This is how I prepared for the Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals certification (MS-900)!

Dear Microsoft 365 Friends,

Honestly, when you read Fundamentals, don't you think: This will be easy! You know, this is exactly the mistake I try to avoid whenever possible! The Microsoft 365 Fundamentals exam was, in my opinion, the most difficult of all the Fundamentals I have ever taken. The topics of this exam are about a kilometer wide and 1mm deep. What do I mean by that, it is valid to know very many services/functions in Microsoft 365. But you don't have to configure any of the services/functions.

Now let's go through my checklist:

1. First of all, I looked at the Exam Topics to get a first impression of the scope of topics. These are really very extensive.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/microsoft-365-fundamentals/

2. So that I can prepare for an exam I need a test environment (this is indispensable for me). You can sign up for a free trial here.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/business/compare-all-microsoft-365-business-products

I chose the "Microsoft 365 Business Premium" plan for my testing.

3. Now it goes to the Microsoft Learn content. These learn paths (as you can see below) I have worked through completely and "mapped"/reconfigured as much as possible in my test environment.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/m365-productivity-teamwork-solutions/

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/m365-business-management-solutions/

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/m365-security-compliance-capabilities/

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/m365-licensing-service-support/

4. Register for the exam early. This creates some pressure and you stay motivated

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/microsoft-365-fundamentals/

5. This link describes the skills assessed on the MS-900 exam.

https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RE3VRKj

6. Further I can only recommend to read as many Microsoft Docs articles as possible. These have helped me extremely in preparing for the exam. Like for example:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/solutions/productivity-illustrations?view=o365-worldwide

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/solutions/cloud-architecture-models?view=o365-worldwide

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/solutions/design-principles?view=o365-worldwide

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/solutions/infographics-for-users?view=o365-worldwide

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/solutions/architecture-icons-templates?view=o365-worldwide

7. Please watch the Youtube video of John Savill (@NTFAQGuy), really super helpful!
https://youtu.be/ZtOo7prP4_M

I know you've probably read and heard this many times: read the exam questions slowly and accurately. Well, that was the key to success for me. It's the details that make the difference between success and failure.

For example: You want to deploy Windows 10 Enterprise in your organization, which Microsoft 365 plan do you use? Always with the thought in mind that the costs are kept low. There were many answers from Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Microsoft 365 E3, Microsoft 365 E5, etc. I was about to choose Business Premium when I read the question again and it said Enterprise. Business Premium has Windows 10 Pro included but not Enterprise.

One final tip: When you have learned something new, try to explain what you have learned to another person (whether or not they know your subject). If you can explain it in your own words, you understand the subject. That is exactly how I do it, except that I do not explain it to another person, but record a video for YouTube!

I hope this information helps you and that you successfully pass the exam. I wish you success!

Kind regards, Tom Wechsler