How to Get a Microsoft Intune Certification (and Why It Matters)

Strikeworks
May 26, 2025

Let’s be honest – no one wakes up excited to manage mobile devices. But if you’re an MSP or IT admin who’s ever tried to rein in a rogue phone with access to company email, you already know that Microsoft Intune is the backbone of mobile device and application management across Windows, iOS, and Android.

And here’s the thing: knowing how to actually use Intune – as in, beyond clicking around hoping for the best – can be the difference between:

A Microsoft Intune certification is proof that you belong in the first category.

So whether you’re an IT lead managing dozens of tenants or just the “accidental admin” who got handed Intune duties with zero context – this one’s for you.

What is Microsoft Intune, and What Does It Actually Do?

Intune is Microsoft’s cloud-based way of saying, “Hey, we got your back when it comes to managing all those phones, laptops, and tablets causing chaos.”

Technically speaking, it’s part of Microsoft’s Endpoint Manager suite, but let’s skip the tech talk. Here’s what you actually need to know:

What You Can Do With Intune

Mobile Device Management (MDM):

Set policies, control access, and wipe lost/stolen devices. Aka, digital leash for your tech.

Mobile Application Management (MAM):

Manage apps without touching personal data on BYOD devices. Keep the work stuff separate from TikTok.

Device Enrollment:

Onboard iOS, Android, and Windows devices like a boss, without hand-holding every employee through the setup.

Compliance Policies:

Make sure devices play by your rules before they’re allowed on the network. It’s like bouncers for your data.

For managed service providers (MSPs), this means you can standardize device management across clients, roll out policies remotely, and sleep better knowing that you’re not one bad app install away from a security breach.

Intune shines when you’ve got a mix of devices and platforms, and let’s face it, every client setup is a patchwork quilt of chaos. If you’re not certified (yet), you’re missing out on features that make your life a lot easier.

The Microsoft Intune Certification Path: Start to Finish

You don’t need 12 certs and a PhD to get good at Intune. Microsoft’s made the Intune certification path surprisingly manageable – if you know where to start.

Here’s the clean, no-fluff version:

Step 1: Get the Fundamentals (SC-900)

This is Microsoft’s Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals exam. It’s a great starting point, especially if:

Cost: $99 USD

Step 2: Get Hands-On with Devices (MD-102)

This is the one that really matters for device management. The MD-102: Endpoint Administrator certification digs deep into Intune:

If you’re supporting client devices on the regular – or building service packages around Microsoft 365 – this is the one to take seriously.

Cost: Around $165 USD

Time to Prep: Expect 30 – 50 hours of study if you’re balancing this with client work.

How Much Does Microsoft Intune Certification Cost?

We get it; before you commit to anything, you want the numbers. Fair. Here’s the deal on what it actually costs to get Microsoft Intune certified.

Breakdown of Costs

SC-900 Exam: ~$99 USD
Great if you’re starting from scratch or brushing up on Microsoft security basics.

MD-102 Exam: ~$165 USD
This is the main course for Intune and worth every penny if you manage devices for a living.

So, all up? Around $250 – 300 USD, depending on your location and whether you catch a promo or voucher. Not nothing, but also not the budget-buster some folks fear.

Optional (But Smart) Extras

If you want to prep properly – and not just wing it on exam day – here’s what else might cost you:

Pro tip: Some Microsoft partners (including MSPs like us) get exam vouchers through partner programs. It’s worth asking your distributor or channel partner before you swipe the card.

How to Prep Without Losing Your Mind (or Weekend)

Look, you don’t need to lock yourself in a basement with a whiteboard to pass these exams. But you do need a plan. Here’s how to train smart without burning out.

