Pass Your Microsoft MCSE 70-696 Exam Easy!

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Introduction to the 70-696 Exam and Core Concepts

The 70-696 Exam, formally titled "Administering System Center Configuration Manager and Intune," was a pivotal certification for IT professionals specializing in enterprise device management. It served as a key component of the MCSE: Enterprise Devices and Apps certification track. Passing this exam validated a candidate's ability to manage a modern enterprise environment using a hybrid approach that combined the on-premises power of System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) with the cloud-based mobile device management (MDM) capabilities of Microsoft Intune. The exam focused on the day-to-day administrative tasks required to manage the entire lifecycle of devices, from deployment and software distribution to security and retirement. It was designed for administrators who needed to prove their skills in managing a diverse ecosystem of both domain-joined PCs and mobile devices in a secure and efficient manner, making the 70-696 Exam a benchmark for modern endpoint managers.

Target Audience and Prerequisites

The ideal candidate for the 70-696 Exam was an Enterprise Desktop Administrator (EDA) or a systems administrator responsible for managing a medium to large-scale network of computers and mobile devices. This individual would typically have several years of experience working with SCCM, particularly with versions like SCCM 2012 or later. While there were no formal prerequisites, a strong foundational knowledge of core networking concepts such as TCP/IP, DNS, and Active Directory Domain Services was essential. Candidates were also expected to have hands-on experience with Windows Server, Windows client operating systems like Windows 7, 8.1, and 10, as well as a basic understanding of public key infrastructure (PKI) and SQL Server. The 70-696 Exam was not an entry-level test; it was designed for established professionals looking to validate their expertise in a complex and powerful management platform.

The Core Concept of Hybrid MDM

A central theme of the 70-696 Exam was the concept of hybrid Mobile Device Management (MDM). This model represents the integration of an on-premises Configuration Manager infrastructure with the cloud-based Microsoft Intune service. This setup allowed organizations to use a single administrative console, the SCCM console, to manage both traditional domain-joined PCs and modern mobile devices, including those running iOS, Android, and Windows 10. By linking the SCCM hierarchy to an Intune subscription, administrators could extend their management capabilities beyond the corporate network. This unified approach simplified administration, providing a consistent way to enforce security policies, deploy applications, and manage inventory across a wide range of device types, regardless of their location. Understanding the architecture and setup of this hybrid connection was fundamental to success on the 70-696 Exam.

Key Skills Measured by the 70-696 Exam

The 70-696 Exam was comprehensive, covering a broad spectrum of skills required for endpoint management. The objectives were organized into several key areas. A major domain was the management of client inventory and operating system deployment, which included configuring hardware and software inventory, and deploying Windows using task sequences. Another critical area was application management, covering the creation, deployment, and management of applications for both PCs and mobile devices. Software update management, which involved deploying monthly security patches and updates, was also heavily tested. Furthermore, the exam delved into compliance and security, requiring candidates to know how to configure compliance settings and manage System Center Endpoint Protection for antimalware. Finally, a significant portion was dedicated to managing mobile devices using the Intune integration, including enrollment, policy creation, and application deployment for mobile platforms.

Architecture of a Configuration Manager Site

To effectively prepare for the 70-696 Exam, a deep understanding of the Configuration Manager architecture was non-negotiable. This included knowing the different types of site systems and their roles. The central administration site (CAS) was used in very large, geographically dispersed environments to manage multiple primary sites. The primary site was the most common type, managing clients in a well-connected network and storing its data in a SQL Server database. Secondary sites were optional sites placed at the end of slow network links to control network traffic by compressing and forwarding content. Beyond the main sites, candidates needed to be familiar with key site system roles like the management point (the primary point of communication for clients), the distribution point (which stores and serves content to clients), and the software update point (which integrates with WSUS for patch management).

