DEP-2025 Apple Deployment and Management Certification Exam Question and Answers

Setting up Shared iPad requires an MDM solution to configure the feature, assign Managed Apple IDs, and manage user sessions. The MDM applies a configuration profile specifying Shared iPad settings (e.g., temporary session mode or user-specific logins) and integrates with Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager. Apple Configurator (option B) can supervise devices but isn’t required for Shared iPad setup. User Enrollment (option C) is for BYOD, not shared devices. A VPN configuration (option D) is unrelated. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidemandates MDM for Shared iPad deployment.

Configuration profiles allow IT administrators to manage Bluetooth settings, such as disabling Bluetooth entirely or restricting pairing with specific devices, enhancing security and compliance. These profiles are deployed via MDM or manually. Find My (option B) and iCloud (option C) are unrelated to Bluetooth management. MDM (option D) delivers profiles, but the profiles define the settings. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails Bluetooth configuration via profiles.

Apple Business Manager (ABM) is Apple’s web-based portal designed for IT administrators in businesses to manage device enrollment (via Automated Device Enrollment), purchase and distribute app licenses, and assign content like books. Apple School Manager (option C) serves a similar purpose but is tailored for educational institutions. Apple Configurator (option B) is a macOS app for device configuration, not a portal. There’s no “Managed Apple ID portal” (option D); Managed Apple IDs are managed within ABM or ASM. The question’s broad scope fits ABM for business contexts, as per theApple Platform Deployment Guide.

Preserving eSIM speeds redeployment. TheMobile Device Management Protocol Referencestates, "When erasing a supervised iPad, the preserveDataPlan option retains the existing eSIM, avoiding reactivation delays."

Content caching on a Mac improves network performance by storing frequently accessed content (e.g., app updates, iCloud data) locally, reducing internet bandwidth usage and speeding up downloads for connected devices. It doesn’t enhance security (option A), separate data (option C, a User Enrollment feature), or simplify enrollment (option D, an ADE benefit). TheApple Platform Deployment Guideemphasizes bandwidth optimization as the primary benefit of content caching.

The Organization ID links purchases. TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "Provide your Organization ID to the reseller to ensure devices are assigned to your Apple Business Manager account."

Apple Configurator supervises iPads for advanced management. TheApple Configurator User Guidestates, "Apple Configurator can supervise iPad devices, allowing you to apply restrictions and prepare them for MDM enrollment when connected via USB to a Mac." Options B, C, and D are incorrect as Configurator doesn’t handle biometric backups, remote control, or offline OS updates.

TheSetRecoveryLockcommand locks the Recovery partition, restricting access to Startup Security Utility. TheMobile Device Management Protocol Referencestates, "The SetRecoveryLock command sets a password for the Recovery partition, restricting access to Startup Security Utility and other recovery options unless the password is provided." Option B sets a firmware password but not specifically for this utility, and C and D are invalid.

Apple Push Notification service (APNs) is a critical service that Apple devices rely on for real-time notifications. Functions requiring continuous APNs access include notifications for operating-system and app updates, MDM policy enforcement (e.g., remote commands), and incoming messages (e.g., iMessage). These depend on APNs to push data to devices over ports 5223 or 443. Options A (Bonjour, caching, sharing), B (SSO, VPN, roaming), and D (tracking, backups, suggestions) involve other mechanisms like local networking or iCloud, not continuous APNs access. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails APNs’ role in these functions.

User Enrollment limits MDM capabilities. TheiOS Deployment Referencestates, "With User Enrollment, MDM can install and configure apps, manage accounts, and apply restrictions tomanaged data, but it cannot access location, wipe the device, or enable Activation Lock."

Managed Device Attestation verifies device authenticity. TheApple Platform Security Guidestates, "Managed Device Attestation protects against private key extraction by validating the device’s hardware and software integrity, preventing rogue devices from impersonating legitimate ones." Options B, C, and D are unrelated to attestation’s scope.

Service discovery aids account-driven User Enrollment. TheiOS Deployment Referencestates, "Account-driven User Enrollment uses service discovery to automatically locate the MDM enrollment URL, streamlining the process." Option A is false (Managed Apple ID required), C applies to ADE, and D is incorrect (federation is supported).

Bootstrap tokens authorize updates. ThemacOS Security Overviewstates, "A bootstrap token, escrowed by MDM, allows the management solution to install software updates on macOS devices without user interaction." Options A, B, and C are not bootstrap token functions.

Managed Lost Mode locks supervised iPads. TheiOS Deployment Referencestates, "Managed Lost Mode locks a supervised iPad until disabled via MDM, displaying a custom message and restricting access." Option C requires credentials, not MDM, to unlock.

iPhones prioritize preferred networks. TheiOS Deployment Referencestates, "iPhone prioritizes Wi-Fi networks in this order: preferred (known) networks, private networks, then public networks."

