Should You Pursue the MS-700 Certification? Evaluating the Pros and Cons for Admins

Introduction to MS-700 Certification and Its Importance

Overview of the Remote Work Evolution

Over the past few years, the global workforce has undergone a significant shift in how and where work is conducted. The emergence of remote and hybrid work environments has fundamentally changed the way businesses operate. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work was often seen as a temporary or flexible work arrangement, but it quickly became a necessary business solution. As businesses adapted to this new reality, they increasingly relied on digital collaboration tools to maintain productivity, ensure communication, and streamline workflows. One of the most critical tools in this transformation has been Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft Teams, as a communication and collaboration platform, has emerged as one of the most widely used tools for businesses across the globe. It supports chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and seamless integration with Office 365 applications, making it a crucial element in business continuity. This widespread adoption has made Teams not just a useful tool but a necessity for modern organizations aiming to stay connected and efficient in an increasingly digital world.

The rapid shift to Microsoft Teams has brought about a pressing need for professionals skilled in managing and maintaining the platform. Teams administrators are essential for the success of a business’s digital infrastructure, ensuring that Teams is properly configured, secure, and aligned with organizational goals. This is where the MS-700 certification comes into play.

What Is the MS-700 Certification?

The MS-700 certification, officially titled “Managing Microsoft Teams,” is a certification exam developed by Microsoft. It is part of the broader Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Administrator Associate track. The exam aims to validate a candidate’s ability to configure, deploy, and manage Microsoft Teams, including the core functionality and integration with Office 365 services, within an enterprise environment.

The MS-700 exam covers a wide range of tasks necessary for the successful operation of Teams, including managing chat, meetings, calling, and collaboration tools. It also focuses on key administrative aspects, such as setting policies, managing security and compliance, and using PowerShell for advanced configuration and automation tasks. The certification ensures that professionals can support an organization’s Teams environment effectively, ensuring a seamless user experience and maximum productivity.

By earning the MS-700 certification, professionals demonstrate their expertise in managing Microsoft Teams environments. This recognition is increasingly important in today’s business landscape, where remote and hybrid work environments have become the norm.

Key Responsibilities of a Microsoft Teams Administrator

A Microsoft Teams administrator plays a vital role in the deployment, management, and optimization of the Teams platform within an organization. These professionals are responsible for ensuring that Teams functions smoothly, securely, and in alignment with organizational needs. The key responsibilities of a Teams administrator typically include:

1. Planning and Configuring a Microsoft Teams Environment

One of the first steps for a Teams administrator is setting up the Teams environment in a way that aligns with the organization’s infrastructure. This involves tasks such as configuring governance settings, ensuring that the platform integrates seamlessly with other Office 365 apps (e.g., SharePoint, OneDrive, Exchange), and setting up policies for users and groups.

2. Managing Communication Features

A Teams administrator is responsible for managing all aspects of communication within Teams, including chat, calls, meetings, and collaboration. This involves configuring messaging policies, managing meeting settings, and handling telephony features such as call queues, auto attendants, and direct routing.

3. Overseeing App Integration and Usage Policies

Microsoft Teams offers a wide range of third-party integrations and apps that can enhance user productivity. The Teams administrator must manage the integration of these apps, configure app permissions, and ensure that the apps align with organizational security and compliance standards.

4. Managing Security and Compliance

Security is a top priority for any digital platform, especially in organizations that handle sensitive information. Teams administrators are tasked with ensuring that the platform adheres to security and compliance regulations. This includes configuring data loss prevention (DLP) policies, sensitivity labels, and retention policies to protect organizational data.

5. Monitoring Service Usage and Call Quality

Monitoring the usage and performance of Microsoft Teams is another key responsibility. Teams administrators need to track user activity, ensure optimal service delivery, and troubleshoot issues related to call quality and service availability. Tools such as the Teams Admin Center, Call Analytics, and the Call Quality Dashboard are essential for these tasks.

