When Does the Microsoft 365 Enterprise Administrator Expert Cert Retire?

Change is a constant in the world of technology, and the certification landscape is no exception. Microsoft recently implemented changes that will impact those who seek to validate their expertise in managing Microsoft 365 environments.

These changes directly impact the MS-100 and MS-101 exams, which are part of the Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert certification path. Both the MS-100 and MS-101 exams will retire on September 30, 2023. In their place, Microsoft’s recently launched MS-102 exam will take the stage, and the affiliated cert will be renamed to Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert. 

What this change means for aspiring Enterprise Administrators and other systems administrators depends on a number of factors. If you’re already familiar with the MS-100 and MS-101 training materials, it’s still possible to earn your Enterprise Administrator Expert cert. But you’ll need to pass both the MS-100 and MS-101 exams before they retire on September 30, 2023.

Or, if you need a little more time to plan and prepare, the new MS-102 exam may be a better bet. Microsoft released the exam in beta in early 2023, along with a study guide to help you train. It all depends on where you’re at in your certification journey and how familiar you are with the concepts on either exam.

Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert vs. Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert

With the retirement of the Enterprise Administrator Expert certification, the new Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert certification emerges. This updated certification reflects the changing landscape of Microsoft 365 administration and emphasizes skills that align with the evolving needs of organizations. Aspiring professionals who hope to earn Administrator Expert status must demonstrate their proficiency in managing Microsoft 365 services, ensuring compliance, optimizing security, and driving efficient collaboration. 

With the new exam comes new technologies that are covered. Here are a few of the biggest differences between the Enterprise Administrator and the Administrator Expert that you’ll notice as you study for the MS-102 (in addition to the name change and move from two to one exams).

• Emphasis on tenant-level implementation: You should be comfortable deploying and managing a Microsoft 365 tenant and coordinating across multiple workloads. 

• Updated technologies: You should be familiar with the latest updates in MS365 administration. This includes Microsoft 365 Defender (including Defender for Cloud, Defender for Identity, Defender for Endpoint, etc.) as well as Microsoft Purview. 

When Does the Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert Retire?

Microsoft introduced the beta version of the MS-102 exam in May 2023, which will move from beta to live status on September 6, 2023. The transition of MS-102 from beta to live status will coincide with the exam's renaming to "Administrator Expert."

The MS-100 and MS-101 exams were originally set to retire on July 31, 2023, but that date has since been extended to September 30, 2023.

What’s On the New Administrator Expert Exam?

The new MS-102 exam itself will be a challenge as it covers many different topics. In addition to the emphasis on tenant-level implementation and tools like Microsoft 365 Defender and Microsoft Purview mentioned above, Microsoft lists the following “skills measured” for the MS-102:

• Deploy and manage a Microsoft 365 tenant

• Implement and manage identity and access in Azure AD

• Manage security and threats by using Microsoft 365 Defender

• Manage compliance by using Microsoft Purview

What Prerequisites Are Required for the MS-102?

The prerequisites in the certification path have not changed from Enterprise Administrator to Administrator Expert. You must earn one (1) out of the following five (5) Microsoft certifications before you can take the MS-102. These trainings will help you prepare if you have not already taken the exam(s) of your choosing:

• Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate

• Microsoft 365 Certified: Messaging Administrator Associate

• Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Administrator Associate

• Microsoft 365 Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate

• Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate

Before test day, be sure to brush up on your PowerShell and MS365 management commands, and expect to need a basic understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, Firewall, and Routing. Hands-on experience with these skills will help you prepare, as well as a high-quality training program. If you have already been working in Microsoft 365 Administration and Management for a year or two, you should be familiar with a lot of the topics covered on the exam. If you need a refresher, CBT Nuggets offers plenty of Microsoft training to help you get up to speed before exam day.

RELATED: Here’s How Long MDAA-Certified Professionals Studied for the MDAA 

Who Should Take the MS-102? 

If you're aiming to specialize in Microsoft 365 administration and aspire to achieve your Microsoft 365: Administrator Expert certification, the MS-102 exam is a critical milestone. It provides a comprehensive assessment of your skills and knowledge. 

MS-102 for New or Aspiring Junior Systems Admins

Even if you’re not currently in an administrator role or hope to gain a deeper understanding of Microsoft 365 environments, this certification can equip you with the valuable skills that are becoming increasingly essential in the digital workplace. This will help you set yourself apart from your colleagues and flex your knowledge in the space.

MS-102 for Experienced Systems Admins

IT pros who are responsible for managing Microsoft 365 services, devices, compliance, and security can use the MS-102 to validate their skill set. If you’re already practicing the skills of an administrator expert in your day-to-day role, earning the certification will help you prove what you already know and help propel you into more senior positions and greater responsibility.

Preparing for the MS-102

As the MS-100 and MS-101 exams make their exit, the MS-102 exam and the Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert enters the spotlight, here are a few things to be aware of.

1. You no longer have to pass both the MS-100 and MS-101 exams to become a Microsoft 365 Administrator.

2. Now, you only need to pass the new MS-102 to become a Microsoft 365 administrator.

3. If you’ve already passed either the MS-100 or the MS-101, consider taking the other exam before the current Enterprise Administrator certification expires on September 30, 2023.

Note that the new exam does have the same prerequisites as its predecessor. 

Key Takeaways

• If you're currently studying for the MS-100 and MS-101 exams, be sure to complete them before they retire on September 30, 2023.

• As you prepare for the new MS-102, take note of the updates that were made to the MS-101 in November of 2022 and the MS-100 in February of 2023.

• The MS-102 is an opportunity to demonstrate your up-to-date skills in Microsoft 365 administration, including tools like Microsoft 365 Defender and Microsoft Purview.

• You can already take the beta version of the MS-102 exam.

• If you hold a current Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert certification, it will be renamed to Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert on September 6, 2023.

Study Tips for Earning Your Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert Certification

As you prepare for the new Administrator Expert, there are several resources that can help you study successfully.  

• Review Microsoft’s official MS-102 certification materials

• Use online training videos for MS-102 (CBT Nuggets will release MS-102 training in 2023)

• Review existing training videos for Enterprise Administrator (MS-100 and MS-101)

• Practice good study habits that make training time intentional and enjoyable

• Join communities and forums online dedicated to Microsoft 365 administration, like Reddit or the Microsoft Community Hub

• Create a trial tenant to gain practical experience working with Microsoft 365 environments.

This shift by Microsoft to MS-102 reflects Microsoft’s commitment to keeping certifications relevant in a rapidly changing technological landscape. By staying informed and preparing for the changes, professionals can continue to validate their skills and stay ahead in the world of Microsoft 365 administration.