The Role of Microsoft Intune

While Configuration Manager excels at managing on-premises, domain-joined clients, Microsoft Intune is designed for modern, cloud-based management. The 70-696 Exam required candidates to understand Intune's role in the hybrid model. Intune provides the capabilities for Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM). Through the SCCM console, administrators could leverage Intune to enroll employee-owned (BYOD) or corporate-owned mobile devices. Once enrolled, Intune policies could be used to enforce security settings like PIN requirements, data encryption, and restricting device features like the camera. It also enabled the deployment of applications from public app stores or line-of-business apps. Understanding how Intune extended the reach of SCCM to manage any device from anywhere was a core competency tested on the 70-696 Exam.

Navigating the Exam Format and Question Types

The 70-696 Exam followed a format similar to other Microsoft technical exams. It typically consisted of 40-60 questions with a time limit of around two hours. The questions were not just simple multiple-choice; they were designed to test practical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Candidates could expect a variety of question types, including case studies that present a detailed business and technical scenario followed by several related questions. Other formats included drag-and-drop questions, build lists, and active screen simulations where the test-taker had to perform a task in a simulated SCCM console. This variety meant that rote memorization of facts was not enough. To pass, a candidate needed to have genuine hands-on experience and the ability to apply their knowledge to solve real-world administrative challenges, which was the true purpose of the 70-696 Exam.

Importance of a Lab Environment

Given the practical nature of the 70-696 Exam, hands-on experience was the single most important factor for success. Reading books and watching training videos are helpful for understanding concepts, but they cannot replace the experience gained from actually building and managing a system. It was highly recommended that candidates build a personal lab environment to practice the skills covered in the exam objectives. This could be done using virtualization software on a powerful desktop computer. A typical lab would consist of a domain controller, a server running SQL Server and Configuration Manager, and several client virtual machines (Windows 7, Windows 10). This setup would allow a candidate to practice everything from client installation and operating system deployment to software updates and Intune enrollment, solidifying the knowledge needed to confidently answer the exam's scenario-based questions.

Managing Clients and Collections

A fundamental aspect of Configuration Manager administration, heavily featured in the 70-696 Exam, is the management of clients and collections. After deploying the SCCM client agent to devices, they become managed resources. However, to deploy software or policies effectively, these resources must be organized into logical groups called collections. The exam required a deep understanding of how to create and manage collections. This included creating device collections based on criteria like operating system or organizational unit, as well as user collections based on user group membership in Active Directory. A key concept was understanding the difference between direct membership rules (manually adding a resource) and query-based membership rules (dynamically populating a collection based on specific criteria). Mastering collection management was essential, as they are the targets for nearly every administrative action in SCCM.

Understanding Discovery and Boundaries

Before Configuration Manager can manage devices, it must first be aware of them. The 70-696 Exam tested candidates on the various discovery methods used to find resources like users, groups, and computers in the environment. This included Active Directory System Discovery, User Discovery, and Group Discovery. Another crucial concept was the configuration of boundaries and boundary groups. A boundary is a network location, defined by an IP subnet, Active Directory site, or IP address range. Boundaries are then grouped into boundary groups. These groups are used to control client communication and content delivery. By assigning site systems like distribution points to a specific boundary group, administrators can ensure that clients download content from the nearest server, which is critical for optimizing network bandwidth in a large or distributed enterprise.

Configuring Hardware and Software Inventory

A cornerstone of device management is understanding what assets you have. The 70-696 Exam placed significant emphasis on the inventory collection capabilities of Configuration Manager. Hardware inventory collects detailed information about the hardware specifications of managed devices, scanning for hundreds of properties from the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) repository. Candidates needed to know how to enable and configure hardware inventory cycles in client settings, as well as how to extend the default inventory by adding new WMI classes. Software inventory, on the other hand, involves scanning client hard drives for specific file types or collecting data from file headers to identify installed applications. A key skill tested was the ability to configure these inventory processes to gather the necessary data without placing an excessive load on the clients or the network.