Why MS-700 Certification Matters

The MS-700 certification is a valuable asset for IT professionals who are responsible for managing Microsoft Teams. As the demand for Teams administrators continues to rise, organizations are increasingly seeking certified professionals who can efficiently manage and optimize the Teams platform. There are several reasons why earning the MS-700 certification is important:

1. Demonstrates Expertise in Microsoft Teams Management

The MS-700 certification confirms a candidate’s ability to configure, deploy, and manage Teams effectively. This is critical for organizations that rely on Teams for their daily operations, as they need professionals who can ensure the platform is optimized and functioning properly.

2. Career Advancement and Job Opportunities

For IT professionals, the MS-700 certification offers a pathway to career advancement. It can open doors to higher-paying roles and specialized positions, such as Microsoft Teams Administrator, Collaboration Engineer, or Unified Communications Specialist. The certification is often a prerequisite for roles that require in-depth knowledge of Microsoft Teams and Office 365 services.

In addition, Microsoft-certified professionals are generally seen as more credible in the job market, which can increase their chances of landing job opportunities. According to industry surveys, certified professionals often earn higher salaries compared to their non-certified peers, with some reports indicating an increase of up to 20%.

3. Validates Commitment to Staying Current with Microsoft Technologies

Technology evolves rapidly, and staying updated with the latest tools and best practices is essential for IT professionals. By earning the MS-700 certification, professionals demonstrate their commitment to staying current with Microsoft’s latest offerings and maintaining expertise in managing cloud-based collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams.

4. Enhances Organizational Efficiency

Organizations benefit greatly from having certified Microsoft Teams administrators on their team. Certified professionals are typically more efficient at managing the Teams platform, resolving issues, and optimizing workflows. This leads to increased productivity and better overall user experiences.

5. Acts as a Stepping Stone to Advanced Certifications

The MS-700 certification is not only valuable in its own right but also serves as a foundational step toward more advanced Microsoft certifications. After earning the MS-700, professionals can pursue other certifications, such as the Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert or MS-721: Teams Voice Engineer Expert, further broadening their skill set and career opportunities.

The MS-700 certification is a critical credential for IT professionals looking to specialize in Microsoft Teams administration. As the shift to remote and hybrid work continues to reshape the workplace, organizations will increasingly depend on skilled professionals who can manage and optimize the Teams environment. The MS-700 certification equips professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in this role, making it a valuable asset for career growth and organizational success.

As businesses continue to embrace digital collaboration, the MS-700 certification provides a competitive edge for IT professionals and ensures that organizations can fully leverage Microsoft Teams to drive productivity, communication, and collaboration.

Exam Objectives and Domains of MS-700 Certification

Overview of MS-700 Exam Objectives

The MS-700 certification exam is structured to assess a candidate’s knowledge and proficiency across various domains related to the administration of Microsoft Teams. As organizations increasingly rely on Teams for communication, collaboration, and productivity, it is crucial that Teams administrators possess a comprehensive understanding of how to configure, manage, and secure Teams environments. The MS-700 certification validates this expertise.

The exam focuses on three primary domains:

1. Plan and Configure a Microsoft Teams Environment (45-50%)

2. Manage Chat, Calling, and Meetings (30-35%)

3. Manage Teams and App Policies (20-25%)

Each of these domains plays a vital role in ensuring that Teams is deployed and managed effectively in an enterprise setting. Let’s dive deeper into each domain to explore the key skills and knowledge areas that candidates need to master.

Plan and Configure a Microsoft Teams Environment

This domain makes up the largest portion of the MS-700 exam (45-50%). It focuses on the initial setup and configuration of Microsoft Teams in an organization, which lays the foundation for its effective use. Administrators must understand the organizational needs and tailor the Teams environment to meet those needs while aligning with business goals and compliance requirements.

1. Network Planning and Configuration

Network planning is critical to ensure that Teams operates seamlessly across different locations and devices. Teams administrators must understand the bandwidth and network requirements necessary for deploying Teams, taking into account factors such as:

• Quality of Service (QoS): Administrators must configure QoS to prioritize Teams traffic over less time-sensitive data, ensuring high-quality audio and video during calls and meetings.

• Bandwidth estimation: Estimating the bandwidth required for a given user profile or office location is essential for smooth performance, especially for organizations with a large number of remote users.

