The Microsoft MS-102 exam is a role-based certification exam that assesses your ability to deploy, manage, and secure Microsoft 365 environments. It is one of the two exams that you need to pass to earn the Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Associate certification. If you are interested in a career in Microsoft 365 administration, the MS-102 exam is a must-pass. It is a challenging exam, but it is achievable with the right preparation.
Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Associates are in high demand and are typically paid more than their non-certified counterparts. According to a recent survey by Indeed, the average salary for a Microsoft 365 Administrator Associate is $100,000 per year. The Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Associate certification demonstrates to employers and clients that you have the skills and knowledge required to manage and secure Microsoft 365 environments.
This exam can give you a competitive advantage in the job market and can help you to land high-paying jobs. So, let us get started in learning about the exam!
The key skills and knowledge that are tested on the MS-102 exam include:
- The ability to deploy and manage a Microsoft 365 tenant, including configuring domains, users, and groups.
- The ability to implement and manage identity and access in Azure AD, including configuring single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- The ability to manage security and threats by using Microsoft 365 Defender, including configuring security policies and responding to incidents.
- The ability to manage compliance by using Microsoft Purview, including configuring retention policies and eDiscovery.
Microsoft offers a variety of resources to help candidates prepare for the exam, including study guides, practice exams, and online training courses.
Why take the MS-102 exam?
There are many benefits to passing the MS-102 exam and earning the Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Associate certification, including:
- Increased earning potential: Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Associates are in high demand and are typically paid more than their non-certified counterparts.
- Career advancement opportunities: The Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Associate certification can help you advance your career to more senior and challenging roles.
- Increased credibility and trust: The Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Associate certification demonstrates to employers and clients that you have the skills and knowledge required to manage Microsoft 365 environments.
About the Microsoft 365 Administrator (MS-102) Exam
The Microsoft MS-102 exam is a role-based certification exam that assesses your ability to deploy, manage, and secure Microsoft 365 environments. It is one of the two exams that you need to pass to earn the Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Associate certification.
Topics covered on the MS-102 exam:
- Deploy and manage a Microsoft 365 tenant (25–30%)
- Implement and manage Microsoft Entra identity and access (25–30%)
- Manage security and threats by using Microsoft Defender XDR (25–30%)
- Manage compliance by using Microsoft Purview (15–20%)
Format and duration of the MS-102 exam:
The MS-102 exam is a multiple-choice exam that consists of 40-60 questions. You have 180 minutes to complete the exam. The passing score for the MS-102 exam is 700. Microsoft offers a variety of resources to help candidates prepare for the MS-102 exam, including:
- Study guides
- Practice exams
- Online training courses
- Hands-on labs
Difference between MS-100 and MS-102 Exam
The MS-100 and MS-102 exams are both role-based certification exams from Microsoft that assess your ability to manage Microsoft 365 environments. However, there are some key differences between the two exams.
Topics covered on the MS-100 and MS-102 exams:
The MS-100 exam covers the following topics:
- Deploying and managing Microsoft 365 services
- Managing users and groups
- Configuring devices and apps
- Managing security and compliance
The MS-102 exam covers the following topics:
- Deploy and manage a Microsoft 365 tenant (25–30%)
- Implement and manage Microsoft Entra identity and access (25–30%)
- Manage security and threats by using Microsoft Defender XDR (25–30%)
- Manage compliance by using Microsoft Purview (15–20%)
Skills assessed on the MS-100 and MS-102 exams:
The MS-100 exam assesses your skills in the following areas:
- Deploying and managing Microsoft 365 services
- Managing users and groups
- Configuring devices and apps
- Troubleshooting and resolving issues
The MS-102 exam assesses your skills in the following areas:
- Deploy and manage a Microsoft 365 tenant (25–30%)
- Implement and manage Microsoft Entra identity and access (25–30%)
- Manage security and threats by using Microsoft Defender XDR (25–30%)
- Manage compliance by using Microsoft Purview (15–20%)
Target audience for the MS-100 and MS-102 exams
- The MS-100 exam is targeted at IT professionals who are responsible for deploying, managing, and supporting Microsoft 365 services.
- The MS-102 exam is targeted at IT professionals who are responsible for deploying, managing, and securing Microsoft 365 tenants.
Which exam is right for you?
