Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate: Complete Guide 2026
AZURE-9
This certification validates skills in deploying, configuring, securing, managing, and monitoring devices and client applications in an enterprise environment using Microsoft 365 and Intune.
Exam Details
Resources
Everything you need to pass
Comprehensive preparation materials for your Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate exam
Exam Content
Exam Domains & Topics
Master these 4 domains to pass your exam
Deploy and Manage Devices
Manage Identity and Access
Implement Compliance and Security
Manage Applications and Updates
Who Should Take This Exam?
- IT professionals managing Windows 10/11 devices in enterprise environments
- Desktop administrators transitioning to cloud-based endpoint management
- System administrators responsible for device security and compliance
- IT support professionals looking to specialize in Microsoft 365 endpoint management
Study Timeline
6-10 weeks
Recommended duration
Foundation · Weeks 1-2
Review exam objectives & core concepts
Deep Dive · Weeks 3-6
Study each domain with hands-on labs
Practice & Review · Weeks 7-8
Take practice exams & target weak areas
Study Guide
AZURE-9 Study Plan
The Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate certification validates your ability to deploy, configure, secure, manage, and monitor devices and client applications in an enterprise environment. This certification demonstrates expertise in managing modern endpoints using Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Intune), Configuration Manager, and related Microsoft 365 security and compliance solutions.
Week 1-2
Foundation and Identity Management
Establish foundational knowledge of Microsoft 365, Azure AD, and identity concepts
- Understand Microsoft Endpoint Manager architecture and components
- Master Azure AD join, hybrid join, and registration concepts
- Configure basic conditional access policies
- Learn user and device identity management
Week 3-4
Device Enrollment and Management
Focus on device enrollment methods and Windows Autopilot deployment
- Configure Windows Autopilot profiles and deployment scenarios
- Set up device enrollment for Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS
- Create device configuration profiles
- Implement enrollment restrictions and device categories
- Practice hands-on device enrollment in lab environment
Week 5-6
Compliance, Security, and Endpoint Protection
Master compliance policies, security baselines, and endpoint protection
- Create and deploy device compliance policies
- Configure security baselines for Windows devices
- Implement endpoint protection (Defender, firewall, encryption)
- Set up BitLocker management and recovery
- Integrate Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Configure conditional access based on device compliance
Week 7-8
Application Management and Updates
Learn application deployment, protection policies, and update management
- Deploy different application types using Intune
- Configure app protection policies for iOS and Android
- Manage Microsoft 365 Apps deployment and updates
- Configure Windows Update for Business and update rings
- Implement app configuration policies
- Monitor application deployment and compliance
Week 9-10
Advanced Scenarios and Troubleshooting
Work on advanced configurations, co-management, and troubleshooting skills
- Configure co-management scenarios with Configuration Manager
- Implement Windows Hello for Business
- Configure Windows Information Protection
- Troubleshoot enrollment and policy deployment issues
- Review monitoring and reporting capabilities
- Practice scenario-based configurations
Week 11-12
Review and Practice Exams
Comprehensive review, practice exams, and exam preparation
- Complete at least 2-3 full-length practice exams
- Review weak areas identified in practice tests
- Create flashcards for key concepts and cmdlets
- Review all exam objectives systematically
- Take official Microsoft practice exam
- Final hands-on lab practice for complex scenarios
Study tips
Hands-On Practice is Essential
- Set up a Microsoft 365 developer tenant immediately - it's free and essential for practice
- Enroll at least one device of each type (Windows, iOS, Android) to understand the enrollment experience
- Create and test every type of policy mentioned in the exam objectives
- Practice Windows Autopilot deployment multiple times until you can configure it without documentation
- Break and fix scenarios - intentionally misconfigure policies to learn troubleshooting
Master the Admin Portals
- Spend time navigating all sections of the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center
- Know where to find specific settings without searching - the exam may test portal navigation
- Understand the Azure AD portal, especially device settings and conditional access
- Familiarize yourself with the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center for app deployment configuration
- Review the Security & Compliance center for policy integration
Focus on Scenario-Based Learning
- The exam focuses heavily on 'how would you' scenario questions rather than pure memorization
- Practice thinking through deployment scenarios: requirements → solution → implementation → validation
- Create decision trees for common scenarios like choosing between Azure AD join types
- Study case studies in the Microsoft Tech Community to see real-world implementations
- For each feature, ask yourself: When would I use this? What are the prerequisites? What are the limitations?
