Microsoft 365 Endpoint Administrator (MD-102) Certification Training

The MD-102T00: Microsoft 365 Endpoint Administrator course is designed to equip IT professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage and secure Microsoft 365 endpoints efficiently. This course blends theoretical concepts with hands-on training to ensure a comprehensive understanding and readiness for real-world application. The course follows an accelerated format, combining intensive lectures, hands-on labs, and continuous review sessions. Learners benefit from a focused training environment that promotes mastery of complex topics in a short time frame.

The course is structured around a series of learning paths that cover every essential aspect of endpoint management. These paths include modern device deployment, profile configuration, application management, authentication, compliance enforcement, and both cloud-based and on-premises deployment strategies. Throughout the course, participants engage with advanced Microsoft 365 technologies, including Microsoft Intune, Azure Active Directory, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.

Upon completion of the course, students will sit for the MD-102 certification exam, validating their capabilities in managing Microsoft 365 environments effectively. The accelerated delivery model ensures that students are well-prepared for the exam and can apply their skills immediately in professional settings.

Target Audience and Role Focus

The MD-102T00 course is ideal for Microsoft 365 administrators, security administrators, and other professionals responsible for endpoint configuration and management. This course is particularly beneficial for those managing user devices across cloud-based or hybrid environments. Learners are typically individuals who oversee device compliance, implement app deployment strategies, and maintain endpoint security.

It is also highly relevant for professionals who are transitioning to modern management practices or looking to enhance their understanding of Microsoft’s endpoint technologies. By aligning training content with real-world administrative roles, the course ensures that participants can directly translate their learning into workplace improvements.

Key Technologies and Tools Covered

The training comprehensively covers a range of Microsoft tools and technologies that are critical to endpoint administration:

• Microsoft Intune: Central to managing devices, apps, and compliance policies
• Azure Active Directory (Azure AD): Core for identity and access management
• Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: Security management and threat mitigation
• Windows Autopilot: Automating device provisioning and configuration
• Configuration Manager: For traditional on-premises deployment and management
• Azure Information Protection: Data classification and information security

By mastering these tools, participants gain the competencies needed to implement a secure and productive endpoint infrastructure that supports modern work environments.

Learning Methodology

The course employs a Lecture | Lab | Review format. This methodology accelerates learning by combining in-depth instructor-led sessions with practical, hands-on labs. Daily reviews reinforce concepts and ensure that learners consolidate their understanding. The training is conducted in a distraction-free environment, ideal for deep learning.

Participants receive up to 12 hours of training per day, which includes interactive lessons, lab exercises, and review segments. This immersive approach allows learners to absorb complex material quickly and efficiently. The curriculum is aligned with the latest Microsoft standards and practices, ensuring relevance and applicability.

Course Content Breakdown

The curriculum is divided into eight distinct learning paths. Each path focuses on a specific aspect of endpoint administration, building a comprehensive skill set by the end of the course.

Explore Endpoint Management

Learners begin by understanding the fundamentals of endpoint management within Microsoft 365. This includes reviewing the architecture of Microsoft Endpoint Manager and its integration with Azure services. Participants examine the roles and responsibilities associated with endpoint management and explore key scenarios for device enrollment and policy implementation.

Execute Device Enrollment

This learning path delves into methods for enrolling devices into the management system. It includes configuration of enrollment settings, setting up automatic enrollment, and managing device categories. Learners will understand how to enroll Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS devices using Microsoft Intune.

Configure Profiles for Users and Devices

This section focuses on configuring user and device profiles to control settings and user experiences. It includes the creation and deployment of configuration profiles, custom policies, and administrative templates. Participants learn to enforce settings related to Wi-Fi, VPN, certificates, and email.

Examine Application Management

Application deployment and management are key elements of endpoint administration. This path covers the configuration of application policies, deployment methods, and troubleshooting techniques. Learners gain hands-on experience managing Microsoft Store apps, Win32 applications, and line-of-business apps.

