Study guide for Exam MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
Purpose of this document
This study guide should help you understand what to expect on the exam and includes a summary of the topics the exam might cover and links to additional resources. The information and materials in this document should help you focus your studies as you prepare for the exam.
| Useful links | Description |
|---|---|
| Review the skills measured as of April 15, 2024 | This list represents the skills measured AFTER the date provided. Study this list if you plan to take the exam AFTER that date. |
| Review the skills measured prior to April 15, 2024 | Study this list of skills if you take your exam PRIOR to the date provided. |
| Change log | You can go directly to the change log if you want to see the changes that will be made on the date provided. |
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| Take a free Practice Assessment | Test your skills with practice questions to help you prepare for the exam. |
Updates to the exam
Our exams are updated periodically to reflect skills that are required to perform a role. We have included two versions of the Skills Measured objectives depending on when you are taking the exam.
We always update the English language version of the exam first. Some exams are localized into other languages, and those are updated approximately eight weeks after the English version is updated. While Microsoft makes every effort to update localized versions as noted, there may be times when localized versions of an exam are not updated on this schedule. Other available languages are listed in the Schedule Exam section of the Exam Details webpage. If the exam isn't available in your preferred language, you can request an additional 30 minutes to complete the exam.
Note
The bullets that follow each of the skills measured are intended to illustrate how we are assessing that skill. Related topics may be covered in the exam.
Note
Most questions cover features that are general availability (GA). The exam may contain questions on Preview features if those features are commonly used.
Skills measured as of April 15, 2024
Audience profile
This exam is designed for you, if you’re looking to demonstrate foundational-level knowledge of cloud-based solutions to facilitate productivity and collaboration among on-site, remote, and hybrid workers. As a candidate, you may:
Have knowledge of cloud-based solutions.
Be new to Microsoft 365.
You can use this exam to prepare for other Microsoft certifications, but it’s not a prerequisite for the related ones.
As a candidate, you should be able to recommend Microsoft 365 solutions that address common organizational IT challenges. You should understand how Microsoft 365 solutions:
Improve productivity
Facilitate collaboration
Optimize communications
Help secure data
Identity and facilitate compliance
You should be able to recommend solutions for:
Endpoint and application management
Desktop virtualization
Automated operating system deployment
Reporting and analytics
You should be familiar with Microsoft 365 licensing, deployment and migration assistance, and support options for organizations looking to maximize their investment in the cloud.
Skills at a glance
Describe cloud concepts (5–10%)
Describe Microsoft 365 apps and services (45–50%)
Describe security, compliance, privacy, and trust in Microsoft 365 (25–30%)
Describe Microsoft 365 pricing, licensing, and support (10–15%)
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
Describe differences between Office 365 and Microsoft 365
Describe the benefits of and considerations for using cloud, hybrid, or on-premises services
Describe public, private, and hybrid cloud models
Compare costs and advantages of cloud, hybrid, and on-premises services
Describe the concept of hybrid work and flexible work
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
Describe core Microsoft 365 Apps including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote
Describe work management capabilities of Microsoft 365 including Microsoft Project, Planner, Bookings, Forms, Lists, and To Do
Describe collaboration solutions of Microsoft 365
Describe the collaboration benefits and capabilities of Microsoft 365 including Microsoft Exchange, Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Stream
Describe the collaboration benefits and capabilities of Microsoft Teams and Teams Phone
Describe the Microsoft Viva apps
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
Identify deployment and update channels for Microsoft 365 Apps
Describe analytics capabilities of Microsoft 365
Describe the capabilities of Viva Insights
Describe the capabilities of the Microsoft 365 Admin center and Microsoft 365 user portal
Describe the reports available in the Microsoft 365 Admin center and other admin centers
Describe 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
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
Describe Microsoft Secure Score benefits and capabilities
Describe how Microsoft 365 addresses the most common types of threats against endpoints, applications, and identities
Describe trust, privacy, risk, and compliance solutions of Microsoft 365
Describe the Zero Trust Model
Describe Microsoft Purview compliance solutions such as insider risk, auditing, and eDiscovery
Describe Microsoft Purview Information Protection features such as sensitivity labels and data loss prevention
Describe how Microsoft supports data residency to ensure regulatory compliance
Describe the capabilities and benefits of Microsoft Priva
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
Describe available billing and bill management options including billing frequency and methods of payment
Identify licensing options available in Microsoft 365
Describe license management
Describe the differences between base licensing and add-on licensing
Identify support options for Microsoft 365 services
Describe how to create a support request for Microsoft 365 services
Describe support options for Microsoft 365 services
Describe service-level agreements (SLAs) including service credits
Determine service health status by using the Microsoft 365 admin center or the Microsoft Entra admin center
Study resources
We recommend that you train and get hands-on experience before you take the exam. We offer self-study options and classroom training as well as links to documentation, community sites, and videos.
| Study resources | Links to learning and documentation |
|---|---|
| Get trained | Choose from self-paced learning paths and modules or take an instructor-led course |
| Find documentation | Microsoft 365 documentation | Microsoft Docs |
| Ask a question | Microsoft Q&A | Microsoft Docs |
| Get community support | Microsoft 365 - Microsoft Tech Community |
| Follow Microsoft Learn | Microsoft Learn - Microsoft Tech Community |
| Find a video | Exam Readiness Zone Browse other Microsoft Learn shows |
Change log
Key to understanding the table: The topic groups (also known as functional groups) are in bold typeface followed by the objectives within each group. The table is a comparison between the two versions of the exam skills measured and the third column describes the extent of the changes.
