Several specializations are changing this month to help ensure your credentials stay current with the products you deliver and the FY27 rollover taxonomy. Learn what’s new for each specialization, then check Partner Center to see if you meet the requirements.
Azure Stack HCI specialization becomes Azure Local for Hybrid & Sovereign Private Cloud
Azure Local is replacing Azure Stack HCI, and the corresponding specialization is changing so your credential stays current with the product you deliver. The Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure with Microsoft Azure Stack HCI specialization is being renamed the Azure Local for Hybrid & Sovereign Private Cloud specialization.
What is changing
- Name: the Azure Local for Hybrid & Sovereign Private Cloud specialization replaces the Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure with Microsoft Azure Stack HCI specialization.
- Performance: your Azure Consumed Revenue (ACR) is now calculated from Azure Local instead of Azure Stack HCI.
- Skilling: the DevOps Engineer Expert certification is no longer required.
- Audit: a new audit checklist releases with this update.
What to do
Check Partner Center to determine whether you meet the new requirements.
Custom Solutions for Microsoft Teams specialization retires in November 2026
The Custom Solutions for Microsoft Teams specialization retires in November 2026.
What this means
- After retirement, new enrollments and renewals will no longer be accepted.
- If you are currently enrolled, your specialization stays active until your anniversary date.
- The retirement may affect benefits and incentives tied to the specialization.
What to do
Enroll in other Modern Work specializations to continue demonstrating your expertise.
ACR workloads for five Azure specializations now match the FY27 rollover taxonomy
The eligible ACR workloads for five Azure specializations have been updated to match the FY27 rollover taxonomy: AI Platform, AI Apps, App Modernization, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Azure VMware Solution.
The specialization pages on partner.microsoft.com have been refreshed so the requirements listed match the new taxonomy. If you hold or are working toward any of these specializations, review the updated performance requirements to confirm your ACR workloads still count.
What to do
Check Partner Center to find out if you maintain the requirements under the new taxonomy.