Becoming an Expert SharePoint Administrator: The Certification Journey – Testkings

Microsoft SharePoint is one of the most widely used platforms for business collaboration, document management, and content sharing. With over 200,000 organizations and 190 million users worldwide, SharePoint is essential for many companies looking to streamline communication, collaboration, and data storage within the enterprise. As businesses increasingly adopt cloud solutions to facilitate digital transformation, the demand for skilled SharePoint administrators has risen dramatically. SharePoint administrators play a critical role in ensuring the platform operates efficiently and securely within organizations, making them indispensable in managing SharePoint sites, services, and applications.

SharePoint offers extensive flexibility, allowing companies to customize the platform according to their unique requirements. From creating team sites to managing large document libraries, SharePoint is highly scalable and customizable. However, to leverage its full potential, an organization needs a trained and certified SharePoint administrator. A SharePoint administrator is responsible for configuring, deploying, and maintaining SharePoint infrastructure. They also manage users, permissions, site collection configurations, and data protection protocols. Given the complexity of SharePoint’s capabilities, administrators are essential in optimizing its performance and ensuring the security of sensitive business data.

A SharePoint administrator’s duties extend beyond technical management. They are also responsible for providing user training, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring that SharePoint aligns with the business’s overall IT strategy. For large enterprises that rely on SharePoint for mission-critical tasks, this role becomes even more vital, as the performance and security of SharePoint directly impact productivity and organizational communication.

Understanding the role of a SharePoint administrator involves knowing the various responsibilities associated with managing SharePoint. These responsibilities typically include installing and configuring SharePoint servers, administering content databases, setting up backup and restore operations, and managing users and permissions. Administrators also work to ensure that SharePoint is functioning properly with other Microsoft applications like Microsoft Teams, Office 365, and Exchange. Furthermore, administrators often need to work closely with other IT departments, such as network security and server management teams, to ensure the overall security and integrity of the platform.

In addition to handling day-to-day administrative tasks, SharePoint administrators are tasked with monitoring and troubleshooting the platform to ensure that it is always available and performing at optimal levels. This requires proficiency in understanding the underlying infrastructure, including how SharePoint interacts with other systems, such as SQL Server, and how it scales to meet growing demands. As businesses increasingly rely on cloud-based services, SharePoint administrators must also be skilled in managing SharePoint Online and understanding how the cloud-based version differs from on-premises deployments.

The role of a SharePoint administrator requires continuous learning, as SharePoint evolves over time with new features and updates. For those looking to specialize in SharePoint, certification plays an important role in proving expertise and gaining recognition in the field. This certification not only boosts an administrator’s skills but also makes them a more competitive candidate in a growing job market that increasingly values SharePoint skills. In the next section, we will delve deeper into what certifications are available for SharePoint administrators, why certifications are valuable, and how you can get started on the certification path.

The Importance of Certification for SharePoint Administrators

In today’s competitive IT landscape, certifications serve as a valuable credential for professionals looking to demonstrate their skills and expertise in a particular area. For SharePoint administrators, obtaining certification is a critical step in advancing their careers and standing out in the job market. Certification not only validates a SharePoint administrator’s ability to configure, manage, and optimize SharePoint environments but also ensures that they are up to date with the latest technologies and best practices within the Microsoft ecosystem.

While there have been some changes in Microsoft’s certification landscape, SharePoint administrators still have access to certification paths that prove their proficiency in managing SharePoint and related technologies. Over the years, Microsoft had several SharePoint-specific certifications such as the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) for Office 365 and SharePoint Server. These certifications were designed to validate the skills required to administer and configure SharePoint Server environments, as well as Office 365 integration with SharePoint Online.

However, Microsoft has recently revamped its certification model to focus on a more integrated and cloud-centric approach. The MCSA certifications have been retired, and individual product-based certifications such as those focused exclusively on SharePoint have also been phased out. Instead, Microsoft has aligned its certifications to reflect the growing importance of Microsoft 365, a unified platform that includes SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, and other Microsoft collaboration tools. This shift aims to equip IT professionals with the ability to work across various interconnected Microsoft technologies.

