MCA Attestation
MCA attestation is the process by which a CSP partner confirms, on the customer’s behalf, that the customer has accepted the Microsoft Customer Agreement. The partner records the customer’s acceptance details, such as name, email, and acceptance date, so Microsoft can register the agreement between itself and the customer.
Key Takeaways
- Attestation is one of two ways to confirm MCA acceptance; the other is customer direct acceptance.
- The partner records the customer’s acceptance details on their behalf.
- It is completed through Partner Center, and is now an API-based process for direct-bill partners and indirect providers.
- Indirect resellers cannot attest directly; they work through their indirect provider.
How MCA attestation works
The partner presents the agreement and records the customer’s acceptance details, which are submitted to Microsoft to create the MCA. Attestation requires the appropriate Partner Center role. Microsoft has also required partners to reattest older acceptances in some cases, and missing or outdated attestation can block new purchases and subscription changes until it is resolved.
Why it matters for Microsoft CSPs
Attestation is what unlocks the ability to transact for a customer. Without valid attestation or customer direct acceptance, the partner cannot purchase or change that customer’s subscriptions. Staying on top of attestation, including any required reattestation, keeps the partner able to sell and manage.
MCA vs MCA attestation
The MCA is the agreement itself. MCA attestation is the partner’s action of confirming the customer accepted it.
How Work 365 supports this
Work 365 keeps customer readiness and account status visible alongside billing, so gaps that would block transacting are easier to spot. See the CSP Billing Platform.
Related terms: Microsoft Customer Agreement, Microsoft Partner Center, Direct CSP, Indirect Provider.
Related Work 365 Resources
- Blog: Microsoft Attestation Deadlines: What to Do Before the Cutoff
- Blog: Microsoft Customer Attestation Enforcement: Partner Impact and Recommended Actions
- Blog: NCE, MCA, EST: Why Your CSP Platform Must Evolve Faster
FAQ
What is the difference between the MCA and MCA attestation?
The MCA is the agreement; attestation is the partner confirming the customer accepted it.
Can an indirect reseller attest for a customer?
No. Indirect resellers work through their indirect provider to complete attestation.
What happens without valid attestation?
The partner can be blocked from new purchases and subscription changes for that customer.
