How hard is the Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) Exam?

The Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) exam is designed to test a candidate’s understanding of the basic concepts and principles of Microsoft 365, including its features, benefits, and usage scenarios. The exam covers a wide range of topics, including cloud concepts, Microsoft 365 services, and security, compliance, privacy, and trust in Microsoft 365.

Here are some key details about the Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) exam:

• Exam format: The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is timed at 60 minutes.
• The number of questions: The exam contains between 40 and 60 questions.
• Passing score: The passing score for the exam is 700 out of 1000.
• Cost: The cost of the exam varies by country and currency. Check the Microsoft website for current pricing.
• Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites for the Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) exam.
• Certification: Passing the exam earns you the Microsoft 365 Fundamentals certification.

Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) Exam Glossary

Here are some key terms that are relevant to the Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) exam:

• Microsoft 365: A cloud-based subscription service that includes a suite of productivity and collaboration applications, such as Office 365, Windows 10, and Enterprise Mobility + Security.
• Cloud computing: The delivery of computing services, including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence, over the internet.
• Learn Cloud deployment models: The different ways in which cloud services can be deployed, including public, private, and hybrid clouds.
• Cloud service models: The different types of cloud services, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).
• Azure: Microsoft’s cloud computing platform, which provides a wide range of services and features for building, deploying, and managing applications and services in the cloud.
• Office 365: A cloud-based subscription service that includes a suite of productivity and collaboration applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Security and compliance: The measures and policies that are put in place to protect data and ensure that organizations comply with relevant laws and regulations.
• Data protection and governance: The policies, procedures, and tools that are used to ensure that data is stored, managed, and used in a way that is compliant with regulations and organizational policies.
• Identity and access management: The processes and technologies that are used to manage and control user access to applications, systems, and data.
• Microsoft 365 Business: A suite of productivity and collaboration tools designed for small and medium-sized businesses, which includes Office 365, Windows 10, and Enterprise Mobility + Security.

Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) Study Guide

Here are some official resources for the Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) exam:

• Microsoft Learning Path: Microsoft offers a free learning path for the MS-900 exam on the Microsoft Learn website. This learning path includes modules on Microsoft 365, cloud concepts, security and compliance, and teamwork.

Link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/m365-fundamentals/

• Microsoft Official Practice Test: Microsoft offers an official practice test for the MS-900 exam, which includes 51 questions and costs $99 USD.

Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/exam-ms-900.aspx

• Microsoft Certification Exam Policies: The Microsoft Certification Exam Policies page provides important information about exam registration, scheduling, and policies.

Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/certification-exam-policies.aspx

• Microsoft Certification Community: The Microsoft Certification Community is a forum where you can connect with other certification candidates, share resources, and ask questions.

Link: https://trainingsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/mcp/forum/mcp_exam

Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) Exam Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks for preparing for and taking the Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) exam:

• Understand the exam objectives: Make sure you understand the exam objectives and the skills and knowledge measured on the exam. This will help you focus your study efforts and ensure that you’re prepared for the topics covered on the exam.
• Use official Microsoft resources: As mentioned earlier, official Microsoft resources are the best place to start when preparing for the MS-900 exam. Use the Microsoft Learning Path and Exam Skills Outline to guide your study, and consider purchasing the official practice test.
• Practice with hands-on exercises: In addition to reading documentation and watching videos, it’s important to get hands-on experience with Microsoft 365. Sign up for a free trial of Microsoft 365 and practice creating and managing users, configuring security and compliance settings, and working with collaboration tools like Teams and SharePoint.
• Join a study group: Joining a study group or forum can be a great way to connect with other certification candidates, share resources, and get answers to your questions.
• Manage your time: The MS-900 exam is a timed exam, so it’s important to manage your time effectively. Make sure you know how much time you have for each question, and don’t spend too much time on any one question.
• Eliminate wrong answers: If you’re unsure about an answer, try to eliminate any obviously wrong answers first. This can help you narrow down your choices and increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.

Is the Microsoft MS-900 exam hard?

The difficulty of the Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) exam totally depends on the way you are preparing, what study resources you are using, and how much experience or skills you have related to the exam. However irrespective of whether you’re a corporate user, administrator, or just starting your technical career, the MS-900 exam gives you a chance to demonstrate your cloud enthusiasm. Earning this certification shows your organization that you comprehend the advantages of utilizing cloud services, the fundamentals of a Software as a Service (SaaS) cloud model. The importance of implementing Microsoft 365 cloud services in addition to validating your knowledge of Microsoft 365 capabilities.

