Earning the MB-800: Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate certification is a powerful move for professionals aiming to deepen their expertise in enterprise resource planning (ERP) using Microsoft’s powerful suite. This credential confirms a consultant’s ability to implement and configure core application features in Dynamics 365 Business Central, a comprehensive business management solution for small and mid-sized organizations.

This three-part series explores the complete path to preparing for and passing the MB-800 exam. In Part 1, we dive into the fundamentals of the certification, explore the role of a functional consultant, examine the structure of the exam, and break down the core domains you need to master. Whether you’re just starting or sharpening your skills, this guide will set you on a clear, confident path.

What Is the MB-800 Certification?

The MB-800 certification, formally titled Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate, is one of the role-based certifications offered by Microsoft. It validates your ability to configure and manage Business Central, ensuring that you understand both its financial and operational features.

As a certified professional, you’re expected to translate business requirements into secure, scalable, and reliable solutions. The MB-800 is particularly useful for professionals already working with Microsoft ERP solutions or those transitioning from legacy systems like Dynamics NAV or GP.

Core Responsibilities of an MB-800 Functional Consultant

A functional consultant certified in MB-800 typically performs the following duties:

• Configure Dynamics 365 Business Central for finance, sales, purchasing, and inventory management

• Set up core application features such as journal templates, bank reconciliation, and dimensions

• Work closely with stakeholders to define system requirements and business rules

• Migrate data from legacy systems into Business Central

• Customize the solution using Microsoft Power Platform components when necessary

This role demands both technical fluency and a strong grasp of business operations, especially in areas such as finance, supply chain, and customer engagement.

Why Earn the MB-800 Certification?

There are multiple compelling reasons to pursue the MB-800 exam:

• Career Advancement: Being certified gives you a competitive edge in roles such as ERP consultant, Dynamics 365 analyst, or solution architect.

• Industry Recognition: The Microsoft brand enhances your credibility, particularly in organizations leveraging Business Central.

• High Demand: Companies are rapidly adopting cloud-based ERP systems. Business Central is growing, and certified consultants are increasingly valuable.

• Integration Skills: You’ll learn to connect Business Central with Microsoft 365, Power BI, and Power Automate, enhancing your technical versatility.

Earning the MB-800 certification is not just about passing a test—it’s about becoming a trusted advisor in optimizing business operations using Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem.

Understanding Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Before diving into exam preparation, it’s important to understand the platform you’re certifying on. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based ERP system aimed at small to mid-sized businesses. It integrates capabilities across finance, supply chain, sales, project management, and service delivery.

Unlike traditional ERP platforms, Business Central offers:

• Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook)

• Automation through Power Automate workflows

• Custom dashboards via Power BI

• A flexible extension model using AL code or Power Apps

Knowing the landscape of Business Central is crucial for MB-800 candidates. It’s not just about technical configuration—it’s about applying ERP best practices to solve real-world problems.

MB-800 Exam Structure and Format

The MB-800 exam assesses a broad range of functional and configuration tasks across different modules of Business Central. Microsoft frequently updates certification details, but the core format typically includes:

• Multiple-choice questions

• Case studies

• Drag-and-drop interactions

• Scenario-based problem-solving

Key Exam Facts:

• Exam Code: MB-800

• Duration: 120 minutes (approximate)

• Passing Score: 700/1000

• Number of Questions: Typically between 40–60

• Languages: English, with localized versions often available

Core Exam Domains:

According to the latest Microsoft documentation, the MB-800 exam is divided into the following key areas:

• Set up Business Central (20–25%)

• Configure financials (30–35%)

• Configure sales and purchasing (15–20%)

• Perform business processes (25–30%)

Each domain includes specific topics and tasks that require both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

Domain 1: Setting Up Business Central

This foundational section focuses on the core configuration elements of the application. As a consultant, your goal is to tailor the system to the organization’s structure, workflows, and security needs.

Key Concepts:

• Company creation and environment configuration

• Defining posting groups

• User roles and permission sets

• Configuration packages and RapidStart services

• Setting up dimensions for financial reporting

Understanding how to design a business structure within Business Central is essential. For example, configuring dimensions enables richer reporting without adding unnecessary complexity to the chart of accounts.

