Microsoft Applied Skills: Develop generative AI apps with Azure OpenAI and Semantic Kernel - Retired

Shruthi tatikonda shekar 0 Reputation points
2026-04-27T11:11:25.2+00:00

We would like to seek clarification and guidance regarding the retirement of the Microsoft Applied Skill: Develop generative AI apps with Azure OpenAI and Semantic Kernel.

As observed on Microsoft Learn, this Applied Skills assessment has been marked as retired. We have learners who were either preparing for or scheduled to attempt this assessment and are now seeking direction on the appropriate next steps.

We request your support on the following:

  1. Confirmation on the official retirement status and effective date of this Applied Skill.
  2. Recommended alternative Applied Skills or certifications that learners should pursue to build equivalent or advanced competencies in:
    • Azure OpenAI
      • Generative AI application development
        • Semantic Kernel–based solutions or AI agents
        1. Guidance on whether Microsoft plans to offer a replacement Applied Skill aligned to generative AI or agentic AI scenarios.
        2. Any best practices for advising learners who were mid‑preparation when the retirement was announced.

Your guidance will help us provide accurate direction and continuity for our learners and stakeholders.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-04-27T11:11:43.0333333+00:00
    1. Retirement status and effective date

    The Applied Skills credential “Microsoft Applied Skills: Develop generative AI apps with Azure OpenAI and Semantic Kernel” is listed under Recently retired Applied Skills credentials with a retirement date of April 15, 2026.

    Once an Applied Skill has been retired:

    • It is no longer available in the Applied Skills offerings.
    • If already earned, it remains on the learner’s transcript; after it expires, it moves to the Historical credentials section.
    1. Replacement / alternative credentials and exams

    From the provided information:

    • The page explains why credentials get retired: to keep skills aligned with current Microsoft technologies and real-world roles.
    • It also shows other Applied Skills scheduled to retire and certifications scheduled to retire, but does not list a direct replacement for this specific Semantic Kernel / Azure OpenAI Applied Skill.
    • There is no explicit statement in the context that a new or replacement Applied Skill for generative AI or agentic AI scenarios is already available or announced.

    Therefore, based on the context, only the following can be stated:

    • The Semantic Kernel + Azure OpenAI Applied Skill is retired as of April 15, 2026.
    • Microsoft periodically retires and introduces credentials to stay aligned with evolving AI technologies, but no specific successor credential for this one is named in the provided material.
    1. General guidance for learners who were mid‑preparation

    The general retirement guidance for exams and assessment labs applies to Applied Skills as well:

    • Learners are strongly encouraged to take an exam or assessment lab before its retirement date if they are already preparing for it.
    • After the retirement date, candidates cannot take the assessment or earn the associated credential.
    • If the credential was already earned before retirement, it stays on the transcript; if renewable, learners are advised to renew before the retirement date when renewal is available.

    For learners who were mid‑preparation after the retirement date:

    • The retired Applied Skill cannot be taken anymore.
    • The recommended approach is to pivot preparation toward currently active certifications or Applied Skills that align with their role and technology interests, following Microsoft’s general strategy of keeping credentials relevant to current products and job roles.

    The context does not list specific alternative Azure OpenAI or Semantic Kernel–focused credentials, so only this general guidance can be provided from the available information.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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