Understand Policy Interactions
- Master how compliance policies trigger conditional access decisions
- Know policy conflict resolution and precedence rules across different policy types
- Understand the relationship between enrollment restrictions, compliance policies, and device configuration profiles
- Learn how app protection policies work independently from device enrollment
- Practice scenarios where multiple policies apply to the same user or device
Platform-Specific Knowledge
- Don't just focus on Windows - understand iOS, Android, and macOS enrollment and management differences
- Know platform-specific features like Apple Business Manager, Android Enterprise enrollment methods
- Understand which policies and features are available for each platform
- Memorize key differences in app management across platforms (iOS vs Android vs Windows)
- Study mobile device management (MDM) vs mobile application management (MAM) scenarios
PowerShell and Microsoft Graph
- While not heavily tested, knowing key PowerShell cmdlets for troubleshooting is valuable
- Understand how to use Microsoft Graph API for Intune automation
- Review the PowerShell samples repository to see common automation tasks
- Know when automation is appropriate vs manual configuration
- Be familiar with device enrollment status troubleshooting using PowerShell
Stay Current with Updates
- Microsoft updates Intune features monthly - follow the Microsoft Endpoint Manager blog
- Review the 'What's new in Intune' documentation monthly during your study period
- Understand that some exam questions may reference newer features not in older study materials
- Join the WinAdmins Discord for real-time updates and discussions about new features
- The exam may test preview features that have become generally available
Use Multiple Study Resources
- Don't rely on a single course or book - Microsoft documentation is the ultimate authority
- Watch YouTube videos for visual learners, especially for complex topics like Autopilot
- Read blogs for real-world implementation experiences and gotchas
- Use practice exams to identify weak areas, then deep-dive into those topics
- Cross-reference information across multiple sources to ensure accuracy
Exam day checklist
- The exam uses case studies - read the scenario carefully before jumping to questions
- You cannot return to previous sections once you move forward - review thoroughly before proceeding
- Flag questions you're unsure about and review them at the end if time permits
- Watch for keywords like 'minimum administrative effort' or 'most secure' - they guide your answer choice
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers first, then choose between remaining options
- For policy questions, think about prerequisites and dependencies - answers often require multiple steps
- Remember that Intune and Azure AD settings can have similar names - read carefully to distinguish them
- Time management is crucial with 40-60 questions in 120 minutes - aim for 2 minutes per question maximum
- If a question seems to have multiple correct answers, look for the BEST answer based on best practices
- Don't overthink - if you've practiced hands-on, trust your first instinct from real experience
- Performance-based questions may show screenshots of admin portals - these often test portal navigation knowledge
- For Windows Autopilot questions, consider deployment profile type, enrollment status page, and Azure AD join scenario together
Career
Career Opportunities
Roles and salary potential for Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate certified professionals
Related Job Titles
$85,000
Average Annual Salary
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Prerequisites
Basic understanding of Microsoft 365 workloads and services Experience with Windows operating systems and deployment methods Familiarity with Azure Active Directory and identity management Knowledge of device management concepts and mobile device management
Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate FAQs
Common questions about the AZURE-9 certification exam
This certification validates your ability to deploy, configure, secure, manage, and monitor devices and client applications in a Microsoft 365 enterprise environment. It demonstrates expertise in modern desktop and device management using Microsoft Intune, Azure AD, and Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
The exam is considered intermediate level and requires hands-on experience with Microsoft 365 services and endpoint management. Most candidates find it challenging but achievable with 6-10 weeks of focused study and practical lab experience. The exam tests both theoretical knowledge and practical application of endpoint management concepts.
Professionals with the Microsoft 365 Endpoint Administrator Associate certification typically earn between $75,000 and $95,000 annually, with an average salary around $85,000. Salary varies based on location, experience level, and additional certifications. This certification can lead to roles such as Endpoint Administrator, Modern Desktop Administrator, or Microsoft 365 Administrator.
About the Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate Certification
The Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate (AZURE-9) is a associate-level certification offered by Microsoft Azure. This certification validates your expertise in cloud computing and is recognized globally by employers seeking qualified professionals. The exam consists of 40-60 questions to be completed in 120 minutes, with a passing score of 700/1000. The exam fee is $165, and the certification is valid for 1 year.
Why Get Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate Certified?
- Career Advancement: Certified professionals earn an average of $85,000 per year. Microsoft Azure-certified professionals are among the most sought-after in the cloud computing industry.
- Industry Recognition: Microsoft Azure certifications are respected worldwide by employers, demonstrating verified competency in cloud computing technologies and practices.
- Skill Validation: The Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate exam rigorously tests your knowledge across 4 domains, ensuring you have the practical skills employers demand.
Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate Exam Format & Details
The AZURE-9 exam is designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Candidates are given 120 minutes to complete the exam, which contains approximately 40-60 questions. A score of 700/1000 is required to pass. As an associate-level certification, it requires a solid understanding of the core technologies and some hands-on experience. Prerequisites include: Basic understanding of Microsoft 365 workloads and services Experience with Windows operating systems and deployment methods Familiarity with Azure Active Directory and identity management Knowledge of device management concepts and mobile device management.
Exam Domains & Topics
The Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate exam covers 4 key domains. Understanding the weight of each domain helps you allocate your study time effectively:
- Deploy and Manage Devices (30% of exam)
- Manage Identity and Access (25% of exam)
- Implement Compliance and Security (25% of exam)
- Manage Applications and Updates (20% of exam)
Who Should Take the Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate Exam?
This certification is designed for professionals in the following roles:
- IT professionals managing Windows 10/11 devices in enterprise environments
- Desktop administrators transitioning to cloud-based endpoint management
- System administrators responsible for device security and compliance
- IT support professionals looking to specialize in Microsoft 365 endpoint management
Career Opportunities & Salary
Earning the Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate certification opens doors to roles such as Endpoint Administrator, Modern Desktop Administrator, Microsoft 365 Administrator, Desktop Support Engineer. Certified professionals earn an average salary of $85,000 per year, reflecting the high demand for cloud computing skills in today's job market.
Recertification & Renewal
The Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate certification is valid for 1 year. To maintain your credential, you will need to meet Microsoft Azure's renewal requirements before your certification expires. This may include earning continuing education credits, passing a recertification exam, or earning a higher-level certification.
Exam Registration & Cost
The AZURE-9 exam costs $165. You can register through Microsoft Azure's official website or an authorized testing center. Most candidates choose between in-person testing at a Pearson VUE or PSI center and online proctored exams taken from home. Be sure to review the exam policies, including identification requirements and prohibited items, before your test date.
How to Prepare for AZURE-9
We recommend 6-10 weeks of dedicated study time to prepare for the Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate exam. Start by reviewing the official exam objectives, then work through each domain systematically. Regular practice with exam-style questions is essential for building confidence and identifying weak areas. Combine reading with hands-on practice to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
HydraNode publishes free exam dumps with answers and explanations for more than 80 certification exams. Every question is written to the published objectives, so what you practise matches the format and difficulty of the actual AZURE-9 exam.