Tips for Mastery:

• Practice setting up environments in a Business Central trial tenant

• Explore how dimensions impact financial reporting and filtering

• Use the Configuration Package functionality to migrate setup data efficiently

Domain 2: Configuring Financials

Finance is at the heart of every ERP system. This domain represents a significant portion of the exam and emphasizes your understanding of accounting principles and how they are applied in Business Central.

Key Concepts:

• Setting up general ledger accounts and posting groups

• Managing bank accounts and performing reconciliations

• Implementing journal entries and recurring journals

• Creating and applying dimensions

• Managing fixed assets and depreciation books

As a consultant, you must not only know how to set up the general ledger but also be able to troubleshoot imbalances and guide clients on best practices.

Tips for Mastery:

• Rehearse end-to-end financial scenarios from journal creation to financial reporting

• Explore the use of deferral templates for revenue and expense recognition

• Understand how posting groups affect the flow of data through the system

Best Practices for Preparing for the MB-800 Exam

Success in the MB-800 exam requires more than memorizing facts. You need hands-on practice, conceptual clarity, and exposure to real-life business scenarios. Below are preparation methods that can significantly enhance your exam readiness.

Utilize Microsoft Learn

Microsoft Learn offers a structured learning path tailored to the MB-800 exam. It includes modules, interactive labs, and knowledge checks. Topics such as setting up Business Central and configuring financials are covered in depth.

Set Up a Business Central Sandbox

A sandbox environment allows you to apply what you learn in a safe, trial-based version of Business Central. You can:

• Create sample companies

• Test posting configurations

• Simulate business processes

This hands-on exposure is critical to understanding system behavior and exceptions.

Review Official Documentation

Microsoft Docs remains the definitive source for current functionality. Focus on pages related to:

• Business Central Administration

• Application setup and configuration

• Financial and inventory management

Pairing documentation with real system walkthroughs enhances retention and understanding.

Join the Community

Online communities such as the Microsoft Dynamics Community, LinkedIn groups, and Reddit forums are excellent places to:

• Ask questions and get answers from experienced professionals

• Stay updated on changes to Business Central

• Find recommended third-party tools or apps

Use Practice Exams

Practice tests simulate the real exam environment and help you identify areas that need improvement. They are especially useful for timing yourself and becoming comfortable with scenario-based questions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Candidates often make predictable errors during their preparation or while taking the exam. Avoid the following pitfalls:

• Skipping hands-on practice: Business Central requires experiential learning, not just theory.

• Ignoring finance basics: Even tech-savvy professionals need to understand accounting workflows.

• Underestimating dimensions: Dimensions impact everything from data entry to reporting.

• Misconfiguring posting groups: Incorrect mappings can lead to financial discrepancies.

• Not reading questions carefully: Many exam questions contain subtle clues or misleading phrases.

By proactively steering clear of these errors, you can improve your confidence and performance on the exam day.

Building the Right Mindset for Certification Success

Achieving the MB-800 certification is as much about mental readiness as it is about skill. Develop a focused, consistent, and disciplined study habit. Break down your learning into digestible segments and make room for review and reflection.

Time Commitment

Most professionals prepare for MB-800 over the course of 6 to 8 weeks, assuming 5–8 hours of study per week. Adjust this schedule based on your familiarity with ERP systems and Business Central.

Practice, Reflect, Repeat

Create a loop of learning:

1. Read or watch the theory

2. Practice the feature in a sandbox

3. Reflect on edge cases and scenarios

4. Reinforce with quizzes or flashcards

This cycle helps convert knowledge into muscle memory, reducing the risk of forgetting under pressure.

In Part 1 of our MB-800 study guide series, we explored the foundational configuration of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Now, in Part 2, we dive into two central areas of the certification: configuring sales and purchasing, and performing business processes within Business Central. These domains not only form a substantial portion of the exam but also reflect the daily responsibilities of a Dynamics 365 functional consultant.

Understanding how to manage customer transactions, vendor interactions, and internal operations is essential for any professional seeking to pass the MB-800 exam and thrive in a business-facing consulting role. Let’s examine the processes, key features, and practical knowledge required to master these exam topics.

