Retired Assessments - What is replacing them?

[NotSoNewOzzie]

Hi

We have just renewed our MPN membership with Gold Competency in Data Analytics. One of the ways that we achieved this was by meeting the "Data Analytics Beginners" option. In the Partner Centre we are being told that the assessments are being retired (see attached screenshot). The issue is that there is no word on what is replacing these assessments and what the criteria will be next year for renewal. 

Can anyone advise where / how we can find out  what will be required next year?

If we need people to complete new assessments or achieve new certs, we need to know that now so that we can plan.

Thanks,

Craig

[Andra]

Hi Craig,

As far as I know, if you already renewed your membership and have the 4 people with the technical assessments passed, you are up and running until next year in June. 

The other option is to take the 2 certifications:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/azure-data-scientist.aspx

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/azure-data-engineer.aspx

You can look up the available certifications here : https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/browse-all-certifications.aspx

I am not aware of any announced replacements being made now, this update might appear later, but allow me follow up.

Also in general the certifications only need to be updated if there is a new exam requirement.  If the certification is not updated the individual does not need to retake the same exam(s).  We do provide notice to partners when a new exam becomes available and is required for competency attainment.  For competency attainment the partner organization must have the required number of individuals who have passed the defined certs by their competency renewal date.  

Hope this helps,

Andra

[NotSoNewOzzie]

Hi Andra

Thanks for the response. Yes, we have renewed now. I am asking what we will need in place for next year September (our renewal month). We will need to plan for this soon and give our staff time to achieve new certifications if required.

Do you know what those retired assessments will be replaced with?

Thanks,

Craig

[Mihai · Accepted solution]

Hello @NotSoNewOzzie ,

I have checked your concern to fully understand your query.

I see you have completed Gold Data Analytics Beginners Competency, as per your screenshot. If you have finalized the following assessments, before their retirement date on  30th of June 2019: Data Analytics Fundation, Microsoft Power BI Data Analytics, Advanced Analytics for Data Analytics or Big Data for Data Analytics - then they will count towards Gold membership attainment until 30th of June 2020. 

Considering that your anniversary date is 15th of September 2020, the retired assessments considered 12 more months after retirement date won't be able to provide you eligibility for enrollment 2020-2021, so we recommend you for next enrollment consider the requirements that are mentioned on MS partner portal and PC dashboard as follows:

- 4 individuals must pass one of the following exams:

        • Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate
        • Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate

We recommend you the article titled Issues with Skills report in Partner Center in case of any future concerns regarding the skills report validation in PC.

I hope this clarifies your concern and will help you continue your partnership and membership with Microsoft.

Thank you!
Mihai

[NotSoNewOzzie]

Thanks Mihai