How to prepare for Microsoft Dynamics 365 MB-820 Exam?

Aspiring to excel as a Dynamics 365 Business Central Developer requires a strategic approach, and here, we provide you with a refined roadmap to navigate through the intricacies of MB-820 exam preparation. Our content is designed to offer sophisticated insights, expert study methodologies, and curated resources to empower you for success in the MB-820 Exam. Join us as we elevate your readiness and professionalism in the realm of Dynamics 365. This blog serves as your comprehensive guide, providing a clear roadmap to exam success and equipping you with the skills to excel in this field.

Overview of the Microsoft MB-820 Exam

Microsoft MB-820 exam (Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Developer) validates your skills in creating, testing, and maintaining solutions for Dynamics 365 Business Central. You design apps that enhance Business Central, adding extra features or customizations. Integration with other applications, like Microsoft Power Platform, is also part of your role. It’s crucial to ensure data remains up-to-date during upgrades. As a Business Central developer, you handle troubleshooting and fixing system issues, which include:

• Identifying the root cause.
• Fixing bugs.
• Testing solutions to ensure they work correctly.

Furthermore, optimizing system performance is another responsibility, involving:

• Identifying bottlenecks.
• Improving code quality.

Knowledge Requirement for the exam:

• You must possess practical knowledge of Business Central, application language (AL), development environment, and other tools for creating extensions. Familiarity with system installation and upgrades is essential.
• Additionally, understanding of:
  • Industry terms.
  • Business Central’s role in Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365.
• Further, as a developer, you need to be versed in:
  • AppSource.
  • Business Central-related technologies, frameworks, and services.
  • Technologies for application lifecycle management (ALM), including source control management (SCM), continuous integration, and continuous delivery (CI/CD).

Exam Format

Completing the MB-820 exam earns you the title of Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Developer Associate. The exam is in English and consists of 40-60 questions. To pass, you need a score of 700 or higher, and the registration fee is $165 USD.

Preparing for the Microsoft MB-820 Exam

Starting on the path to earning the Microsoft MB-820 certification brings promising prospects in the world of Dynamics 365 Business Central. Starting this journey may bring a blend of excitement and some nervousness. This segment is your trustworthy companion, unraveling the exam difficulties and providing a straightforward route to the journey.

1. Get Familiar with the Exam Objectives

To start getting ready for the Microsoft MB-820 exam, it’s vital to understand the exam goals. These objectives cover essential topics that make up the foundation of what you should be familiar with. The exam evaluates your skills in completing specific technical tasks. These include explaining Business Central, setting up, creating, and launching solutions for Business Central. It also involves developing using AL objects, working with development tools, and integrating Business Central with other applications. Let’s understand this in detail!

1. Describing Business Central (10–15%)

Understand the Business Central architecture

• Describing the components and capabilities of Business Central (Microsoft Documentation: Components and capabilities)
• Explaining the core solution and extensions approach for Business Central (Microsoft Documentation: Development in AL)
• Describing the update lifecycle for customizations of Business Central (Microsoft Documentation: Update Lifecycle for Customizations of Business Central Online)
• Differentiating Business Central Online and Business Central on-premises features

Describing Business Central apps

• Differentiating between the base app and the system app (Microsoft Documentation: System and Base Application Reference for Dynamics 365 Business Central)
• Explaining the functionality of apps (Microsoft Documentation: What is Power Apps?)
• Describing the process of bringing an app to AppSource (Microsoft Documentation: Understand the process of bringing an app to AppSource in Business Central)

2. Learn how to Install, develop, and deploy for Business Central (10–15%)

Installing and configuring a Business Central development environment

• Describing the development environment for Business Central (Microsoft Documentation: AL development environment reference overview)
• Installing and configuring the development environment
• Managing JSON configuration files (Microsoft Documentation: Configuration in ASP.NET Core)
• Managing multiple AL extensions in one workspace (Microsoft Documentation: Work with multiple AL project folders within one workspace)

Creating, debugging, and deploying an extension in Business Central

• Debugging an extension with Visual Studio Code (Microsoft Documentation: Debug a Visual Studio extension)
• Deploying an extension
• Creating or modifying a Business Central extension in Visual Studio Code
• Managing multilanguage development (Microsoft Documentation: Manage multilanguage development in Dynamics 365 Business Central)
• Maintaining extensions (Microsoft Documentation: Maintain AppSource apps and Per-Tenant extensions in Business Central online)

