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Microsoft Certification Exams Being Expired in 2025 & Their Replacements
Microsoft regularly updates its certification portfolio to align with evolving cloud technologies,
artificial intelligence, security, and role-based job requirements. In 2025, several
Microsoft certification exams are expected to be retired, revised, or replaced with newer versions.
This guide explains which Microsoft certification exams are being expired in 2025,
their official replacements, and what candidates should do next.
Why Microsoft Retires Certification Exams
- To keep certifications aligned with the latest Azure and Microsoft technologies
- To remove outdated or legacy exam content
- To shift focus toward role-based and real-world job skills
- To include modern topics such as AI, security, and governance
Passing a retired exam does not invalidate your certification.
Existing certifications remain valid until their expiration date.
Microsoft Certification Exams Expiring or Updating in 2025
AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Status: Content refresh expected in 2025
Replacement: AZ-900 (Updated Version)
- Increased focus on Azure security and governance
- Updated cloud pricing and compute examples
- More emphasis on AI and modern Azure services
AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals
Status: Modernized exam blueprint
Replacement: AI-900 (Revised)
- Generative AI concepts
- Azure OpenAI services
- Reduced classical machine learning theory
DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals
Status: Likely revision or transition
Replacement Options:
- DP-900 (Updated version)
- DP-600: Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate
AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate
Status: Older versions retired periodically
Replacement: AZ-104 (Latest Version)
- Azure Monitor and governance
- Identity and access management
- Cost management and security
AZ-305: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Status: Stable certification with updated blueprint
Replacement: AZ-305 (Current)
Prerequisite: AZ-104 required
DP-203: Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure
Status: Transitioning toward Microsoft Fabric
Replacement Options:
- DP-203 (Current)
- DP-600 / DP-700 (Fabric-based roles)
Recently Retired Microsoft Exams and Their Replacements
| Retired Exam |
Replacement |
| DA-100 |
PL-300 (Power BI Data Analyst) |
| MS-100 / MS-101 |
MS-102 (Microsoft 365 Administrator) |
| DP-200 / DP-201 |
DP-203 |
| Older AZ-204 versions |
AZ-204 (Updated) |
What If You Already Passed a Retired Exam?
- Your certification remains valid until its expiration date
- You can renew certifications annually for free via Microsoft Learn
- Retired exams do not cancel earned certifications
Recommended Action Plan for 2025 Candidates
- Always study from the latest Microsoft exam skills outline
- Choose role-based certifications over legacy exams
- Use Microsoft Learn and updated practice tests
- Schedule exams early if retirement is announced
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Microsoft certifications ending in 2025?
No. Microsoft is updating and modernizing certifications, not discontinuing them.
Will AZ-900 or AI-900 be removed?
No. These exams continue with updated content and revised exam objectives.
Where can I check official retirement announcements?
Microsoft publishes updates on Microsoft Learn and the certification dashboard.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft certification exam changes in 2025 reflect a shift toward
real-world, job-ready cloud and AI skills. By choosing the correct
replacement exams and preparing with updated content, candidates can
stay competitive in the IT industry.
Last updated: 2025