Introduction
Microsoft offers a variety of role-based certifications for professionals working with Power Platform (PL) and Dynamics 365 (MB). Two key paths are:
- PL-200: Microsoft Power Platform Functional Consultant (focused on Power Apps, Power Automate, and Dynamics 365 customization)
- MB Exams (e.g., MB-210, MB-230, MB-240, MB-920) (focused on Dynamics 365 applications like Sales, Customer Service, Field Service, and Finance & Operations)
Choosing between PL-200 and MB exams depends on your career goals, job role, and technical vs. functional expertise. This guide provides a detailed comparison to help you decide which certification path is right for you.
1. Overview of PL-200 vs. MB Exams
A. PL-200: Power Platform Functional Consultant
- Focus: Customizing and extending Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, Dataverse) and Dynamics 365 solutions.
- Target Roles:
- Functional Consultants
- Business Analysts
- Citizen Developers
- IT Professionals managing low-code solutions
- Key Skills Tested:
- Building model-driven and canvas apps
- Automating workflows with Power Automate
- Integrating Power Platform with Dynamics 365
- Security & data modeling in Dataverse
B. MB Exams: Dynamics 365 Applications
- Focus: Implementing and configuring specific Dynamics 365 applications (e.g., Sales, Customer Service, Field Service, Finance & Operations).
- Target Roles:
- CRM Consultants (MB-210, MB-230)
- Field Service Technicians (MB-240)
- Finance & Supply Chain Specialists (MB-920)
- Key Skills Tested:
- Configuring Dynamics 365 modules (e.g., Sales Hub, Customer Service Hub)
- Managing business processes (e.g., lead-to-cash, case management)
- Understanding industry-specific solutions (e.g., Field Service IoT, Finance reporting)
2. Key Differences Between PL-200 and MB Exams
| Factor | PL-200 (Power Platform) | MB Exams (Dynamics 365) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Low-code app development, automation, and customization | Industry-specific ERP/CRM applications |
| Core Tools | Power Apps, Power Automate, Dataverse, Power BI | Dynamics 365 Sales, Customer Service, Field Service, Finance |
| Job Roles | Functional Consultant, Business Analyst, Citizen Developer | CRM Consultant, ERP Specialist, Field Service Manager |
| Technical Depth | More technical (customizing apps, workflows) | More functional (configuring business processes) |
| Integration Scope | Works across Dynamics 365 + standalone Power Platform solutions | Focused on Dynamics 365 modules |
| Best For | Those who want to build custom apps & automate processes | Those specializing in CRM/ERP implementation |
3. When to Choose PL-200?
Ideal Candidates:
✅ You want to build custom apps (e.g., replacing Excel workflows with Power Apps).
✅ You work across multiple Dynamics 365 apps (e.g., integrating Sales + Customer Service).
✅ You prefer low-code development (Power Platform over traditional coding).
✅ Your role involves process automation (Power Automate flows, chatbots).
Career Path After PL-200:
- Power Platform Solution Architect (PL-600)
- Power Platform Developer (PL-400)
- Dynamics 365 + Power Platform Consultant
4. When to Choose an MB Exam?
Ideal Candidates:
✅ You specialize in a specific Dynamics 365 app (e.g., Sales, Customer Service, Finance).
✅ Your job involves configuring CRM/ERP systems (not building custom apps).
✅ You work in an industry like retail, healthcare, or manufacturing (Field Service, Finance & Ops).
Which MB Exam Should You Take?
| Exam | Best For |
|---|---|
| MB-210 (Sales) | Sales managers, CRM consultants |
| MB-230 (Customer Service) | Support teams, service managers |
| MB-240 (Field Service) | Field technicians, IoT specialists |
| MB-920 (Finance & Operations) | Accountants, supply chain managers |
5. Can You Take Both PL-200 and MB Exams?
Yes! Many professionals combine PL-200 with MB certifications for hybrid roles:
- Example 1: A CRM Consultant (MB-210) who also builds custom Power Apps (PL-200).
- Example 2: A Finance Specialist (MB-920) who automates invoice approvals (Power Automate).
Recommended Certification Paths:
- For Dynamics 365 Consultants:
- MB-210 (Sales) → MB-230 (Customer Service) → PL-200
- For ERP/Finance Professionals:
- MB-920 (Finance & Ops) → PL-200 (for Power BI & automation)
- For Power Platform Experts:
- PL-200 → PL-400 (Developer) → PL-600 (Solution Architect)
6. Salary & Job Market Outlook
PL-200 Professionals
- Average Salary: $90,000–$120,000 (Functional Consultant)
- Job Demand: High (low-code automation is growing rapidly)
MB Certified Professionals
- MB-210 (Sales): $85,000–$110,000
- MB-240 (Field Service): $95,000–$130,000
- MB-920 (Finance & Ops): $100,000–$140,000
Hybrid Roles (PL + MB): Often command higher salaries due to cross-functional expertise.
7. Final Decision Guide: PL-200 vs. MB Exams
Choose PL-200 If:
✔ You enjoy app development & automation.
✔ You work with multiple Dynamics 365 apps.
✔ You want flexibility beyond CRM/ERP.
Choose an MB Exam If:
✔ You specialize in Sales, Service, or Finance.
✔ Your job is more functional than technical.
✔ You work in industry-specific ERP/CRM roles.
Choose Both If:
✔ You want to maximize career opportunities.
✔ You work in a hybrid role (e.g., CRM + automation).