One of the certifications that include SharePoint expertise is the Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate certification. While not exclusively focused on SharePoint, this certification encompasses skills relevant to managing sensitive information and governance across the Microsoft 365 suite, including SharePoint. The role of an Information Protection Administrator is increasingly important as organizations shift to the cloud and need to manage and protect data across multiple platforms. SharePoint administrators who are also knowledgeable about data protection, retention policies, and governance in Microsoft 365 will be in high demand.

By pursuing certifications such as the Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate, SharePoint administrators can gain recognition not only for their ability to manage SharePoint environments but also for their expertise in securing and governing data across SharePoint Online, OneDrive, Teams, and other critical Microsoft services. The comprehensive nature of this certification ensures that SharePoint administrators are well-versed in cloud-based security and governance, skills that are highly valued in today’s digital-first environment.

The value of certification extends beyond personal growth and recognition. Certified SharePoint administrators are more likely to command higher salaries and secure better job opportunities compared to their non-certified counterparts. According to various industry reports, SharePoint administrators with certifications tend to earn higher wages, with salaries for experienced professionals often surpassing $100,000 per year, and those advancing into roles like SharePoint Architect or SharePoint Developer can earn even more. This makes certification a solid investment for professionals looking to advance in the field.

Certification also enhances a SharePoint administrator’s credibility within their organization. As businesses continue to rely on SharePoint for collaboration, document management, and communication, having a certified administrator ensures that the platform is being used efficiently and securely. It also demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and improvement, which is crucial in the fast-evolving field of IT.

In addition to job opportunities and salary benefits, certifications help SharePoint administrators stay current with the latest features and best practices. SharePoint, like other Microsoft technologies, is continually updated and refined, especially in the cloud version, SharePoint Online. New features, security protocols, and integrations are frequently added, and staying certified ensures that administrators are equipped to handle these updates effectively. By understanding the newest tools and strategies for optimizing SharePoint, certified professionals can maximize their organization’s use of the platform, improving productivity and collaboration.

While becoming certified as a SharePoint administrator requires time, effort, and financial investment, the rewards are substantial. In the next section, we will discuss the specific certification available for SharePoint administrators and the steps involved in obtaining it, including exam topics, preparation resources, and key learning paths.

Preparing for the Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate Exam

The Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate certification is a valuable credential for SharePoint administrators who wish to demonstrate their proficiency in managing sensitive data and ensuring compliance across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Although this certification is not SharePoint-exclusive, it includes significant coverage of SharePoint-related topics, particularly concerning security, data protection, and governance. For SharePoint administrators looking to enhance their career and secure their organization’s data, this certification serves as an ideal path.

The SC-400 exam is required to earn the Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate certification. This exam tests candidates on their ability to manage information protection, implement data loss prevention (DLP) policies, and ensure information governance across Microsoft 365 services, including SharePoint Online, OneDrive, Teams, and more. SharePoint administrators who pass the SC-400 exam prove they have the skills to safeguard sensitive business information and enforce proper data governance protocols.

Exam Overview and Topic Areas

The SC-400 exam is divided into three major topic areas:

Implement Information Protection (35–40%)
Implement Data Loss Prevention (30–35%)
Implement Information Governance (25–30%)

Let’s break down each of these topic areas to help you understand what you need to focus on when preparing for the exam, especially in relation to SharePoint administration.

