Microsoft 365 technical overview of core services and identities for the IT Professional
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Overview
This one-day instructor-led course provides IT professionals with a focused technical introduction to Microsoft 365, covering its core services, administrative tools, and identity framework. Delegates will gain clarity on how the platform is structured, how its services integrate, and what administrators need to manage and secure Microsoft 365 effectively. The course also introduces the growing role of AI in Microsoft 365 — including tools like Microsoft Copilot — to support better planning and decision-making.
Key focus areas include service architecture, identity and access models, administration, compliance, automation, and connectivity considerations.
Prerequisites
Delegates should have general familiarity with IT infrastructure, user management, and cloud services. No prior experience with Microsoft 365 is required.
Target audience
This course is designed for IT professionals responsible for evaluating, planning, or supporting Microsoft 365 deployments. It is especially valuable for those seeking a clear technical foundation in Microsoft 365's architecture, identity framework, and administrative tools.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Explain the differences between Microsoft 365 and Office 365
- Compare licensing models and service entitlements
- Describe the integration of core Microsoft 365 services including Exchange Online, SharePoint, OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft 365 Apps
- Understand Microsoft Entra ID and its role in identity and access management
- Compare identity models (cloud-only, hybrid, federated)
- Configure domains and apply conditional access, access reviews, and delegated admin
- Interpret Microsoft Purview and Defender tools in relation to compliance and security
- Use PowerShell for administrative automation and bulk operations
- Evaluate network and service connectivity requirements
- Monitor updates and roadmap visibility using the Message Center and lifecycle tools
Course Outline
Microsoft 365 overview and licensing
- Microsoft 365 vs Office 365
- Licensing models: Business vs Enterprise
- Core services and how they work together
Core services in Microsoft 365
- Microsoft Exchange Online
- SharePoint Online
- OneDrive for Business
- Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft 365 Apps and Groups
- Microsoft Copilot
Identity and access management with Entra ID
- Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) overview
- Identity models: cloud-only, hybrid, and federated
- DNS and custom domain configuration
- Role-based access control and delegated administration
- Conditional Access, privileged identity management, and access reviews
Administration tools and techniques
- Microsoft 365 admin centers: purpose and roles
- Graphical vs PowerShell administration
- Automation and bulk management with PowerShell
Security, compliance, and information protection
- Overview of Microsoft Purview and Microsoft Defender
- Microsoft Information Protection model: know, protect, prevent, govern
- Compliance Score and Secure Score
- Applying Zero Trust and device trust in identity governance
Service connectivity and operational considerations
- Network and service access requirements
- Using Message Center and roadmap for lifecycle planning
- Evergreen updates and change management tools
Exams and assessments
There are no formal exams associated with this course. Learners will complete scenario-based discussions and walkthroughs to reinforce key concepts.
Hands-on learning
This course includes guided walkthroughs and real-world scenario reviews to demonstrate key Microsoft 365 administrative processes. Delegates will engage in practical discussions on identity setup, access control, and policy configuration to support hands-on understanding.
Why choose QA
- Award-winning training, top NPS scores
- Over 500,000 learners in 2024
- Our training experts are industry leaders
- Read more about QA
Special Notices
Please note: Due to the dynamic nature of updates to Office 365 functionality by Microsoft, elements of the syllabus of this course can be subject to change without notice.
Please note: for Attend from Anywhere customers an additional screen is required. The additional screen must have a minimum screen size of 19 inch and minimum resolution of 1280x1024, with the vertical resolution (1024) being the most critical.
This course is one of the unique Microsoft Microsoft 365 QA authored Mastering courses.
Other technical courses within the QA authored curriculum for Microsoft 365 include:
- Technical Overview
- Core Technical Administration
- Adoption and Governance
- Exchange Online and Exchange Hybrid
- Sharepoint Online
- Microsoft 365 Teams
- Microsoft Power Automate and Microsoft PowerApps
- Mastering Power Automate – 3 days
- Mastering Power Apps – 3 days
- Mastering Power Platform Dataverse and Model-Driven Apps - 3 days
- Modern Desktop and Mobile Device Administration with Microsoft Intune
- Microsoft 365 Purview, Compliance and Security
- Building Microsoft Teams Applications
Microsoft 365 learning pathways
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