Exam Preparation and Certification Details

After the course, students will sit for the MD-102 exam, which evaluates proficiency in four key domains:

• Prepare infrastructure for devices (25–30%)
• Manage and maintain devices (30–35%)
• Manage applications (15–20%)
• Protect devices (15–20%)

The exam is available in multiple languages, including English, Chinese (Simplified), German, Spanish, French, Japanese, and Portuguese (Brazil). A passing score of 700 is required to achieve certification. The exam is conducted on-site at the training center and is covered by the course’s Certification Guarantee.

The Certification Guarantee ensures that if a participant does not pass the exam on their first attempt, they can retake the training for free within a year. Only accommodation, exams, and incidental costs need to be covered during the retake.

Course Prerequisites

Before attending the course, participants should have prior experience with:

• Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft 365 technologies
• Deploying, configuring, and maintaining Windows and non-Windows devices

These prerequisites ensure that learners can fully engage with the course material and benefit from the accelerated format. Participants should be comfortable working in Microsoft 365 environments and have a foundational understanding of IT administration practices.

Explore Endpoint Management

Endpoint management is at the core of modern IT administration, enabling centralized control over user devices while supporting diverse working environments. This module introduces Microsoft Endpoint Manager, a comprehensive solution that integrates services such as Microsoft Intune and Configuration Manager. Participants learn about the architecture, key components, and practical applications of Endpoint Manager in managing both cloud-based and on-premises devices.

Learners explore how Microsoft Endpoint Manager simplifies device lifecycle management through a unified platform. Topics include tenant administration, management console navigation, and organizational structures. A deep dive into enrollment options highlights the flexibility available for different operating systems, use cases, and administrative goals. The module also addresses how to monitor compliance, generate reports, and automate remediation.

One critical aspect covered is the use of role-based access control (RBAC) to enforce least-privilege principles within the administrative environment. Participants configure custom roles and scope tags to segment management responsibilities and enhance security. Through labs, learners practice setting up policies and managing devices using real-time data insights.

Execute Device Enrollment

Device enrollment sets the stage for effective endpoint control. In this module, learners examine enrollment options across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The training covers enrollment prerequisites, the configuration of enrollment profiles, and the end-user experience during enrollment.

The focus is placed on automatic enrollment through Azure Active Directory join and Microsoft Intune integration. Participants learn how to configure MDM authority, create device enrollment managers, and support bulk provisioning through Windows Autopilot. Autopilot is explored in detail, with learners understanding its use in pre-configuring devices before delivery, minimizing IT overhead.

Security configurations such as enrollment restrictions and conditional access policies are discussed to ensure only authorized and compliant devices access corporate resources. Hands-on labs guide participants in testing these scenarios and verifying enrollment results. This helps reinforce the importance of structured onboarding in maintaining a secure IT environment.

The course also includes strategies for transitioning from traditional management models to modern management using co-management. Learners assess their current infrastructure readiness and use hybrid Azure AD join to bridge gaps between legacy and modern tools.

Configure Profiles for Users and Devices

Configuration profiles are essential for standardizing user and device settings. This module guides participants through the process of creating and deploying these profiles using Microsoft Intune. Learners define custom settings, use administrative templates, and explore device restriction policies.

Specific focus is given to controlling device functionalities, user access permissions, and configuring resources such as Wi-Fi, VPN, certificates, and email. The training demonstrates how profiles can be targeted based on dynamic device groups or user attributes. Real-time testing and validation are emphasized to ensure successful policy application.

Participants also explore the creation of compliance policies that define acceptable usage and configuration baselines. These policies trigger actions such as user notifications or device quarantine when violations are detected. Integration with Azure AD conditional access policies allows automated enforcement of these rules.

Labs guide learners in troubleshooting profile deployment issues using Intune logs and monitoring tools. They gain experience resolving conflicts between overlapping policies and verifying the correct settings application across different device platforms.

Examine Application Management

Managing applications effectively is critical for productivity and security. This module explores the tools and techniques available through Microsoft Intune for deploying, updating, and managing applications on user devices. The course covers Microsoft Store for Business, Win32 app deployment, and sideloading of custom applications.

Participants learn to configure application assignments, deployment intents, and dependencies. The use of requirement rules, detection logic, and return codes ensures precise installation and maintenance of applications. Version control and updates are addressed through automated deployment rings and assignment scheduling.

