Microsoft 365 Copilot specialization updates

Starting July 2026, Microsoft will update the Microsoft Copilot specialization. Here's what to do now.

Impacted audience

Partners enrolled in or pursuing the Microsoft Copilot specialization.

Microsoft is updating the Copilot specialization to better align with market demand. Starting July 2026, Microsoft renames the specialization to Microsoft 365 Copilot specialization and introduces updates across performance, skilling, and validation requirements.

• The performance requirement shifts to account-only for paid monthly active usage (MAU) growth.
• The skilling requirements will be refreshed. The Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert (MS-102) certification will be removed, and the Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect (AB-100) and AI Agent Builder Associate (AB-620) certifications will be added to address the retirement of the Create custom agents with Microsoft Copilot Studio (APL-7008) applied skill. The Prepare security and compliance to support Copilot (APL-4002) applied skill is also retiring and the Implement information protection in Microsoft 365 (SC-401) certification will be required
• The customer references requirement is replaced with a third-party capabilities audit. This audit update is part of a shift to an independent, objective validation process and helps ensure that partners meet a consistent, verifiable standard for Microsoft 365 Copilot capability. The badge you earn with this specialization is a visual indicator to customers that you have proven expertise and can deliver the results they need.

These updates empower partners to invest in the capabilities customers value most. Work toward earning your specialization today to demonstrate your deep technical expertise.

Next steps

Review the updated requirements for the Microsoft 365 Copilot specialization, including the audit checklist.