• Network Performance Monitoring: Using tools like the Network Planner, administrators assess network performance to optimize Teams usage.

2. Skype for Business Upgrade Paths

Many organizations are still transitioning from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams. Teams administrators must be familiar with the coexistence modes that allow Skype for Business and Teams to operate alongside each other during the migration period. The coexistence modes include:

• Islands Mode: Teams and Skype for Business are used independently of each other.

• Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration: Skype is used for communication, while Teams is used for collaboration.

• Teams Only Mode: This is the fully upgraded mode, where all communication and collaboration are handled within Teams.

Understanding these coexistence models helps administrators plan the migration and support users through the transition.

3. Guest Access and External Collaboration

Another crucial aspect of planning the Teams environment is configuring guest access. Teams is designed to support external collaboration, allowing users from other organizations or domains to participate in chats, meetings, and file sharing. Configuring guest access requires careful planning to ensure security and compliance, including:

• Azure AD B2B (Business-to-Business): Setting up Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) for external users and managing guest access policies.

• Guest Access Settings: Admins must enable and configure the level of permissions guests have within a team, including whether they can view and edit documents or create new channels.

• Compliance Considerations: Ensuring that guest access does not violate internal data security policies.

4. Team Creation and Lifecycle Management

The management of team creation, maintenance, and expiration is vital to maintaining an organized and secure Teams environment. Teams administrators must implement policies that govern how teams are created, who can create them, and when they should expire. Important components include:

• Group Creation Policies: Restricting who can create groups (the foundation for Teams) to avoid unnecessary proliferation of teams.

• Expiration Policies: Setting up expiration policies to automatically remove inactive teams after a specific period.

• Archiving and Deletion: Archiving teams when they are no longer active but still needed for reference or data preservation, and deleting teams when they are no longer required.

By managing the lifecycle of teams, administrators help keep the Teams environment organized, reducing clutter and improving compliance with data retention regulations.

Manage Chat, Calling, and Meetings

This domain constitutes 30-35% of the MS-700 exam and covers the key communication functionalities within Microsoft Teams. Admins must configure messaging, calling, and meeting policies to ensure that communication within Teams is seamless, secure, and aligned with organizational policies.

1. Messaging Policies

Messaging is one of the core functions of Teams, and it is essential that Teams administrators can configure messaging policies to meet organizational requirements. Admins need to control settings such as:

• Allowing or Disabling Chat: In some cases, organizations may want to disable chat for certain user groups or restrict the use of certain features like emojis, GIFs, or stickers.

• Message Deletion and Editing: Configuring whether users are allowed to delete or edit their messages can help prevent misuse and maintain accountability.

• Read Receipts and Priority Notifications: Admins can configure settings to control when read receipts are visible and whether priority notifications should be enabled for urgent messages.

2. Calling Policies and Telephony Integration

Microsoft Teams offers a wide range of telephony features, and administrators are responsible for configuring calling features like call queues, auto attendants, and direct routing. The key tasks include:

• Call Queues and Auto Attendants: These features enable businesses to manage incoming calls effectively. Administrators configure call routing, set up greetings, and assign call agents based on business hours or availability.

• Direct Routing and Calling Plans: Admins must decide how to implement telephony within Teams, choosing between Microsoft’s Calling Plans, Direct Routing (for integrating existing telephony systems), or Operator Connect.

• Emergency Calling and Location Policies: Teams administrators must configure emergency calling settings and assign emergency location information to users based on their physical locations.

3. Meeting Policies

Meetings are one of the most commonly used features within Microsoft Teams. Admins need to configure meeting policies to ensure that meetings are organized efficiently and securely. This includes:

• Scheduling and Joining Meetings: Admins can set policies on who can schedule meetings, who can present during meetings, and whether meetings can be scheduled privately.

• Meeting Settings: Customizing the Teams experience during meetings by configuring settings such as cloud recording, transcription, meeting lobbies, and attendance reports.

• Live Events Management: Live events are large-scale meetings designed for broadcasting to a larger audience. Admins configure policies to determine who can create and manage live events, and what permissions attendees will have.