Which exam is right for you depends on your experience and career goals. If you are new to Microsoft 365, I recommend starting with the MS-100 exam. This exam will give you a good foundation in the core concepts of Microsoft 365 administration.
If you already have some experience with Microsoft 365 and you are interested in a career in Microsoft 365 security, I recommend taking the MS-102 exam. This exam will validate your skills and knowledge in deploying, managing, and securing Microsoft 365 tenants.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the two exams:
| Exam | Topics covered | Skills assessed | Target audience |
| MS-100 | Deploying and managing Microsoft 365 services, managing users and groups, configuring devices and apps, troubleshooting and resolving issues | Deploying and managing Microsoft 365 services, managing users and groups, configuring devices and apps, troubleshooting and resolving issues | IT professionals who are responsible for deploying, managing, and supporting Microsoft 365 services |
| MS-102 | Deploying and managing Microsoft 365 tenants, implementing and managing identity and access in Azure AD, managing security and threats by using Microsoft 365 Defender, managing compliance by using Microsoft Purview | Deploying and managing Microsoft 365 tenants, implementing and managing identity and access in Azure AD, managing security and threats by using Microsoft 365 Defender, managing compliance by using Microsoft Purview | IT professionals who are responsible for deploying, managing, and securing Microsoft 365 tenants |
Ultimately, the best way to decide which exam is right for you is to review the exam objectives and to assess your own skills and knowledge.
If you are still not sure which exam is right for you, I recommend that you consult with a Microsoft 365 expert. They can help you to assess your skills and knowledge and to choose the right exam for your career goals.
How to prepare for the Microsoft MS-102 exam?
There are a variety of resources available to help candidates prepare for the MS-102 exam. Some of the most popular resources include:
- Study guides: Study guides provide a comprehensive overview of the topics covered on the exams. They also include practice questions and quizzes to help you test your knowledge.
- Practice exams: Practice exams are a great way to get a feel for the format of the exams and to identify any areas where you need additional study.
- Online training courses: Online training courses offer a structured approach to preparing for the exams. They typically include video lectures, hands-on labs, and practice exams.
In addition to the above resources, there are also a number of third-party resources available that offer preparation materials for the MS-102 exam.
Microsoft Learning Paths
Microsoft provides unique learning paths with study modules to gear you up for your exams. For a complete guide and study materials for the MS-102 test, head over to the official Microsoft website. The modules in this course not only deepen your knowledge of the subjects but also ensure you ace the exams. Here’s what the learning path for the test entails:
- Configure your Microsoft 365 tenant
For more: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/configure-microsoft-365-tenant/
Modules Covered:
- Configure your Microsoft 365 experience
- Manage users, licenses, and mail contacts in Microsoft 365
- Manage groups in Microsoft 365
- Add a custom domain in Microsoft 365
- Configure client connectivity to Microsoft 365
- Manage your Microsoft 365 tenant
For more: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/manage-your-microsoft-365-tenant/
Modules in this learning path:
- Configure administrative roles in Microsoft 365
- Manage tenant health and services in Microsoft 365
- Deploy Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise
- Analyze your Microsoft 365 workplace data using Microsoft Viva Insights
- Implement identity synchronization
For more: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/implement-identity-synchronization/
Modules in this learning path:
Explore identity synchronization
Prepare for identity synchronization to Microsoft 365
Implement directory synchronization tools
Manage synchronized identities
Manage secure user access in Microsoft 365
- Explore security metrics in Microsoft 365 Defender
For more: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/explore-security-metrics-microsoft-365-defender/
Modules in this learning path:
- Examine threat vectors and data breaches
- Explore the Zero Trust security model
- Explore security solutions in Microsoft 365 Defender
- Examine Microsoft Secure Score
- Examine Privileged Identity Management
- Examine Azure Identity Protection
- Manage your security services in Microsoft 365 Defender
Modules in this learning path:
- Examine Exchange Online Protection
- Examine Microsoft Defender for Office 365
- Manage Safe Attachments
- Manage Safe Links
- Implement threat protection by using Microsoft 365 Defender
Modules in this learning path:
- Explore threat intelligence in Microsoft 365 Defender
- Implement app protection by using Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
- Implement endpoint protection by using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Implement threat protection by using Microsoft Defender for Office 365
- Explore data governance in Microsoft 365
For more: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/explore-data-governance-microsoft-365/
Modules in this learning path:
- Examine data governance solutions in Microsoft Purview
- Explore archiving and records management in Microsoft 365
- Explore retention in Microsoft 365
- Explore Microsoft Purview Message Encryption
- Implement compliance in Microsoft 365
For more: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/implement-compliance-microsoft-365/
Modules in this learning path:
- Explore compliance in Microsoft 365
- Implement Microsoft Purview Insider Risk Management
- Implement Microsoft Purview Information Barriers
- Explore Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention
- Implement Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention
- Manage compliance in Microsoft 365
For more: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/ms-102-manage-compliance-microsoft-365/
Modules in this learning path:
- Implement data classification of sensitive information
- Explore sensitivity labels
- Implement sensitivity labels
Microsoft Documentation
The Microsoft documentation is a valuable resource full of details about the subjects in the MS-102 exam. It educates you on Microsoft 365 workloads and Microsoft Entra ID, covering networking, server administration, DNS, and PowerShell. The documentation consists of courses that delve into the different services and concepts tested in the exam, enabling you to accumulate a wealth of knowledge. If you truly want to comprehend the details, this is the go-to place to explore!