3. Understand about developing using AL objects (35–40%)

Building and extending tables and pages in Business Central

• Developing Role Center pages (Microsoft Documentation: Designing Role Centers)
• Identifying different page types (Microsoft Documentation: Page types and layouts)
• Building and extending:
  • page objects
  • tables
  • enums

Building and extending reports

• Substituting a report (Microsoft Documentation: Substituting reports)
• Creating a report layout (Microsoft Documentation: Create and modify custom report layouts)
• Creating document reports
• Designing the data model of a report (Microsoft Documentation: Report Design Overview)
• Implementing multilanguage in reports
• Using report triggers, functions, and processing-only reports (Microsoft Documentation: Use report triggers, functions, and processing-only reports in Dynamics 365 Business Central)
• Developing the report request page (Microsoft Documentation: Reports overview)

Designing and creating an XMLport

• Configuring different XMLport properties (Microsoft Documentation: XMLport Properties)
• Defining nodes and their properties
• Using XMLports in AL code

Developing codeunits

• Creating and accessing codeunits (Microsoft Documentation: Codeunit object)
• Using events and triggers (Microsoft Documentation: Use events and triggers in Dynamics 365 Business Central)
• Implementing interfaces
• Creating installation and upgrade codeunits

Working with entitlement and permission set objects

• Creating and extending permission sets (Microsoft Documentation: Assign permissions to users and groups)
• Overriding entitlements with inherent permissions (Microsoft Documentation: Override entitlements with inherent permissions)
• Troubleshooting permission sets (Microsoft Documentation: Permission set object)

Creating queries in Business Central

• Linking and joining data items (Microsoft Documentation: Linking and Joining Data Items to Define the Query Dataset)
• Applying filters in query objects (Microsoft Documentation: Filtering in Query Objects)
• Using queries instead of record variables (Microsoft Documentation: Using Queries Instead of Record Variables)
• Aggregating data in query objects Aggregating data in query objects)
• Using a query to create a report

4. Learn developing by using AL (15–20%)

Customizing the UI experience and implementing onboarding techniques

• Creating profiles in AL (Microsoft Documentation: Using the Client to Create Profiles and Page Customizations)
• Using and creating views in AL (Microsoft Documentation: Views)
• Developing the UI by using the user assistance model (Microsoft Documentation: Dynamics 365 Business Central User assistance model)
• Integrating assisted setup (Microsoft Documentation: Build an Assisted Setup in Dynamics 365 Business Central)
• Creating teaching tips and in-app tours to onboard users (Microsoft Documentation: Teaching tips and in-app tours for onboarding users)
• Creating an onboarding checklist

Describing the essential development standards

• Implementing the data process model in Business Central (Microsoft Documentation: Implement the data process model in Dynamics 365 Business Central)
• Defining the different functional table types and characteristics (Microsoft Documentation: Identify functional table types and characteristics in Dynamics 365 Business Central)
• Using document standards in Business Central (Microsoft Documentation: Use document standards in Dynamics 365 Business Central)
• Implementing master data standards and design patterns

Using AL for extending Business Central

• Creating custom procedures (Microsoft Documentation: Create custom procedures in Dynamics 365 Business Central)
• Differentiating data types
• Manage files
• Manipulate data by using code (Microsoft Documentation: Manipulate data by using code in Dynamics 365 Business Central)
• Describing the basics of the AL (Microsoft Documentation: Introduction to the basics of AL programming in Dynamics 365 Business Central)
• Using the different types of expressions
• Working with AL built-in functions and AL statements (Microsoft Documentation: Working with AL methods)
• Working with variables and defining them in AL code (Microsoft Documentation: AL simple statements)
• Managing errors
• Using access modifiers to limit access

5. Working with development tools (10–15%)

Implementing semi-automated test processes and run standard Business Central tests

• Testing applications in Business Central (Microsoft Documentation: Testing the application overview)
• Installing and running the Test Toolkit (Microsoft Documentation: Test the advanced sample extension)
• Developing test codeunits and procedures (Microsoft Documentation: Create Test Codeunits and Test Methods)

Managing and analyzing telemetry

• Monitoring and analyzing telemetry (Microsoft Documentation: Monitoring and Analyzing Telemetry)
• Configuring telemetry
• Creating custom telemetry signals (Microsoft Documentation: Creating custom telemetry events for Azure Application Insights)

6. Learn about integrating Business Central with other applications (10–15%)

Accessing Representational State Transfer (REST) services from within Business Central

• Using the different HTTP classes and their functions
• Getting data from and sending data to an external REST service (Microsoft Documentation: REST API web services)
• Using and reading JSON (Microsoft Documentation: JSON files)

Implementing APIs

• Creating and working with APIs (Microsoft Documentation: Welcome to the API (v2.0) for Business Central)
• Managing UI interaction when working with web services (Microsoft Documentation: Handling UI interaction when working with web services)
• Using Read-Scale Out for Improving Performance (Microsoft Documentation: Using Read Scale-Out for Better Performance)

2. Microsoft Learning Paths

Microsoft has designed specific learning paths that come equipped with study modules to help you prepare for your exams. For a complete guide and study resources for the MB-820 test, visit the official Microsoft website. The modules in this course not only improve your understanding of the subjects but also ensure your success in the exams.

