Microsoft Windows 11 Certification Update: What You Need to Know

Microsoft certifications are always evolving, and keeping up with the changes can make a big difference in your IT career. In 2023, Microsoft introduced the Endpoint Administrator Associate certification, combining two exams into a single, more streamlined MD‑102 exam. Beyond proving your practical skills in managing Windows clients, this certification boosts your credibility, demonstrates real-world expertise, and can open doors to exciting career opportunities.

Learn what’s in the exam, the benefits of certification, and how ACI Learning’s skills-based courses can help you prepare and succeed with Microsoft technologies.

What’s Changing in Microsoft Certifications?

In early 2023, Microsoft announced that the previous certification, Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate, would be retired and replaced by a new role-based certification:

Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate.

This new certification became available in mid‑2023, and the older exams were officially retired around September 30, 2023. Speaking of the exam—here’s where students might rejoice. Previously, earning the Modern Desktop Administrator Associate certification required passing two exams. With the new Endpoint Administrator Associate certification, only one exam is needed:

Exam MD-102: Endpoint Administrator

This exam effectively replaces the two previous exams:

• MD-100 – Windows Client.

• MD-101 – Managing Modern Desktops.

Microsoft has also updated the MD-102 exam content since its initial release to reflect evolving technologies like cloud-first device management and endpoint security. The latest skills measured were refreshed on September 17, 2024, so candidates should be sure to study the most current objectives available.

What’s in the Exam?

Here’s what’s covered on Exam MD‑102: Endpoint Administrator for certification:

• Deploy Windows clients (25–30%).

• Manage identity and compliance (15–20%).

• Manage, maintain, and protect devices (40–45%).

• Manage applications (10–15%).

No big surprises here. Digging into each area, you’ll find plenty of cloud-based tools designed to help with planning, deployment, maintenance, and retirement of Windows endpoints.

The Benefits of Windows Certification

Microsoft certifications validate your technical skills and expertise, showing employers that you can confidently manage and deploy technology in real-world environments. Earning credentials enhances your professional credibility, helping you stand out in a competitive IT job market and opening doors for career advancement, recognition, and new opportunities.

Microsoft Skills-Based Course Series at ACI Learning

Ever wondered what notes an instructor takes while building a course? Now you can see for yourself. Our edutainer, Wes Bryan, often shares his notes to help the ACI Learning team fully understand a course—from concept to creation. Today, we’re giving you a peek behind a few of his most recent releases to help you decide which course to dive into next.

These courses are part of a new approach at ACI Learning: our certification-aligned ITPro content is now developed as skills-based courses that can also combine into traditional, certification-focused options. With more generic, topic-based course names, you’ll have flexible ways to learn content that fits your needs.

Why Are We Doing This?

Certification names can sometimes hide the content learners really want. For example, if you want to focus on networking in Windows, it’s now available as a skills-based course within the series—not just in the MD‑100 course. This makes it easier to find and learn specific skills, even if your goal isn’t certification training.

What Do the Courses Look Like?

The first courses in this format are aligned to the MD‑100 exam and rolled out throughout March and April 2023. On the ITPro platform, certification-aligned content is offered as:

• Multiple skills-based courses,

• Traditional certification courses (a combination of skills courses) with practice assessments and virtual labs included.

Upcoming courses with this option:

• Manage Installing the Windows Client.

• Configure Networking in Windows.

• Configure Windows Client Storage.

• Manage the Windows Client.

• Control Access to the Windows Client.

• Splunk.

• CySA.

Explore Microsoft-Based Courses From ACI Learning

Course Title: Manage Installing the Windows Client

Learn to install, deploy, and manage Windows clients, configure Hyper-V, and customize settings. Includes a lab, practice test, and 17+ hours of content to master essential skills for managing Windows client environments.

What Wes says: This course uses both GUI tools and command-line interfaces like Command Prompt and PowerShell to teach essential Windows skills. It’s designed for anyone—whether you’re preparing for an exam, working on a support team, or just starting with Windows—providing a solid foundation in OS and networking concepts.

We’re excited to guide learners through the most popular enterprise operating system, helping them confidently navigate, configure, and manage Windows environments.

Course Title: Configuring Networking in Windows

Learn to configure, manage, and troubleshoot TCP/IP settings on Windows clients, covering both wired and wireless networks. This course includes seven concise episodes to build practical networking skills quickly.

What Wes says: You don’t need a Windows background to benefit from this course. With a basic understanding of TCP/IP and networking, we’ll guide you step by step from there.

Course Title: Configure Windows Client Storage

Learn to configure, manage, and optimize local storage on Windows clients, format volumes (NTFS, FAT32, ReFS), and manage file and folder permissions. Using GUI tools and command-line interfaces, this course delivers all essential storage skills across 10 episodes.

What Wes says: This course teaches you how to configure and manage Windows client storage, walking you through the key tools for the task. It’s designed for anyone—exam prep students, support staff, beginners, or those with basic OS and networking knowledge.

A foundational understanding of networking is helpful because we’ll also cover shared storage. Having worked in Windows for years, I love guiding learners through the most popular enterprise OS and helping you succeed in your Windows environment.

Microsoft Windows 11 Certification FAQs

What is the Windows 11 certification exam?

The Windows 11 certification exam tests your Microsoft applied skills in deploying, managing, and securing Windows 11 in enterprise environments. It validates your ability to handle real-world IT scenarios using the latest Windows features.

Who should pursue Windows 11 certification?

This certification is ideal for IT professionals, including system administrators, desktop support staff, and anyone managing Windows in enterprise environments. Beginners with basic Windows OS and networking knowledge can also benefit.

How do I prepare for certification exams effectively?

Here are a few effective ways to prepare:

• Hands-on practice with Windows 11.

• Studying Microsoft Learn modules.

• Taking virtual labs.

• Reviewing practice assessments.

• Following a skills-based learning path that mirrors real-world tasks.

How long does it take to get certified?

Time to certification will likely vary depending on your experience and study pace. For most learners, preparing for and passing the exam typically takes several weeks to a few months.

What are the costs involved in Microsoft certification?

The exam fee is generally around $165 USD (may vary by region). Additional costs could include study materials, practice exams, other certification resources, or instructor-led courses if desired.

How does Windows 11 certification help advance my IT career?

Certification enhances credibility and demonstrates expertise in the latest Windows technologies. It can also lead to career growth, higher earning potential, and new job opportunities in IT administration and enterprise environments.

From Learning to Certification: Charting Your Next Moves

With ACI Learning’s skills-based courses, you can gain hands-on experience and flexible learning options to master Windows administration while preparing for certification. Stay on track by planning study time, leveraging labs and practice exams, and keeping an eye on exam dates and retirement schedules. From expert-led courses to practice resources and guidance, ACI Learning is here to support your journey and help advance your IT career.

Explore ACI Learning’s certification prep courses today!