Microsoft PL-200 Exam Revamp

The Power Platform, Microsoft's ever-evolving playground for building business applications, has seen another exciting shift in its certification landscape. The PL-200 exam for aspiring Power Platform Functional Consultants is set to be significantly revamped on 12 January 2024. While the foundational focus on designing, building, and implementing solutions remains, the specific skills measured have been strategically adjusted, opening doors to exciting new possibilities and requiring some smart pivots for future consultants.

Saying Goodbye to Familiar Faces

• Power Virtual Agents (10-15% weight): The ever-evolving world of chatbots sees a shift in the updated PL-200. While its dedicated section is removed, its importance remains. The recent launch of Copilot Studio, a powerful conversational AI platform, suggests that Power Virtual Agents, in this new avatar, will likely get its own dedicated certification track, offering a deeper dive into its unique skillset.
• Power BI (10-15% weight): While still a crucial component of the Power Platform ecosystem, Power BI's data visualization and analysis prowess are now assessed under a separate PL-300 exam. This allows the PL-200 exam to focus more intently on the core functionalities of building and automating workflows within the platform.

Sharpening the Core, Embracing the Future

• Dataverse (25-30% weight): The importance of Microsoft Dataverse, the central data repository for the Power Platform, takes centre stage with increased weightage from 20-25% to 25-30%. This reflects the growing emphasis on data-driven solutions and the need for consultants to master data management within the platform. This includes not only core data modelling tasks like creating and modifying tables and relationships, but also understanding and configuring Dataverse Search to ensure optimal information retrieval. Additionally, mastering Dataverse security measures, such as managing business units, security roles, users, teams, column security, hierarchy security, and Microsoft Entra ID group teams, is crucial for safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining compliance.
• Power Apps (25-30% weight): App creation within Microsoft Power Apps takes a more prominent role, gaining a weight of 25-30% (significantly up from the existing 15-20% weight). Model-driven apps remain a cornerstone, with a focus on form mastery, including wielding controls within the form designer, configuring views, crafting custom pages, and embracing modern commanding through Power Fx. Notably, integration takes centre stage, as consultants will need to deftly embed canvas apps within model-driven app forms and incorporate Power BI dashboards and reports for a seamless data experience. While building canvas apps themselves won't be assessed directly, a thorough understanding of their structure, navigation, formulas, and interplay with Power Automate flows is essential. Power Pages also see a shift towards a more descriptive approach, emphasizing advanced features like document management, search, multi-step forms, and Power BI integration, alongside website security and authentication options.
• Process Automation (25-30% weight): The realm of process automation within the Power Platform undergoes a significant revamp, expanding its scope to encompass logic and receiving a weightier emphasis from 20-25% to 25-30%. Cloud flows continue to serve as a fundamental pillar, with consultants expected to not only describe their types, use cases, and components, but also demonstrate a keen understanding of connector components and adeptly wield the Dataverse connector. Mastering logic controls, dynamic content, expressions, and troubleshooting remains paramount. Business process flows retain their focus on configuration, stages, workflows, and management of the business process flow table. Classic Dataverse workflows persist as well, requiring proficiency in configuration, troubleshooting, and log management. The most striking addition, however, is the introduction of low-code logic, beckoning consultants to configure low-code plug-ins, craft Power Fx functions and formulas, and establish business rules. This move signals a commitment to democratising automation and empowering consultants to deliver even more impactful solutions for their clients.
• Environment Strategy (15-20% weight): The focus on managing environments intensifies, taking centre stage with a weight increase from 10-15% to 15-20%. This reflects the growing importance of robust environments for development and deployment. Consultants will not only need to understand application lifecycle management (ALM) using App checker and Solution checker, but also delve deeper into Dataverse-specific solutions, mastering the nuances of managed versus unmanaged versions and how to import and export them. Interoperability expands beyond Teams, with consultants delving into email and SharePoint integrations, exploring document management options, and mastering Word templates. This update highlights the platform's maturing ecosystem and the growing need for consultants to act as ecosystem architects, crafting solutions that seamlessly connect and empower users.

Navigating the New Horizons

So, what does this mean for you, future Power Platform consultant? If you're aiming for the PL-200 exam on or after 12 January 2024, adapt your study plan accordingly. Focus on mastering Dataverse, process automation, environment strategy and the multifaceted world of Power Apps including Power Pages. While Power Virtual Agents and Power BI are no longer directly assessed, understanding their role in the broader ecosystem remains valuable. And remember, Copilot Studio and the dedicated PL-300 exam for Power BI offer exciting avenues for future specialisation.

Embrace the Evolution

The updated PL-200 exam study guide reflects the ever-evolving Power Platform landscape. By adapting your skillset and focusing on the new areas of emphasis, you'll be well-equipped to build impactful solutions and navigate the ever-growing possibilities of this powerful platform.

Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, so keep learning, keep exploring, and keep powering up your skills!

Good luck with your exam!

Information source:

Study guide for Exam PL-200: Microsoft Power Platform Functional Consultant?

Additional Resources:

Microsoft Power Platform Functional Consultant Exam (PL-200)

Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Exam (PL-300)

Copilot Studio