Leveraging Asset Intelligence

Building upon standard inventory, the 70-696 Exam required knowledge of the Asset Intelligence feature. Asset Intelligence enhances the raw inventory data by categorizing it, making it more useful for administrative and licensing purposes. It uses a catalog of over a million software titles to normalize the names of discovered software, grouping different versions of a product under a single name. This feature helps administrators understand their software landscape, identify redundant applications, and track license usage. Candidates were expected to know how to enable the Asset Intelligence synchronization point site system role, which connects to the Microsoft cloud service to download the latest catalog information. Using the Asset Intelligence reports to gain insights into software usage and license compliance was a key practical skill for the exam.

Monitoring Software Usage with Software Metering

While software inventory can tell you what applications are installed, software metering tells you which applications are actually being used. This was another important topic on the 70-696 Exam. Software metering allows an administrator to track the usage of specific executables on client computers. This data is invaluable for software license reclamation projects, where organizations can save money by uninstalling software that is installed but never used. Candidates needed to know how to create software metering rules that define which executables to monitor. The exam would test the ability to configure these rules, deploy them to client collections, and then use the built-in reports to analyze the collected usage data, such as the number of users who have run an application, the number of times it has been run, and the last usage date.

Planning for Operating System Deployment

Deploying a new operating system to hundreds or thousands of computers is a complex task, and the 70-696 Exam required a thorough understanding of the Operating System Deployment (OSD) feature in Configuration Manager. The planning phase is critical for success. This involves preparing the network infrastructure by configuring DHCP to support PXE booting and ensuring that network access accounts are correctly configured. A key part of the planning process is deciding on the imaging strategy. Will you use a "thin image" that contains only the base operating system, with applications and drivers installed later? Or will you use a "thick image" that includes the OS and all core applications? Candidates needed to understand the pros and cons of each approach and how to prepare the Configuration Manager environment for OSD by integrating it with necessary tools like the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK).

Building and Capturing Reference Images

The foundation of any OSD process is a high-quality reference image. The 70-696 Exam tested a candidate's ability to create this master image. The recommended method was to use a "build and capture" task sequence. This automated process involves building a reference computer from scratch, typically in a virtual machine environment. The task sequence starts by installing the base Windows operating system from original source files, applies software updates, installs common line-of-business applications, and performs other customizations. The final step of the task sequence is to prepare the system using Sysprep and then capture the state of its hard drive into a Windows Imaging Format (WIM) file. This captured WIM file becomes the reference image that will be deployed to all other computers in the enterprise, ensuring a standardized and clean starting point for every machine.

Creating and Managing Task Sequences

The task sequence is the heart of the Operating System Deployment process in Configuration Manager. It is a powerful engine that allows an administrator to define a series of steps that are executed sequentially on a client computer. The 70-696 Exam required a deep knowledge of the task sequence editor and its various step types. A typical deployment task sequence includes steps to partition and format the disk, apply the operating system image, install device drivers, join the computer to the domain, install the Configuration Manager client, and deploy applications. Candidates needed to know how to create, edit, and deploy these task sequences to collections. Understanding how to use task sequence variables to customize the deployment process for different hardware models or locations was an advanced skill expected of administrators preparing for the exam.

Advanced Driver Management Strategies

Managing device drivers is one of the most challenging aspects of OSD. A single operating system image needs to be deployed to a variety of hardware models, each with its own unique set of drivers. The 70-696 Exam tested several strategies for managing drivers within Configuration Manager. This included importing drivers into the driver catalog, organizing them into folders, and grouping them into driver packages. A key skill was knowing how to dynamically apply the correct drivers during a task sequence. This is typically done using a step that queries the hardware model of the target computer (using a WMI query) and then applies the corresponding driver package. This approach ensures that each computer receives only the drivers it needs, keeping the image clean and avoiding potential driver conflicts.

Integrating MDT with Configuration Manager

While Configuration Manager has powerful OSD capabilities on its own, integrating it with the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) unlocks even more advanced features and flexibility. The 70-696 Exam expected candidates to be aware of the benefits of this integration. MDT provides additional tools, scripts, and a workbench console that can enhance the OSD process. When integrated, MDT adds hundreds of new steps that can be used within a Configuration Manager task sequence, allowing for more dynamic and customized deployments. For example, MDT simplifies the process of creating a build and capture task sequence and provides a more user-friendly wizard for deployments that require user interaction (user-driven installation). Knowing how to perform this integration and create an MDT-integrated task sequence was a valuable skill for any enterprise desktop administrator.

