MB-800: A Course for Consultants, Users or Developers? Let’s Clarify

Since Microsoft reintroduced certifications for Business Central, I’ve received numerous requests for the MB-800 course — often from companies or professionals with very different goals. In most cases, however, it turned out that the course content did not match their expectations.

That’s why I always suggest a clarification call before scheduling a session: it helps to clearly understand the goals, the participants' profiles, and the real training needs.

Let’s take a closer look at what the MB-800 course covers—and who it’s really intended for.

Who is the MB-800 course for?

The MB-800 course is tied to the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate certification. The title itself already tells us something important:

It is designed for those who want to become functional consultants, not end users.

The course covers key topics in the implementation of Business Central: setting up new companies, onboarding procedures (user permissions setup, importing master data, opening balances, initial inventory), module configuration, financial processes, inventory management, sales, and purchasing. The goal is to train those who will help companies set up and adapt the system — not those who will use it in their daily work.

For each module, the functional scope is explained, so that the consultant can later carry out business analysis and determine whether the client’s needs are covered by the standard system.

An important note: the W1 version

One often-overlooked detail: the certification is based on the international (W1) version of Business Central — not the localized version for each country.

In the case of Italy, for example, this means the course does not cover topics like non-deductible VAT or other country-specific requirements. To see the local functionalities available in your country, visit this page.

What is covered—and what isn’t

Functionally, the course covers the basic activities of the main modules:

• how to purchase and sell a product

• how to configure posting groups

• how to set up analysis dimensions

• the fundamentals of inventory operations

However, some modules are not covered at all:

• advanced warehouse management

• manufacturing

• resources and projects

In summary, the MB-800 is best described as a structured introduction to Business Central, aimed at those who want to become functional consultants.

How to approach it: three profiles, three paths

Once we’ve clarified what the course covers (and what it doesn’t), it’s important to understand how to approach it effectively. Here are three typical cases I often encounter.

🔹 Already experienced with Business Central and aiming for certification?

In this case, the full MB-800 course may be redundant. If you're already familiar with the product’s features, I recommend a Focus Day: an intensive session focused on the exam topics, aimed at clarifying doubts, deepening key areas, and helping you prepare efficiently. This is the most effective path for those with hands-on experience but no official certification.

🔹 A junior consultant starting from scratch?

If you’re just beginning your Business Central journey, the MB-800 course is a great place to start. In this case, I recommend a three-phase training path:

1. Attend the MB-800 course to gain a broad and structured overview of the system

2. Training on the job, to apply what you’ve learned and get exposure to real-world cases

3. Final Focus Day, to consolidate knowledge and prepare effectively for the exam

This combination allows you to turn theory into experience—avoiding the mistake of “studying blindly” without real exposure to the product.

🔹 Just want to learn how to use Business Central?

If you're not interested in certification but want to learn how to use Business Central in your daily role, the MB-800 is not the right course. However, the course topics can still serve as a useful framework to build a customized training path, tailored to your company’s processes and your specific needs.

I can help you:

• identify the most relevant MB-800 topics

• build a tailored training program for end users or key users

• decide which areas to explore and to what depth

Is MB-800 the right path for you?

The MB-800 course can be very useful — but only when approached with the right goal in mind. That’s why it’s important to make an informed choice.

If you're unsure which path suits you best, feel free to reach out or schedule a call: I’ll be happy to help you find the most suitable solution for you or your team. 👉 You can also visit the Business Central training page to explore available options.