1. Implement Information Protection (35–40%)

The first section of the exam focuses on implementing information protection strategies across Microsoft 365, including SharePoint Online. Administrators will need to demonstrate their ability to classify, label, and protect sensitive information using tools like Microsoft Purview, which integrates with SharePoint. Below are some of the key areas covered in this section:

Create and Manage Sensitive Information Types: Administrators must be able to define and manage sensitive information types such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, or company-specific confidential data within SharePoint. You’ll need to create, configure, and apply these information types across documents and sites.
Implement Sensitivity Labels: One of the most important aspects of SharePoint administration is the ability to apply sensitivity labels to content. Sensitivity labels can define access controls, encryption policies, and retention rules for SharePoint files and sites. Understanding how to configure and apply sensitivity labels is crucial for securing data in SharePoint.
Configure Auto-labeling Policies: SharePoint administrators will be responsible for creating policies that automatically apply sensitivity labels to content based on pre-defined rules. This is especially important in SharePoint environments where vast amounts of data are handled, and automated classification ensures consistent security practices.
Trainable Classifiers: These classifiers are machine learning models that automatically identify and classify content based on patterns. Understanding how to implement and configure these classifiers is important for optimizing information protection processes in SharePoint and Microsoft 365.

2. Implement Data Loss Prevention (DLP) (30–35%)

The second section of the exam revolves around protecting sensitive data by preventing unauthorized access or sharing. DLP policies are essential for safeguarding SharePoint sites and documents. Here are the main topics under this section:

Create and Configure DLP Policies: You must be able to create DLP policies in Microsoft 365 to prevent users from sharing sensitive data inappropriately. In the context of SharePoint, this means configuring policies to monitor and block the sharing of files that contain sensitive information. DLP policies can be applied to SharePoint libraries and document sets to ensure that sensitive information is not leaked or shared externally.
Monitor DLP Policies: As a SharePoint administrator, you’ll need to continuously monitor the effectiveness of DLP policies. Understanding how to analyze DLP policy reports and logs is vital for responding to potential violations and improving the overall security posture of SharePoint environments.
Endpoint DLP: In addition to SharePoint, endpoint DLP is an essential skill for administrators who are tasked with managing devices that access SharePoint. You’ll need to configure endpoint DLP settings to ensure that data accessed from SharePoint sites on user devices (like laptops and mobile devices) is secure.
Remediate DLP Violations: Knowing how to respond to DLP violations and mitigate risks is a core responsibility for SharePoint administrators. This involves investigating incidents where sensitive data might have been exposed or shared inappropriately, taking corrective actions, and ensuring that proper reporting procedures are followed.

3. Implement Information Governance (25–30%)

The final section focuses on managing data retention and governance within Microsoft 365, with an emphasis on SharePoint. Information governance ensures that content is properly retained, deleted, or archived according to compliance requirements. Key topics in this section include:

Retention Labels and Policies: You will need to understand how to create retention labels in SharePoint to manage the lifecycle of documents and other content. These labels define how long content should be retained and when it should be deleted or archived.
Data Retention in SharePoint: Configuring retention policies within SharePoint sites, libraries, and document sets is critical to ensuring compliance. SharePoint administrators will need to be familiar with how to apply retention labels to SharePoint content and configure automatic retention rules for documents.
Preservation Locks: In scenarios where content needs to be retained for legal or compliance purposes, preservation locks ensure that content cannot be modified or deleted. SharePoint administrators must understand how to configure and manage preservation locks to maintain the integrity of sensitive data.
Records Management: SharePoint administrators need to be familiar with Microsoft 365’s records management capabilities, which allow businesses to classify and retain records in compliance with industry regulations. This includes configuring retention tags for SharePoint Online documents and ensuring that records are preserved in accordance with business and legal requirements.
Audit and Compliance Reporting: As part of information governance, administrators must also be adept at managing audit logs and compliance reports. This involves tracking actions taken on SharePoint content and responding to compliance audit requests. Monitoring and responding to these reports is critical for maintaining an organization’s security posture.