Automated Device Enrollment (ADE), managed through Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM), is supported on iPads, iPhones, Macs, and Apple TVs purchased from Apple or authorized resellers. It enables automatic MDM enrollment and supervision during setup. Options A, B, and C are all correct, and D encompasses them, aligning with ADE’s broad compatibility as per the Apple Platform Deployment Guide.

Configuration profiles enable IT administrators to manage passcode settings on a device, enforcing policies such as minimum length, complexity (e.g., alphanumeric), maximum age, and failed attempt limits. These profiles are deployed via MDM or manually, ensuring security compliance. Find My (option B) and iCloud (option C) are user-focused features unrelated to passcode management. MDM (option D) is the system that delivers profiles, but the profiles themselves define the settings. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails passcode policy enforcement via configuration profiles.

Unenrolling a supervised device from an MDM solution requires an administrator’s approval, typically executed by removing the MDM profile via the MDM server. For supervised devices (via ADE or Apple Configurator), users cannot remove the profile themselves, ensuring organizational control. An Apple ID (option B) isn’t required for unenrollment, though it may relate to Activation Lock. User acceptance (option C) isn’t needed for supervised devices. A wipe command (option D) may accompany unenrollment but isn’t mandatory. TheApple Platform Deployment Guideoutlines this process for supervised devices.

ADE enables supervision. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidestates, "Automated Device Enrollment automatically supervises devices during setup when linked to Apple Business Manager."

Apple Business Manager (ABM) uses a device’s serial number to identify devices purchased from Apple or an authorized reseller for enrollment in Automated Device Enrollment (ADE). Serial numbers are unique to each device and linked to purchase records, allowing ABM to verify eligibility. Order numbers (option A) track purchases but aren’t device-specific identifiers in ABM. UDID (option C) and UUID (option D) are unique identifiers for devices or instances, but they’re not used for purchase verification in ABM. TheApple Platform Deployment Guideconfirms serial numbers as the key identifier in ABM.

Apple’s MDM framework standardizes tools. TheMobile Device Management Protocol Referencestates, "Apple’s MDM framework provides a consistent set of APIs and management tools that all MDM vendors use to manage Apple devices." Option D supports communication, not tools.

The personal recovery key resets passwords. ThemacOS Security Overviewstates, "With FileVault enabled and the personal recovery key escrowed to MDM, users can use it in macOS Recovery to reset their password."

User Enrollment, designed for BYOD, requires a Managed Apple ID to separate personal and managed data on the device. The Managed Apple ID authenticates the user for organizational policies while preserving personal privacy. Automated Device Enrollment (option A) and Device Enrollment (option B) are for organization-owned devices and don’t inherently require Managed Apple IDs, though they can use them optionally. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidespecifies that User Enrollment relies on Managed Apple IDs for its functionality.

WPA2 Enterprise networks utilize individual user credentials (e.g., username and password) or device- and/or user-based certificates for authentication, typically via protocols like EAP-TLS or PEAP, integrated with a RADIUS server. This provides granular control over network access, ideal for organizational settings. A provisioning network (option A) is a temporary network for device setup, not a security standard. WPA2 Personal (option B) uses a shared passphrase, lacking individual authentication. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidespecifies WPA2 Enterprise for secure, user-specific network access in managed environments.

Only managed data is backed up with a Managed Apple ID. TheiOS Deployment Referencestates, "Under User Enrollment, an iCloud backup using a Managed Apple ID includes only data from managed apps, keeping personal data separate."

A Managed Apple ID is needed. TheiOS Deployment Referencestates, "Account-driven Device Enrollment requires a Managed Apple Account to sign in during setup, triggering MDM enrollment."

Kerberos is the most widely deployed authentication technology used by both Active Directory (AD) and single sign-on (SSO) systems in enterprise environments. It provides secure, ticket-based authentication, allowing users to access multiple services with a single set of credentials. AD relies on Kerberos as its default protocol, and Apple’s SSO integration with AD leverages Kerberos for seamless authentication on macOS and iOS. MSCHAPv2 (option B) is used in VPNs, not broadly in AD or SSO. OAuth (option C) and SAML (option D) are modern web-based standards, less common in traditional AD-SSO integration. TheApple Platform Security Guideconfirms Kerberos’ prevalence.

In Apple School Manager (ASM), the Administrator role is required to purchase books through the Apps and Books section, as it has permissions to manage financial transactions and content acquisition. Other roles, like Content Manager, can distribute but not purchase. An Apple Developer account (option B) is for apps, not books. A Managed Apple ID (option C) is for users, not purchasing. User acceptance (option D) is irrelevant. The Apple School Manager User Guide confirms the Administrator’s purchasing authority.