Configuring Sales and Purchasing in Business Central

This section of the MB-800 exam evaluates your understanding of how to configure core transactions for sales and procurement. These processes directly influence revenue generation, cost control, and customer satisfaction.

Sales Setup and Configuration

A proper sales setup in Business Central allows organizations to process customer transactions efficiently. Consultants must configure everything from customer cards to pricing and document layouts.

Key elements in the sales setup include:

• Sales quote, order, and invoice templates

• Number series and posting groups

• Customer payment terms, shipping methods, and credit limits

• Sales price and discount rules

• Shipment and return policies

Consultants are often tasked with enabling a seamless workflow where a quote turns into an order, and then into an invoice with accurate accounting entries. Setting up automated approvals, customizing sales documents, and ensuring tax compliance are vital elements of this configuration.

Purchasing Configuration Essentials

Just as the sales cycle must be configured carefully, so must the procurement cycle. Purchasing functionality in Business Central enables businesses to manage supplier relationships, control costs, and maintain inventory levels.

Key configuration tasks include:

• Creating vendor cards with payment methods, terms, and currency settings

• Setting up purchase quote, order, and invoice formats

• Establishing vendor-specific pricing and discount structures

• Managing receipt and invoicing processes for purchased goods

A consultant must ensure proper integration between vendors and inventory. For example, a vendor’s lead time, order frequency, and payment terms can affect overall purchasing strategies. Consultants must configure workflows to handle complex vendor approval processes and ensure accurate ledger postings.

Using Number Series and Posting Groups

Both sales and purchasing rely on the correct use of number series and posting groups. Number series control the sequencing of documents, such as quotes or invoices. Posting groups define how transactions hit the general ledger.

To avoid errors in ledger entries, consultants must:

• Map general business posting groups and product posting groups accurately

• Configure VAT posting groups for tax compliance

• Test sample transactions to ensure correct account mappings

These configurations are foundational to ensuring that Business Central records financial information correctly across all customer and vendor transactions.

Document Layouts and Approvals

Beyond the basic configuration, companies require customized document layouts to reflect branding, regulatory standards, and customer communication preferences. Business Central allows you to design and assign layouts for sales and purchasing documents.

Additionally, the approval workflows enable companies to control who can release or post sales and purchase orders. As a consultant, understanding how to implement approval hierarchies using workflow templates is a key competency.

Common scenarios include:

• Approvals for sales discounts over a threshold

• Vendor invoice approvals exceeding budget limits

• Automatic email notifications upon approval

These enhancements streamline the transaction process while ensuring that internal controls are maintained.

Performing Business Processes

One of the largest areas of the MB-800 exam focuses on how to perform business processes in Business Central. This includes executing tasks such as financial postings, managing payments, and handling inventory transactions. These operations represent the daily activities of users across finance, sales, procurement, and operations departments.

Managing Financial Closes

The financial close process ensures that all accounting periods are properly finalized and that the data reported is accurate. Business Central provides tools for month-end and year-end activities.

Essential tasks include:

• Closing accounting periods and checking for open entries

• Reviewing trial balances and correcting errors

• Posting adjusting journal entries for accruals or reclassifications

• Reconciling bank accounts and open transactions

• Using recurring general journals for predictable expenses or revenues

Consultants must guide clients through setting up recurring entries, creating account schedules for financial statements, and managing intercompany transactions if applicable. A solid understanding of closing procedures is vital for ensuring data integrity.

Processing Payments and Receivables

Effective cash flow management requires timely and accurate handling of payments and receivables. Business Central provides multiple journals and features to simplify this task.

Common processes include:

• Creating and posting vendor payment journals

• Applying cash receipts to customer invoices

• Managing partial and overpayments

• Reconciling payments using the payment reconciliation journal

• Handling multiple payment methods, including bank transfers and credit cards

Consultants should configure the system to suggest vendor payments based on due dates, discounts, and available cash. Automatic application of payments from bank feeds can also streamline reconciliation and reduce errors.

Inventory Management and Item Tracking

Inventory is a critical component for businesses dealing with physical goods. Consultants must configure inventory posting groups, costing methods, and item categories to ensure proper accounting.