Exam Preparation

To prepare for the SC-400 exam, it’s important to combine hands-on practice with structured learning. Microsoft provides a variety of resources to help candidates get ready for the exam, including:

Instructor-led Training: Microsoft offers instructor-led courses that cover the topics in the SC-400 exam in detail. These courses often include labs and real-world scenarios to help you understand how to implement the concepts in a practical setting.
Self-paced Learning Paths: Microsoft Learn offers a variety of self-paced learning modules that cover the key areas of the SC-400 exam. These modules are free and allow you to learn at your own pace. The modules include quizzes, hands-on labs, and in-depth explanations of the exam topics.
Practice Tests: Microsoft also provides practice exams that simulate the actual SC-400 exam. These practice tests help you gauge your knowledge and identify areas that need further study.
Documentation and Resources: Microsoft’s extensive documentation for Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and related technologies is an invaluable resource. The official documentation provides step-by-step instructions and examples of how to configure and manage information protection, DLP, and governance in SharePoint.

It is highly recommended that you set aside time for hands-on practice. By configuring DLP policies, applying retention labels, and experimenting with SharePoint’s governance features in a test environment, you’ll gain the practical experience needed to tackle real-world challenges.

Exam Tips

When preparing for the Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate exam, particularly as it pertains to SharePoint administrators, focusing on key technologies, retention and security features, and troubleshooting practices is essential. These three areas form the foundation of the exam, and mastering them will ensure not only passing the exam but also gaining the knowledge needed to perform effectively in a SharePoint administrator role.

Focus on Key Technologies

The Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate exam covers a wide range of services under the Microsoft 365 umbrella. However, SharePoint administrators should concentrate on key technologies like SharePoint Online, Microsoft Purview, OneDrive, and Teams. These technologies are integral to the functionality and security of SharePoint environments, and understanding how they work together is essential for a SharePoint administrator.

SharePoint Online is the cloud-based version of SharePoint and is the focus for most organizations that have moved to the cloud. Understanding how SharePoint Online integrates with other Microsoft 365 services like Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and Microsoft Purview will help you better manage collaboration and data storage across the organization. For example, knowing how documents stored in SharePoint interact with OneDrive, how Teams channels are linked to SharePoint sites, and how compliance and data governance policies in Microsoft Purview apply across these platforms is crucial.

Microsoft Purview (formerly known as Microsoft 365 Compliance) is a platform that helps you manage data governance and compliance across the Microsoft 365 services, including SharePoint. Familiarize yourself with how Microsoft Purview provides features like data classification, retention policies, sensitivity labels, and auditing tools. It’s important for SharePoint administrators to be proficient in using Microsoft Purview to ensure that data across SharePoint Online, Teams, OneDrive, and other services is properly governed.

OneDrive is closely related to SharePoint, especially in terms of file storage and sharing. Understanding how OneDrive works with SharePoint to store and share documents, and how settings in OneDrive can complement SharePoint’s security and compliance measures, is important. For example, OneDrive’s syncing capabilities can lead to data protection challenges, and administrators need to know how to apply security policies across both OneDrive and SharePoint to ensure consistency in data governance.

Teams is another key technology that interacts with SharePoint in the Microsoft 365 environment. Teams leverages SharePoint for file storage within channels. As a SharePoint administrator, it’s essential to know how to manage files in Teams, how to configure SharePoint for Teams sites, and how to ensure that the data governance and security measures applied to SharePoint are extended to Teams. Integration between Teams and SharePoint is seamless, but administrators need to monitor and manage security settings, access permissions, and retention policies across both platforms.

By focusing on how these technologies work together, you’ll not only be prepared for the exam but also equipped to manage a more integrated and secure Microsoft 365 environment.

Understand Retention and Security Features

One of the core responsibilities of a SharePoint administrator is to ensure that the data stored within SharePoint is secure, compliant, and properly managed throughout its lifecycle. This means understanding how to implement retention labels, sensitivity labels, and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies—key components of data governance in SharePoint.

Retention Labels are used to define how long content within SharePoint should be kept and when it should be deleted or archived. For example, sensitive business documents or legal contracts may need to be retained for a certain period for compliance reasons. As a SharePoint administrator, you will need to know how to create and apply retention labels across SharePoint sites, libraries, and individual documents. Understanding how to configure retention policies ensures that organizations comply with legal and regulatory requirements, and prevents unnecessary data accumulation that could lead to security risks.

