70-346: Managing Office 365 Identities and Requirements certification video training course by prepaway along with practice test questions and answers, study guide and exam dumps provides the ultimate training package to help you pass.

Microsoft 365 Administration Guide (70-346 Certification)
The primary purpose is to guide learners through every skill domain covered by the exam. It combines theoretical foundations with practical tasks, ensuring both knowledge retention and readiness for the real-world administrative environment.

Why This Course Matters

Microsoft 365 is the backbone of modern organizations. Companies rely on its productivity tools, collaboration platforms, and security features. Professionals skilled in Microsoft 365 administration are in high demand, and certification validates this expertise.

What You Will Gain

You will gain a clear understanding of how to manage identities, configure services, monitor system health, and troubleshoot user access. By the end of this course, you will have the foundation to pass Exam 70-346 and apply those skills in your career.

Course Requirements

You should have basic knowledge of cloud services and networking concepts. Familiarity with Windows Server, Active Directory, and Exchange Online is helpful. A computer with internet connectivity is essential for hands-on practice. Access to a trial Microsoft 365 tenant is highly recommended.

Who This Course Is For

This course is designed for IT administrators, support specialists, and individuals seeking to validate their Microsoft 365 administration skills. It is also suitable for students and professionals transitioning into cloud-based roles who need structured preparation for the certification exam.

Understanding Microsoft 365

What is Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based subscription service that combines Office applications with advanced security, device management, and collaboration tools. It integrates services like Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Teams, and OneDrive for Business.

Microsoft 365 in the Modern Workplace

The modern workplace is distributed, flexible, and digital. Microsoft 365 empowers organizations to manage communication, collaboration, and security in one platform. Administrators play a critical role in configuring these services to align with business needs.

The Role of the Administrator

An administrator ensures users can access services securely, data is protected, and collaboration runs smoothly. The administrator manages subscriptions, licenses, security policies, and service availability.

Exam 70-346 Focus

Exam Overview

Exam 70-346 focuses on administering Microsoft 365 services. It evaluates how administrators handle provisioning, identity management, service health, and troubleshooting. The exam requires both conceptual knowledge and practical skills.

Exam Objectives

The exam covers tasks such as provisioning Microsoft 365 tenants, managing users and groups, configuring directory synchronization, and troubleshooting issues. You will also need to understand monitoring and reporting functions within the Microsoft 365 environment.

Why Certification Matters

Certification demonstrates to employers and clients that you possess validated skills. It opens opportunities for roles in system administration, IT consulting, and cloud support. For organizations, hiring certified professionals reduces risk and improves efficiency.

Course Modules

Module 1: Course Overview and Requirements

This module introduces the course structure, learning goals, and exam objectives. It sets the foundation by explaining why Microsoft 365 administration is critical in today’s IT landscape.

Module 2: Microsoft 365 Foundations

This module explores the core services and tools within Microsoft 365. It provides the necessary context to understand the environment you will administer.

Module 3: Identity and Access Management

This module explains user accounts, authentication methods, and directory synchronization. Identity is the core of Microsoft 365 security and access.

Module 4: Provisioning and Managing Tenants

This module guides you through creating and configuring Microsoft 365 tenants. You will learn how to allocate licenses, manage subscriptions, and configure tenant-wide settings.

Module 5: Service Monitoring and Troubleshooting

This module prepares you to track service health, use reports, and resolve common administrative issues. It emphasizes proactive monitoring and efficient problem-solving.

Skills You Will Develop

Administrative Skills

You will learn how to configure services, assign licenses, and manage resources. These tasks are essential for ensuring smooth organizational operations.

Problem-Solving Skills

You will practice troubleshooting techniques for user access, service outages, and synchronization issues. These skills prepare you for real-world challenges.

Strategic Thinking

You will learn how to align Microsoft 365 services with organizational goals. Administrators not only fix problems but also plan for growth and security.

Hands-On Practice

Importance of Practice

Theory alone will not prepare you for the exam or real-world tasks. Hands-on practice reinforces learning and builds confidence.

