January 2026 Microsoft Exams Changes: AZ-204, AZ-900, SC-100, DP-600 & More

Microsoft certifications continue to evolve in 2026, with a wave of scheduled skills updates that reflect the latest technologies, job roles, and industry trends. Whether you're preparing for Azure, Data, or Security exams, knowing which certifications are being updated and when helps you plan your study time effectively and avoid surprises on exam day.

Core Azure Updates: AZ-204 & AZ-900

AZ-204 - Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure

The AZ-204 exam, which tests skills for Azure developers, received updated skills on January 14, 2026. This update moves beyond memorizing service definitions toward real-world application development and problem solving - meaning you’ll be expected to demonstrate practical skills in areas like secure app development, monitoring, and troubleshooting in live environments.

Candidates should review the latest “skills measured” document before scheduling or sitting for the exam, as exam focus areas and question emphasis have been adjusted with this update.

AZ-900 - Microsoft Azure Fundamentals

Also updated on January 14, 2026, the AZ-900 certification remains the foundational starting point for Azure learners and professionals. The update emphasizes cloud concepts, Azure core services, and governance - but keeps the exam’s beginner-friendly structure intact.

While the content remains entry-level, expect slightly stronger emphasis on real-world scenarios and governance controls.

Security Track: SC-100 Update

The SC-100: Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam is part of Microsoft's advanced security certification path. This exam is scheduled for a skills update on January 22, 2026, meaning the exam objectives and skills they test may shift to better align with modern cybersecurity architecture, Zero Trust models, and Azure security services.

Security candidates should look for the updated skills outline on the Microsoft Learn site once available, as changes here may introduce new focus areas or weighting of topics.

Data & Analytics: DP-600 Skills Refresh

The DP-600: Implementing Analytics Solutions Using Microsoft Fabric certification is another critical update in January 2026. Fabric has become Microsoft’s unified analytics platform, and the DP-600 exam tests skills in building analytics solutions across ingesting, transforming, and visualizing data.

Although Microsoft hasn't publicly detailed the DP-600 changes yet, the update signals that data engineering and analytics professionals should revisit the updated exam guide to ensure their preparation matches the new skills measured.

What's Changing - And Why It Matters

Microsoft regularly updates exams to:

● Reflect new features and services in Azure, Fabric, and security products

● Align certifications with real-world job skills employers expect

● Retire outdated objectives as tools and best practices evolve

As technology changes fast, these updates help ensure that certification holders actually demonstrate current, relevant skills.

Tips for Candidates Preparing for January 2026 Changes

Here are some study tips to help you stay on track:

Check the Official Skills Outline 

Before scheduling an exam, review the updated “skills measured” page on Microsoft Learn. This is the definitive source for what you’ll actually be tested on.

Plan Around Update Dates 

If an exam is being updated soon, decide whether to take it before or after the new skills go live. Taking it before may require different focus areas; taking it after means aligning study resources with the updated objectives.

Use Updated Prep Tools 

Look for revised practice tests and learning modules that match the updated exam content. Microsoft Learn and official partners often publish new practice assessments after a major update.

Focus on Real-World Scenarios 

Many updates (especially for developer and security exams) push beyond rote memorization toward applied skills and scenario-based questions, so hands-on practice and labs are critical.

January 2026 marks a meaningful refresh across several Microsoft certification exams - from fundamentals to advanced developer and security roles. Staying informed about these updates gives you an edge in planning your preparation and avoiding outdated study guides. Whether you're aiming for AZ-204 developer skills, AZ-900 fundamentals, SC-100 architecture expertise, or DP-600 analytics mastery, make sure your study resources match the latest official skills outlines before you step into the testing center.