Microsoft Retires Two Specialized Training Courses: AZ-1010 and MS-4007 Shift to On-Demand Format

Microsoft has announced the retirement of two specialized instructor-led training courses, AZ-1010 and MS-4007, both scheduled for retirement on February 27, 2026. This move reflects Microsoft's ongoing strategy to adapt training delivery formats to better match how professionals consume technical content, particularly for targeted, specialized topics.

What Changed

The two courses being retired serve distinct but specialized audiences:

MS-4007: Microsoft 365 Copilot user Enablement Specialist (course page) focuses on training professionals who help organizations adopt and maximize Microsoft 365 Copilot. The course covers deployment strategies, user training methodologies, and change management for AI-powered productivity tools. Microsoft has determined this course serves a "more targeted audience" and will shift it to an on-demand video series format.

AZ-1010: Deploy and manage Azure Arc-enabled Servers (training path) provides hands-on training for managing hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructure using Azure Arc. This course includes an Applied Skills Assessment credential, which will retire earlier on January 30, 2026—nearly a month before the course itself. Azure Arc enables organizations to manage servers, Kubernetes clusters, and data services across on-premises, edge, and multi-cloud environments from a single control plane.

Provider Comparison: Training Format Evolution

Microsoft's decision to move these courses to on-demand video represents a broader industry trend in cloud training. Traditional instructor-led training (ILT) works well for foundational concepts and broad audiences, but specialized topics often benefit from flexible, self-paced formats.

Instructor-Led vs. On-Demand Trade-offs:

• ILT Advantages: Real-time Q&A, structured learning environment, peer interaction, instructor guidance for complex topics
• On-Demand Advantages: Self-paced learning, cost-effective for organizations, accessible across time zones, repeatable for teams, better for experienced professionals seeking specific skills

For MS-4007, the on-demand format makes particular sense. Microsoft 365 Copilot enablement specialists often work in varied organizational contexts, requiring flexible learning schedules. The role demands understanding both technical deployment and change management—skills that professionals may need to reference repeatedly as they guide organizations through AI adoption.

For AZ-1010, the Applied Skills Assessment retirement on January 30, 2026, precedes the course retirement by nearly a month. This suggests Microsoft may be restructuring how it certifies Azure Arc expertise. The Applied Skills program, which focuses on scenario-based assessments rather than traditional exams, represents Microsoft's move toward validating practical, job-role skills.

Business Impact and Migration Considerations

For Organizations

Budget Planning: Organizations with training budgets allocated for 2025-2026 should note these retirements. The on-demand alternatives may offer cost savings compared to ILT, but organizations should verify pricing structures for the new video series formats.

Training Scheduling: Teams planning to send staff to these courses should complete training before the retirement dates. The transition period allows for planning, but organizations should consider the Applied Skills Assessment retirement for AZ-1010 specifically—January 30, 2026, comes before the course retirement.

Skill Development Pathways: For Azure Arc training, organizations should monitor Microsoft Learn for updated learning paths. Azure Arc remains a critical component of Microsoft's hybrid cloud strategy, and while the specific course is retiring, the technology continues to evolve. The Azure Arc documentation provides current implementation guidance.

For Professionals

Career Planning: Professionals targeting the Microsoft 365 Copilot user Enablement Specialist role should note the format change. The on-demand video series may offer different learning experiences compared to ILT. Consider whether the self-paced format aligns with your learning style and whether you'll need additional hands-on practice.

Certification Timing: For those pursuing the AZ-1010 Applied Skills credential, the January 30, 2026, retirement date creates urgency. Professionals should plan to complete the assessment before this date. After retirement, Microsoft may offer alternative assessment methods for Azure Arc skills, but specific details aren't yet available.

Technical Context: Azure Arc and Copilot Enablement

Azure Arc's Strategic Importance

Azure Arc represents Microsoft's answer to hybrid cloud complexity. Rather than forcing organizations to choose between on-premises and cloud, Azure Arc provides a unified management plane. The technology extends Azure Resource Manager capabilities to any infrastructure, enabling:

• Server Management: Apply Azure policies, monitor, and secure Windows and Linux servers across environments
• Kubernetes Management: Deploy applications across clusters using Azure Arc-enabled Kubernetes
• Data Services: Run Azure SQL Managed Instance and PostgreSQL Hyperscale on-premises
• Arc-enabled Machine Learning: Deploy ML models at the edge

The AZ-1010 course covered deployment and management of Azure Arc-enabled servers specifically. As organizations increasingly adopt multi-cloud strategies, Azure Arc skills remain valuable. The retirement of this course doesn't diminish the technology's importance—it may indicate Microsoft is consolidating training resources or preparing updated content that reflects recent Azure Arc enhancements.

Microsoft 365 Copilot Enablement

MS-4007 addressed a rapidly growing need: helping organizations adopt AI-powered productivity tools effectively. Microsoft 365 Copilot integrates large language models with organizational data, requiring careful implementation to balance productivity gains with security and governance.

The course likely covered:

• Technical deployment of Copilot across Microsoft 365 applications
• User training strategies for different organizational roles
• Change management for AI adoption
• Measuring adoption and ROI

The shift to on-demand video series suggests Microsoft recognizes that Copilot enablement specialists often work in varied contexts and may need flexible, accessible training resources they can reference as they guide organizations through AI transformation.

Strategic Implications for Cloud Training

Microsoft's decision reflects broader trends in cloud education:

1. Specialization Over Breadth: Rather than broad foundational courses, Microsoft is focusing on role-specific, targeted training
2. Flexible Delivery: On-demand formats accommodate the distributed nature of modern cloud teams
3. Practical Assessment: The Applied Skills program emphasizes scenario-based validation over theoretical knowledge

For organizations building cloud capabilities, this means:

• Training plans should include both foundational courses and specialized, role-specific content
• Budget allocation should consider the cost differences between ILT and on-demand formats
• Certification pathways may require more frequent updates as Microsoft adapts its programs

Next Steps

Organizations and professionals should:

1. Review Current Training Plans: Identify if AZ-1010 or MS-4007 are part of your 2025-2026 training roadmap
2. Monitor Microsoft Learn: Watch for announcements about the on-demand video series formats and pricing
3. Plan Assessment Timing: For AZ-1010 Applied Skills, schedule before January 30, 2026
4. Consider Alternative Resources: Explore Microsoft Learn paths for Azure Arc and Microsoft 365 Copilot while waiting for the new formats

The retirements represent Microsoft's ongoing refinement of its training portfolio. While specific courses change, the underlying technologies—Azure Arc for hybrid cloud management and Microsoft 365 Copilot for AI productivity—continue to be strategic priorities for Microsoft and its customers.

For the latest updates on course retirements and new training formats, visit the Microsoft Learn course retirement page.