Managing the User State Migration Tool

When replacing an old computer with a new one, migrating the user's data and settings is a critical part of the process. The 70-696 Exam covered the use of the User State Migration Tool (USMT) within an OSD task sequence to facilitate this. USMT is a command-line tool that captures a user's profile, including their documents, application settings, and operating system settings, from a source computer and stores it in a migration store. A State Migration Point site system role can be used to provide this network storage. During the deployment to the new computer, the task sequence restores this data from the migration store, providing the user with a familiar environment on their new machine. Candidates needed to know how to integrate USMT into a refresh (in-place upgrade) or replace (side-by-side migration) deployment scenario.

Deploying Windows To Go

Windows To Go is a feature that allows a full, managed Windows corporate environment to be booted and run from a USB drive. This enables scenarios like allowing contractors to use their own computers while still working within the secure corporate environment. The 70-696 Exam included objectives on how to provision and manage Windows To Go drives using Configuration Manager. This involved creating a special Windows To Go task sequence and pre-provisioning the necessary boot and operating system images on a distribution point. The exam tested knowledge of the steps required to create a Windows To Go creator, which is a tool that allows an end user to provision their own certified USB drive. It also covered the policies and settings that can be applied specifically to Windows To Go workspaces to control their behavior and security.

The Application Model Explained

A significant evolution in Configuration Manager, and a major topic in the 70-696 Exam, was the introduction of the modern application model. This model is a more intelligent and user-centric way of delivering software compared to the older, machine-centric "package" model. An application in this context is a high-level object that represents a piece of software. It contains one or more "deployment types," which are the actual files and instructions needed to install the software. For example, a single application object for Adobe Reader could have a deployment type for the Windows Installer (MSI) version and another for the App-V virtualized version. The application model allows the system to intelligently decide which deployment type is appropriate for a given device based on a set of rules, a concept central to the 70-696 Exam.

Creating and Deploying Applications

The practical process of creating and deploying software using the application model was a core skill tested on the 70-696 Exam. Candidates were expected to be proficient with the "Create Application Wizard." This involved specifying the application's metadata (name, publisher, version) and creating one or more deployment types. For a standard MSI-based installation, the wizard can automatically read the MSI file to populate the installation and uninstallation command lines and the detection method. The detection method is a crucial component; it's a rule that the client uses to determine if the application is already installed, preventing unnecessary reinstallations. Once the application object is created, it can be deployed to a user or device collection, making the software available for installation via the Software Center or pushing it for a mandatory install.

Managing Deployment Types and Requirements

The real power of the application model lies in its use of multiple deployment types and requirement rules, a concept thoroughly examined in the 70-696 Exam. Requirement rules allow an administrator to specify conditions that a device must meet before a particular deployment type can be installed. For example, you could create a rule that a specific deployment type only runs on a 64-bit version of Windows 10 with at least 8 GB of RAM. This enables complex deployment scenarios. An administrator could create a single application with two deployment types: one for a 32-bit OS and another for a 64-bit OS. By setting the appropriate requirement rules on each deployment type, the client will automatically download and run the correct installer for its architecture, simplifying the administrator's job.

Deploying Software to Users vs. Devices

A key distinction tested in the 70-696 Exam was the difference between deploying an application to a user collection versus a device collection. When an application is deployed to a device collection, it is installed on the machine itself, regardless of who logs in. This is suitable for core software that everyone using the machine needs. In contrast, deploying to a user collection makes the software available to that user on any device they use as their "primary device." Configuration Manager uses a feature called User Device Affinity (UDA) to map users to their primary machines. This user-centric approach ensures that users have access to their necessary applications wherever they work, a cornerstone of modern endpoint management. The exam required understanding how to configure UDA and manage user-based deployments effectively.

