Performance and skilling updates coming to Infra and Database Migration specialization

[Windows Server]

Microsoft is always looking for ways to evolve with the growing needs of our partners. Recent updates to some specialization requirements are just one way we’re working toward that goal. On March 4, we made adjustments to the performance, skilling, and certification requirements for the Infrastructure (Azure) specialization, Infra and Database Migration to Azure. 

To showcase your organization’s competency in implementing secure migrations for customers, more flexible performance requirements will now include Azure Consumed Revenue (ACR) from either Windows or Linux and either SQL or open-source database (OSDB). 

• Current requirement: You need to meet both Windows and Linux ACR requirements.  
• Updated requirement: You need to meet either the Windows or Linux ACR requirement.  
• Current requirement: You need to meet both SQL and OSDB ACR requirements.  
• Updated requirement: You need to meet either the SQL or OSDB ACR requirement.  

Additionally, as of March 4, the Azure Security Engineer Associate certification is now a requirement for the Infra and Database Migration specialization. Partners who wish to enroll, or remain enrolled, in the specialization will need to have a certain number of their employees pass the Azure Security Engineer Associate certification. Furthermore, the Azure Data Engineer Associate certificate will expire on March 31, 2025. If you completed it before retirement, you will be credited for holding the certification for one year after obtaining it. Moving forward, this certification is replaced by Azure Database Administrator Associate. 

Your organization must have at least four individuals pass the following certifications, and each certification listed below must be held by at least one individual: 

• DevOps Engineer Expert  
• Azure Administrator Associate  
• (New) Azure Security Engineer Associate  
• Azure Data Engineer Associate* or Azure Database Administrator Associate 

 *This certification will expire on March 31, 2025. If completed before retirement, it will remain valid for one year.   

Customers want to know you have the skills they need for their cloud migrations—make sure you meet these new requirements before you apply for a specialization renewal. If you’re unsure about your organization's qualifications for the updated requirements, please check the Infra and Database Migration to Azure specialization page in Partner Center. 

If you meet the prior requirements at the time of the change and are negatively impacted, you will have a six-month grace period to work toward meeting the new requirements. During this time, an override status will be indicated in Partner Center.  

As Microsoft marks our 50th anniversary, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued partners and customers. Your unwavering support and collaboration have been instrumental in shaping our journey. 

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