4. Audio Conferencing

For users who need to join meetings by phone, administrators must configure audio conferencing features. This includes assigning licenses, managing dial-in phone numbers, and configuring PINs for users who dial into meetings. Admins also set up bridge numbers and ensure that the dial-in experience is seamless for participants.

Manage Teams and App Policies

The final domain, which accounts for 20-25% of the exam, focuses on how administrators manage teams, policies, and apps within Microsoft Teams. This domain ensures that the Teams environment is aligned with governance standards and security requirements.

1. Team Lifecycle Management

This involves creating, managing, and deactivating teams within the organization. Administrators must enforce naming conventions, manage group creation policies, and define team templates for consistent team structures across the organization. Additionally, administrators must ensure that teams are archived or deleted as appropriate, and that they comply with retention and compliance policies.

2. App Permission and Setup Policies

Microsoft Teams integrates with a wide range of third-party apps and services. Teams administrators need to manage these apps through two key policies:

• App Permission Policies: These policies determine which apps users can access. Admins can block or allow specific apps, or limit app access based on security and compliance needs.

• App Setup Policies: This defines which apps are pinned to the Teams interface for users. Admins can control which apps appear on the app bar by default, making critical tools accessible to users and ensuring that employees are using the right apps to support their work.

3. Security and Compliance Policies

Ensuring security and compliance within Microsoft Teams is a major responsibility for administrators. Teams administrators must configure policies such as:

• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): DLP policies prevent sensitive data from being shared inappropriately within Teams. Admins configure DLP rules to block or alert users about potential data breaches.

• Sensitivity Labels: Sensitivity labels help protect information by categorizing it according to its sensitivity level. These labels can be applied to files and messages within Teams.

• Information Barriers: These barriers prevent communication between certain groups to avoid conflicts of interest, such as keeping different departments from sharing sensitive data.

The MS-700 certification exam evaluates a candidate’s knowledge and ability to manage the full lifecycle of Microsoft Teams within an organization. By covering essential topics such as network planning, messaging policies, telephony integration, and app governance, the exam ensures that administrators are well-prepared to manage a modern, secure, and efficient Teams environment. The focus on key areas like configuration, security, compliance, and team management underscores the importance of skilled Teams administrators in today’s digital-first workplaces.

Preparing for the MS-700 Exam

Recommended Experience and Prerequisites

While the MS-700 certification does not have strict prerequisites, prior experience in managing Microsoft 365 services, particularly Office 365, can be highly beneficial. Candidates who are already familiar with Microsoft Teams or have worked with Microsoft 365 administration will find the exam easier to navigate.

Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900)

Although not required, completing the Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals (MS-900) certification is an excellent way to build a solid foundation for the MS-700 exam. The MS-900 certification covers core concepts related to the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, providing a broader understanding of services like SharePoint, OneDrive, and Exchange, all of which integrate with Microsoft Teams.

The MS-900 focuses on general cloud concepts, Microsoft 365 subscription models, and services like security, compliance, and identity management. Gaining this understanding can make the more specialized MS-700 exam significantly more approachable. It also helps candidates understand the connections between Teams and other parts of the Microsoft 365 suite.

Hands-on Experience

Real-world experience is invaluable when preparing for the MS-700 exam. Teams administrators should be comfortable navigating the Teams Admin Center, managing user roles, and configuring various settings within the platform. Hands-on practice with Teams’ core functionalities, such as managing channels, configuring meetings, and integrating third-party apps, will provide insight into the challenges administrators face daily.

Additionally, knowledge of PowerShell for Teams management is critical for handling advanced configurations and automation. Candidates who are familiar with PowerShell scripts for Microsoft 365 will be able to tackle more complex tasks effectively. Microsoft offers PowerShell modules specific to Teams, allowing administrators to automate tasks such as user management, team creation, and policy enforcement.

Candidates without prior experience should consider setting up a lab environment to practice the Teams Admin Center’s various functionalities. This experience can help solidify concepts like security settings, telephony configurations, and app governance.

Study Resources for MS-700 Certification

There are a variety of study resources available to help candidates prepare for the MS-700 exam. These resources range from free online materials to instructor-led courses, and they can help candidates familiarize themselves with the exam format, objectives, and critical skills required.