Start with Microsoft Learn (It’s Free and Legit)

No fluff, no cost. Microsoft’s ow n Intune training path s walk you through the key topics at your own pace:

Use a Training Platform if You Want Extra Structure

If you’re the type who prefers video over reading, these are solid picks:

Bonus: Learn From the Pros

At StrikeWorks, we encourage hands-on learning by solving real client issues while our team trains. If you’re an MSP owner or team lead, pair formal Microsoft Intune training certifications with:

Why This Certification Actually Matters for MSPs

Getting Intune certified isn’t about collecting gold stars. It’s about being better at your job – and making your clients’ lives (and yours) a whole lot easier.

1. Credibility that Actually Converts

Clients care about results, not hype. But when you can show you’ve got formal Microsoft Intune certification, it builds trust, especially when you’re selling device management or security services.

If you’re bidding on an RFP or pitching to a risk-averse healthcare org, that little badge speaks volumes.

2. Less Guesswork, Faster Fixes

Certified techs troubleshoot faster. They know where to click, what policy broke the device, and how to fix it without calling Microsoft support at 4 pm on a Friday.

Your team spends less time floundering, and more time solving.

3. Service Offerings Clients Actually Need

Certs open doors to new service packages – mobile device management, mobile application management, BYOD onboarding, etc. When your techs know what they’re doing, you can confidently roll out scalable, profitable offerings.

4. Happy Clients, Fewer Fires

Proper device enrollment and policy enforcement = fewer security incidents, fewer “why can’t I open Outlook on my phone?” tickets, and more time for high-value work.

Next Steps: Consider Getting Officially Certified

Whether you’re leading a growing MSP or managing endpoints for a busy IT team, Intune certification gives you more than a badge. It gives you control and authority.

You’ll:

We help businesses and IT teams get certified and turn that knowledge into better offerings for their clients. Whether you need advice on the Microsoft Intune certification path, help structuring a team training plan, or guidance on building out Intune services, we can help.

Let’s talk about how Intune can work for your business, not against it.

FAQs

Does the Intune certification expire, and how do I keep it active?

Yes, Microsoft role-based certifications like this one are valid for one year. However, you don't have to pay for or sit a full exam again to keep it. Within six months of the expiration date, you can take a free online renewal assessment on the Microsoft Learn website. This "open-book" quiz ensures you are up to date with the latest cloud features, and passing it extends your certification for another year.

Can I take the Intune exam from home, or do I have to go to a testing center?

You have the choice of both. If you prefer a professional environment, you can visit a physical testing center. If you choose to take it at home, you must meet certain requirements to ensure the exam is fair:

Private Space: You must be in a walled room with a closed door where no one else will enter.

Clear Desk: Your workspace must be free of books, papers, or extra monitors.

Live Proctoring: A person will watch you through your webcam and listen via your microphone during the entire exam.

System Check: You must download a specific browser that locks your computer, so you can't look up answers online.

Is there a way to practice with the actual Intune software for free?

Yes, and this is highly recommended for hands-on learning. Microsoft offers a "Microsoft 365 Developer Program" that provides a free sandbox environment. This gives you a renewable 90-day subscription to a full version of Intune and Entra ID. You can use this "lab" to enroll virtual machines, deploy apps, and test policies without needing to pay for an expensive corporate license or risking a real company network.

What other skills should I learn alongside Intune to get a better job?

While being an Intune expert is great, pairing it with "neighboring" skills makes you much more valuable to employers. Most companies looking for Intune admins also look for:

PowerShell Scripting: This allows you to automate tasks that the standard Intune buttons can't do.

Entra ID (formerly Azure AD): Since Intune relies on this for user identities and security.

Apple Business Manager (ABM): To understand how to connect iPhones and Macs to the Intune system.

Networking Basics: Understanding how Wi-Fi, VPNs, and firewalls interact with cloud-managed devices.

How much does it cost if I fail the exam and need to try again?

If you don't pass your first try, you will have to pay the full exam fee again (usually around $165 USD, though prices vary by country). Microsoft requires you to wait at least 24 hours before your second attempt. If you fail a third time, the waiting period increases to 14 days. To save money, many students look for "Exam Replay" vouchers online, which often include one retake for a slightly higher initial price.