To create a better fit for this exam, you must:

• Create a basic understanding of cloud services, including best practices, things to keep in mind, and advantages.
• Demonstrate proficiency with SaaS options, especially those from Microsoft 365.
• Demonstrate your expertise with the current Microsoft 365 cloud service alternatives.
• Be knowledgeable about typical IT issues including support plan administration and enterprise licensing management.

Microsoft MS-900 Exam: Study Areas

1. Focus on Exam Course Outline

The exam outline is possibly the key component that must be well grasped while preparing for the certification. This lists the objectives, test domains, and weightings for the exam. The main content domains and their weights are displayed. However, for the MS-900 exam, the topics are:

MODULE 1 – Describe Cloud Concepts (5-10%)

Describe the different types of cloud services available

• Describe Microsoft software as a service (SaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and platform as a service (PaaS) concepts and use cases (Microsoft Documentation – What is Platform as a service (PaaS)? , What is Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)?)
• Describe differences between Office 365 and Microsoft 365

Describe the benefits of and considerations for using a cloud , hybrid, or,on-premises services

• describe public, private, and hybrid models (Microsoft Documentation – What are public, private, and hybrid clouds?)
• compare costs and advantages of cloud, hybrid, and on-premises services (Microsoft Documentation – (Cloud storage vs. on-premises servers and Comparison of cloud and on-premises features)
• Describe the concept of hybrid work and flexible work

MODULE 2 – Describe Microsoft 365 Apps and Services (45-50%)

Describe productivity solutions of Microsoft 365

• Describe the core productivity capabilities and benefits of Microsoft 365 including Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft 365 apps, and OneDrive (Microsoft Documentation – Describe productivity solutions of Microsoft 365, Describe Microsoft 365 apps and services)
• Describe core Microsoft 365 Apps including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote (Microsoft Documentation – Office applications details, About Microsoft 365 Apps in the enterprise)
• Describe work management capabilities of Microsoft 365 including Microsoft Project, Planner, Bookings, Forms, Lists, and To Do (Microsoft Documentation – Microsoft 365 suite features, Microsoft Project, Planner, To Do, or the Tasks app)

Describe collaboration solutions of Microsoft 365

• Describe the collaboration benefits and capabilities of Microsoft 365 including Microsoft Exchange, Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Stream (Microsoft Documentation – Describe collaboration solutions of Microsoft 365, Collaborating with Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive)
• Describe the collaboration benefits and capabilities of Microsoft Teams and Teams Phone (Microsoft Documentation – Welcome to Microsoft Teams, Use Microsoft Teams for collaboration, Phone System features)
• Describe the Microsoft Viva apps (Microsoft Documentation – Microsoft Viva service description, Viva Insights app in Teams and on the web)
• Describe the ways that you can extend Microsoft Teams by using collaborative apps

Describe endpoint modernization, management concepts, and deployment options in Microsoft 365

• Describe the endpoint management capabilities of Microsoft 365 including Microsoft Intune (Configuration Manager and co-management, Endpoint Analytics, and Windows Autopilot)
• Compare the differences between Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop
• Describe the deployment and release models for Windows-as-a-Service (WaaS) including deployment rings (Microsoft Documentation – Overview of Windows as a service, Manage Windows as a service using Configuration Manager)
• Identify deployment and update channels for Microsoft 365 Apps (Microsoft Documentation – Overview of update channels for Microsoft 365 Apps, Change the Microsoft 365 Apps update channel)

Describe analytics capabilities of Microsoft 365

• Describe the capabilities of Viva Insights (Microsoft Documentation – Viva Insights app in Teams and on the web)
• Describe the capabilities of the Microsoft 365 Admin center and Microsoft 365 user portal (Microsoft Documentation – Overview of the Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 feature descriptions)
• Describe the reports available in the Microsoft 365 Admin center and other admin centers (Microsoft Documentation – Microsoft 365 Reports in the admin center, Microsoft 365 Reports in the admin center – Microsoft 365 Apps usage)

MODULE 3 – Explain Security, Compliance, Privacy, and Trust in Microsoft 365 (25-30%)

Describe identity and access management solutions of Microsoft 365

• Describe the identity and access management capabilities of Microsoft Entra ID
• Describe cloud identity, on-premises identity, and hybrid identity concepts (Microsoft Documentation – What is hybrid identity with Azure Active Directory?, Azure Active Directory Hybrid Identity Design Considerations)
• Describe how Microsoft uses methods such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), self-service password reset (SSPR), and conditional access, to keep identities, access, and data secure