Using a Microsoft 365 Trial Tenant

Microsoft offers trial tenants that simulate enterprise environments. These allow you to create users, assign licenses, and test features. Practicing with a trial tenant helps bridge the gap between theory and experience.

Career Benefits

Professional Recognition

Passing Exam 70-346 validates your skills as a Microsoft 365 administrator. Employers recognize Microsoft certifications as a mark of credibility.

Career Advancement

Certified administrators can pursue roles such as systems administrator, cloud engineer, or IT consultant. These roles often come with higher pay and responsibility.

Industry Relevance

As organizations continue adopting Microsoft 365, professionals with administration expertise remain in high demand. This certification ensures your skills remain relevant.

Building the Right Mindset

Approach to Learning

Adopt a practical approach. Engage with each module, perform exercises, and take notes. Repetition and application will enhance retention.

Preparing for the Exam

Preparation involves reviewing the exam objectives, practicing tasks, and testing your knowledge. The more familiar you are with real-world scenarios, the better your exam performance will be.

Confidence in Administration

Confidence comes from practice. By the end of this course, you should be able to manage Microsoft 365 environments with assurance and competence.

Looking Ahead

Review this overview, set up a Microsoft 365 trial tenant, and prepare to engage with the technical modules. Success in this course depends on consistent effort and practice.

Introduction to Microsoft 365 Foundations

Microsoft 365 foundations are the building blocks of the administrative environment. To administer Microsoft 365 effectively, you need a deep understanding of the services, tools, and architectural models that define the platform. This part of the course lays the groundwork by explaining the structure of Microsoft 365, its components, and the ways it integrates into business operations. You will see how the different services interact, how licensing affects functionality, and why administrators must balance usability with security.

Understanding the Microsoft 365 Ecosystem

The Microsoft 365 ecosystem is not a single product but a collection of cloud services designed to support productivity and collaboration. At the center of this ecosystem is the integration of Office applications, Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Microsoft Teams, and OneDrive for Business. Each service can operate independently, but together they create a seamless environment where users can communicate, share files, and collaborate in real time. The administrator manages these services to ensure they meet organizational goals.

The Cloud Delivery Model

Microsoft 365 is delivered through the cloud. This delivery model provides scalability, accessibility, and flexibility. Unlike traditional on-premises infrastructure, cloud-based services are hosted in Microsoft’s global data centers. Administrators must understand the shared responsibility model. Microsoft maintains the hardware, infrastructure, and service availability. Administrators manage configurations, security settings, and user access. This division of responsibility is critical to exam success and real-world effectiveness.

Core Microsoft 365 Services

Exchange Online provides cloud-hosted email, calendaring, and contact management. SharePoint Online delivers collaboration spaces, document management, and intranet portals. Microsoft Teams integrates chat, meetings, and collaboration features in one hub. OneDrive for Business offers personal cloud storage for every user with enterprise-grade security. Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook remain the backbone of productivity, but their cloud-based integration ensures real-time collaboration across devices.

Subscription and Licensing Model

Microsoft 365 is subscription-based. Organizations choose plans based on their size and needs. Administrators must understand the differences between Microsoft 365 Business, Enterprise, and Education plans. Licenses determine what services users can access. For example, a user with an E3 license has more features than one with a Business Basic license. Administrators assign licenses, monitor usage, and ensure compliance with subscription terms. This knowledge is directly tested in the exam and crucial in daily administration.

Identity and Authentication Basics

Identity is the foundation of Microsoft 365 security. Every user requires a unique identity to access services. Authentication verifies that identity. Microsoft 365 supports cloud identities, synchronized identities, and federated identities. Cloud identities are created directly in Microsoft 365. Synchronized identities integrate with on-premises Active Directory using Azure AD Connect. Federated identities delegate authentication to on-premises systems, often with Active Directory Federation Services. Understanding these models prepares you for advanced identity management.