3. Microsoft Documentation

Microsoft Documentation is created to align with the specific goals and objectives of Microsoft exams, making it a focused and efficient resource for exam preparation. This ensures you concentrate on what matters most. The documentation often covers features, functionalities, and best practices in-depth. This comprehensive content allows you to gain a thorough understanding of the technology or platform.

Following Microsoft Documentation means adhering to the official guidance provided by the creators of the technology, which is crucial for implementing best practices and avoiding potential pitfalls. Microsoft regularly updates its documentation to reflect changes, updates, and new features. Utilizing the official documentation ensures you are aware of the latest information and advancements.

4. Participate in Study Communities

Preparing for exams becomes smoother when you join online study groups. These communities connect you with experienced individuals who have faced similar challenges. It’s an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have about the test and get ready for the MB-820 exam. This collaborative environment offers a unique opportunity to openly discuss any concerns you may have about the test, gain insights, and enhance your readiness for the upcoming MB-820 exam. The shared experiences and collective knowledge within these study groups contribute to a supportive and enriching preparation process, ultimately boosting your confidence as you approach the exam day.

5. Use Practice Tests

Practice tests play a crucial role in reinforcing your understanding of the study material. Engaging with Microsoft MB-820 practice exams helps you identify your strengths and areas that require more attention. Moreover, these tests enhance your speed in answering questions, providing a significant advantage on the actual exam day. Once you’ve covered a substantial amount of material, incorporating these practice tests for the exam is a wise decision.

Tips and Strategies for Microsoft Dynamics 365 MB-820 Exam

The Microsoft Dynamics 365 MB-820 exam presents a unique challenge and opportunity for developers seeking to validate their expertise in Business Central, the powerful ERP solution for small and medium-sized businesses. To maximize your chances of success, a well-defined preparation strategy is crucial. Here are some detailed and professional tips to guide you through the process:

• Thoroughly grasp the skills and topics outlined in the Microsoft study guide. It serves as your roadmap, highlighting areas of focus and essential resources.
• Explore comprehensive modules, hands-on labs, and interactive exercises to solidify your understanding.
• Dive deeper into specific technical areas by perusing relevant Microsoft Docs and white papers. This helps you gain granular knowledge and address potential complexities on the exam.
• Write custom extensions, modify existing workflows, and integrate data using AL. Utilize resources like the AL development environment extension and the online AL Playground to hone your skills.
• Actively engage with the vibrant Dynamics 365 developer community. Forums like Dynamics User Group (DUG) offer invaluable forums for troubleshooting, sharing best practices, and gaining real-world insights.
• Take initiative and build your own applications using Business Central. This hands-on approach allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, identify potential challenges, and boost your confidence.
• Analyze real-world business scenarios and design solutions using Business Central. This exercise mimics the problem-solving skills tested on the exam and enhances your critical thinking abilities.
• Invest time in understanding the integration of AI within Business Central.
• Prioritize high-value questions and don’t dwell on challenging ones. Remember, every question carries the same weight. Pay attention to question phrasing and keywords. Misinterpretations can cost you valuable points. Ensure you fully understand the question before choosing an answer.
•  Eliminate distractions, choose a quiet testing space, and maintain focus throughout the exam. 
• Remain current with the latest Business Central features and updates. Regularly visit Microsoft Docs and follow community blogs to stay ahead of the curve.
• Embrace the challenge with a confident attitude and remember, achieving mastery takes dedication and persistence.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Dynamics 365 MB-820 exam acts as a gateway to unlocking your potential as a Business Central developer. By approaching it with strategic preparation you can transform the challenge into a triumphant celebration of your expertise. This blog has served as your guide, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to navigate the journey. Remember, mastering the study guide, working on your AL skills, and embracing hands-on experience are the cornerstones of your success. Ultimately, passing the MB-820 extends beyond mere exam certification. With the right strategy and a persistent spirit, you can not only ace the exam but also prove yourself to the forefront of Business Central development.