Learners evaluate the benefits of integrating Microsoft Defender Application Control to enforce trusted app lists and block unapproved software. Strategies for managing browser-based apps and progressive web applications are also discussed. This ensures a consistent and secure experience across different environments and device types.

The labs provide practice in deploying a variety of app types, creating app protection policies, and monitoring installation results through reporting tools. Troubleshooting skills are developed by simulating failed deployments and resolving common issues such as dependency errors or user permission conflicts.

Application lifecycle management is a key focus, enabling learners to handle app retirements, replacements, and version transitions. They use filters and scope tags to tailor app distribution to specific groups and scenarios, increasing deployment efficiency and precision.

Manage Authentication and Compliance

Securing endpoints requires robust identity and compliance management. This module delves into identity protection strategies using Azure Active Directory and Microsoft Intune. Participants configure multi-factor authentication (MFA), self-service password reset (SSPR), and conditional access policies.

The course explains how to integrate Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps to gain visibility into user behavior and enforce real-time policies. Learners use identity protection policies to detect risky sign-ins and automate remediation steps. Compliance policies are created to define device health baselines, such as password policies, encryption requirements, and OS version controls.

Through hands-on labs, learners enforce conditional access based on device compliance, user risk levels, and location. The integration of these policies ensures that only secure and authorized users can access organizational resources. Detailed reporting and alerts help administrators maintain oversight and respond to anomalies.

Participants examine regulatory compliance standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO, and how Microsoft 365 tools support adherence. Features like data loss prevention (DLP), eDiscovery, and information protection labels are introduced as part of broader compliance initiatives.

Manage Endpoint Security

Securing user devices is a priority in any organization. This module focuses on the configuration and management of endpoint protection features using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Intune. Learners review the threat landscape and understand how Microsoft technologies mitigate modern threats.

Topics include antivirus settings, attack surface reduction rules, firewall policies, and endpoint detection and response (EDR). The training emphasizes security baselines that provide a foundation for consistent and secure configurations across the organization.

Labs include the deployment of endpoint protection profiles, evaluation of threat reports, and the simulation of malware attacks for response testing. Learners practice investigating alerts, isolating devices, and initiating remediation workflows through automated and manual controls.

Security analytics dashboards and threat intelligence tools provide visibility into organizational risk and incident trends. The course explains how to integrate with Microsoft Sentinel for advanced incident response and reporting. Participants gain confidence in managing endpoint threats and applying best practices to minimize exposure.

Participants also explore mobile threat defense (MTD) solutions and third-party integrations that expand endpoint security capabilities. Integration of Defender with conditional access enhances policy enforcement based on device risk.

Deploy Using On-Premises-Based Tools

Organizations with legacy infrastructure require hybrid deployment strategies. This module addresses the use of Configuration Manager for deploying and managing Windows clients. Learners explore deployment methods including task sequences, PXE boot, and offline media.

The training includes steps for managing software updates, configuring device collections, and integrating Configuration Manager with Intune for co-management. Learners understand how to use boundary groups, distribution points, and maintenance windows to control update distribution and device availability.

Through lab exercises, learners build task sequences for OS deployment, customize application installs, and automate post-deployment configurations. Troubleshooting techniques for common errors, such as driver issues or network failure, are emphasized.

Participants also learn how to manage inventory data, create reports, and implement desired configuration management (DCM) to enforce compliance standards. This helps bridge the gap between traditional and cloud-based environments.

Deploy Using Cloud-Based Tools

Cloud-first deployment strategies are critical in modern environments. This module focuses on deploying Windows 10 and 11 using Windows Autopilot and Microsoft Intune. Participants configure deployment profiles, assign devices, and test the user experience during the setup process.

The training covers hybrid and Azure AD join options, ensuring compatibility with different identity models. Learners explore provisioning packages using Windows Configuration Designer for offline deployment scenarios. The integration of Windows Update for Business and feature update controls ensures consistent system performance and security.

Labs include customizing the out-of-box experience (OOBE), setting up enrollment status pages (ESP), and managing post-deployment configurations. Participants configure dynamic device groups, apply filters, and assign compliance policies based on hardware attributes.

Automation is a key theme, with learners using PowerShell scripts and proactive remediations in Intune to enforce configuration baselines. They also explore monitoring and troubleshooting tools to validate deployments and address setup issues.