Azure Active Directory in Microsoft 365

Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is the directory service behind Microsoft 365. It manages users, groups, and authentication. Administrators use the Azure AD portal and Microsoft 365 admin center to configure accounts, manage roles, and enforce policies. Azure AD also integrates with multifactor authentication, conditional access, and security monitoring. Without understanding Azure AD, Microsoft 365 administration is incomplete.

Security and Compliance Foundations

Microsoft 365 includes built-in security and compliance features. Administrators are responsible for configuring policies that protect data, ensure regulatory compliance, and enforce organizational standards. Security tools include data loss prevention, encryption, and multifactor authentication. Compliance tools include retention policies, audit logs, and eDiscovery. Administrators must balance user productivity with security requirements, ensuring that policies protect the organization without hindering collaboration.

The Microsoft 365 Admin Center

The Microsoft 365 admin center is the primary interface for administrators. It provides dashboards, tools, and settings to manage users, licenses, and services. The interface is web-based, accessible through any browser. From the admin center, you can reset passwords, assign licenses, configure settings, and monitor service health. It is the administrator’s central hub, and familiarity with its layout and functions is essential for both the exam and real-world tasks.

Service Health and Monitoring Basics

Service health monitoring is part of the administrator’s responsibilities. The service health dashboard shows the status of Microsoft 365 services across all regions. Administrators use this information to identify outages, track incidents, and communicate with users. Regular monitoring ensures that issues are identified quickly and addressed appropriately. For exam preparation, understanding how to interpret and act on service health data is essential.

Collaboration in Microsoft 365

Collaboration is at the heart of Microsoft 365. Services are designed to connect people, data, and processes. Teams integrates chat and meetings with document sharing. SharePoint provides shared document libraries. OneDrive allows secure file storage and sharing. Exchange provides group mailboxes and calendars. Administrators enable and manage these services to create a collaborative environment where users can work efficiently and securely.

Mobility and Device Management

Modern organizations rely on mobile access to productivity tools. Microsoft 365 integrates with mobile device management through Intune. Administrators configure policies to manage devices, enforce security, and protect organizational data on mobile devices. This ensures that employees can work from anywhere without compromising security. Understanding mobile management is increasingly important for administrators preparing for Exam 70-346.

Integration with On-Premises Infrastructure

Not all organizations move completely to the cloud. Many maintain hybrid environments where on-premises infrastructure integrates with Microsoft 365. Directory synchronization, hybrid Exchange deployments, and federated authentication are common examples. Administrators must understand how to configure and manage hybrid scenarios. Exam questions often include scenarios where hybrid solutions are required.

Data Protection in Microsoft 365

Data is the most valuable asset for organizations. Microsoft 365 includes tools to protect data from loss, corruption, and unauthorized access. Administrators configure retention policies, backups, and recovery processes. OneDrive and SharePoint provide version history for documents. Exchange Online provides recovery for deleted emails. Protecting data requires both technical configurations and policy enforcement.

Compliance and Legal Considerations

Organizations operate under legal and regulatory frameworks. Microsoft 365 supports compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and other standards. Administrators configure eDiscovery for legal investigations, retention for records management, and auditing for accountability. Understanding these tools ensures that organizations remain compliant and reduces legal risks.

The Importance of Governance

Governance ensures that Microsoft 365 is used responsibly and efficiently. Administrators create governance policies that define how services are used, how data is shared, and how security is enforced. Governance includes naming conventions, group management, and lifecycle policies. Good governance prevents chaos and maintains order within the Microsoft 365 environment.

Planning for Adoption and Change Management

Technology alone does not guarantee success. Organizations must plan for adoption and change management. Administrators play a role in educating users, supporting transitions, and aligning technology with business needs. Microsoft 365 adoption strategies include communication plans, training programs, and feedback channels. Administrators who support adoption ensure higher productivity and greater return on investment.

Reporting and Analytics in Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 provides reporting and analytics tools to track usage, monitor activity, and analyze trends. Administrators use reports to identify adoption rates, detect security risks, and optimize resource allocation. Reports include license usage, email activity, and collaboration trends. Analytics turn data into insights, helping administrators make informed decisions.