1. Microsoft Learn

Microsoft Learn is a free, online platform that provides a comprehensive set of modules and learning paths for various Microsoft certifications, including MS-700. It’s a great place to start preparing for the exam because it offers structured, self-paced learning paths, along with hands-on labs.

Microsoft Learn provides in-depth coverage of all the domains tested in the MS-700 exam. Each module contains both theoretical content and practical labs, allowing candidates to apply what they have learned in a simulated environment. Microsoft also regularly updates its content to reflect the latest Teams features, ensuring that the study material stays relevant.

Key topics covered in Microsoft Learn include:

• Configuring Teams settings and managing permissions

• Integrating Microsoft Teams with other services like SharePoint, OneDrive, and Exchange

• Configuring security, compliance, and governance policies

• Setting up calling, meetings, and chat features

• Managing external collaboration and guest access

2. Practice Exams

Practice exams are an essential tool for exam preparation. They allow candidates to familiarize themselves with the types of questions they can expect and assess their knowledge of key concepts. Microsoft offers official practice tests through its certification platform, which mimics the actual exam format and question styles.

Additionally, various third-party platforms provide MS-700 practice exams that cover a wide range of topics and simulate real-world scenarios. Practicing with these exams can help identify weak areas, improve time management during the exam, and increase overall confidence.

While practice exams are valuable, they should be used in conjunction with other study methods, such as reading study guides and watching training videos. Relying solely on practice exams may lead to gaps in understanding.

3. Instructor-Led Training

For candidates who prefer structured, classroom-style learning, Microsoft offers instructor-led training courses. These courses are designed to provide in-depth knowledge of the MS-700 exam objectives and are led by Microsoft-certified instructors.

Instructor-led training sessions typically involve hands-on labs and provide the opportunity to ask questions directly to experts. These courses can be especially helpful for candidates who struggle with self-paced learning or who need personalized guidance to master complex topics.

Microsoft offers both in-person and online instructor-led courses, making it convenient for candidates to choose the format that best fits their learning style. Many training providers also offer custom sessions for corporate teams or specific departments within an organization.

4. Books and Study Guides

Several books and study guides are available to help candidates prepare for the MS-700 exam. These guides provide comprehensive coverage of the exam objectives, along with practice questions, case studies, and tips for exam success. Books are often used as supplemental material to reinforce concepts covered in Microsoft Learn and instructor-led training.

Popular MS-700 study guides include:

• Exam Ref MS-700: Managing Microsoft Teams – This official guide by Microsoft Press provides an in-depth review of the topics tested in the MS-700 exam. It’s well-structured and includes practice questions at the end of each chapter.

• Microsoft Teams Administrator Exam Guide – This guide provides detailed explanations of all MS-700 topics, along with helpful diagrams and strategies for passing the exam.

Books and study guides are often comprehensive, making them a great resource for reviewing topics in depth. They can also be useful as reference materials when preparing for real-world Teams administration tasks.

5. Video Training and Webinars

There are several video courses available that focus specifically on Microsoft Teams and the MS-700 exam. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and Pluralsight offer video courses that walk candidates through the key features and administrative tasks in Teams.

Video training often provides visual demonstrations of how to perform specific tasks in Teams, such as setting up meeting policies, managing user roles, and configuring calling plans. This type of training is ideal for those who prefer visual aids and step-by-step guidance.

Additionally, Microsoft often hosts webinars and online events related to Teams administration. These webinars are useful for staying updated on new features and best practices, and they provide the opportunity to interact with Microsoft experts and ask questions about specific challenges or scenarios.

Key Topics to Focus On During Preparation

To ensure success on the MS-700 exam, candidates should focus on the following key topics:

1. Teams Configuration and Governance

A significant portion of the exam is dedicated to configuring Teams and implementing governance policies. This includes tasks such as setting up team templates, enforcing naming conventions, and managing the lifecycle of teams. Admins should also understand how to configure guest access and manage security and compliance settings.

