This month’s Dynamics 365 and Power Platform updates for our Dynamics partners are mostly about getting ahead of change. Microsoft is retiring a wave of certifications as it shifts to AI-era skilling, Business Central hybrid deployments have a new licensing step and Copilot Cowork is now generally available. Here’s what to have on your radar.
TLDR: Dates and deadlines
Short on time? Here’s what’s time-sensitive this month.
Dates to watch
- June 5, 2026: As of this date, Business Central Dual Use Rights (DUR) license keys now expire every six months for hybrid deployments. Jump to section.
- End of June 2026: This is the window for the first wave of Dynamics 365 and Power Platform certification retirements as Microsoft moves to AI-era skilling. Jump to section.
- End of July 2026: Second wave of certification retirements takes effect. Jump to section.
- July 29 to 30, 2026: Microsoft AI Business Solutions Partner Executive Summit. Jump to section.
Pricing note
- There will be no New Commerce Experience (NCE) license-based preview price list on July 1, which means no planned changes to August 1 license-based pricing. Jump to section.
Product and feature updates
Copilot Cowork is now generally available
Microsoft has announced the general availability of Copilot Cowork, along with usage-based pricing through Copilot Credits. Copilot Cowork is built for complex, long-running work that spans multiple tools and systems.
General availability brings several new capabilities:
- Multiple AI models suited to different types of work
- Stronger security and compliance controls
- Expanded integration through partner and Dynamics 365 plugins
What this means for you: These additions open up new ways to help customers automate and improve complex business processes, including in Dynamics 365, while keeping enterprise-grade security, compliance and governance in place. Learn more.
Pricing updates and promotions
No August NCE license-based preview price list on July 1
Microsoft has confirmed there will be no New Commerce Experience (NCE) license-based services preview price list published on July 1, 2026 for August pricing. This applies to CSP partners, direct-bill partners, indirect providers and all regions and markets that use NCE license-based price lists.
What this means for you: Since the August preview list won’t be published, you can treat August 1 license-based pricing as unchanged from current levels. Any future pricing updates from Microsoft will come through the standard CSP pricing channels. Learn more.
Admin and licensing updates
Business Central Dual Use Rights (DUR) license keys now expire every six months
Microsoft has introduced a licensing change for customers running Dynamics 365 Business Central online with on-premises deployments through Dual Use Rights (DUR). As of June 5, 2026, customers need to download and replace their DUR license keys every six months to keep access to their on-premises Business Central environment.
What partners need to know:
- DUR license keys now expire based on the subscription term in effect when the key was downloaded, plus a limited buffer period
- Customers need to download and apply updated keys every six months to avoid disruption to their on-premises deployment
- DUR license keys can’t be used beyond the expiration of the associated Business Central online subscription, including during any buffer period
What this means for you: If you support hybrid Business Central deployments, review your customers’ licensing processes and build in a recurring reminder to refresh keys on time. Staying on schedule keeps customers compliant and their on-premises environments running without interruption. Learn more.
Microsoft partner program updates
What’s changing with FY27 Dynamics 365 cashback rates?
As part of its FY27 CSP incentive changes, Microsoft is adjusting Dynamics 365 cashback rates, and the direction matches a broader shift from rewarding flat volume to rewarding growth. The Dynamics 365 CSP Core rate is going away, the strategic product accelerators for Tier 1 and Tier 2 each ease down slightly, and the Growth Accelerator increases notably.
What this means for you: The math now favors growth and upsell over steady run-rate volume, so your strongest earning opportunities sit in expanding accounts and moving customers up the stack rather than holding flat. We break down the full FY27 rate changes and how to make the most of them in our guide to Microsoft FY27 CSP incentives.
As Microsoft shifts to AI-era skilling, what’s changing with certifications?
Microsoft is retiring a number of Dynamics 365 and Power Platform certifications between June 1 and August 31, 2026, as part of its move toward AI-era skilling. Most retiring certifications have a direct replacement focused on building, deploying and operating AI solutions. If you complete a retiring certification before its retirement date, it stays valid for one year.
Changes to specializations:
| Timing | Specialization | Retiring certification | Replacement or new certification |
| End of June 2026 | Supply Chain | Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Expert | Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect |
| End of June 2026 | Finance; Supply Chain | Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert | Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect |
| End of June 2026 | Low Code Application Development; Intelligent Automation; Sales; Service | Power Platform Solution Architect Expert | Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect (partial replacement) |
| End of July 2026 | Service | Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate | Dynamics 365 Contact Center AI Engineer Associate |
| End of July 2026 | Sales | Dynamics 365 Customer Experience Analyst Associate | Dynamics 365 Sales AI Consultant Associate |
Changes to Solutions Partner designations (SPD):
| Timing | Impacted SPD | Level | Retiring certification | Replacement or new certification |
| End of June 2026 | Business Applications | Advanced | Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Expert | Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect |
| End of June 2026 | Business Applications | Advanced | Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert | Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect |
| End of June 2026 | Business Applications | Advanced | Power Platform Solution Architect Expert | Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect |
| End of June 2026 | Business Applications | Intermediate | Power Automate RPA Developer Associate | No new cert, replacement already listed above |
| End of July 2026 | Business Applications | Intermediate | Dynamics 365 Customer Experience Analyst Associate | Dynamics 365 Sales AI Consultant Associate |
| End of July 2026 | Business Applications | Intermediate | Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate | Intelligent Applications Builder Associate |
| End of July 2026 | Business Applications | Intermediate | Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate | Dynamics 365 Contact Center AI Engineer Associate |
What this means for you: Retiring certifications stay valid for a year after completion, so your team has time to transition without losing credentials. Review which certifications your team holds, then plan the moves to the new AI-focused paths. Those new certifications are also a chance to build expertise in the areas Microsoft is clearly investing in. Learn more.
Partner resources
Business Central for SMB: Campaign in a Box
Microsoft has shared the Business Central for SMB Campaign in a Box, a customizable marketing campaign built to help partners start customer conversations, find new revenue opportunities and strengthen long-term relationships.
What this means for you: You can download the customizable assets and use them to plan your next outreach campaign. It cuts down prep time and gives you a running start on more Business Central conversations with SMB customers. You can review the Business Central GTM resources and access the Business Central for SMB Campaign in a Box to learn more.
Webinars and events
Microsoft AI Business Solutions Partner Executive Summit (July 29 to 30)
This summit focuses on FY27 priorities and partner success in the AI era. You’ll get an early read on Microsoft’s strategic direction for Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Copilot and AI Business Applications, plus the upcoming priorities, programs and growth opportunities that come with it.
What this means for you: It’s an early look at Microsoft’s FY27 plans, which helps you line up your own business planning for the year ahead. Register here.
Other events
- Microsoft Partner FY27 GTM Kickoff Event (July 28). Register here.
- 2026 FastTrack AI Bootcamps, Redmond (November 9 to 12). Register your interest here.
Staying ahead of Dynamics changes
Microsoft’s pace in the Dynamics space isn’t slowing down, and the goal of this monthly roundup is to make that pace feel manageable. You shouldn’t have to piece together what changed and why it matters from scattered sources. That’s our job.
If you have questions about how any of these updates affect your Sherweb account or your customers, reach out to our team. We’re here to help you turn Microsoft’s changes into opportunities for your business.