Describe threat protection solutions of Microsoft 365

• Describe Microsoft Defender XDR, Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Office 365, Defender for Identity, Defender for Cloud Apps, and the Microsoft Defender Portal (Microsoft Documentation – What is Microsoft 365 Defender?, Microsoft 365 Defender portal, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint in Microsoft 365 Defender, Microsoft Defender for Office 365)
• Describe Microsoft Secure Score benefits and capabilities (Microsoft Documentation – Microsoft Secure Score)
• Describe how Microsoft 365 addresses the most common threats against endpoints, applications, and identities (Microsoft Documentation – Protect against threats, Threat investigation and response)

Describe trust, privacy, risk, and compliance solutions of Microsoft 365

• Describe the Zero Trust Model
• Describe Microsoft Purview and compliance solutions such as insider risk, auditing, and eDiscovery (Microsoft Documentation – Describe the eDiscovery and audit capabilities of Microsoft Purview)
• Describe Microsoft Purview Information Protection features such as sensitivity labels and data loss prevention (Microsoft Documentation – Protect your sensitive data with Microsoft Purview)
• Describe how Microsoft supports data residency to ensure regulatory compliance
• Describe the capabilities and benefits of Microsoft Priva (Microsoft Documentation – Learn about Microsoft Priva)

MODULE 4 – Describe Microsoft 365 Pricing, licensing, and Support (10-15%)

Identify Microsoft 365 pricing and billing management options

• Describe the pricing model for Microsoft cloud services including enterprise agreements, cloud solution providers, and direct billing (Microsoft Documentation – Cloud Solution Provider program, Cloud Solution Provider program guide, agreements, price lists, and offers)
• Describe available billing and bill management options including billing frequency and methods of payment (Microsoft Documentation – Understand your bill or invoice for Microsoft 365 for business)

Identify licensing options available in Microsoft 365

• Describe license management (Microsoft Documentation – Understand subscriptions and licenses in Microsoft 365 for business)
• Describe the differences between base licensing and add-on licensing (Microsoft Documentation – Microsoft 365 pricing, licensing, and billing options)

Identify support options for Microsoft 365 services

• Describe how to create a support request for Microsoft 365 services (Microsoft Documentation – Describe support offerings for Microsoft 365 services)
• Describe support options for Microsoft 365 services
• Describe service level agreements (SLAs) including service credits (Microsoft Documentation – Service Level Agreements (SLA) for Online Services)
• Determine service health status by using the Microsoft 365 admin portal or the Microsoft Entra Admin portal (Microsoft Documentation – check Microsoft 365 service health, Service health and continuity)

2. Enhance your skills with Instructor-led training

Microsoft 365 Fundamentals

The basics of cloud computing and the Software as a Service (SaaS) cloud model are covered in this course, with an emphasis on Microsoft 365’s cloud service offerings. You will start by learning about the principles of cloud computing, including an introduction to Microsoft cloud services. After that, you will do a thorough examination of Microsoft 365, which will include a comparison of Microsoft on-premises services and Microsoft 365 cloud services, a look at corporate mobility in Microsoft 365, and a review of how Microsoft 365 services support collaboration.

Target Audience:

• This course is intended for business decision-makers and IT professionals who want to adopt cloud services within their company or who just want to learn the foundations of cloud computing.

3. Get a better understanding of concepts with Microsoft Learning Paths

Utilizing a variety of modules, Microsoft’s learning path gives you access to exam-related knowledge. These Microsoft MS-900 exam study materials can be found on the exam’s official website. The exam preparation pathways include:

1. Describe Microsoft 365 core services and concepts

Discover how Microsoft 365’s productivity, collaboration, and business management tools enable individuals and businesses to do more.

Prerequisites:

• Knowledge of cloud computing principles, such as cloud service models and deployment methods, including software-as-a-service (Saas). Take Discuss Azure essential principles if you are not familiar with the fundamentals of cloud computing.

Modules in this learning path:

• Microsoft 365 Overview
  • Discover Microsoft 365, a productivity cloud that offers cutting-edge and intelligent experiences, detailed organizational insights, and a dependable platform to assist people and businesses in completing more tasks.
• Describe the Microsoft 365 productivity solutions:
  • Discover how Microsoft 365’s productivity tools improve operations, engage users, and enable workers to carry out activities in real-time from almost anywhere.
• Describe Microsoft 365’s collaborative tools:
  • Learn how Microsoft 365’s collaboration solutions enable individuals and teams to stay connected, and engaged, and ensure open communication across companies to unleash new ways of working together.
• Explain endpoint modernization, management ideas, and Microsoft 365 deployment options:
  • Discover how Microsoft 365’s business management solutions give users a safe, personalized desktop experience and assist enterprises in managing updates for all devices with a streamlined admin experience.

2. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of Microsoft 365 security and compliance capabilities

Discover how Microsoft’s security, compliance, and identity solutions assist individuals and companies in securing their whole digital footprint, streamlining compliance, and lowering risk.

Prerequisites:

• Knowledge of cloud computing principles, such as cloud service models and deployment methods, including software-as-a-service (Saas). 

Modules in this learning path:

• Describe the principles of compliance and security:
  • Discover the fundamental security and compliance ideas behind Microsoft technologies. The Zero Trust and Shared Responsibility models, encryption, data residency, data sovereignty, and other subjects are covered.
• Describe the ideas of identity:
  • Discover the fundamental concepts of authentication and authorization as well as the significance of identity in protecting organizational resources. Additionally, some identity-related services will be covered.
• Describe how Microsoft 365 Defender protects against threats:
  • Discover Microsoft 365 Defender, a comprehensive pre- and post-breach business defense package that natively integrates detection, prevention, investigation, and response across endpoints, identities, email, and applications to offer integrated protection against sophisticated assaults.
• Describe the Microsoft Service Trust Portal and privacy:
  • Go through the Service Trust Portal’s material to learn more about how Microsoft keeps its word. 

3. Demonstrate knowledge of Microsoft 365 licensing, service, and support

Find out how adoption assistance, ongoing support, and license choices that suit your needs can help people and businesses make the most of their Microsoft 365 investments.

Prerequisites:

• Knowledge of cloud computing principles, such as cloud service models and deployment methods, including software-as-a-service (Saas).

Modules in this learning path:

• Determine the Microsoft 365 licensing choices that are available:
  • Discover the price structure for Microsoft cloud services and how a range of license and payment options are available for Microsoft 365 to suit the requirements of individuals and enterprises.
• Describe the Microsoft 365 service support options available:
  • Discover how the many support features provided by Microsoft 365 can help consumers and businesses make the most of their technology investments and how they can enhance Microsoft services for their business.
• Describe the Microsoft 365 service life cycle:
  • Discover how Microsoft 365 products are launched through the service lifecycle and how individuals and businesses can utilize the Microsoft 365 roadmap to plan for the future.

3. Using Practice Exam Tests

It’s crucial to keep in mind that the exam will cover a variety of topics. You should thus get as much experience as you can before the test. Exam practice tests are the most effective method for accomplishing this. You may also strengthen your weak areas by identifying them using these sample tests.

4. Become Part of the Microsoft 365 Tech Community

Join the Microsoft community to communicate best practices and learn the most recent information about Microsoft 365. These forums can help you with everything from technical support and break/fix queries to help & learning about relevant topics. Discuss your questions with subject-matter experts in groups, and stay current on exam developments.

Things to know about the exam:

➼ Exam retake policy

• You must wait 24 hours before retaking an exam if you don’t pass the first attempt.
• Secondly, you must wait at least 14 days before taking it again if you don’t pass the second time.
• However, the third and fourth chances, as well as the fourth and fifth attempts, must wait 14 days in between.
• Further, a specific exam may only be taken five times in a 12-month period following the initial attempt. After a year from the date of your initial try, you can take the test one more.
• Unless your certification has expired, you cannot repeat an exam that you have already passed.
• Lastly, a fee is required to retake the test (if applicable.)

➼ Exam reschedule and the cancellation policy

Make sure you plan or cancel exams at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled exam to avoid losing your exam money. Any company-purchased vouchers that you utilized will be void.

Steps to cancel or reschedule your exam:

• Through your Learn profile, you can reschedule or cancel your exam appointment.
• From the profile menu, choose Certifications.
• Select the “Cancel” or “Reschedule” link next to the exam appointment you want to change or cancel.
• You can cancel or reschedule your exam by going to the exam delivery provider’s website.

What’s next? 

Start your Microsoft 365 journey by becoming familiar with its capabilities and learning how to build simple solutions, deploy cloud services within your company, or simply gain a basic understanding of the pros and cons of utilizing cloud services in general and the software as a service (SaaS) cloud model in particular.

Once you’ve done your preparation, sign up for the exam! You can prove that you’ve passed the appropriate examinations for certification by showing off your Microsoft Certification certificates and badges. Start preparing for Administrator level exams. 

To succeed in the exams, put out your absolute best effort. Using the information above, you can plan your study time, understand test formats, and successfully complete the exam.