Supervising a device, typically done via Apple Configurator or ADE, enables additional restrictions and management capabilities not available on unsupervised devices. Examples include blocking app installation, enforcing single-app mode, or preventing profile removal, enhancing organizational control. Personalization (option A) is more aligned with unsupervised or User Enrollment devices. Data separation (option C) is a User Enrollment feature, not supervision. Simplified enrollment (option D) is a byproduct of ADE, not supervision’s primary benefit. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidehighlights supervision’s enhanced control features.

The nonpersonalized, organization-owned model is designed for shared or single-purpose devices, such as Shared iPads in education or kiosks in businesses. In this model, IT administrators centrally configure and manage the devices, restricting installed apps and personal data to ensure consistency and security across multiple users. BYOD, User Enrollment (option A) and BYOD, personally enabled (option B) involve personal devices with user control, not shared use. Personally enabled, organization-owned (option D) allows personalization, unsuitable for shared scenarios. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails this model for shared device management.

Activations store values. TheMobile Device Management Protocol Referencestates, "Declarative Device Management uses Activations declarations to store values on a device, enabling proactive state management."

Configuration profiles allow IT administrators to manage cellular settings on iOS/iPadOS devices, such as configuring APN settings, disabling data roaming, or restricting cellular data for specific apps. These profiles are deployed via MDM or manually. Find My (option B) and iCloud (option C) are unrelated to cellular management. MDM (option D) delivers profiles, but the profiles contain the settings. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails cellular configuration via profiles.

Configuration profiles enable IT administrators to manage app installation settings on a device, such as restricting the App Store, preventing app removal, or enforcing an allow list of approved apps. These profiles are deployed via MDM or manually, ensuring control over app usage. Find My (option B) and iCloud (option C) are user-focused features unrelated to app installation management. MDM (option D) is the delivery mechanism, but the profiles define the settings. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails app installation control via configuration profiles.

Apple Configurator, a macOS application, allows administrators to supervise Apple devices (iOS, iPadOS, tvOS) by connecting them via USB. Supervision enables additional restrictions and management capabilities (e.g., blocking app removal) beyond standard MDM. Apple Business Manager (option A) and Apple School Manager (option C) manage enrollment and content but don’t supervise devices directly. Managed Apple IDs (option D) are accounts, not supervision tools. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidehighlights Apple Configurator’s role in supervision.

Shared iPad requires an MDM solution to configure and manage the feature, enabling multiple users to log in with Managed Apple IDs or temporary sessions. The MDM applies the necessary profiles and integrates with Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager. Apple Configurator (option B) can supervise devices but isn’t required for Shared iPad setup. User acceptance (option C) isn’t needed, as it’s an administrative deployment. A VPN configuration (option D) is unrelated. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidemandates MDM for Shared iPad.

Profile Manager, part of macOS Server (now integrated into macOS as a standalone service), is a tool that allows IT administrators to create, edit, and distribute configuration profiles for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices. These profiles define settings and restrictions that can be deployed via MDM or manually. Apple Configurator (option A) is primarily for iOS/iPadOS/tvOS device supervision and configuration, not profile creation for macOS. System Preferences (option C) is a user-facing settings app, not a profile creation tool. Terminal (option D) can be used for scripting but isn’t designed for profile creation. TheApple Platform Deployment Guideidentifies Profile Manager as the macOS tool for this purpose.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) enables remote management of devices, allowing administrators to deploy profiles, push apps, enforce policies, and perform actions like wiping or locking devices over the internet via APNs. Personalization (option A) is user-driven and often limited by MDM. Network performance (option C) is enhanced by other features like content caching. Data separation (option D) is specific to User Enrollment, a subset of MDM capabilities. TheMDM Protocol Referenceemphasizes remote management as MDM’s core benefit.

Apple School Manager (ASM) enables educational content management by allowing administratorsto purchase and distribute apps, books, and other resources to students and staff via Managed Distribution. It’s tailored for schools, integrating with MDM and Shared iPad. Personalization (option A) is user-driven, not an ASM benefit. Data separation (option C) is a User Enrollment feature. Simplified setup (option D) is a byproduct of ADE, not ASM’s primary focus. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidehighlights content management as ASM’s key benefit.

Configuration profiles allow IT administrators to manage notification settings on a device, such as disabling notifications for specific apps, configuring Do Not Disturb, or restricting Notification Center access. These profiles are deployed via MDM or manually. Find My (option B) and iCloud (option C) are unrelated to notification management. MDM (option D) delivers profiles, but the profiles contain the settings. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails notification control via profiles.