Sensitivity Labels are another vital component of SharePoint data security. Sensitivity labels help protect information by defining access controls, encryption policies, and handling instructions for specific documents. SharePoint administrators must understand how to configure and apply these labels to content across SharePoint Online, ensuring that sensitive data is only accessible to authorized individuals. Additionally, administrators should know how to configure auto-labeling policies, which automatically apply sensitivity labels based on predefined rules (such as the presence of sensitive information like credit card numbers or personal identification numbers).

DLP Policies help prevent the unintentional sharing or exposure of sensitive data. As a SharePoint administrator, you will need to create and configure DLP policies that monitor content within SharePoint and prevent actions like external sharing of files that contain sensitive information. You’ll also need to know how to monitor and report on DLP policy violations, ensuring that corrective actions can be taken when necessary. The ability to configure DLP policies is especially important as SharePoint environments typically store large volumes of sensitive data, and unintentional breaches could lead to severe reputational and financial consequences for an organization.

Familiarity with these retention and security features is crucial for SharePoint administrators, as it allows them to effectively manage and safeguard the organization’s data. Without proper retention, sensitivity, and DLP policies, sensitive data may be exposed or mishandled, leading to security breaches or non-compliance with industry regulations.

Practice Troubleshooting

Another critical aspect of preparing for the Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate exam is practicing troubleshooting scenarios. A significant portion of the exam assesses your ability to identify, analyze, and resolve data protection issues in Microsoft 365, including SharePoint. In the real world, SharePoint administrators are often called upon to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to data security, retention policies, and compliance.

Practice Troubleshooting Data Protection Issues: A SharePoint administrator’s ability to diagnose and remediate data protection issues is key to maintaining a secure and compliant environment. This involves troubleshooting problems related to DLP policy violations, incorrectly applied retention labels, or sensitivity labels that aren’t working as intended. For example, if a SharePoint document isn’t being automatically encrypted according to a sensitivity label, the administrator must troubleshoot why the label wasn’t applied correctly and fix the configuration.

Another common troubleshooting task is managing the integration between SharePoint and other Microsoft 365 services. For example, SharePoint administrators need to troubleshoot data synchronization issues between SharePoint and OneDrive or ensure that Teams integration with SharePoint is functioning correctly. Understanding how to analyze and fix integration issues will help ensure smooth operations across the platforms.

Scenario-based Practice: Engaging in practice scenarios will give you a clearer understanding of the types of challenges you might face as a SharePoint administrator. Simulated scenarios may involve investigating DLP policy violations, applying sensitivity labels to unclassified documents, or resolving issues where retention policies aren’t being enforced correctly. These scenarios will not only help you pass the exam but also prepare you to handle real-world administrative tasks with confidence.

The more you practice troubleshooting these issues, the more comfortable you will be when managing SharePoint environments. This hands-on experience will help you build your problem-solving skills, which are essential for performing effectively in the role of a SharePoint administrator.

To successfully pass the Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate exam and become proficient in SharePoint administration, it is essential to focus on key technologies like SharePoint Online, Microsoft Purview, OneDrive, and Teams. Understanding how these platforms integrate and how to apply governance and security measures across them is crucial for managing data protection in a SharePoint environment.

Moreover, mastering retention and security features, including how to implement retention labels, sensitivity labels, and DLP policies, is key to safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring compliance. Finally, practicing troubleshooting scenarios will help you develop the skills needed to identify, analyze, and resolve issues that arise in real-world SharePoint environments. By focusing on these areas, you will be well-prepared to handle the challenges of SharePoint administration and pass the certification exam with confidence.

The Cost and Value of SharePoint Certifications

Becoming a certified SharePoint administrator is an investment in both time and money, but the rewards can be significant. Certification provides a clear demonstration of expertise and can open doors to higher-paying job opportunities, career advancement, and job security. However, aspiring SharePoint administrators must weigh the costs of certification against the potential benefits before deciding whether the investment is right for them.