Join Study Groups
Preparing for exams becomes much easier when you join online study communities. These groups link you with seasoned individuals who have navigated similar challenges. It’s an opportunity to discuss any concerns you have about the test and prepare for the MS-102 exam. So, it’s more than just studying—it’s learning from those who’ve already walked the path. Being a part of these groups can significantly streamline your exam journey!
Use Practice Tests
Practice tests play a crucial role in enhancing your grasp of the study material. When you engage with Microsoft MS-102 practice exams, you identify your strengths and areas needing more attention. It’s like a sneak peek into your study progress. Moreover, these tests enhance your speed in answering questions, a significant advantage on the actual exam day. Once you’ve covered a lot of material, taking these practice tests for the MS-102 exam is a smart move. It’s not just about practice; it’s about making your study time highly effective. So, seize the opportunity and opt for the top-notch practice exams to excel in that certification test!
We recommend that you review a variety of resources to find the ones that best suit your learning style and needs.
Career Opportunities after passing the MS-102 Exam
Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Associates are in high demand. According to a recent survey by Indeed, the average salary for a Microsoft 365 Administrator Associate is $100,000 per year.
Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Associates can work in a variety of roles, including:
- Microsoft 365 Administrator: Microsoft 365 Administrators are responsible for deploying, managing, and supporting Microsoft 365 services. They work with users to troubleshoot problems and to ensure that the services are meeting the needs of the organization.
- Security Administrator: Security Administrators are responsible for protecting Microsoft 365 environments from threats. They implement and manage security policies and procedures, and they respond to security incidents.
- Compliance Administrator: Compliance Administrators are responsible for ensuring that Microsoft 365 environments are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. They develop and implement compliance policies and procedures, and they audit systems and data to ensure that they meet compliance requirements.
- Cloud Architect: Cloud Architects design and implement cloud-based solutions. They work with businesses to understand their needs and to design solutions that meet those needs. They also work with teams to implement and manage cloud-based solutions.
In addition to the above roles, Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Associates can also work in a variety of other roles in IT, such as system administrator, network administrator, and helpdesk technician.
The demand for Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Associates is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. As more and more businesses move to the cloud, there will be a need for skilled professionals who can manage and secure Microsoft 365 environments.
If you are interested in a career in Microsoft 365 administration, we encourage you to earn the Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Associate certification. This certification will demonstrate your skills and knowledge to employers and will help you to qualify for high-paying jobs.
Expert Corner
Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Associates are typically more satisfied with their jobs than their non-certified counterparts. This is because they have the skills and knowledge to do their jobs effectively and to make a significant contribution to their organizations. The Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Associate certification can help you advance your career to more senior and challenging roles. For example, you could be promoted to a role such as Microsoft 365 Administrator, Security Administrator, Compliance Administrator, or Cloud Architect.
If you are serious about passing the exams and earning the certification, we recommend that you develop a study plan and stick to it. Set aside time each day to study and to take practice exams. You should also join a study group or find a mentor who can help you prepare for the exams. Earning the Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Associate certification will be a significant accomplishment in your career. It will open up new opportunities and help you to achieve your career goals.