Introduction to Software Update Management

Keeping systems patched against security vulnerabilities is one of the most critical functions of an endpoint administrator. The 70-696 Exam dedicated a significant portion of its objectives to the Software Update Management feature in Configuration Manager. This feature integrates with Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) to provide a robust platform for managing the deployment of Microsoft software updates. It allows administrators to gain visibility into the compliance state of their entire fleet of computers, identifying which machines are missing critical patches. It also provides granular control over the deployment process, allowing for testing updates on a pilot group of computers before rolling them out to the entire organization. A deep understanding of the entire workflow, from synchronization to deployment and reporting, was essential for the exam.

Configuring the Software Update Point (SUP)

The first step in implementing software update management is to configure the Software Update Point (SUP) site system role, a foundational task covered in the 70-696 Exam. The SUP role requires an existing WSUS server to be present. During the configuration, the administrator specifies how the SUP synchronizes its update catalog. This can be directly from Microsoft Update in the cloud or from an upstream WSUS server. The wizard also allows for the selection of which update classifications (e.g., Critical Updates, Security Updates), products (e.g., Windows 10, Office 2016), and languages to synchronize. Configuring these settings correctly is vital for ensuring that only the necessary updates are downloaded into the SCCM database, which helps to minimize storage and processing overhead. The exam would test a candidate's knowledge of these initial setup and synchronization settings.

Creating Software Update Groups (SUGs)

Once the update catalog is synchronized, the next step is to organize the updates for deployment. This is done by creating Software Update Groups (SUGs), a key operational task for the 70-696 Exam. A SUG is simply a collection of one or more software updates. An administrator might manually search for all the security updates released in a given month (a process often called "Patch Tuesday") and add them to a new SUG. This group can then be deployed as a single unit to a client collection. This approach provides a controlled, manual method for patch management. Candidates needed to know how to search and filter the update catalog, create SUGs, and manage their content over time. They also needed to know how to download the actual update content files into a deployment package, which would then be distributed to distribution points.

Automating Patching with ADRs

While manual creation of SUGs is effective, it can be time-consuming. For greater efficiency, the 70-696 Exam required a thorough understanding of Automatic Deployment Rules (ADRs). ADRs provide a powerful way to automate the entire monthly patching process. An administrator can create a rule that runs on a schedule (e.g., on the evening of Patch Tuesday). The rule can be configured to automatically search for updates based on specific criteria, such as "Product: Windows 10" and "Update Classification: Critical Updates" and "Date Released: Last 1 month." The ADR will then automatically create a new Software Update Group, add the found updates to it, download the content to a deployment package, and deploy it to a specified collection. Mastering ADRs is key to implementing a scalable and efficient patch management strategy.

Managing Endpoint Protection Deployments

Beyond software updates, the 70-696 Exam also covered the deployment and management of the System Center Endpoint Protection (SCEP) client. SCEP is Configuration Manager's built-in antimalware solution. The exam tested a candidate's ability to create and deploy antimalware policies. These policies control all aspects of the SCEP client's behavior, including scan schedules, default actions for detected malware, and which locations to include or exclude from scans. Candidates also needed to know how to configure policies for updating the antimalware definitions, which is critical for protecting against the latest threats. Deploying the SCEP client itself was often done using client settings, ensuring that all managed devices in a collection automatically received the protection agent.

Monitoring Deployment Status

Deploying an application or a software update is only half the battle. The other half is monitoring the deployment to ensure it was successful. The 70-696 Exam required candidates to be proficient in using the monitoring workspace within the Configuration Manager console. For every deployment, SCCM provides detailed status information, showing how many clients are in progress, how many have successfully installed the software, and how many have encountered errors. Administrators can drill down into these numbers to see the status for individual devices and view specific error codes if an installation failed. This real-time feedback is crucial for troubleshooting deployment issues and for generating compliance reports to prove to management or auditors that all systems are up-to-date and secure.