| Skill prior to April 15, 2024 | Skill as of April 15, 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Audience profile | Minor | |
| Describe cloud concepts | Describe cloud concepts | No % change |
| Describe the different types of cloud services available | Describe the different types of cloud services available | No change |
| Describe the benefits of and considerations for using cloud, hybrid, or on-premises services | Describe the benefits of and considerations for using cloud, hybrid, or on-premises services | No change |
| Describe Microsoft 365 apps and services | Describe Microsoft 365 apps and services | No % change |
| Describe productivity solutions of Microsoft 365 | Describe productivity solutions of Microsoft 365 | No change |
| Describe collaboration solutions of Microsoft 365 | Describe collaboration solutions of Microsoft 365 | No change |
| Describe endpoint modernization, management concepts, and deployment options in Microsoft 365 | Describe endpoint modernization, management concepts, and deployment options in Microsoft 365 | Minor |
| Describe analytics capabilities of Microsoft 365 | Describe analytics capabilities of Microsoft 365 | No change |
| Describe security, compliance, privacy, and trust in Microsoft 365 | Describe security, compliance, privacy, and trust in Microsoft 365 | No % change |
| Describe identity and access management solutions of Microsoft 365 | Describe identity and access management solutions of Microsoft 365 | No change |
| Describe threat protection solutions of Microsoft 365 | Describe threat protection solutions of Microsoft 365 | Minor |
| Describe trust, privacy, and compliance solutions of Microsoft 365 | Describe trust, privacy, and compliance solutions of Microsoft 365 | No change |
| Describe Microsoft 365 pricing, licensing, and support | Describe Microsoft 365 pricing, licensing, and support | No % change |
| Identify Microsoft 365 pricing and billing management options | Identify Microsoft 365 pricing and billing management options | No change |
| Identify licensing options available in Microsoft 365 | Identify licensing options available in Microsoft 365 | No change |
| Identify support options for Microsoft 365 services | Identify support options for Microsoft 365 services | No change |
Skills measured prior to April 15, 2024
Audience profile
This exam is designed for you, if you’re looking to demonstrate foundational-level knowledge of cloud-based solutions to facilitate productivity and collaboration among on-site, remote, and hybrid workers. As a candidate, you may:
Have knowledge of cloud-based solutions.
Be new to Microsoft 365.
You can use this exam to prepare for other Microsoft certifications, but it’s not a prerequisite for the related ones.
As a candidate, you should be able to recommend Microsoft 365 solutions that address common organizational IT challenges. You should understand how Microsoft 365 solutions:
Improve productivity
Facilitate collaboration
Optimize communications
Help secure data
Identity and facilitate compliance
You should be able to recommend solutions for:
Endpoint and application management
Desktop virtualization
Automated operating system deployment
Reporting and analytics
You should be familiar with Microsoft 365 licensing, deployment and migration assistance, and support options for organizations looking to maximize their investment in the cloud.
Skills at a glance
Describe cloud concepts (5–10%)
Describe Microsoft 365 apps and services (45–50%)
Describe security, compliance, privacy, and trust in Microsoft 365 (25–30%)
Describe Microsoft 365 pricing, licensing, and support (10–15%)
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
Describe differences between Office 365 and Microsoft 365
Describe the benefits of and considerations for using cloud, hybrid, or on-premises services
Describe public, private, and hybrid cloud models
Compare costs and advantages of cloud, hybrid, and on-premises services
Describe the concept of hybrid work and flexible work
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
Describe core Microsoft 365 Apps including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote
Describe work management capabilities of Microsoft 365 including Microsoft Project, Planner, Bookings, Forms, Lists, and To Do
Describe collaboration solutions of Microsoft 365
Describe the collaboration benefits and capabilities of Microsoft 365 including Microsoft Exchange, Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Stream
Describe the collaboration benefits and capabilities of Microsoft Teams and Teams Phone
Describe the Microsoft Viva apps
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 Endpoint Manager (MEM), Intune, AutoPilot, and Configuration Manager with cloud attach
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
Identify deployment and update channels for Microsoft 365 Apps
Describe analytics capabilities of Microsoft 365
Describe the capabilities of Viva Insights
Describe the capabilities of the Microsoft 365 Admin center and Microsoft 365 user portal
Describe the reports available in the Microsoft 365 Admin center and other admin centers
Describe 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
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 365 Defender, Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Office 365, Defender for Identity, Defender for Cloud Apps, and the Microsoft 365 Defender Portal
Describe Microsoft Secure Score benefits and capabilities
Describe how Microsoft 365 addresses the most common types of threats against endpoints, applications, and identities
Describe trust, privacy, risk, and compliance solutions of Microsoft 365
Describe the Zero Trust Model
Describe Microsoft Purview compliance solutions such as insider risk, auditing, and eDiscovery
Describe Microsoft Purview Information Protection features such as sensitivity labels and data loss prevention
Describe how Microsoft supports data residency to ensure regulatory compliance
Describe the capabilities and benefits of Microsoft Priva
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
Describe available billing and bill management options including billing frequency and methods of payment
Identify licensing options available in Microsoft 365
Describe license management
Describe the differences between base licensing and add-on licensing
Identify support options for Microsoft 365 services
Describe how to create a support request for Microsoft 365 services
Describe support options for Microsoft 365 services
Describe service-level agreements (SLAs) including service credits
Determine service health status by using the Microsoft 365 admin center or the Microsoft Entra admin center