'Rigorous' exam first, then take a freebie assessment once a year from home Richard Speed Thu 17 Dec 2020 // 13:59 UTC Share Copy Microsoft is updating its certification system to one that requires an annual renewal as it eyes the rapidly changing tech landscape. Following its move from product-focused exams in favour of something more role-based, the company has turned its gaze on how renewals work. Rather than swotting up for one big exam once every two years, from June 2021 the role-based and speciality certifications will only last for a year before a renewal assessment is required. That's the bad news. The good news is that the renewal assessment is free and can be taken online. Each renewal assessment is also accompanied by a selection of training modules, also free of charge.