Key inventory tasks include:

• Managing item journals for adjustments and transfers

• Performing physical inventory counts

• Setting up bins and warehouse locations

• Using item tracking for lot and serial number control

• Handling inventory valuation through methods such as FIFO or average costing

The ability to reconcile physical inventory with system records is crucial. Additionally, consultants should understand how inventory transactions affect financial reporting and cost of goods sold.

Job and Resource Management

While not the core focus of the MB-800 exam, understanding the job and resource modules in Business Central can give consultants a broader view of project-based accounting and service delivery.

These modules allow companies to:

• Track revenue and expenses against projects (jobs)

• Assign resources and monitor their utilization

• Bill customers based on job progress or resource consumption

By setting up job tasks, budgets, and billing methods, consultants can help organizations manage complex service engagements within Business Central’s standard functionality.

Automation with Power Platform

Business Central integrates natively with Microsoft Power Platform, opening possibilities for automating business processes and extending functionality beyond the core ERP.

Popular scenarios include:

• Using Power Automate to send email notifications when a purchase order is approved

• Building a Power App for sales reps to enter orders remotely

• Creating a Power BI dashboard to monitor sales performance and inventory levels

Knowledge of the Power Platform is increasingly important for MB-800 functional consultants. It enables them to deliver tailored solutions without heavy development and to connect Business Central with other systems or data sources.

Real-World Scenario: End-to-End Sales Process

Let’s consider a practical example to bring these configurations and processes together.

A company receives a customer request for a bulk order of products. The consultant must ensure that:

• The customer is properly set up with payment terms and credit limits

• A sales quote is created and converted to an order upon approval

• The system checks inventory and triggers a purchase order if needed

• The items are received and shipped to the customer

• A sales invoice is posted and a payment is received

• All transactions are accurately reflected in the general ledger

By simulating this end-to-end scenario, consultants can validate system behavior, train users, and ensure business continuity.

Tips for MB-800 Exam Preparation (Sales and Process Focus)

1. Set up a demo environment and walk through full sales and purchasing cycles.

2. Use test data to create vendor and customer records with different terms and currencies.

3. Practice posting purchase orders, invoices, and returns to see how they affect inventory and financial reports.

4. Explore error handling: duplicate invoice numbers, mismatched quantities, and rejected approvals.

5. Customize document layouts and test approval workflows using sample users and roles.

Understanding both the configuration and execution of these processes is essential. The MB-800 exam not only evaluates your ability to set up Business Central but also your fluency in real operational use cases.

After exploring core configuration, sales, purchasing, and business processes in Parts 1 and 2 of this MB-800 study guide, we now move into the final phase of your preparation journey. This part focuses on tailoring Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central to fit unique organizational requirements, securing user access, and sharpening your strategy for passing the certification exam.

A Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant must balance technical fluency with practical customization, ensuring that users can operate efficiently while data integrity and security are upheld. As such, mastering user personalization, extension management, permission setup, and environment preparation is critical—not only for the exam but also for successful solution delivery in real-world scenarios.

Personalizing the User Experience

One of the key strengths of Business Central is its adaptable user interface. Whether a company has accountants, sales executives, or warehouse staff, Business Central allows for personalizing the user experience without code.

Role Centers and Profiles

Role centers are central to the user interface. Each user is assigned a role profile that determines the homepage layout, navigation menus, and access to reports.

Common role centers include:

• Business Manager

• Sales Order Processor

• Accountant

• Purchasing Agent

Functional consultants must understand how to assign and modify role centers to ensure users see only the most relevant data and features.

Personalization Options

Users can personalize their pages by:

• Rearranging fields and columns

• Hiding unused fields

• Pinning frequently used actions

• Changing the layout of lists and cards

As a consultant, it’s crucial to differentiate between individual personalization and profile configuration. The latter affects all users with a given role, while the former is unique to a specific user. Customizing page layouts and actions through profiles allows administrators to enforce a standardized interface across teams.

Custom Views and Filters

Another critical feature is the use of saved views. These allow users to filter data tables, sort records, and save commonly used layouts. Consultants should encourage users to build views that help them work faster and more accurately.

