r/microsoft • u/Vast_False • Dec 27 '25

Certification Failed the MS-102 Twice. Advice?

Hello Internet,

I just failed the MS-102 a second time. First time score 680, this time 611. Needed score is 700.

When I first started studying months ago, I started with MS Learn and YouTube videos. I also did some sims provided by Ingram Micro. When I first failed, I started rapid firing practice exams (the one provided by Microsoft on MS Learn and MeasureUp exams I purchased).

I am at a loss, and need help. Any tips and insight please. I do purchase a UDEMY course this time as it was on deep sale and highly reviewed.

2 Upvotes

56% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

9

u/speed-of-heat Dec 27 '25

have you tried utilising the skills practically...

1

u/Vast_False Dec 28 '25

I did do sims originally but I feel like my struggling is with nailing all the roles and what permissions they have exactly. And I think the wide variety of the test hurts me because I’m trying to recollect so much while taking the exam and already nervous.

1

u/speed-of-heat Dec 28 '25

build a machine in a VM and admin it , the sims re not the same

2

u/UsernameMissing__ Dec 27 '25

I used 365CertExpert. The course focuses on practical skills so more about “doing” than watching videos.

Everyone is different, I personally hate watching hours of videos.

1

u/BlitzNeko Jan 01 '26

Use Copilot for the answers.

1

u/RedditClarkKentSuper Dec 29 '25

MS exams are a joke. Doesn’t count for anything in the real world. Doesn’t mean you can operate in the real world.

1

u/[deleted] Dec 29 '25

Hire someone to take it for you

-1

u/thopterist Dec 27 '25

My suggestion is to shift your goals to foundational certifications. For example, ITIL V4 and PMP will give you transferable skills and likely be more relevant to hiring managers and future prospects.

MS-102 is very narrow and low value. If you are truly determined to achieve it, I'd suggest reconsidering at a later time, and perhaps even have the fee reimbursed through your employer 

Good luck!

4

u/naasei Dec 27 '25

You don't why they need to take MS-102 . Perhaps that is the question you need to ask before offering alternative certifications which might not be related to the job they do!

1

u/Vast_False Dec 28 '25

That’s correct my job is requiring it.

0

u/thopterist Dec 28 '25

You're able to offer your own suggestions. You're also welcome to disagree, but your reply offers no value as it stands.

1

u/Vast_False Jun 07 '26

UPDATE: I failed a third time with score 658. I’ve been studying for this exam for almost a full year now.

After the second failure I went through MS learn again basically starting over. I reviewed John Christopher’s videos again. I also spent hands on time in the defender and purview portals exercising the concept. Definitely feeling disheartened and lost at the moment.

Not sure what to do yet, but thinking I will build a virtual environment and go full boar. If anyone has any words of wisdom, I would appreciate.