Key Takeaways
- Partner University retires June 15, 2026 — no new user linkings after that date. Existing linkings honored until June 2027.
- New specializations announced: Agentic Business Solutions, Analytics on Microsoft Azure, App Modernization on Microsoft Azure.
- Security specializations moving to audit-based model (third-party, partner-funded, every 2 years).
- Digital & App Innovation designation now accepts GitHub certifications (Actions, Administration, Advanced Security, Copilot) as Advanced skilling.
- Copilot and Agent Administration Fundamentals added as Intermediate skilling for Modern Work designation.
- Identity and Access Management specialization now includes Entra ID P2 as eligible workload.
What Changed
The May 2026 Monthly Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program update brings significant changes to specializations, designations, and skilling requirements. Here's a breakdown of the most impactful changes for partners.
Source: Microsoft Partner Center Announcement #16, May 2026
Partner University Retirement — Act Before June 15
Partner University will be retired effective June 15, 2026. This impacts partners in the Modern Work Solutions Partner designation and two Modern Work specializations.
What partners need to know:
- Existing user linkings remain valid and earn skilling score until June 2027
- No new user linkings after June 15, 2026
- New skilling requirements will be added as OR conditions alongside existing PU assessments during transition
- The Partner University experience in the Learn profile page will be retired
Action required: Complete any planned Partner University linkings before June 15.
New and Merged Specializations
Three new specializations are being created by merging existing ones:
| New Specialization | Merging From |
|---|---|
| Analytics on Microsoft Azure | Analytics on Azure + Data Warehouse Migration + Business Intelligence |
| Agentic Business Solutions | Low Code Application Development + Intelligent Automation |
| App Modernization on Microsoft Azure | Kubernetes on Azure + Migrate Enterprise Applications |
Security Specializations Move to Audit Model
All four Microsoft Security Specializations are moving to an audit-based model:
- Cloud Security
- Data Security
- Identity & Access Management
- Threat Protection
Key details:
- Independent third-party auditor validates real customer delivery
- Partner-funded, conducted every 2 years
- Partners receive Pass or No Pass result
- Anniversary date extension provided for preparation time
Prepare now: Identify SMEs who can source required artifacts for audit.
Skilling Updates
GitHub Certifications for Digital & App Innovation
The Digital & App Innovation Solutions Partner designation now accepts:- GitHub Actions
- GitHub Administration
- GitHub Advanced Security
- GitHub Copilot
All four are Advanced skilling options for both Enterprise and SMB tracks.
Copilot Fundamentals for Modern Work
Microsoft 365 Certified: Copilot and Agent Administration Fundamentals is now an Intermediate skilling option for the Modern Work Solutions Partner designation, replacing the retiring Microsoft 365 Fundamentals certification.Identity & Access Management
Entra ID P2 added as eligible workload. New requirement: 2,000 MAU growth of Entra ID P1 and/or P2 in trailing 12 months.What Partners Should Do
- Complete Partner University linkings before June 15 — deadline is 31 days away
- Review your current specializations — understand which are merging or retiring
- Plan for security audit if you hold any of the four security specializations
- Update skilling plans to include GitHub certifications and Copilot Fundamentals
- Check Entra ID P2 eligibility if pursuing Identity & Access Management specialization
Source: Microsoft Partner Center Announcements — May 2026
Ready to grow your Microsoft practice? Explore Cloud Factory's partner platform →