The cost of certification varies depending on the specific exam and the region in which it is taken. Typically, Microsoft certification exams cost around $165 USD per attempt. For the Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate certification, which includes the SC-400 exam, the exam cost is the same. If a candidate fails the exam and needs to retake it, they will need to pay the exam fee again. However, Microsoft offers an Exam Replay package, which costs $230 USD and includes the certification exam as well as a retake. Another option is the Exam Replay with Practice Test, which costs $265 USD and includes the exam, retake, and access to one official practice test.

While the costs may seem steep, it is important to consider the long-term value of obtaining certification. SharePoint administrators with certifications can often command higher salaries compared to their non-certified counterparts. According to various industry reports, SharePoint administrators can earn salaries upwards of $100,000 per year, with those advancing to roles such as SharePoint Architect or SharePoint Developer potentially earning up to $150,000. This makes certification a solid investment for professionals looking to advance in the field.

Beyond salary increases, certification provides SharePoint administrators with the recognition they need to stand out in the job market. Employers seek individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in managing SharePoint environments and securing sensitive data. Certifications, especially those related to Microsoft 365 and data protection, are highly respected and indicate a high level of competence and expertise. Furthermore, certified SharePoint administrators often have greater job stability, as their skills are in high demand across industries that rely on Microsoft 365 for collaboration and data management.

SharePoint certifications also provide professional growth opportunities. The process of studying for and passing the certification exams helps professionals deepen their knowledge of SharePoint and its integration with other Microsoft services, including Teams, Power BI, and OneDrive. Certified administrators can stay ahead of technological trends and continuously improve their skill set, ensuring they remain valuable assets to their organizations.

While becoming certified as a SharePoint administrator requires time, effort, and financial investment, the rewards far outweigh the costs. The certification process helps professionals acquire valuable skills, increases their marketability, and opens doors to higher-level positions within the IT industry. It also provides a sense of accomplishment, as earning certification is a clear indicator of a professional’s dedication to mastering their craft.

The decision to pursue SharePoint certification should not be made lightly. The costs and time investment are significant, but the potential rewards make it worthwhile for many IT professionals. For SharePoint administrators looking to prove their expertise, enhance their career prospects, and earn a competitive salary, obtaining certification is a valuable step forward. Ultimately, becoming a certified SharePoint administrator is not just about passing an exam; it’s about investing in your future and positioning yourself as an expert in one of the most widely used collaboration and document management platforms in the world.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a certified SharePoint administrator is a worthwhile endeavor for IT professionals looking to advance their careers, enhance their skills, and become recognized experts in one of the most widely used collaboration platforms globally. As more businesses transition to cloud-based services like Microsoft 365, the demand for skilled SharePoint administrators continues to grow. Certification, while requiring time and financial investment, offers substantial rewards, including improved job prospects, higher salaries, and professional recognition.

For SharePoint administrators, the Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate certification provides a comprehensive and up-to-date path to demonstrate expertise not only in SharePoint management but also in securing and governing data across the entire Microsoft 365 ecosystem. This certification validates critical skills in data protection, retention, and compliance, making it particularly valuable in today’s security-conscious IT environment.

The knowledge gained from certification preparation empowers administrators to better secure, manage, and optimize SharePoint environments, ensuring that data is handled efficiently and complies with organizational policies and regulations. This is crucial as businesses continue to embrace digital transformation and adopt cloud-based services, which are inherently more complex but also offer greater scalability and efficiency.

While the path to certification may involve extensive study and hands-on experience, the long-term benefits—such as career growth, increased earning potential, and job stability—make it an excellent investment. Whether you are new to SharePoint administration or looking to deepen your expertise, certification offers a structured way to enhance your qualifications and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving IT landscape.

In conclusion, SharePoint certification is a powerful tool for professionals seeking to prove their knowledge, gain career advancement, and take on more strategic roles in their organizations. The growing reliance on SharePoint for collaboration, content management, and data protection across industries ensures that certified SharePoint administrators will continue to be in high demand for years to come.