Microsoft Learning - individual professional - REAL Microsoft 365 hands-on practice for Cert prep

MohamedAmineBouzaiene-2800 0 Reputation points
2025-11-28T12:17:32.8533333+00:00

Dear Microsoft Learning Support Team,

I am an IT professional with many years of experience preparing for couple of certs incl. the MD-102 (Microsoft 365 Endpoint Administrator) and other certifications. I need access to a lab environment with Microsoft Intune (at least F3 license level or Business premium with Intune plan 1 at least) to gain hands-on experience for the exam. I'm using E5 on production in daily basis years now but need a personal LAB where I can prepare for the certs.

My Situation:

-I am an individual professional / Engineer

-I do not have a company tax IDs or business registration

-I am willing to pay for lab access but cannot find a viable option

What I've Tried:

-Microsoft 365 Developer Program - Rejected with error: "You don't currently qualify for a Microsoft 365 Developer Program sandbox subscription"

-Microsoft 365 Business subscriptions or enterprise (F3/E3/E5) - All require company registration and company tax IDs

-GoDeploy - Requires company details and tax number

-Skillable - Restricted to Microsoft Partners only

What I Need:

-Access to a REAL Microsoft 365 environment with Intune Plan 1 (business premium / F3 or higher)

-Ability to purchase as an individual without company registration

-Sufficient time to complete hands-on practice for e.g. MD-102 certification

-As an individual professional investing in Microsoft certification, I find it extremely difficult to access the necessary lab resources.

-> Could you please advise on how I can obtain lab access for e.g. MD-102 preparation / real LAB?

-> Are you considering at some point giving individual professional the chance to PAY for Hands-on LABS to prepare well for certifications?

Thank you for your assistance.

Best regards,

Microsoft System Center | Other
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  1. Julian Sharp 6,676 Reputation points
    2025-11-28T13:33:47.0333333+00:00

    There are really no options available to you since the Secure Future Initiative came about, Microsoft locked down many trial and lab environments. Now everyone must go through a secure identification process and this often excludes individuals.

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/trust-center/security/secure-future-initiative

    Even the training/lab environments you mentioned (Skillable/GoDeploy) are currently inadequate and do not contain the licenses that you mentioned.

    Prior to SFI, the Microsoft 365 Developer Program would have provided you with what you needed but access is restricted as you have discovered.

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