Certification Update: Microsoft Power Platform Developer Associate
Microsoft has announced it is updating the Power Platform Developer Associate certification (PL-400). The goal is for developers to keep pace with more complex processes across the Power Platform. Expect AI copilots, stronger expanded application lifecycle management (ALM), and broader integration to be central in this certification.
Read on to learn what this change means and how you can prepare for the exam updates.
Why Does the Power Platform Developer Associate PL-400 Certification Need Updating?
The Power Platform is the cornerstone for many organizations building automation apps. However, the integration of AI copilots with Microsoft tools has made the whole development process more complex, requiring knowledge beyond the use of low-code features. By updating PL-400, Microsoft is maximizing the certification’s compatibility with current enterprise requirements.
What’s New in the PL-400 Exam
The update adds three new significant areas of focus.
AI Copilots
As a candidate, you must be capable of incorporating AI copilots into solutions. This also includes automatic execution of tasks and better user experiences.
ALM Practices Expansion
The exam now has more focus on version control, multi-environment deployments, and release pipelines. You must also understand software lifecycle management in all solution stages.
Expanded Integrations
The scope of integration scenarios has expanded. It will test your ability to connect Power Platform apps with external services and enterprise systems.
Meanwhile, the core developer skills remain. Developers must still master the following:
Custom user experiences
System integrations
Data transformation
Automation
Power Fx logic
Platform extension (via tools like Power Platform CLI)
New to Power Platform certifications? The PL-200 Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals course by CBT Nuggets is a solid starting point for your fundamentals.
What the PL-400 Exam Changes Mean for You
The update will definitely affect how you approach your study plans. You focus more on the importance of AI copilots and DevOps-style practices. Old study materials may remain relevant, but you’ll need to use them alongside resources that cover AI integration and ALM.
If you already have the certification, you’re not required to take the exam again. But you’ll have to keep up with the new skill requirements in the long run. If you’re looking for associate-level training, you can proceed to CBT Nuggets’ Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900) Online Training, designed for systems engineers.
Who Should Care About the Update
The PL-400 update is especially relevant if you’re:
Developing Enterprise Apps with Dynamics 365 or Power Apps: AI copilots and deeper integrations are already reshaping how businesses build user experiences.
At an Organization Adopting DevOps Practices: The expanded ALM focus means you’ll need to demonstrate skills in version control, multi-environment deployments, and release pipelines—skills that hiring managers increasingly demand.
Aiming for Higher-Level Microsoft Certifications: PL-400 is a core stepping stone toward expert roles like the Power Platform Solution Architect (PL-600). Mastering these new areas gives you a smoother path forward.
These updates highlight that low-code development alone isn’t enough anymore. Employers want Power Platform developers who can build scalable, AI-driven solutions and manage them across the full application lifecycle. If you can showcase those skills, you’ll stand out in a crowded job market.
Preparing for the Exam
Microsoft has updated its official study guide that shows the revised objectives. Aside from CBT Nuggets courses on Power Platform, Microsoft’s own PL-400 page can help you prepare and practice. You can also improve your readiness through hands-on experimentation, as well as participation in community forums.
To go a step further:
Set Up a Sandbox Environment: Practice building and deploying apps so you can test ALM pipelines and integration scenarios without fear of breaking production systems.
Explore GitHub Repositories: Microsoft and community contributors share sample apps, Power Fx scripts, and ALM templates that mirror what’s tested on the exam.
Join Microsoft Learn Challenges: These timed events often cover the latest Power Platform features and can reinforce exam objectives in a structured way.
Follow MVPs and Community Blogs: Real-world case studies and troubleshooting tips can help you connect theory to practice—and prepare you for scenario-based questions.
Hands-on experience is key. The more you practice with real solutions, the more confident you’ll feel when facing the updated exam objectives.
Get the Power Platform Certification That Matches Today’s Skills
These updates are part of Microsoft’s larger effort to make its certifications aligned with evolving real-world skills. For developers, it indicates that mastering AI and lifecycle management is now as important as building solutions.
Want to learn more about Power Platform? The PL-200 and PL-900 training courses by CBT Nuggets are great places to start. Check these online courses out and get more equipped for modern Power Platform challenges.
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