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A Complete Guide to Microsoft Certifications for Functional Consultants
The learning curve is always steep in times of technological advancement. With Microsoft’s ever-evolving technologies, being a functional consultant is integral to any project management process. This role is for individuals who can provide expert consultation and dive deep into Microsoft products both during and after a project’s completion.
Functional consultants are responsible for advising and consulting on the use of Microsoft products in a team context. Their primary tasks include planning for customer requirements and utilizing Microsoft environments to manage various project aspects effectively.
Are you on your path to becoming a functional consultant but feeling uncertain about the direction to take? Let us help you navigate the world of Microsoft Certifications for Functional Consultants.
But first, let’s understand what a functional consultant is…
What is a Functional Consultant?
Functional consultants are domain experts who assist others in implementing cutting-edge technological solutions that match their specific requirements.
They help individuals and organisations overcome complicated business challenges and develop elegant solutions that lead to success.
Furthermore, they act as a link between business problems and technological solutions.
Skills You Need to be a Functional Consultant
Technical, business, and soft skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and communication are all necessary for being a successful functional consultant.
Functional consultants need certain technical skills to communicate and document functional specifications and testing results effectively.
–Â Â These skills include understanding the software solution and all of its features, functions, and limitations.
–Â Â They should also know how to configure, customise, and integrate the software solution to meet the needs of the client.
–Â Â Moreover, must be able to perform functional testing, debugging, and troubleshooting.
Functional consultants should possess the following business skills, too:
–Â Â An understanding of the client’s industry, domain, and business procedures.
–Â Â The ability to assess, comprehend, and rank the client’s needs and expectations.
–Â Â The ability to design and suggest solutions that satisfy the client’s goals and limitations.
–Â Â The capacity to provide end users of the software solution with guidance, assistance, and feedback.
The Path to Microsoft Certifications for Functional Consultants
Microsoft offers a robust certification path for Functional Consultants, primarily focusing on the Dynamics 365 suite and Power Platform.
You can be the Solution Architecture for now, but you have to move forward; this is when these certifications will come in handy. However, this path has different certification levels: fundamental, associate, and expert.
Employers frequently want the following certifications:
Once you have your associate certifications, you can move to the expert-level certificates after training.
How Do We Create the Road-map for Certification?
On the Microsoft website, you can filter results by ticking or unchecking the boxes on the left side of the screen. However, Microsoft provides numerous certificates. It can be hard to sort through them without a plan.
Consider your career objectives and utilise these lists to design your own learning path.
Below is a simplified route map for those who want to be functional consultants:
·       Power Platform Fundamentals
Microsoft Power Platform is a set of low-code tools and software applications designed for business intelligence (BI), application development, and application connection.
·       Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate
This associate-level training is appropriate for anyone working with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales, including functional consultants and developers who wish to improve their consulting skills.
·       Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Expert
This multi-purpose exam can help functional consultants, senior IT professionals, and developers demonstrate their advanced skill sets.
·       Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate
This certification focuses on configuring and managing Dynamics 365 Customer Service applications. It’s ideal for functional consultants specialising in customer service solutions.
·       Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate
For those specialising in field service, this certification covers the configuration and implementation of Dynamics 365 Field Service.
·       Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate
This certification is tailored for functional consultants specialising in financial operations. It covers core financial management and accounting functionalities within Dynamics 365 Finance.
·       Dynamics 365 Marketing Functional Consultant Associate
This certification is designed for consultants focusing on marketing automation, campaign management, and customer journey orchestration within Dynamics 365 Marketing.
By following this road-map, you can strategically plan your certifications and enhance your skills as a functional consultant.
How Long Do Microsoft Certifications Last?
Most Microsoft certificates expire after a year and can be renewed six months before the certification expires. This is free of charge if you pass the renewal assessment in Microsoft Learn. It’s also worth noting that Microsoft regularly changes its technologies and publishes new versions of its goods. As a result, earlier qualifications may become obsolete or less useful over time.
To stay current with evolving technologies and the latest versions of its products and services, Microsoft frequently issues new credentials that supersede or replace previous certifications. When the technology associated with a certification becomes obsolete or considerably outdated, Microsoft may retire it.
To keep your skills and knowledge up to date, it is generally suggested that you seek recertification or gain newer certifications when Microsoft releases them. This allows you to exhibit your knowledge of cutting-edge technologies as well as your dedication to lifelong learning.
Check the official Microsoft Learning website or subscribe to their updates to stay updated on any modifications or retirements of Microsoft certificates. This will enable you to plan your certification journey and make educated decisions about recertification or seeking new qualifications.
Benefits of Microsoft Certifications for Functional Consultants
Earning Microsoft Certifications as a Functional Consultant offers numerous advantages:
1. Enhanced Skill Set:
Gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills in Microsoft technologies, enabling you to manage and implement solutions effectively.
2. Career Advancement:
Increase your chances of promotion and higher salary prospects by showcasing your expertise and commitment to professional development.
3. Industry Recognition:
Stand out in the competitive job market with a globally recognised certification that validates your technical proficiency and consulting capabilities.
4. Improved Job Performance:
Apply the latest tools and techniques learned during certification to improve efficiency and effectiveness in your current role.
5. Networking Opportunities:
Join a community of certified professionals, allowing you to connect with peers, share knowledge, and stay updated on industry trends.
6. Employer Confidence:
Assure employers and clients of your ability to deliver high-quality solutions, fostering trust and reliability in your professional services.
Bottom line
Whether you’re a first-timer looking to earn your Microsoft Certifications for Functional Consultants or someone with an expiring certification, there’s a path for you. New learners can take the certification exams to kickstart their journey, while those with an active certification expiring within the next six months can renew it for free each year by passing a renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn.
Whether you landed here seeking certifications to prepare for the next phase or just looking for new employee training, Technisaur has your back. Reach out for a more tailored course plan now. Once you’ve completed it, Microsoft exams are easy for you.