Candidates should also be familiar with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) and its role in managing team creation, user roles, and group permissions. Understanding the full lifecycle of a team, from creation to deletion, is critical for ensuring the platform remains organized and compliant.

2. Messaging, Calling, and Meetings

Administrators are responsible for configuring key communication features within Teams, such as messaging policies, calling features, and meeting settings. Candidates should focus on understanding the various options available for managing chats, audio conferencing, video meetings, and live events. Configuring call queues and auto attendants, as well as integrating telephony into Teams, is an essential skill for the exam.

In addition, candidates should be able to set up meeting policies, manage meeting settings, and configure audio conferencing to support users who join meetings via phone.

3. App Integration and App Policies

Managing apps within Teams is essential for ensuring users have access to the tools they need to be productive. Candidates should understand how to configure app permission policies, set up apps in the Teams app bar, and integrate third-party applications. This includes working with Microsoft and custom apps to streamline workflows and optimize collaboration.

Candidates should also be familiar with managing app usage, configuring app governance, and implementing data protection policies for apps, such as sensitivity labels and data loss prevention (DLP) rules.

4. Security, Compliance, and Reporting

Security and compliance are a top priority for Teams administrators. Candidates must be well-versed in configuring security settings such as data loss prevention (DLP) policies, retention labels, sensitivity labels, and information barriers. These security measures help ensure that sensitive data is protected and that the organization remains compliant with regulations.

The ability to use monitoring and reporting tools like the Teams Admin Center and Call Quality Dashboard is also essential. Admins need to be able to generate reports on usage, call quality, and overall service performance to identify issues and optimize the Teams environment.

Hands-on Practice

One of the most effective ways to prepare for the MS-700 exam is through hands-on practice. Setting up a test environment allows candidates to work through real-world scenarios, such as configuring chat and meeting policies, managing guest access, and troubleshooting issues.

Candidates should practice creating teams, assigning roles, setting up policies, and managing configurations in the Teams Admin Center. Familiarizing oneself with PowerShell commands for Teams management is also crucial, as some advanced configurations can only be handled via scripting.

Setting up a test environment or using virtual labs to simulate different Teams management tasks helps solidify concepts and boosts confidence for the actual exam.

The MS-700 certification exam requires a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to manage Microsoft Teams effectively. By focusing on the key domains, gaining hands-on experience, and utilizing available study resources, candidates can prepare thoroughly for the exam. The MS-700 certification opens doors to a range of career opportunities and provides validation of a professional’s ability to manage a critical collaboration platform like Microsoft Teams. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced IT professional, this certification can enhance your career trajectory and position you as an expert in Microsoft Teams administration.

Why MS-700 Certification is a Smart Career Investment

Growing Demand for Microsoft Teams Expertise

The increasing adoption of remote and hybrid work models has solidified Microsoft Teams as a cornerstone of communication and collaboration within organizations worldwide. Initially launched as part of the Office 365 suite, Microsoft Teams has rapidly evolved into one of the most essential tools for businesses, supporting messaging, video conferencing, file sharing, and integration with various Office 365 applications.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the usage of Microsoft Teams has surged dramatically, with over 300 million daily active users in 2023, up from 75 million in 2020. As more businesses move towards cloud-first, digital collaboration, the need for professionals who can effectively manage and optimize Teams environments has skyrocketed. As organizations embrace Microsoft 365 and Teams to maintain productivity in a hybrid workforce, the demand for skilled Teams administrators is greater than ever before.

This rapid growth has created a clear need for professionals who are well-versed in Microsoft Teams administration. The MS-700 certification, which validates expertise in managing and configuring Microsoft Teams, has become a highly sought-after credential. For IT professionals looking to enhance their skill set or specialize in Teams administration, the MS-700 certification presents a great opportunity to stand out in a competitive job market.

Career Advancement and Job Opportunities

One of the most significant benefits of obtaining the MS-700 certification is the career advancement it can offer. As businesses increasingly rely on Microsoft Teams for collaboration, the role of Teams administrators has become a critical part of the IT infrastructure. With Microsoft Teams being integrated into daily business operations, organizations need certified professionals who can manage, optimize, and troubleshoot the platform to ensure smooth communication and collaboration across departments.