Managing System Center Endpoint Protection

A crucial security role for an administrator, and a key topic on the 70-696 Exam, is the management of malware threats. System Center Endpoint Protection (SCEP) integrates directly into Configuration Manager, allowing for a single point of administration for antimalware policies and reporting. Candidates were expected to understand the entire lifecycle of SCEP management. This begins with deploying the SCEP client agent to workstations and servers, which is typically controlled through client settings. Once deployed, the console is used to monitor the protection status of the entire environment, quickly identifying machines that are at risk, have outdated definitions, or have recently detected malware. The exam focused on the practical tasks of using the console to manage and respond to these security events, ensuring the enterprise remains protected.

Creating Antimalware Policies

The behavior of the SCEP client on endpoints is controlled entirely by antimalware policies created in the Configuration Manager console. A deep understanding of these policy settings was necessary for the 70-696 Exam. These policies are highly granular, allowing administrators to configure scheduled scan times (quick or full), specify default actions to take when malware is detected (quarantine, remove, or allow), and define real-time protection settings. Policies also control which files, folders, or processes are excluded from scans, which is important for preventing performance issues with certain server applications. An administrator can create multiple policies and deploy them to different collections, allowing for customized protection levels for different groups of computers, such as more aggressive scanning for high-risk workstations versus more lenient settings for critical servers.

Defining Compliance with Configuration Items

Beyond antimalware, the 70-696 Exam tested the broader concept of configuration management using Compliance Settings. This feature allows an administrator to define what a "correctly configured" device looks like and then report on which devices drift from that standard. The building blocks of this feature are Configuration Items (CIs). A CI is a specific setting that needs to be checked, such as a registry key value, a file version, or whether a specific Windows feature is enabled. For example, a CI could be created to verify that the local administrator account has been renamed or that a critical service is set to start automatically. Candidates needed to know how to create CIs for various data types and define the rules that determine whether a device is compliant with that specific setting.

Deploying and Remediating with Configuration Baselines

Individual Configuration Items are grouped together into a Configuration Baseline for deployment. This was a central concept in the compliance section of the 70-696 Exam. A baseline might contain multiple CIs that together define the security standard for a web server or a user workstation. This baseline is then deployed to a device collection. When the clients evaluate the baseline, they report their compliance status back to the site server. A key feature tested was remediation. When creating a rule within a CI, an administrator can optionally configure it to automatically remediate non-compliant settings. For example, if a registry key is found to have the wrong value, the client can be instructed to automatically correct it. This powerful feature allows for automated enforcement of corporate configuration standards.

Configuring Remote Control

Providing remote support to end-users is a daily task for many desktop administrators. The 70-696 Exam required knowledge of how to configure and use the built-in Remote Control feature of Configuration Manager. This is managed through client settings, where an administrator can enable or disable the feature, configure which administrative users are permitted to initiate remote sessions, and define the user experience on the client side. For example, settings can be configured to prompt the user for permission before starting a session, display a notification icon during the session, and control the level of access the viewer has (view only versus full control). Properly configuring these settings is important for balancing the need for effective remote support with security and user privacy concerns.

Implementing Power Management Policies

Reducing energy consumption is an important goal for many organizations, and the 70-696 Exam included objectives on the power management capabilities within Configuration Manager. This feature allows administrators to apply power plans to collections of computers, ensuring that machines are put into a low-power sleep or hibernate state when not in use. Candidates needed to know how to configure power management settings within client settings and how to create and deploy specific power plans. For example, a more aggressive power plan could be applied during non-business hours, while a less intrusive one could be used during the workday. The exam also covered the various reports that can be used to monitor power consumption and calculate potential cost savings, helping to justify the implementation of power-saving policies to management.

Leveraging Built-in Reporting

Configuration Manager collects a vast amount of data about the environment, and being able to extract meaningful information from this data is a critical skill. The 70-696 Exam emphasized the importance of reporting. The system comes with hundreds of built-in reports covering every aspect of its functionality, from hardware inventory and software update compliance to application deployment status and Endpoint Protection activity. These reports are accessed through a web interface provided by the Reporting Services Point site system role, which integrates with SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS). Candidates were expected to be familiar with the different categories of reports, know how to run them, and understand how to use report parameters to filter the data to get the specific information they need.