By mastering cloud deployment, participants can implement scalable, efficient, and secure solutions for device onboarding. This capability is crucial for organizations adopting hybrid work and zero-touch provisioning models.

Troubleshooting Device Enrollment Challenges

Effective endpoint management requires administrators to swiftly identify and resolve enrollment issues. This section delves into advanced troubleshooting scenarios related to device enrollment across different platforms. Learners explore tools such as Intune troubleshooting blade, Company Portal logs, and event viewer diagnostics to trace errors in enrollment workflows.

Common challenges addressed include device compliance failures, duplicate device records, policy conflicts, and license assignment errors. Participants are trained in interpreting log files like IntuneManagementExtension.log and DeviceManagement-Enterprise-Diagnostics-Provider logs to pinpoint root causes. The course emphasizes best practices in environment preparation, such as domain whitelisting and certificate distribution, to reduce enrollment friction.

Optimizing Policy Deployment and Resolution of Conflicts

As environments grow in complexity, the likelihood of policy conflicts increases. This module guides optimizing policy deployments to avoid configuration overlap. Participants use built-in analytics and policy report dashboards to detect and assess issues. They also practice resolving conflicts between device and user-targeted policies through priority settings and group assignments.

The training covers the use of filters to apply configurations based on specific device attributes, minimizing the risk of misapplication. Learners design an effective configuration strategy that balances flexibility with control. Role-based access controls are refined to delegate policy management while maintaining administrative security.

Enhancing Security Posture Through Threat Analytics

This section builds on previous modules to equip learners with the skills needed to enhance organizational security posture using Microsoft 365 tools. Learners leverage Microsoft Defender for Endpoint threat analytics to understand attack techniques and vulnerabilities. Insights from security recommendations guide hardening efforts.

Participants explore incident response playbooks, integration with Microsoft Sentinel, and the use of advanced hunting queries in Microsoft 365 Defender. Through labs, learners simulate security breaches, investigate alerts, and implement remediation actions such as isolating devices and collecting forensics data.

Additionally, learners configure alerts and notifications to inform security teams about critical events. They utilize attack simulation training to prepare users for phishing and social engineering threats, aligning with zero trust principles.

Leveraging Automation for Administrative Efficiency

Automation is vital for scalability and consistency in endpoint management. This module introduces automation techniques using PowerShell, Graph API, and Intune proactive remediations. Participants write custom scripts to automate routine tasks such as device cleanup, user onboarding, and configuration compliance checks.

Learners integrate Microsoft Power Automate to trigger workflows based on specific events, such as device non-compliance or failed app installations. By automating incident response and reporting processes, administrators reduce manual intervention and improve operational resilience.

The use of compliance reports and alerting mechanisms ensures that IT teams are proactively informed of issues before they escalate. The course emphasizes repeatable processes, version control, and script testing to maintain reliability.

Deep Dive into Windows Autopilot Optimization

Building upon prior Autopilot concepts, this section focuses on optimizing Autopilot deployment at scale. Learners analyze deployment metrics, success rates and identify bottlenecks in device provisioning. They configure deployment profiles tailored to business units, device roles, and regions.

Participants refine the use of dynamic groups, Autopilot deployment profiles, and ESP settings to reduce time to productivity. The module includes best practices for integrating OEM registration workflows, ensuring devices are pre-registered before delivery. Learners troubleshoot scenarios such as missing hardware hashes, profile assignment errors, and hybrid join delays.

By the end of this unit, participants can confidently lead Autopilot projects, implement zero-touch provisioning, and maintain device readiness with minimal user interaction.

Managing Applications in Diverse Environments

Real-world environments often involve a mix of application types and sources. This module provides strategies for managing complex app ecosystems, including line-of-business (LOB) apps, Microsoft Store apps, and web-based applications. Learners explore the use of application categories, custom requirements, and dependency chains.

Advanced topics include integrating Intune with third-party software distribution tools, automating version updates, and managing app entitlements through Azure AD groups. Participants design deployment rings for staged rollouts, assess performance metrics, and implement rollback procedures for failed updates.

