilot added.
- • Copilot for Microsoft 365 capabilities across apps
- • Copilot in Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
- • Copilot Studio for customization
- • Licensing requirements ($30/user/month add-on)
- • Data security and compliance for Copilot
Microsoft Loop
New collaboration app added to M365 suite.
- • Loop components and workspaces
- • Real-time collaboration across M365 apps
- • Integration with Teams, Outlook, and OneNote
Viva Suite Expansion
Employee experience platform coverage increased.
- • Viva Connections (intranet and culture)
- • Viva Insights (productivity and wellbeing)
- • Viva Learning (training and development)
- • Viva Goals (OKR management)
New Licensing Models
2024 subscription changes reflected in exam.
- • Microsoft 365 F1/F3 frontline worker plans
- • Office 365 vs Microsoft 365 differences
- • Add-on pricing (Copilot, Advanced Threat Protection, etc.)
- • EDU and Government SKU updates
What's Removed
- • Skype for Business (fully retired, no longer tested)
- • StaffHub (discontinued in 2020, finally removed from exam)
- • Kaizala (retired, replaced by Teams)
- • Yammer branding (now Viva Engage)
- • Detailed Planner task management (high-level awareness only)
Domain Weight Changes
Certification Retirements and Replacements
Microsoft retired 14 certifications in 2024. If you hold or planned to pursue any of these, here's what to do:
MB-901 (Dynamics 365 Fundamentals)
Retired: June 30, 2024
Replacement: Split into MB-910 (Customer Engagement) and MB-920 (Finance and Operations)
Action: Choose one based on career focus
MS-600 (Teams Application Developer)
Retired: September 30, 2024
Replacement: Content merged into MS-700
Action: Pursue MS-700 for Teams expertise
AZ-203 (Azure Developer)
Retired: August 31, 2024 (long-scheduled)
Replacement: AZ-204 (already established)
Action: If still holding AZ-203, cert remains valid but pursue AZ-204 for renewal
DP-200 and DP-201 (Data Engineer)
Status: Already retired (2021), but worth noting
Replacement: DP-203 (Data Engineering on Azure)
Why it matters: Many study resources still reference old exams
Certification Lifecycle:
Certifications earned before retirement remain valid and appear on your transcript. However, they cannot be renewed after expiration. Plan to transition to replacement certifications before your credential expires.
When to Schedule Your Exam
Understanding Update Windows
Microsoft typically announces exam updates 4-6 weeks before implementation. Here's how to time your exam strategically:
Scenario 1: Update Announced, Not Yet Active
Example: It's March 1, Microsoft announces April 15 update for AZ-900.
Best Strategy:
If you're 80%+ ready, schedule before April 15 to avoid studying new content. If you're just starting, wait and study updated material.
Never schedule in the 2-week window before an update—insufficient time to prepare adequately.
Scenario 2: Just Started Studying, Update Coming
Example: You start AZ-104 prep in February, July update announced.
Best Strategy:
Study current content but monitor Microsoft Learn for updated modules. Take exam in May-June to avoid cramming new topics. Updates typically add content, rarely replace fundamentals.
Scenario 3: Update Just Happened
Example: SC-900 updated two weeks ago.
Best Strategy:
Ideal time to start. You have 12-18 months before the next major update. Study materials will be fresh and aligned with current exam.
Caution: Practice tests may lag 2-4 weeks behind updates. Verify your practice platform has updated content.
2026 Update Calendar (Projected)
Based on historical patterns. Check Microsoft Learn for official announcements.
- Q1 2026: AI-102, AZ-305 (minor updates expected)
- Q2 2026: AZ-104, MS-102 (moderate updates likely)
- Q3 2026: AZ-900, MS-900 (annual refresh cycle)
- Q4 2026: SC-200, SC-300 (minor AI additions)
Study Strategy for Updated Exams
Identifying Updated Content
Use these resources to ensure you're studying current material:
1. Microsoft Learn Official Modules
Always current. Microsoft updates learning paths within days of exam changes.
How to verify: Check "Last updated" date on module pages. Should be within 90 days of exam update.
2. Exam Skills Outline PDF
Download from Microsoft Learn exam page. Shows exact topics tested.
How to use: Compare your study checklist against this document. If your resource doesn't cover listed topics, it's outdated.
3. Practice Test Providers
Reputable providers (MeasureUp, MSCertQuiz, Whizlabs) update within 2-4 weeks of exam changes.
Red flag: If practice test doesn't mention AI topics for 2024+ exams, it's outdated.
Prioritizing New vs. Existing Content
Study Time Allocation:
- 70% of time: Core content that didn't change (still bulk of exam)
- 20% of time: New topics added in updates (AI, new services)
- 10% of time: Practice tests and review
Common Mistake:
Candidates over-focus on new topics because they're novel. Remember: New content typically represents 10-20% of the exam. Don't neglect fundamentals that still comprise 80%+ of questions.
Study with Confidence Using 2026-Updated Materials
All MSCertQuiz question banks reflect current exam objectives. No outdated content, no deprecated services.
Related Resources
AI Skills in Microsoft Certifications
How AI integration affects career value across all Microsoft certs.
Best Free Practice Tests
Updated practice resources for 2026 exam versions.
How to Pass AZ-900 First Try
Study guide covering all 2026 exam updates.
Start Practice Tests
40 free questions for any Microsoft certification.