Dynamics CRM 2011: Certification & Exams

Mark Bradman, 17 July 2012

A contractor enquired few weeks ago about attaining certification in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011.

While she was currently under an extended contract, her concern was that as large as her employer was they only used a small portion of the available functionality, meaning that:

• There was a large chunk of functionality she knew little about

• Incorporating new requirements could be easier and more cost-effective if she better understood other areas of the total platform, and

• Her next assignment with another company could be compromised if they used areas of Microsoft Dynamics CRM in which she had minimal experience or knowledge.

Given that a scenario is typical of all of us working in the Microsoft Dynamics CRM environment whether we be system integrators, implementation consultants, business analysts or front line users (including system administrators), it’s opportune to devote this week’s blog to this important topic.

There are 4 Exams to prove competency in specific Microsoft Dynamics CRM areas:

1.  MB2-868 – Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Applications

This exam focuses on end user functionality, essential knowledge for any end-user, be they office managers, service schedulers, administrators, CEOs, and consultants. It also provides keystone understanding for anyone involved in maintenance, support or implementation of a Microsoft Dynamics CRM-based solution. The Instructor-Led Training courses to help you pass this exam are:

• 80290A: Marketing Automation in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 (1 Day)
• 80291A: Sales Management in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 (1 Day)
• 80292A: Service Management in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 (1 Day)
• 80293A: Service Scheduling in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 (1 Day)

While the following courses are not required for this exam, they focus on delivering advanced functionality for high-level users:

• 80444A: Workflow & Dialog Processes in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 (1 Day)
• 80445A: Reporting in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 (1 Day)

 

2. MB2-867 – Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Installation and Deployment

This exam is intended for professionals who plan to install and deploy Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011. The Instructor-Led Training course to help you pass this exam is:

• 80296A: Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Installation and Deployment (2 Days)

 

3. MB2-866 – Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Customization and Configuration

This exam is intended for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Implementation Consultants and Customizers who will configure the application’s organizational settings and customize the application using built-in customization tools.  The Instructor-Led Training course to help you pass this exam is:

• 80294B: Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Customization and Configuration (3 Days)

 

4. MB2-876: Extending Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011

This exam is intended for individuals who plan to extend Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011. This audience typically includes developers, business analysts, implementation consultants, technical staff, or support professionals. The Instructor-Led Training course to help you pass this exam is:

• 80295A: Extending Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 (3 Days)

Passing any of the above exams completes the requirements for the following certification:

• Microsoft Dynamics Certified Technology Specialist
 

Our company has devoted a wall to encourage and display the individual achievements of our team in this regard. Many have multiple certificates to prove their competency across a range of areas of Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

Whichever of the above exams you may choose to focus on, it is always advisable to first gain foundational knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 as covered the following Instructor-Led Training course – 80442A: Introduction to Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 (1 day).

Additionally, if you are already experienced in an early version of Microsoft Dynamics, then the following course could be benefit to you – 80289: What's New in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 (1 day).

Given the growth in interest in the Microsoft Dynamics CRM platform, it’s easy to understand our contractor’s enquiry…

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Platform Shows Significant Growth; Convergence Event Highlights Sales & Marketing Integrations