Creating Custom Reports with Report Builder

While the built-in reports are extensive, there are often specific business requirements that necessitate the creation of custom reports. The 70-696 Exam touched upon the skills needed to create or modify reports. The primary tool for this is Microsoft SQL Server Report Builder, which can be launched directly from the Configuration Manager console. Although the exam did not require deep expertise in SQL query writing, it did expect a candidate to understand the basic process of creating a custom report. This involves duplicating an existing report to use as a template, opening it in Report Builder, modifying the underlying SQL query to pull different or additional data, and adjusting the report layout to present the information clearly. This skill allows an administrator to meet unique reporting needs that are not covered by the standard reports.

Managing Client Health

Ensuring that the Configuration Manager client agent is installed and functioning correctly on all devices is essential for accurate inventory and successful deployments. The 70-696 Exam covered the Client Health feature, which is a set of mechanisms designed to automatically monitor and remediate common problems with the client agent. Candidates needed to understand how the client health evaluation task runs on a schedule and checks for issues, such as a required service not running or a problem with WMI on the client. The system can automatically attempt to fix these problems. The console provides a client health dashboard that gives administrators a high-level view of the health of their clients, allowing them to quickly identify machines that are failing to communicate and require manual intervention.

Using the In-Console Monitoring Workspace

Beyond formal reports, the Monitoring workspace in the Configuration Manager console is the primary hub for observing the real-time status of the environment. The 70-696 Exam required candidates to be experts at navigating and interpreting the information presented here. This workspace provides nodes for monitoring the status of deployments (applications, software updates, baselines), the status of site system components, and the overall health of the site. It includes a powerful alerting system that can be configured to notify an administrator when a specific condition occurs, such as a site system going offline or a malware outbreak being detected. Proficiency in using this workspace is crucial for proactive management and rapid troubleshooting of issues within the Configuration Manager infrastructure.

Setting up the Intune Subscription and Connector

The foundation of hybrid mobile device management, and a critical starting point for this section of the 70-696 Exam, is establishing the connection between on-premises Configuration Manager and the cloud-based Microsoft Intune service. This process begins with creating an Intune subscription. Once the subscription is active, the administrator must configure Configuration Manager as the MDM authority, which tells the service that management tasks will originate from the on-premises console. The final step is to add the Microsoft Intune Connector site system role to the Configuration Manager site. This connector acts as a gateway, forwarding policies and commands from SCCM to the Intune service and relaying status and inventory data from Intune back to the SCCM database. A proper setup of this connection is essential for all other hybrid MDM functions.

Enrolling Windows 10 Devices into MDM

The 70-696 Exam covered the various methods for enrolling devices into management. For modern Windows 10 devices, both corporate-owned and personally owned, Intune provides streamlined enrollment processes. Corporate-owned devices can be automatically enrolled into MDM as part of the Azure AD join process. For personally owned devices (BYOD), users can enroll their devices by going into the Windows Settings and adding a work or school account. Candidates needed to understand the prerequisites for Windows 10 enrollment, such as configuring CNAME records in public DNS to simplify the enrollment experience for users. Once a Windows 10 device is enrolled, it can be managed through the cloud, receiving policies and applications regardless of whether it is connected to the corporate network or the internet.

Managing iOS and Android Device Enrollment

A key benefit of the hybrid model tested in the 70-696 Exam is the ability to manage a diverse range of mobile platforms. For iOS devices, enrollment requires an Apple Push Notification service (APNs) certificate. This certificate is obtained from Apple and uploaded to the Intune portal, and it allows the Intune service to securely communicate with Apple devices. For Android devices, the setup is simpler, typically just requiring the configuration of the Intune service itself. Once the back-end infrastructure is prepared, users on both platforms can enroll their devices by installing the Intune Company Portal app from the public app store. This app guides them through the enrollment process and serves as a portal for them to access corporate applications and resources.