Foundation Skills for the Exam

The exam requires you to demonstrate knowledge of Microsoft 365 foundations. You must know how services integrate, how identities are managed, and how licenses affect functionality. You must also understand service health, compliance, and security basics. Mastering these foundational topics ensures you are ready for more advanced modules on provisioning, identity management, and troubleshooting.

Introduction to Identity and Access Management

Identity and access management is the core of Microsoft 365 administration. Every action within Microsoft 365 depends on user identity. Administrators must understand how identities are created, authenticated, and authorized. Without effective identity management, security collapses and productivity suffers. This module provides in-depth knowledge of user accounts, authentication models, and the technologies that protect access.

The Role of Identity in Microsoft 365

Identity is the digital representation of a user or device. It defines what resources can be accessed, what actions can be taken, and how compliance is enforced. In Microsoft 365, identity is centralized in Azure Active Directory. The administrator’s responsibility is to configure and manage identities to balance access with security.

Authentication and Authorization Explained

Authentication verifies who a user is. Authorization determines what that user can do once logged in. These two processes work together to secure Microsoft 365. For example, a user may authenticate successfully with a password, but authorization defines whether they can access Exchange Online, SharePoint, or Teams. Administrators configure both processes to ensure appropriate access levels.

Identity Models in Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 supports three identity models. Cloud identity creates and manages accounts entirely in Microsoft 365. It is the simplest model, suitable for small organizations. Synchronized identity integrates on-premises Active Directory with Azure AD using Azure AD Connect. This model allows users to use their existing credentials in the cloud. Federated identity delegates authentication to an on-premises identity provider such as Active Directory Federation Services. This model provides advanced authentication options and is suitable for complex environments.

Cloud Identities

Cloud identities are created directly in the Microsoft 365 admin center or through PowerShell. Each identity has a username, password, and license assignment. Administrators manage password policies, multifactor authentication, and group memberships. This model is easy to configure and maintain, but it lacks integration with on-premises systems. For small businesses and startups, cloud identity offers simplicity without additional infrastructure.

Synchronized Identities

Synchronized identities use Azure AD Connect to synchronize user accounts from on-premises Active Directory to Azure AD. Users sign in with their corporate credentials. The password hash is synchronized, but authentication happens in the cloud. This model provides a balance between integration and simplicity. It allows organizations with existing Active Directory environments to extend access to Microsoft 365 without complex federation.

Federated Identities

Federated identities provide single sign-on by using on-premises authentication systems. With Active Directory Federation Services, users authenticate directly against the local Active Directory. Microsoft 365 trusts the authentication provided by the federation service. This model supports advanced authentication methods such as smart cards or third-party identity providers. It requires more infrastructure but offers greater control.

Choosing the Right Identity Model

Selecting an identity model depends on organizational size, complexity, and security requirements. Small organizations may prefer cloud identities for simplicity. Mid-sized organizations often adopt synchronized identities for seamless integration. Large enterprises with strict security policies may implement federated identities. Administrators must evaluate requirements and choose the most appropriate model.

User Account Management

User account management is a daily task for administrators. Creating accounts, resetting passwords, assigning licenses, and modifying roles are routine. Accounts can be created manually in the admin center, in bulk through PowerShell, or automatically with directory synchronization. Effective account management ensures users have the access they need while minimizing security risks.

Groups in Microsoft 365

Groups simplify access management. Instead of assigning permissions individually, administrators use groups to manage access collectively. Microsoft 365 supports distribution groups, security groups, and Microsoft 365 groups. Distribution groups manage email communication. Security groups control access to resources. Microsoft 365 groups provide collaboration tools such as shared mailboxes, calendars, and document libraries. Groups streamline administration and improve consistency.

Roles and Role-Based Access Control

Not every administrator needs full access. Microsoft 365 uses role-based access control to assign administrative privileges. Roles include global administrator, billing administrator, password administrator, and service-specific administrators. Assigning roles reduces the risk of accidental changes or security breaches. Administrators must apply the principle of least privilege, granting only the necessary permissions for each role.