For instance, an accounts receivable clerk might save a view to show overdue invoices by region. These small changes can dramatically improve user satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Extending Business Central with Power Platform and Extensions

Business Central is designed to be extended—either through in-app configuration, custom extensions, or integration with Microsoft’s broader ecosystem.

Understanding Extensions

Extensions in Business Central are modular add-ons that modify or enhance system behavior. Unlike the older customization approach, extensions are non-intrusive and upgrade-friendly.

Consultants should understand how to:

• Browse and install extensions from AppSource

• Use standard APIs for data exchange

• Recommend third-party apps for specialized needs

Examples of popular extensions include shipping integrations, barcode scanning tools, and payment processing solutions. The MB-800 exam may include questions on recognizing when an extension is needed versus when built-in functionality is sufficient.

Power Automate and Power Apps

Integrating Power Automate and Power Apps can elevate a deployment by automating repetitive tasks and providing users with mobile-friendly tools.

Practical use cases include:

• Sending approval emails when a purchase order exceeds a threshold

• Creating a mobile app to capture field service data

• Automating customer notifications for overdue payments

While in-depth development is outside the MB-800 scope, understanding the functional consultant’s role in proposing and implementing low-code solutions is essential. Consultants are expected to work with developers and IT teams to define the process and ensure business requirements are met.

Managing Security and Permissions

Security is a top priority in ERP systems. Business Central provides granular tools for managing user access and protecting sensitive data.

User Management and Licensing

User setup begins with assigning appropriate licenses in Microsoft 365 admin center. Business Central supports:

• Full users (for financial roles)

• Team members (for light access)

• External accountants (with limited privileges)

Once licensed, users are added to Business Central and assigned permission sets that define what they can view and edit.

Permission Sets and User Groups

Permission sets control access to tables, pages, and reports. Business Central includes many predefined sets, such as:

• D365 FINANCE

• D365 SALES

• D365 PURCHASING

Consultants should understand how to:

• Assign permission sets directly to users

• Create custom permission sets

• Combine permission sets using user groups

• Test permissions using the “Effective Permissions” tool

For instance, a payroll manager may need access to employee payment journals but not vendor purchases. Custom permissions allow for this level of control.

Record-Level Security

Although Business Central doesn’t provide native record-level security, some access control can be implemented through filters and configuration. In complex cases, extensions or workflows can restrict actions based on user roles or business units.

The MB-800 exam may challenge you to identify the most efficient way to secure data while maintaining usability, especially in environments with regulatory obligations such as GDPR.

Environment Setup and Data Migration

During implementation, consultants are often involved in preparing the environment, importing data, and supporting testing efforts.

Sandbox vs Production Environments

Business Central online provides sandbox environments that mirror production. These are ideal for:

• Testing configurations

• Training end users

• Evaluating extensions

Consultants should understand how to request, refresh, and manage sandbox environments without impacting the live system. The exam may test your ability to identify when to use a sandbox and how to handle deployment.

Data Migration with Configuration Packages

Configuration packages enable data import using Excel files. These packages simplify initial setup by allowing clients to provide legacy data in structured templates.

You can use configuration packages to import:

• Chart of accounts

• Vendors and customers

• Items and prices

• Opening balances

Functional consultants should know how to create, export, and import configuration packages, resolve import errors, and validate results. Business Central also offers assisted setup guides for more complex migrations.

Assisted Setup and RapidStart Services

Assisted setup guides walk users through steps such as setting up email, posting groups, and approvals. These tools streamline the early stages of implementation.

RapidStart Services is another helpful feature for consultants, offering a framework for configuring new companies and applying standard templates.

Understanding the tools available for fast deployment can reduce project timelines and improve the implementation experience for new clients.

Final MB-800 Exam Preparation Tips

After months of studying, practice, and system testing, it’s time to prepare for the exam itself. The MB-800 exam consists of approximately 40 to 60 questions and covers configuration, implementation, business processes, security, and troubleshooting.

Review the Official Exam Skills Outline

Microsoft publishes an outline for every certification. For MB-800, review the following key areas:

• Configure financial management

• Configure sales and purchasing

• Perform business processes

• Configure and secure the Business Central environment

Ensure you understand the weighting of each section, as some domains carry more significance than others.

