Is the Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals Worth It for Systems Administrators?

The concept of the cloud is simple enough: rent computer resources on-demand and only pay for the storage, speed, and power you need when you need it. The cloud promises that you only pay for what you use, down to the millisecond and byte, leaving cash and manpower to keep the rest of the company running.

What's less straightforward is choosing which cloud service provider to use and – once you do that – which tools and products to choose. Microsoft created the Microsoft 365 Certified Fundamentals (MS-900) to determine who can speak knowledgeably about Microsoft cloud service offerings, their costs and benefits, and the fundamentals of using them. 

But is this certification worth it for system administrators? Read on to learn what the MS-900 covers and whether it's worth the time and energy it takes to earn.

What is the Microsoft 365 Certified Fundamentals (MS-900)?

The MS-900 is the certification exam for Microsoft certification, and it is called Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals. The exam covers the general concepts behind Software as a Service (SaaS) models, the benefits of using cloud services, and using Microsoft 365 in particular. Specifically, the certification focuses most on Microsoft 365, Microsoft's subscription service that provides businesses with a suite of productivity apps.

The MS-900 is targeted at non-technical business users and entry-level administrators. Passing the MS-900 and earning the certification proves that you understand the different cloud options that are available in Microsoft 365.

The MS-900 isn't a particularly challenging exam. The content of the exam is largely informational, as opposed to many other certifying exams that tend to focus more heavily on practical knowledge of configurations and management. Some of the exam does focus on implementing Microsoft 365 cloud systems, but most of it centers on knowledge about Microsoft 365 service options and how they differ from other service vendors.

What are the Microsoft 365 Certified Fundamentals (MS-900) Exam Objectives?

The MS-900 is the only exam necessary to earn the Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals, and it has four exam objectives:

• Describe cloud concepts

• Describe core Microsoft 365 services and applications 

• Explain security, compliance, privacy, and trust in Microsoft 365

• Describe Microsoft 365 pricing, support, and licensing 

It's always a good idea to pay attention to the operative words in exam objectives – in this case, notice that Microsoft decided to use "describe" and "explain" for their primary goals for MS-900. 

The use of those words hints at the level of expertise the test expects. Microsoft isn't looking for advanced configurations or demonstrations of administrative prowess – they mainly want to verify that you thoroughly understand what the cloud is generally, what Microsoft 365 does differently, and how much it costs.

How Much Does the Microsoft MS-900 Exam Cost?

The MS-900 costs $99 to attempt. Unlike many other certifications and vendors, the MS-900 is the only exam necessary to earn the Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals, and it doesn't have any prerequisites. That means you can attempt the test without paying Microsoft for a course or any other certification.

However, just because the MS-900 tests basic knowledge of the cloud doesn't mean you should go into it without any prep. If you've never used Microsoft 365 and don't know anything about its features or pricing, you might struggle. Consider adding the cost of a training course to the $99 price tag on the MS-900.

What Experience Do You Need for the Microsoft MS-900 Exam?

Although there aren't any prerequisites for the MS-900, and Microsoft doesn't suggest any formal experience before attempting the MS-900, if you attempt the exam without any experience with Microsoft 365, you could fail. It's always a good idea to dig deeper into exam objectives for a sense of the experience you should have before attempting a certifying exam.

Before attempting the MS-900, you should be able to describe why a company might use a cloud service instead of relying on on-premises equipment. You'll want to know the core Microsoft 365 services and what options you and your company have for deploying and supporting Microsoft 365. 

You don't need to be a trained network security administrator, but you should understand the nature of security, compliance, and privacy in Microsoft 365. Finally, you should have a strong sense of the different pricing models Microsoft offers and what different licenses offer.

Some of these are general knowledge, but remember that some of the questions will have "from-the-book" answers specific to Microsoft. You'll want to know what Microsoft thinks is the correct answer to questions about compliance, benefits, and pricing.

Who Should Take the MS-900?

The MS-900 is best for business users of office software who might be involved in conversations about using cloud services. A brand-new administrator could use it to prove they understand what Microsoft 365 offers, but it might be too simplistic for network and systems administrators eager to demonstrate deep technical expertise. 

MS-900 for Cloud Beginners

The MS-900 is probably most worthwhile for office staff who don't normally work with technology but might need to contribute to conversations about investing in cloud solutions. Passing the MS-900 doesn't require technical knowledge of administration or configurations; it only requires an understanding of how Microsoft 365 administers cloud solutions and how your company could benefit from them.

Depending on the size of your company and the extent of your responsibilities, passing the MS-900 could help you speak knowledgeably about different cloud options and what Microsoft 365 offers. Before you weigh in on the pros and cons of different clouds, pass the MS-900 and rest assured you understand the tech.

Is Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals Worth It for Systems Administrators?

The MS-900 is worth it for junior systems administrators who might be looking for a fast and easy certification to add to their resume. On the other hand, as far as technical certifications that prepare you for advanced configurations and management responsibilities go, this isn't the most valuable. But don't be discouraged from earning it if your duties include cloud administration or cloud support.

Plenty of people inside a lot of companies don't understand the cloud at all, and passing the MS-900 will give you the vocabulary to talk about and explain what Microsoft 365 does and how it applies to your company.

Why Take the Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals (MS-900)

If you work for a company obsessed with buzzwords like SaaS and cloud service options but no one has any clue what they actually are, the MS-900 could be a great way to become a subject matter expert. But if you work in a highly technical environment, there are probably Microsoft cloud administration certs that will be more challenging and worth your time.

Using MS-900 to Learn Skills

The best use of the MS-900 is to learn what cloud service offerings Microsoft 365 has and how it holds up against other cloud service providers. As you prepare to take the MS-900, you'll learn about the tools and services that Microsoft 365 offers that many companies and teams overlook. 

You can learn how to engage collaboration between teams and employees through programs like Teams and Viva. You can also learn just how much mobility is possible out of the box.

The people who will probably benefit the most from learning MS-900 skills are small business owners and staff. You can learn how to integrate Windows 365 into a business management strategy and save time and energy with all its tools and products.

Using MS-900 to Validate Skills

If you look at the MS-900's exam objectives, the first thing you think is, "I do all that every day," you should take the MS-900 just to get those skills documented. The MS-900 is a small certification, but earning it proves you know your way around Microsoft's cloud. It shouldn't take much time to prepare, and once you pass it, it's one more line item for your resume.

Final Thoughts: Is MS-900 Worth It for SysAdmins? 

The true answer to this question is: maybe. If you're a junior systems administrator looking for a quick certification to boost your resume or someone who wants to understand Microsoft 365 and cloud services better, the MS-900 could be a great fit. It's accessible, affordable, and gives you the foundational knowledge to confidently discuss cloud concepts and Microsoft 365 offerings.

However, for more experienced sysadmins or IT professionals seeking in-depth technical expertise, this certification might feel a bit basic. In that case, you'd be better off exploring advanced Microsoft training and certifications tailored to cloud administration or network management.

Ultimately, the MS-900 is what you make of it. It’s a lightweight certification, but it can help you brush up on cloud fundamentals, validate skills you already use, or even become the go-to person for Microsoft 365 insights at your company.  

Ready to take the MS-900? Check out the CBT Nuggets course Microsoft 365 Certified Fundamentals (MS-900) Online Training.