Multifactor Authentication

Passwords alone are not enough to secure accounts. Multifactor authentication adds a second layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity through another method such as a phone call, text message, or authenticator app. Administrators enable MFA in the admin center or through conditional access policies. MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and is essential for protecting sensitive accounts.

Conditional Access Policies

Conditional access provides flexible control over authentication and authorization. Administrators create policies that define access conditions based on factors such as user role, device compliance, or location. For example, a policy may block access from untrusted networks or require MFA for high-risk sign-ins. Conditional access helps enforce security without disrupting productivity.

Self-Service Password Reset

Users frequently forget their passwords. Self-service password reset reduces help desk workload by allowing users to reset their passwords independently. Administrators configure password reset policies in Azure AD, requiring users to verify their identity through alternate methods such as email or phone verification. Self-service features improve efficiency and user satisfaction.

Monitoring and Reporting Identity Activities

Administrators must monitor identity-related activities to detect suspicious behavior. Azure AD provides sign-in logs, audit logs, and security reports. These tools help identify failed sign-ins, unusual activity, and policy violations. Regular monitoring allows administrators to respond quickly to potential threats and maintain compliance.

Identity Protection in Microsoft 365

Azure AD Identity Protection uses machine learning to detect risky sign-ins and compromised accounts. Administrators configure automated responses such as blocking access, requiring password resets, or enforcing MFA. Identity Protection integrates with conditional access, providing a comprehensive approach to securing identities.

External and Guest Access

Collaboration often involves external partners. Microsoft 365 supports guest access to Teams, SharePoint, and other services. Administrators configure guest accounts with restricted permissions to allow collaboration without compromising security. Clear policies and monitoring are essential when enabling guest access.

Lifecycle Management of Identities

Identity lifecycle management covers the creation, maintenance, and deletion of accounts. Administrators must ensure that new employees receive timely access, role changes are reflected in account settings, and departing employees lose access promptly. Automated processes through Azure AD and integration with HR systems improve efficiency and reduce risks.

Hybrid Identity Considerations

Hybrid identity scenarios combine on-premises Active Directory with Azure AD. Administrators configure synchronization, federation, and hybrid authentication. Hybrid identity requires careful planning to ensure consistency, avoid duplication, and maintain security. For organizations transitioning to the cloud, hybrid identity provides flexibility and gradual adoption.

PowerShell for Identity Management

While the admin center provides a user-friendly interface, PowerShell offers advanced automation. Administrators use PowerShell to create users in bulk, reset passwords, assign licenses, and configure policies. PowerShell scripts save time, reduce errors, and enable large-scale management. For the exam, familiarity with PowerShell commands for identity tasks is essential.

Best Practices for Identity and Access Management

Administrators should enforce strong password policies, enable MFA for all users, implement conditional access, and assign least privilege roles. Regularly reviewing audit logs and updating security policies ensures continued protection. Documenting identity management processes creates consistency across the organization. Best practices minimize risks and enhance reliability.

Exam Preparation for Identity Management

Exam 70-346 includes scenarios involving user creation, group management, directory synchronization, and MFA configuration. You must understand how to configure identities, troubleshoot sign-in issues, and monitor access logs. Hands-on practice with trial tenants and PowerShell commands strengthens your preparation.

Practical Exercises

Create users in the admin center and assign different licenses. Configure groups and test collaboration features. Enable MFA and conditional access policies. Set up self-service password reset for test accounts. Explore sign-in logs and audit reports. If possible, configure Azure AD Connect in a lab environment to practice synchronization. These exercises build practical skills and prepare you for the exam.

Looking Ahead

This section provides an in-depth understanding of identity and access management. The next section will focus on provisioning and managing Microsoft 365 tenants. You will learn how to configure subscriptions, allocate resources, and manage service-level settings across the organization. This builds on your identity knowledge to provide a complete picture of Microsoft 365 administration.

Prepaway's 70-346: Managing Office 365 Identities and Requirements video training course for passing certification exams is the only solution which you need.