AB-650 launches October 30; Microsoft clarifies designation credit
Microsoft’s designation update confirms AB-650 launches October 30, 2026, joining the advanced skilling metric for the Modern Work solution path.
MS-102 retires November 30, 2026; certifications completed before retirement continue earning points through November 30, 2027. The article also lists expanded or renamed Azure security workloads and explicitly excludes Network Watcher.
The changes affect partners pursuing or holding Security and AI Business Solutions designations through Modern Work.
Next step
Plan certification coverage using AB-650.
Partner briefing
- What it is
Designation workload and certification update.
- What’s changing
AB-650 launch and MS-102 points deadline clarified.
- Why it matters
Defines recognized skilling and security workload contributions.
- Who it affects
Security and Modern Work designation partners.