Apple Configurator for Mac resolves boot issues. TheApple Configurator User Guidestates, "If an iPad is stuck on the Apple logo, connect it to a Mac running Apple Configurator to perform a full restore." Option A doesn’t exist, and B and C don’t address this issue directly.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) provides IT administrators with the capability to remotely wipe a device, either fully (factory reset) or selectively (removing managed data), via commands sent over APNs. This is a core MDM feature for security and compliance. Activation Lock (option A) prevents unauthorized reactivation after a wipe but doesn’t perform the wipe. Find My (option B) allows users to wipe their own devices, not administrators. iCloud (option D) supports personal wipes via Find My, not organizational ones. TheMDM Protocol Referenceconfirms MDM’s remote wipe functionality.

In Apple Business Manager (ABM), the Administrator role has broad permissions, including purchasing apps and assigning devices to MDM servers. The Content Manager (option B) can manage and distribute content (e.g., apps, books) but cannot purchase apps or assign devices. The Device Enrollment Manager (option C) focuses on enrolling and assigning devices but lacks purchasing authority. The People Manager (option D) manages user accounts, not apps or devices. TheApple Business Manager User Guideoutlines the Administrator’s comprehensive responsibilities, making it the correct choice.

System+User Mode supports pre- and post-login connectivity. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidestates, "System+User Mode for 802.1X allows a Mac to connect to Wi-Fi using system credentials before login and switches to user credentials after login, ensuring network access at all stages." Option B is not a standard term, C requires login first, and D uses only system credentials.

Auto Advance skips setup. TheApple Configurator User Guidestates, "Return to Service with Auto Advance automatically progresses to the Home Screen after erasing, speeding up redeployment."

When evaluating Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions, a critical factor to consider is the pricing structure and subscription model. Organizations must assess their budget, the number of devices to manage, and projected growth to ensure the MDM solution is cost-effective and scalable. This includes understanding per-device licensing fees, subscription tiers, and additional costs for features. While support for watchOS (option A) may be relevant for specific use cases, it’s not a universal consideration for all MDM evaluations. A device’s life cycle and trade-in value (option C) pertains to hardware management, not the MDM solution itself. TheApple Platform Deployment Guideemphasizes aligning MDM costs with organizational needs, making pricing structure a key evaluation criterion.

Skipping the pane leaves Location Services off but adjustable. TheiOS Deployment Referencestates, "When the Location Services pane is skipped in Setup Assistant, it remains off by default, but users can enable it in Settings unless restricted by MDM." Option A reflects this flexibility.

Lost Mode, an MDM feature for supervised devices, allows device tracking by locking the device, displaying a custom message, and reporting its location (if Location Services are enabled). It’s a security tool for recovering lost or stolen devices. Additional restrictions (option B) are a supervision feature, not Lost Mode’s benefit. Network performance (option C) and data separation (option D) are unrelated. TheMDM Protocol Referencehighlights tracking as Lost Mode’s primary benefit.

Configuration profiles allow IT administrators to manage email settings on a device, preconfiguring accounts with details like server addresses, ports, and authentication (e.g., OAuth, certificates). These profiles are deployed via MDM or manually, ensuring consistent email access. Find My (option B) and iCloud (option C) are unrelated to email management. MDM (option D) delivers profiles, but the profiles define the settings. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails email configuration via profiles.

Declarative Device Management (DDM), introduced by Apple, allows devices to autonomously manage their configurations based on declarations provided by the MDM server. When reporting their status back to the MDM server, devices use the status channel, a dedicated communication pathway designed for this purpose. Declarations (option A) are instructions sent from the MDM server to the device, not the mechanism for reporting status. Profiles (option C) are used in traditional MDM to configure devices but are not specific to status reporting in DDM. Apple’sMDM Protocol Referenceexplains that the status channel enables devices to send updates about their compliance and configuration state, confirming B as the correct answer.

Developer assignment is required. TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "To distribute Custom Apps, the app developer must assign the app to your organization’s Apple Business Manager ID."

Configuration profiles allow IT administrators to manage security settings on a device, such as enforcing encryption, restricting untrusted certificates, or enabling firewalls (on macOS). These profiles are deployed via MDM or manually, ensuring compliance with security policies. Find My (option B) and iCloud (option C) are user-focused features unrelated to security management. MDM (option D) delivers profiles, but the profiles define the settings. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails security configuration via profiles.

A content token, downloaded from ABM or Apple School Manager (ASM), must be uploaded to the MDM server to enable Managed Distribution of App Store apps. TheApple Business Manager User Guideexplains, "To distribute apps, download the content token from Apple Business Manager and upload it to your MDM solution. This token links your MDM server to your app licenses, enabling managed distribution." Options B and D are fictitious, and C is for device enrollment, not app distribution.