At the time of the inception of GPUG, the environment around training for Great Plains had its challenges. Microsoft recognized the importance of its Partner structure and empowered the partners to bring training to the customers. Microsoft inherited and developed curriculum and defined criteria for training and certification for Microsoft Dynamics GP Partners. This training and certification was not always readily available to customers directly at a predictable level of quality and affordable price.

To date, partners successfully developed training programs geared to the end user, particularly through an implementation project. However, there continues to be a huge need for customers to further develop their analysts (sometimes called “internal consultants,” “Super Users,” etc). Super Users have different training requirements because they are the customers' internal resource required to support Great Plains long-term within the company, particularly once consulting engagements are completed.

Currently, there is a tremendous shortage in the marketplace for reliable GP resources. This is due to the rapid growth of Dynamics GP sales globally, but particularly in North America. Consequently, Customers (and Partners) are settling for any available skill set. The quality of the personnel working on Great Plains projects was unpredictable in the past. GPUG is working to influence the modification of the Microsoft GP Certification program to be most suitable to the User Community and endorse this certification as a predictable level of competency for those who have achieved this certification.