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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Microsoft
Exam Format
120 min
40-60
700
Associate
Registration
$165 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
Validity
2 years
Annual renewal assessment available through Microsoft Learn; Pass updated version of MS-203; Pass a higher-level exam in the Microsoft 365 track
MS-203 Exam Topics and Domains
MS-203 is organized into 3 weighted domains. Expect to work with Exchange Online, Exchange Admin Center, PowerShell, Exchange Online Protection, and more.
1
Manage Microsoft Exchange Online settings and resources
45%
Manage recipient resources
User mailboxesShared and resource mailboxesGroups and distribution listsContacts and mail users
- Create and manage all types of recipients in Exchange Online
- Configure recipient properties and permissions
- Implement recipient policies
Manage Exchange Online organizational settings
Organization configurationEmail address policies
- Configure organizational sharing and collaboration
- Implement address book policies
- Manage email address policies
Manage role-based permissions
RBAC implementation
- Implement role-based access control
- Create custom management roles
- Configure administrative permissions
Configure client access
Client access services
- Configure client access protocols
- Implement mobile device policies
- Manage Outlook on the web settings
2
Plan and manage the mail transport architecture
30%
Plan and configure mail flow
Mail flow rulesConnectorsAccepted domains
- Design and implement mail flow rules
- Configure connectors for hybrid and third-party scenarios
- Manage accepted domains and routing
Troubleshoot mail flow
Message trackingQueue management
- Use message tracking tools effectively
- Troubleshoot mail delivery issues
- Manage message queues and recovery
Manage hybrid configuration
Hybrid deploymentMigration methods
- Plan and implement hybrid deployments
- Execute mailbox migrations
- Manage coexistence scenarios
3
Secure the messaging environment
25%
Manage message hygiene
Anti-malware and anti-spamSafe attachments and links
- Configure anti-malware and anti-spam protection
- Implement advanced threat protection
- Manage quarantine and user notifications
Implement compliance features
Data loss preventionRetention and archivingInformation Rights Management
- Implement data loss prevention policies
- Configure retention and archiving
- Deploy message encryption
Manage mail authentication
Email authentication standards
- Implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC
- Troubleshoot authentication failures
- Monitor authentication reports
How do I earn this certification?
Passing MS-203 earns the Microsoft 365 Certified: Messaging Administrator Associate certification. It sits in the Microsoft 365 track.
Next Level Options
Alternative Paths
- MS-700 - Managing Microsoft TeamsComplementary collaboration skills
- SC-400 - Microsoft Information Protection and Compliance AdministratorInformation protection and governance focus
- MD-102 - Endpoint AdministratorDevice and endpoint management
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- active
- Last content update: 2026-01-24
Updates
- Exchange Online Protection Latest Core component of MS-203 security domain • Release date: 2026-01-01
- Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 Advanced threat protection topics in MS-203 • Release date: 2025-12-15
- Exchange Online PowerShell V3 3.2 PowerShell cmdlets tested throughout MS-203 • Release date: 2025-11-01
- Microsoft Purview 2026 Compliance features in MS-203 domain 3 • Release date: 2026-01-15
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Microsoft 365 Messaging Administrators and Exchange Online Administrators.
- Working knowledge of authentication types and licensing
- Experience with Microsoft 365 applications integration
- Understanding of Exchange Management Shell
- Familiarity with Microsoft Purview
- Knowledge of Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD)