How I Passed MD-102 and My Study Resources

In just a few months of working in IT support, I passed the MD-102: Endpoint Administrator exam.
This post is for anyone who’s new in IT and wants a clear, realistic path to passing the exam — without feeling overwhelmed.

👋 A little about me

I'm Glad Khumalo, a beginner in IT who transitioned into tech with no prior hands-on experience.
Just a few months ago, I was learning the basics of helpdesk and Microsoft 365. Now, I’m certified in MD-102 and on my way to becoming a System Admin — with long-term goals in DevOps and cloud security. This exam tests your ability to manage and deploy Windows endpoints, implement security policies, and configure device compliance in Microsoft 365 environments. The road to success wasn’t without its challenges, but with the right preparation and mindset, I overcame them. In this blog post, I’ll share how I prepared for the MD-102 exam, the obstacles I faced, and what’s next on my certification journey.

Why did I choose the MD-102?

When I got into IT, I knew I didn’t want to stay stuck at the helpdesk level for long. I wanted a role where I could understand systems, manage devices at scale, and eventually grow into cloud, sysadmin, or DevOps roles.

That’s where the MD-102 stood out.

Unlike most entry-level certifications, MD-102 isn’t just theory — it teaches you real-world, hands-on Microsoft 365 skills that companies actually use, like:

• Managing Windows 10/11 devices in a business environment

• Using Microsoft Intune to enforce security and compliance

• Automating deployments using Autopilot

• Supporting remote/hybrid workers — which is now the norm

I don’t want to just follow steps, I want to understand why they work, how to troubleshoot them, and how to manage entire fleets of devices confidently.

MD-102 gave me a structured way to:

• Level up my technical knowledge

• Build practical labs

• Show my boss and team that I’m serious about growing beyond Tier 1 support

It wasn’t just about passing a test — it was a way to position myself for System Administrator and Endpoint Manager roles.

If you're new to IT or in a helpdesk position like I was, MD-102 is honestly one of the best first certifications you can take to stand out and move up fast.

How I Prepared for the MD-102 Exam

I knew this wasn’t just about passing an exam — it was about gaining practical skills I could apply on the job. So I built a structured, hands-on study plan using a mix of labs, video content, official materials, and practice tests.

Here’s exactly what I used:

1. Microsoft 365 E5 Trial Tenant

   I set up a free Microsoft 365 E5 trial tenant so I could practice everything in a real admin environment.

   • I enrolled test devices into Intune

   • Practiced Autopilot setups, compliance policies, app deployment, and configuration profiles

   • Explored Endpoint analytics, co-management, and reporting features

2. John Christopher’s MD-102 Udemy Course

   This was one of the best structured learning resources I used.

   • It covered the full MD-102 objectives

   • Clear walkthroughs of Intune, Autopilot, App policies, Updates, and Azure AD

   • Great for visual learners

3. LinkedIn Learning – MD-102 Course

   This course is delivered by Microsoft Press and Andrew Warren

   I used this to enforce concepts

4. MS Learn

   I should have placed this at number 1. I meant it’s the official Microsoft platform — and it’s free.

   • I followed the Endpoint Administrator learning paths

   • Used the built-in labs and sandboxes to experiment directly in the browser

   • Helped me get comfortable with Microsoft terminology

5. Microsoft Learn Practice Assessments

   I combine these with MS Learn because they helped test my knowledge after each module.

   • They show you the type of questions Microsoft asks. Great for identifying weak spots early

6. MeasureUp Practice Tests

   These are tougher than the MS Practice tests. They go deeper and provide you resources to each question whether you failed or passed it. So highly highly recommend.

Challenges I Faced

1. Complexity of Microsoft Intune

Intune’s extensive features were overwhelming at first. Configuring device profiles, app protection policies, and compliance settings required understanding a lot of interconnected components. I struggled with memorizing the nuances of each policy type, like the difference between configuration profiles and security baselines. To overcome this, I created detailed notes and flowcharts to visualize how policies interact.

2. Keeping Up with Updates

Microsoft 365 and Intune are constantly evolving, and some study materials were outdated. For example, certain exam questions referenced new features in Intune that weren’t covered in older resources. I tackled this by regularly checking Microsoft’s official documentation and blogs for updates, which ensured I was studying the latest features.

3. Time Constraints

Balancing study time with work and personal commitments was tough. The exam’s breadth meant I needed to dedicate consistent hours over several weeks. To manage this, I created a study schedule, allocating 1-2 hours daily for focused study and reserving weekends for labs and practice tests. Sticking to this routine helped me stay on track.

4. Scenario-Based Questions

The exam’s scenario-based questions were challenging because they required applying knowledge to real-world situations. For instance, a question might ask how to configure a policy to restrict access to corporate data on unmanaged devices. I overcame this by practicing with case studies and focusing on understanding the “why” behind each configuration.

Tips for Future Candidates

• Start with Microsoft Learn: It’s free, comprehensive, and aligned with the exam objectives.

• Get Hands-On: Set up a trial environment to practice Intune and Windows configurations.

• Stay Updated: Follow Microsoft’s documentation for the latest features and changes.

• Join Communities: Engage with others preparing for the exam to share insights and resources.

• Practice Time Management: Simulate exam conditions to build speed and confidence.

What’s Next on My Certification Journey

Passing the MD-102 exam is a huge step, but it’s not the end of my journey. My next goal is to complete the Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Expert certification (MS-102), which rounds off everything for 365. I’m also considering diving deeper into Azure certifications, such as the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, to broaden my expertise in cloud management.

Additionally, I plan to contribute to the community by sharing my study notes and tips on forums like r/Intune and Microsoft’s Tech Community. Helping others achieve their certification goals feels like a great way to give back.

Conclusion

Preparing for the MD-102 exam was a challenging but rewarding experience. By combining official resources, hands-on practice, and a disciplined study schedule, I was able to overcome obstacles and pass the exam. If you’re preparing for MD-102, stay focused, practice consistently, and don’t hesitate to seek support from the community. I’m excited about what’s next and look forward to continuing my growth as a Microsoft Endpoint Administrator!