Preparing for the Solution Architect Expert Path

Introduction to the Solution Architect Role

The Microsoft Solution Architect Expert is one of the highest certifications in the Microsoft ecosystem, validating your ability to design and oversee complex business solutions using Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Azure. This role requires deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership skills to align technology with business needs.

Who Should Pursue This Path?

✔ Senior Consultants with 5+ years of experience
✔ Technical Architects designing enterprise solutions
✔ IT Leaders overseeing digital transformation
✔ Developers/Functional Consultants looking to advance

Why Become a Solution Architect?

High Demand: Average salary $140,000–$200,000 (Source: Glassdoor)
Leadership Role: Influence business strategy & technology adoption
Cross-Platform Expertise: Work with Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Azure

Step 1: Understand the Certification Requirements

Microsoft offers two Solution Architect Expert paths:

Power Platform Solution Architect (PL-600)

Focus: Power Apps, Power Automate, Dataverse
Prerequisite: PL-400 (Power Platform Developer)

Dynamics 365 Solution Architect (MB-600) (Retired in 2023; replaced by PL-600 & role-based Dynamics 365 certs)

Now, architects specialize in:
- CRM (MB-210, MB-230, MB-240)
- ERP (MB-500, MB-920)

Current Recommended Path

PL-600: Power Platform Solution Architect (Core architecture exam)
Specialize in Dynamics 365 (e.g., Sales, Customer Service, F&O)

Step 2: Build Foundational Knowledge

Before attempting PL-600, you need hands-on experience with:

A. Power Platform (PL-900 & PL-400)

✔ Power Apps (Model-Driven & Canvas Apps)
✔ Power Automate (Cloud & Desktop Flows)
✔ Dataverse (Tables, Relationships, Security)
✔ Power BI (Analytics & Dashboards)

Resources:

B. Dynamics 365 (MB-910 & Role-Based Certs)

✔ Dynamics 365 Sales (MB-210)
✔ Dynamics 365 Customer Service (MB-230)
✔ Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (MB-920)

Resources:

MB-910: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals

Step 3: Master Solution Architecture Concepts (PL-600)

The PL-600 exam tests your ability to:
✔ Design scalable solutions
✔ Implement security & compliance
✔ Optimize performance
✔ Govern Power Platform environments

Key Topics for PL-600

Domain	Weight	Key Skills
Solution Design	30–35%	– Requirements analysis – Data modeling – Application lifecycle management (ALM)
Security & Governance	25–30%	– Role-based security – Data loss prevention (DLP) – Licensing strategies
Integration Strategies	20–25%	– Azure Logic Apps – Custom connectors – API management
Advanced Customization	15–20%	– Plugins & custom workflows – AI Builder – Power Pages

Study Resources:

Step 4: Gain Real-World Experience

A. Work on Architecture Projects

Example 1: Design a customer portal with Power Pages + Dynamics 365
Example 2: Implement row-level security for a multinational company

B. Case Studies to Explore

Enterprise CRM Migration

Challenge: Move from legacy CRM to Dynamics 365
Solution: Phased deployment, data migration strategy, user training

Automated Invoice Processing

Challenge: Reduce manual data entry
Solution: Power Automate + AI Builder

Step 5: Prepare for the PL-600 Exam

A. Study Plan (6–8 Weeks)

Week	Focus Area
1–2	Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900 recap)
3–4	Solution Design & Security (PL-600 Domains 1–2)
5–6	Integration & Customization (PL-600 Domains 3–4)
7–8	Mock Exams & Review

B. Exam Tips

✔ Focus on scenario-based questions (Microsoft loves “What should you recommend?”)
✔ Review ALM & security best practices (Key for architects)
✔ Take 2–3 practice tests (MeasureUp, Whizlabs)