Use Microsoft Learn and Practice Labs

Microsoft Learn provides free learning paths aligned with the MB-800 objectives. Combine these with practical experience in a sandbox environment for maximum retention.

Several platforms offer MB-800 practice exams and case-based questions. These can help you develop the right mindset for tackling the real exam, especially when dealing with scenario-based challenges.

Focus on Real-World Application

Unlike purely technical exams, MB-800 tests your understanding of business scenarios. You may be asked how to configure a solution for a specific client requirement or which setup will produce the desired ledger entries.

Don’t memorize features in isolation. Instead, think about how each module supports operational needs and what outcomes each configuration produces.

Time Management and Exam Strategy

During the exam, manage your time by answering the easier questions first. Flag any complex questions for review and return to them later. Read all answer options carefully—some may be technically correct but not the best choice.

Finally, stay calm and confident. If you’ve followed the process of study, practice, and review, you’ll be well-prepared to earn your MB-800 certification.

Career Outlook for MB-800 Certified Consultants

Becoming certified as a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate opens new career pathways in digital finance, ERP consulting, and system implementation.

Typical roles include:

• Business Central Functional Consultant

• ERP Implementation Specialist

• Microsoft Dynamics Analyst

• Solution Architect (ERP Focus)

Certified consultants are in demand among Microsoft partners, global system integrators, and mid-size enterprises moving to cloud-based ERP solutions.

With additional experience, you may pursue advanced certifications such as Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate or transition into solution architecture.

From Configuration to Certification

 MB-800 study guide series, we’ve covered every domain of the exam, from financial configuration and sales processing to system customization and security.

Here’s a recap of what you’ve accomplished:

• Built foundational knowledge of Business Central’s financial modules

• Learned to configure and execute core business processes

• Gained insight into user personalization, extensions, and automation

• Understood permission management and data migration strategies

• Prepared methodically for the MB-800 certification exam

Whether you’re new to Dynamics 365 or refining your ERP skill set, this journey equips you to deliver real business value. As cloud adoption accelerates, professionals with expertise in Business Central and functional consulting will be pivotal in shaping the digital future of small and mid-sized enterprises.

Conclusion: 

Earning the Microsoft MB-800 certification is a transformative achievement that signals both technical acumen and functional expertise in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. This credential validates your ability to guide organizations through the complexities of enterprise resource planning with confidence, insight, and precision.

Preparing for this certification demands a multifaceted approach. You must understand how to configure and support a system that manages the lifeblood of a company’s operations—its financials, supply chain, sales, and purchasing. From setting up general ledger accounts and dimensions to streamlining procurement workflows, the knowledge required is both broad and deep. Each configuration decision impacts how information flows through the system and how stakeholders interpret business performance.

The role of a Business Central Functional Consultant extends beyond setup tasks. You are expected to orchestrate the user experience, secure sensitive data, and tailor the system to match real-world business needs. Whether it’s defining role centers, configuring user permissions, or integrating the Power Platform to amplify business intelligence, you are crafting an ecosystem that enhances productivity and strategic decision-making.

Equally vital is the ability to lead organizations through data migration, system upgrades, and customizations while minimizing disruption. Functional consultants must bridge the technical and the practical—translating business requirements into effective ERP configurations and helping users adopt the platform with clarity and assurance.

As you prepare for the MB-800 exam, remember that success comes not only from memorizing features or following checklists, but from cultivating a mindset rooted in business understanding, critical thinking, and solution-oriented analysis. The exam tests more than textbook knowledge; it challenges your ability to synthesize processes, interpret client needs, and apply Business Central in scenarios that mirror real-world complexity.

With diligence, structured preparation, and experiential learning—through hands-on labs, case studies, and sandbox environments—you can elevate your understanding from competent to expert. This journey equips you with the skills to not only pass the MB-800 exam, but also to drive genuine impact in organizations seeking streamlined operations and intelligent resource planning.

In mastering the Dynamics 365 Business Central platform, you become an indispensable advisor to businesses navigating digital transformation. The MB-800 certification is not just a milestone; it’s a launchpad for career growth, thought leadership, and continued exploration of Microsoft’s expansive ERP ecosystem.