Certification Proposal – “Certified Professional Data Transformer using Microsoft Power Query”

Dear Microsoft Learn Support and All,

Through my hands-on experience and frequent interaction with learners, I have identified a significant opportunity in Microsoft’s certification offerings—one that I believe aligns closely with your mission to empower data professionals.

My Proposal: Certified Professional Data Transformer using Microsoft Power Query

While the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate certification is highly valuable, it primarily emphasizes reporting and dashboard creation. In real-world analytics projects, however, data transformation is the true foundation of successful analysis and visualization. I believe it’s time Microsoft introduced a dedicated certification focused exclusively on Power Query and its critical role across the Microsoft data ecosystem.

Why This Certification Matters

1. Data Transformation Is the Backbone of Analytics—Even in the Age of AI Despite AI’s growth, raw data is often unstructured, incomplete, or messy. AI models rely on clean, well-prepared inputs, yet they cannot always replicate the nuanced, domain-specific logic required in data transformation. Power Query provides scalable, auditable, and reusable processes for turning raw data into trusted analytical assets.
2. Power Query Is Central to Microsoft’s Data Stack Power Query underpins Power BI, Excel, Power Platform (Dataflows), and Azure Data Factory. Yet no current Microsoft certification recognizes its cross-platform importance. A dedicated certification would formalize its value and guide organizations in training professionals to follow consistent, efficient transformation practices.
3. Dashboards Without Solid Data Foundations Can Mislead Visuals are only as accurate as the data behind them. Poor transformation logic can result in misleading metrics or faulty conclusions. This certification would strengthen focus on upstream data preparation—the critical step that determines the reliability of all reporting and analytics.
4. Power Query Is Powerful, Flexible, and Accessible Combining an intuitive interface with advanced M language scripting, Power Query supports a wide range of users—from beginners performing basic cleaning to advanced analysts building dynamic, complex transformations. A certification covering this spectrum would enhance the professional growth path for many data practitioners.
5. A Gap in the Certification Landscape Current certifications focus on visualization or cloud architecture, but none validate the core skills of shaping and transforming data. A structured, Power Query–specific certification would fill this gap, particularly benefiting Excel and Power BI users seeking to deepen their data preparation expertise.

I believe this certification could empower countless data professionals to deliver more trustworthy, efficient, and impactful analytics—ultimately strengthening the Microsoft data ecosystem.

Regards,

Charm