The MS-700 certification opens up a range of job opportunities for IT professionals. Some of the key roles for MS-700 certified professionals include:

• Microsoft Teams Administrator: As a Teams administrator, you’ll be responsible for managing and configuring Microsoft Teams, ensuring its integration with other Microsoft 365 tools, and maintaining security and compliance.

• Unified Communications Specialist: These professionals work with both traditional telephony systems and unified communication platforms like Teams to ensure smooth communication flows across an organization.

• Collaboration Engineer: Collaboration engineers focus on optimizing the collaboration tools within an organization, including Teams, ensuring that employees have access to the tools they need to communicate and collaborate effectively.

• Microsoft 365 Administrator: A broader role, where administrators manage a range of Microsoft 365 services, including Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Exchange, ensuring seamless integration across the suite.

• IT Systems Analyst: Professionals in this role focus on analyzing and optimizing IT systems, including communication platforms like Teams, to ensure they meet organizational needs and business objectives.

According to recent surveys, Microsoft-certified professionals tend to earn higher salaries compared to their non-certified peers. Specifically, Microsoft Teams administrators who are MS-700 certified often see salary increases of up to 20%. This increase is not just a result of the growing demand for Teams expertise, but also because the MS-700 certification validates a candidate’s ability to manage a critical enterprise communication tool, something that many businesses are willing to pay a premium for.

Validation of Skills and Expertise

The MS-700 certification is a powerful tool for validating a candidate’s expertise in managing Microsoft Teams environments. By passing the MS-700 exam, candidates demonstrate that they possess the skills and knowledge necessary to manage Teams effectively within an enterprise setting. This includes configuring Teams settings, managing security and compliance policies, handling communication features like chat and meetings, and integrating third-party apps.

For organizations, having certified professionals who can manage Microsoft Teams brings several advantages, including:

• Increased productivity: A certified Teams administrator can ensure that the platform is optimally configured, allowing employees to use the tool effectively and without disruption.

• Enhanced security and compliance: Certified administrators are trained to implement security and governance best practices, ensuring that Teams environments comply with industry regulations and that sensitive data is protected.

• Improved troubleshooting and issue resolution: Administrators with MS-700 certification are equipped with the skills needed to resolve issues quickly, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous business operations.

For IT professionals, this certification can also help solidify their reputation as experts in Microsoft Teams administration, which can lead to increased job security and advancement opportunities. Employers highly value candidates who can demonstrate technical proficiency and hands-on experience with Teams, as it reflects both capability and commitment to the role.

A Gateway to More Advanced Certifications

The MS-700 certification is not just an endpoint, but a stepping stone to more advanced certifications within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Once you have earned the MS-700 certification, you can expand your expertise and pursue additional certifications that allow you to specialize in more advanced areas of Microsoft 365 administration.

Some of the advanced certifications that are closely related to MS-700 include:

• Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert: This certification is for professionals who want to expand their knowledge beyond Teams and manage the entire Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It validates skills in deploying, managing, and securing Microsoft 365 services across an organization.

• MS-721: Teams Voice Engineer Expert: For professionals looking to specialize in telephony and voice integration within Teams, the MS-721 certification focuses on advanced voice features, including Direct Routing, Call Queues, and Auto Attendants.

• Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals: This certification focuses on security and compliance aspects of Microsoft 365, which is increasingly important as businesses look to secure their Teams environments and other Microsoft services.

By obtaining the MS-700 certification first, you lay the groundwork for these advanced certifications, which can further broaden your skill set and lead to more specialized roles within the Microsoft ecosystem. As Microsoft continues to expand its cloud offerings and business solutions, certified professionals who have completed advanced certifications will be in high demand.

Return on Investment (ROI)

The MS-700 certification offers a significant return on investment (ROI) for IT professionals. While the exam costs around $165, the potential career benefits far outweigh this initial investment. Microsoft certifications, in general, are known to offer high returns, with certified professionals often seeing increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater career stability.

According to data from industry reports, Microsoft-certified professionals can earn up to 20% more than their non-certified peers. For Microsoft Teams administrators, having an MS-700 certification can result in a salary boost due to the increasing demand for this specialized role. The certification not only provides immediate career benefits but also positions you for long-term success in the evolving IT landscape.

