Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert (MS-102) Online Training

On July 31, 2023, Microsoft retired the Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert exams MS-100 and MS-101. MS-102, on the same date, became the only valid certification exam for the Enterprise Administrator Expert. This move was part of Microsoft's continuous efforts to streamline and enhance their certification exams. Replacing MS-100 and MS-101 with MS-102 ensures that candidates are assessed on the most current and pertinent skills and technologies in the ever-evolving IT landscape.

The main difference between the now-retired MS-100 and MS-101 and the current Enterprise Administrator Expert exam MS-102 is the emphasis on tenant-level implementation and administration of cloud and hybrid environments. It was last updated on July 15, 2024. The MS-100 and MS-101 exams were much more broad, testing familiarity with the many different methods and technologies that exist for implementing and maintaining enterprise networks. By comparison, MS-102 is much more focused on Microsoft 365 interoperability and cloud tenancy.

Yes, the Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert is definitely worth it – it's a robust and well-respected certification known to represent deep familiarity with maintaining and implementing complex cloud-based Microsoft networks. The cert validates your expertise and enhances your career prospects, making you a competitive candidate in the realm of Microsoft 365 administration. It's a smart investment in your skills and a gateway to numerous opportunities in the IT industry.

The Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert certification costs at least $330 to earn. The Enterprise Administrator Expert exam itself (MS-102) only costs $165, but to earn the certification, you have to earn one of five prerequisite certifications. Since each of those associate-level credentials (for example, Endpoint Administrator Associate, Teams Administrator Associate, and Information Protection and Compliance Administrator Associate) cost $165, $330 is the total that you'll have to pay before training and prep costs.

Yes, all of Microsoft's certifications are good for one year from the date they're earned. Microsoft keeps their credentials on a short expiration to guarantee that certified administrators are up-to-date on changes Microsoft pushes throughout the year. Fortunately, renewing is free: as early as six months after you earn a cert, all you have to do is take a free, shorter exam and your cert is good for another year.