Clarification on MS-102 retirement and earning Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert

Mohamed ElShebiny 20 Reputation points
2026-11-08T08:39:45.4+00:00

Hello Microsoft Credentials Support Team,

I have a specific question regarding the upcoming retirement of Exam MS-102 and the Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert certification on November 30, 2026.

If I take and pass Exam MS-102 before November 30, 2026, but complete the prerequisite Associate exam (such as MD-102 or SC-300) AFTER November 30, 2026:

  1. Will my passed MS-102 exam automatically fulfill the MS-102 requirement for the Expert certification once I complete the prerequisite exam later?
  2. Will the system still trigger and award the Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert credential after November 30, 2026, provided MS-102 was passed prior to its retirement?

I would appreciate a clear clarification on whether completing the prerequisite after the MS-102 retirement date will still issue the Expert certification.

Thank you!

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Answer accepted by question author
Julian Sharp 47,876 Reputation points
2026-11-08T09:02:31.01+00:00

The answer questions to both is No

All requirements must be met before the certification is retired

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  1. AI answer

    2026-11-08T08:40:34.91+00:00

    No—the prerequisite Associate certification and MS-102 must both be completed before the Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert certification retires on November 30, 2026.

    Microsoft states that the certification and its related exam retire on that date and that the certification can no longer be earned or renewed afterward.^1^ Its general retirement policy likewise says candidates cannot earn the associated certification after the retirement date.^2^

    How this applies

    • MS-102 passed before November 30, 2026, but prerequisite earned afterward:
      The Expert credential will not be awarded. The earlier MS-102 result does not reserve or preserve eligibility after the certification retires.
    • MS-102 and an eligible prerequisite certification completed before retirement:
      The requirements are satisfied, and the Administrator Expert credential should be issued through the Microsoft Learn profile.
    • Administrator Expert already earned before retirement:
      It remains on the Microsoft Learn transcript. Retirement prevents earning or renewing it afterward; it does not remove a credential already earned.^2^

    Requirements to complete before retirement

    The current certification page lists these eligible Associate certifications:

    • Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate
    • Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Administrator Associate
    • Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate
    • Microsoft Certified: Information Security Administrator Associate

    At least one must be earned in addition to passing MS-102.^1^

    MS-102 itself retires at 11:59 PM Central Standard Time on November 30, 2026.^3^ To avoid a timing or processing issue, complete the prerequisite certification well before that date rather than scheduling its final exam on the deadline.

    References

    1. Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert - Certifications
    2. Exam and assessment lab retirement | Microsoft Learn
    3. Exam MS-102: Microsoft 365 Administrator - Certifications
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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