Creating and Deploying Mobile Device Policies

Once mobile devices are enrolled, the next step is to secure them by deploying configuration policies. This was a major objective of the 70-696 Exam. These policies are created within the Configuration Manager console and are specific to each mobile platform (iOS, Android, Windows). An administrator can create policies to enforce a device PIN or password, mandate device-level encryption, and control access to hardware features like the camera or Bluetooth. Other policies can configure corporate Wi-Fi profiles, VPN connections, and email accounts, automating the setup of these resources for the user. These policies are deployed to user collections, ensuring that a user's security posture remains consistent across all the mobile devices they enroll.

Managing Mobile Application Deployment

Beyond security policies, the 70-696 Exam required knowledge of how to deploy applications to managed mobile devices. The process differs from traditional PC software deployment. For public apps, an administrator can create a link to the application in the public app store (Apple App Store or Google Play). This link is then deployed to users, who can tap it in the Company Portal to be taken directly to the store to install the app. For custom-written line-of-business (LOB) apps, the administrator can upload the application package (e.g., an IPA file for iOS or an APK for Android) directly into Configuration Manager. The app can then be deployed and installed on company devices, a process known as "sideloading."

Conditional Access and Compliance Policies

A powerful security feature tested in the 70-696 Exam is Conditional Access. This feature integrates with Azure Active Directory to allow or block access to corporate resources, such as Exchange Online or SharePoint Online, based on the compliance state of the device. An administrator first defines a compliance policy in Configuration Manager. This policy might state that to be considered compliant, a device must be running a minimum OS version, must not be jailbroken or rooted, and must have a password enabled. When a user tries to access a protected resource, their device's compliance state is checked. If the device is not compliant, access is blocked until the user remediates the issue, providing a dynamic and powerful way to protect corporate data.

Performing Remote Actions like Wipe and Retire

When a mobile device is lost, stolen, or when an employee leaves the company, an administrator needs to be able to remotely remove corporate data from it. The 70-696 Exam covered the remote device management tasks available through the Configuration Manager console. There are two main actions. A "Retire" action performs a selective wipe, removing all company-managed data, apps, and policies, but leaving the user's personal data intact. This is the typical action for a BYOD device when an employee leaves. A "Wipe" action, on the other hand, performs a full factory reset of the device, erasing all data, both corporate and personal. This is a more drastic measure typically reserved for lost or stolen corporate-owned devices.

Final Preparation and Exam Strategies

As with any certification, the final phase of preparation for the 70-696 Exam is crucial. This is the time to review the official Microsoft exam objectives one last time, ensuring that you have a solid understanding of every topic listed. Taking high-quality practice exams is one of the best ways to prepare. This not only tests your knowledge but also gets you comfortable with the question formats and the pressure of the timed environment. For any areas where you consistently score low on practice tests, go back to your lab environment and practice those specific tasks until they become second nature. On exam day, manage your time wisely, read each question carefully, and use the process of elimination to improve your odds on questions you are unsure about.

The Evolution Beyond the 70-696 Exam

While the 70-696 Exam has been retired, the skills it validated are more relevant today than ever before. The industry has largely moved from the hybrid SCCM and Intune model to a cloud-native approach using Microsoft Endpoint Manager, which is the modern evolution of these two products. However, the fundamental concepts of device enrollment, policy creation, application deployment, and compliance management remain the same. The knowledge gained from studying for the 70-696 Exam provided a strong foundation for any administrator transitioning to these modern, cloud-based management platforms. It taught the core principles of unified endpoint management that are essential for managing the complex and diverse device ecosystems found in today's enterprises.

Key Takeaways for Modern Administrators

The enduring lesson from the 70-696 Exam is the importance of a unified and flexible approach to device management. The exam was designed around the reality that enterprises no longer manage just on-premises Windows PCs. They manage a mix of desktops, laptops, and mobile devices running different platforms, located both inside and outside the corporate network. The principles of using a single toolset to apply consistent policies, deploy necessary applications, and ensure security and compliance across this entire fleet are central to the role of a modern endpoint administrator. The specific technologies may evolve, but the strategic goals covered in this exam remain a constant focus for IT departments worldwide.

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