Here’s How Long You'll Need to Study for the MD-100: Windows Client
by Ross Heintzkill | Published on September 12, 2022
The MD-100: Windows Client exam is one of the two tests needed to earn the Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate certification. MD-100 covers information about installing, configuring and maintaining devices in a large network powered by Windows. Preparing for the MD-100 includes learning about installing Windows, configuring storage and connectivity, basic Windows Security, and administration basics.
The MDAA is a very, very popular certification and so we wanted to find out how long it takes people to prepare for the certifying exam MD-100. CBT Nuggets used a LinkedIn survey, a Twitter poll, and an email survey to ask 134 MDAA-certified IT professionals how long it took to prepare for the exam.
Based on the survey results, it should take about a month to study for the MD-100 when using an online training course like this Modern Desktop Administrator Associate online training. Read on to learn how long it takes to study for the MD-100.
How long did most people need to study for the MD-100?
The data suggests that, on average, it should take most people somewhere between 2 weeks and one month to study for the MD-100. Specifically, 37% of respondents took less than 2 weeks to prepare – the largest response group.
People who have access to high-quality online training are usually able to prepared for the MD-100 in 2 weeks or less. But people who study on their own and try to develop their own curriculum can take as much as 3 months to prepare.
And even the best online course wouldn't be very useful if you weren't diligent or dedicated. Whether or not it would take people 2 weeks to prepare for the MD-100 often came down to good study habits.
CBT Nuggets Senior Coach Molly Billow likes to encourage learners to reward themselves every time they study. "Just before you sit down to watch your favorite Netflix show, do some training," Billow recommends. "And your reward would be Netflix. Or gaming. Or going outside for a nice walk."
Using rewards to build study habits is a great way to stick to a schedule and prepare for the text in just a few weeks.
How should you prepare ahead of taking MD-100?
CBT Nuggets publishes a Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate (MD-100) Online Training. It’s a great way to prepare for the MD-100 and learn about Windows 10 deployment tools and utilities, security features, user and group management, networking in Microsoft and Azure, and how to perform basic monitoring of Windows clients.
Tips to make sure you’re test-ready before taking the MD-100 exam:
According to CBT Nuggets coach Samantha Matta, the key to acing the MD-100 is being prepared on test day. There are several tools you can use to study for the MD-100:
Test yourself using practice exams
"Utilizing practice exams and really understanding how to use custom quizzes to help break down objectives and concepts," Matta says. She adds that practice exams help her students progress through their training and get ready for exams, and advises test takers utilize the practice exams that are included with a CBT Nuggets subscription.
There are two good times to use practice exams: before you start studying a topic and when you think you're ready to go. That way, you’ll be able to reduce the time it takes to learn MD-100 material by showing you what you already know and what you don't. And then you take another one before test day so you know you're fully ready to pass.
Use virtual labs
Virtual labs are sandboxes where you can practice your administration skills and see what works and what doesn't with immediate results. The virtual labs that are included with a CBT Nuggets subscription reduce the time it takes to prepare for the MD-100 by giving you first-hand, real-world experience.
Earning the MDAA is all about proving your familiarity with administering and managing Windows clients. The best way to prepare for that is with practice. Cramming information can only get you so far, you also should make use of interactive learning features that ensure you actually understand the practical aspects of the cert exam.
Learn from the experts
When you learn from an enthusiastic expert, it takes you much less time to learn everything that's on the Modern Desktop Administrator Associate exam. James Conrad is a fantastic teacher with multiple Microsoft certifications under his belt. Check out the Desktop Administrator online training and see for yourself.
The Modern Desktop Administrator Associate is a starting point for IT professionals in many different fields. It prepares people for basic security, networking and maintenance work, and using the CBT Nuggets MD-100 online training is the best way to get ready for it. You can go it on your own, but it could take more than 3 months to prepare without a pro like James Conrad showing you the way.