Security considerations such as application whitelisting, permission scopes, and identity-based access control are covered to ensure secure distribution. Learners practice building deployment scripts and detection rules that adapt to various operating systems and application types.

Addressing Identity and Access Scenarios

This module explores complex identity and access management scenarios, including guest access, B2B collaboration, and conditional access across hybrid environments. Learners review access reviews, entitlement management, and Just-in-Time (JIT) access using Privileged Identity Management (PIM).

Participants analyze sign-in logs, configure identity protection policies, and implement adaptive access controls based on user behavior. Labs focus on securing remote access, managing session controls, and using named locations to restrict access by geography or network.

The course also addresses multi-tenant scenarios and cross-directory collaboration, enabling administrators to support complex organizational structures. Learners refine governance models to align access permissions with regulatory and operational requirements.

Ensuring Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

A critical aspect of endpoint management is ensuring operational continuity in the face of disruptions. This module introduces disaster recovery planning, backup strategies, and failover mechanisms using Microsoft 365 tools. Learners design endpoint configurations that support business continuity, including offline access, roaming profiles, and cloud-based storage.

Participants explore recovery options using Configuration Manager, OneDrive Known Folder Move (KFM), and backup integration with third-party tools. They configure failback settings, validate recovery processes, and test data restoration procedures to ensure resilience.

The training highlights the importance of documentation, routine testing, and incident communication plans. Learners simulate disruption scenarios and evaluate recovery effectiveness, building confidence in their disaster readiness.

Monitoring and Reporting for Continuous Improvement

Effective monitoring and reporting are vital for proactive management. This section explores the use of dashboards, analytics, and alerting tools within Microsoft Endpoint Manager. Learners build custom reports, create KPI dashboards, and automate routine audits.

Integration with Power BI provides enhanced visualization and trend analysis. Participants monitor device compliance, app health, update status, and user satisfaction metrics. Alerts are configured for non-compliance, policy deployment failures, and unusual login activity.

Through hands-on labs, learners create automated report delivery mechanisms for stakeholders. They assess the effectiveness of their endpoint strategies and identify areas for improvement. Continuous feedback loops ensure that configuration and security postures remain aligned with organizational goals.

Capstone Project and Mastery Demonstration

The capstone project represents the culmination of the Microsoft 365 Endpoint Administrator training experience. It challenges learners to synthesize the knowledge, skills, and tools gained throughout the course and apply them in a comprehensive real-world scenario. The project simulates a mid-to-large-scale enterprise environment with hybrid infrastructure, multiple user personas, and diverse device platforms.

The goal is to assess learner competency in designing, implementing, and managing endpoint solutions that meet technical and business objectives. Success is measured by the alignment of configuration outcomes with organizational goals, compliance with security policies, and demonstration of best practices in endpoint administration.

Project Scope and Objectives

Learners are assigned to design and deploy a Microsoft Intune-based endpoint management solution for a fictional company undergoing digital transformation. The company has recently migrated to Microsoft 365 and seeks to unify its endpoint management strategies across locations and departments.

Project requirements include:

• Onboarding of 500+ devices using Windows Autopilot
• Deployment of baseline security policies and compliance settings
• Management of both personal and corporate devices with different security requirements
• Application rollout to specific user groups with version control and dependency mapping
• Integration of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint with incident response workflows
• Use of automation to handle policy assignments and monitoring
• Implementation of secure access with conditional access and multifactor authentication

Planning and Design Phase

Learners begin by conducting a requirements gathering exercise using simulated stakeholder interviews. They assess the organization’s current infrastructure, pain points, compliance needs, and future growth projections. With this data, participants draft an architectural blueprint that includes Intune configuration, Azure AD group design, and role-based access controls.

This phase emphasizes:

• Network readiness assessment
• Integration planning with existing security and identity systems
• Hardware procurement strategy for Autopilot readiness
• Assignment of administrative responsibilities based on role scopes

Learners also prepare documentation such as design rationales, expected deployment timelines, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Deployment and Execution Phase

With the design finalized, learners proceed to the deployment stage. Tasks include enrolling devices into Intune using Autopilot profiles, setting up configuration policies, and testing compliance across different user scenarios. Endpoint Security baselines are applied, and learners configure remediation workflows for non-compliance.

Application packages are assigned using a phased rollout strategy, ensuring minimal disruption to user productivity. Learners monitor installation progress, diagnose failures, and collect performance metrics. Integration with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint enables the monitoring of threat detection and automated response policies.

PowerShell scripts and automation tools are implemented to support repetitive tasks and enforce consistency. Learners also simulate role-based escalation scenarios, manage support tickets, and perform root cause analysis for deployment issues.

Security and Compliance Validation

Once deployment is complete, learners evaluate the solution’s effectiveness from a security and compliance perspective. Using reporting tools within Microsoft 365 and Intune, they generate reports on device health, policy application, and user compliance. Alerts are configured for critical thresholds, and dashboards are shared with simulated stakeholders.

Security validation includes:

• Reviewing conditional access effectiveness
• Monitoring multifactor authentication coverage
• Performing simulated phishing and endpoint attack scenarios
• Adjusting Defender policies based on threat analytics

Compliance audits are conducted to assess alignment with corporate policies, industry regulations, and data protection requirements.

Performance Optimization and Documentation

Participants refine configurations based on performance data, user feedback, and audit results. They adjust deployment rings, update frequencies, and policy scopes to enhance efficiency. This iterative improvement mirrors real-world administrative cycles.

Final documentation is submitted, including:

• Policy architecture diagrams
• Deployment logs and success/failure rates
• Automation workflows and scripts
• Incident reports and remediation actions
• Executive summaries for stakeholder presentation

This documentation becomes a portfolio piece for learners, demonstrating their readiness to manage Microsoft 365 environments in a professional context.

Final Presentation and Peer Review

To complete the capstone project, learners present their solution to a panel of instructors and peers. The presentation includes a walkthrough of their strategy, decisions made during deployment, challenges encountered, and lessons learned. Feedback from the panel provides insight into areas of strength and opportunities for growth.

Participants also engage in peer reviews, evaluating others’ solutions based on clarity, innovation, alignment with objectives, and real-world applicability. This collaborative element encourages knowledge sharing and broadens learners’ perspectives on endpoint management approaches.

Certification Exam Preparation and Support

Following the capstone project, learners transition into final preparation for the Microsoft MD-102 certification exam. Review sessions focus on exam structure, question formats, and key focus areas such as identity protection, compliance management, and security baselines. Practice exams and simulation labs reinforce theoretical and practical knowledge.

Instructors provide strategies for time management, question analysis, and handling scenario-based items. Participants receive personalized guidance to identify any knowledge gaps before attempting the exam. The certification marks the official recognition of their skills as endpoint administrators.

Final Thoughts

The MD-102: Microsoft 365 Endpoint Administrator course offers more than certification, it cultivates expertise, confidence, and readiness for modern enterprise challenges. From foundational principles to complex implementation strategies, this curriculum empowers learners to deploy, secure, and manage endpoints across hybrid and cloud environments with precision.

Through intensive modules, hands-on labs, and a culminating capstone project, participants develop the skills to align endpoint strategies with organizational goals. They learn to harness tools like Microsoft Intune, Azure Active Directory, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to optimize device experiences while upholding security and compliance standards.

The immersive training structure, anchored in the Lecture | Lab | Review format, accelerates learning, ensuring learners can retain and apply knowledge in real-world scenarios. By working through simulated deployments, performance audits, and incident responses, participants gain practical exposure to the complexities of endpoint management.

Moreover, the course nurtures strategic thinking, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration, all essential for navigating dynamic IT ecosystems. Learners emerge not just exam-ready, but role-ready, prepared to lead endpoint transformation efforts and drive operational efficiency within their organizations.

Completing this journey affirms each participant’s role as a trusted endpoint administrator capable of securing, automating, and modernizing device management in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape. As organizations increasingly depend on robust endpoint infrastructures, certified professionals stand at the forefront, equipped to deliver value, reduce risk, and enable innovation at scale.

For those who successfully finish this course, the path forward is rich with opportunity: deeper specialization in Microsoft technologies, leadership roles in IT administration, or expanded expertise in security and compliance. The MD-102 certification becomes not just a credential but a gateway to continued growth in the world of enterprise IT.