Major changes are coming to Microsoft's CSP programs for resellers, starting on October 1, 2025.
These changes affect all CSP partners: Direct Bill partners, Distributors, and Indirect Resellers and will impact both authorization and incentive eligibility.
New Requirements (effective October 1, 2025)
Depending on your CSP role, here's what you'll need to stay authorized or join the program:
Direct Bill Partners
- Have at least 12 months as an Indirect Reseller
- Complete business vetting
- Drive $1M+ in CSP revenue (last 12 months) at the Partner Global Account (PGA) level
- Complete the Partner Center security requirements
- Accept direct bill Microsoft Partner Agreement (MPA)
- Pass operational capability assessment
- Have Advanced or Premier Support status
- Achieve at least one Solutions Partner designation
Distributors
- Nominated and approved by Microsoft
- Complete business vetting
- Drive $30M+ CSP revenue per authorized region
- Have Advanced or Premier Support status
- Complete all mandatory requirements of the Partner Center security score
- Accept updated Distributor Microsoft Partner Agreement (MPA)
- Pass channel and security capability assessments
Indirect Resellers
- Drive $1,000+ in CSP revenue (last 12 months)
- Meet security score requirements
- Accept Indirect Reseller Microsoft Partner Agreement (MPA)
Incentives
Partners must either:
- Have a relevant Solutions Partner designation, or
- Earn 25+ Partner Capability Score points in that solution area.
- Revenue thresholds for CSPs:
- Direct Bill Partners: $1M+ TTM CSP revenue at global account level
- Indirect Resellers: $25K+ TTM CSP revenue at PLA level
Readiness Checklist
- Review your revenue status: Are you above the thresholds for your category? If not, do you have a plan to get there?
- Solutions Partner Designation: Start working on Solutions Partner designations
- Anniversary date: Bookmark your CSP anniversary date, which is now your compliance deadline
- Security score: Review and boost your Partner Center security score.
- Talk to your distributor or Microsoft contact to sign off on next steps
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