Moreover, as Microsoft Teams continues to evolve and become more deeply integrated with other Microsoft 365 services, the demand for professionals who can manage and optimize the platform is likely to grow. By earning the MS-700 certification now, IT professionals can stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in the job market.

Organizational Benefits of MS-700 Certified Professionals

Organizations also stand to gain significantly from hiring MS-700 certified professionals. Certified Teams administrators bring deep expertise to managing Microsoft Teams environments, ensuring that the platform is optimized, secure, and aligned with the organization’s goals.

Some of the key benefits that certified professionals bring to organizations include:

• Faster Onboarding: Certified professionals are familiar with Teams administration from day one, allowing them to hit the ground running and require less training.

• Improved Efficiency: Teams administrators with the MS-700 certification can ensure that the platform is configured for maximum efficiency, minimizing disruptions and improving the overall user experience.

• Better Governance and Compliance: MS-700-certified administrators are trained in setting up governance structures, managing compliance requirements, and securing sensitive data. This ensures that organizations meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.

• Cost Savings: By having a skilled and certified Teams administrator, organizations can reduce the costs associated with troubleshooting, downtime, and inefficient platform use. Certified administrators are better equipped to identify and resolve issues quickly, leading to fewer disruptions and greater productivity.

Organizations benefit from having certified Teams administrators who can help drive the adoption of Microsoft Teams, reduce operational costs, and ensure secure collaboration across teams. The MS-700 certification ensures that businesses are investing in skilled professionals who can make the most out of their Microsoft Teams environment.

The MS-700 certification represents an excellent investment for IT professionals seeking to specialize in Microsoft Teams administration. With the growing demand for digital collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, certified professionals are well-positioned to benefit from career growth, higher salaries, and more job opportunities. For organizations, MS-700 certified administrators bring valuable expertise that helps optimize Microsoft Teams, enhance security, and streamline collaboration. The certification also serves as a gateway to more advanced Microsoft certifications, opening up additional career paths in Microsoft 365 administration.

Given the increasing reliance on Microsoft Teams in today’s digital workplace, the MS-700 certification is a smart career move for anyone looking to stand out in the competitive IT field. Whether you are a beginner looking to specialize in Teams administration or an experienced IT professional aiming to enhance your credentials, earning the MS-700 certification is a powerful way to advance your career and make a meaningful impact on your organization.

Final Thoughts

The MS-700 certification, “Managing Microsoft Teams,” offers immense value for IT professionals in today’s rapidly evolving digital workplace. With Microsoft Teams becoming a central hub for communication, collaboration, and productivity in organizations worldwide, the role of a Teams administrator has never been more crucial. This certification not only validates technical proficiency in managing Teams environments but also demonstrates a commitment to staying ahead in the constantly changing world of technology.

For individuals looking to specialize in Microsoft Teams administration, earning the MS-700 certification is an investment that provides both immediate and long-term career benefits. From enhanced job prospects and higher earning potential to increased job security and opportunities for advancement, the MS-700 certification opens doors to a variety of roles, such as Teams Administrator, Collaboration Engineer, and Unified Communications Specialist. It also acts as a stepping stone to more advanced certifications within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, further expanding your skill set and career trajectory.

Organizations that prioritize certified Teams administrators can ensure their Teams environments are optimally configured, secure, and compliant, leading to enhanced productivity and smoother operations. The ability to seamlessly integrate Teams with other Microsoft 365 services, ensure strong governance, and address any technical issues promptly is invaluable to businesses that depend on the platform for their day-to-day operations.

In conclusion, the MS-700 certification is not just a credential but a strategic investment for both individual professionals and organizations. It empowers professionals to take charge of Microsoft Teams environments, ensures organizations are leveraging Teams effectively, and positions both employees and businesses for success in a digital-first world. Whether you’re just starting your journey or you’re an experienced professional, the MS-700 certification will give you the knowledge, recognition, and credibility to thrive in the ever-growing and dynamic landscape of Microsoft Teams administration.