Windows Server 2016 Identity and Access Training - Complete 70-742 Preparation

Develop confidence in handling the deployment and maintenance of Active Directory and Group Policy tools

Requirements

To make the most of this training program, learners should meet the following requirements:

• Access to a computer system if you wish to carry out practical exercises on your own
  
  

• Commitment to learning and the motivation to succeed
  
  

• Basic familiarity with the installation and deployment of Windows Server
  
  

• Introductory knowledge of using PowerShell commands

Course Description

The Windows Server 2016 Identity and Access Training program has been carefully designed to provide learners with a complete and practical understanding of one of the most critical areas of enterprise IT: identity and access management. With a strong emphasis on both theoretical concepts and hands-on application, this course goes beyond simply preparing learners for an exam. It equips them with real-world skills that are directly applicable to managing, securing, and supporting business environments that depend on Windows Server technologies.

At the heart of the course lies the study of Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS). AD DS is the central component of identity management in Windows Server 2016, serving as the foundation for managing users, groups, computers, and organizational resources. The training begins by introducing learners to the principles of directory services, followed by practical sessions that focus on installing and configuring domain controllers, establishing forests and domains, and creating trust relationships between different parts of the infrastructure. Students will also explore how replication works to maintain consistency across multiple sites, and they will learn troubleshooting techniques to resolve issues that commonly occur in complex networks.

Once learners are comfortable with the basics of AD DS, the course moves to one of the most powerful features of Windows Server: Group Policy. Group Policy is an essential tool for administrators, allowing centralized management of users and computers across an organization. This training offers a deep dive into creating and linking Group Policy Objects (GPOs), applying them to specific organizational units, and ensuring that policies align with organizational requirements. Key scenarios such as enforcing password complexity, deploying software, redirecting folders, and configuring auditing are explored in detail. The course also covers best practices for avoiding conflicts, reducing complexity, and ensuring that Group Policy infrastructure remains both efficient and secure.

In addition to AD DS and Group Policy, the program introduces learners to several advanced technologies that extend identity and access functionality. One of these is Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS), which provides the foundation for implementing a public key infrastructure (PKI). Learners will practice installing and managing a certification authority, creating and publishing certificate templates, and distributing certificates to clients. Real-world examples include securing email with encryption, authenticating VPN connections, and enabling SSL/TLS on web servers. These exercises help students appreciate how certificates play a crucial role in safeguarding communications and ensuring trust.

Another vital area of focus is Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS). In today’s environment, organizations often integrate with external partners and cloud services, making single sign-on and secure federation increasingly important. Through AD FS, learners will gain experience in configuring claims-based authentication, setting up trust relationships, and providing secure access to applications both on-premises and in the cloud. Alongside AD FS, the course explores Web Application Proxy, which serves as a secure method for publishing applications to external users without compromising the integrity of internal systems.

The course is closely aligned with the objectives of the Microsoft 70-742 certification exam, which focuses specifically on identity in Windows Server 2016. Learners will cover every exam domain in a structured and logical way, ensuring that no topic is overlooked. This alignment provides the dual benefit of exam preparation and professional development, as the material is directly relevant to real-world scenarios faced by network administrators, system administrators, and IT support professionals.

What sets this program apart is its balance of theoretical learning and hands-on practice. While students will understand the principles behind identity management, they will also engage in practical exercises that reinforce each concept. These exercises simulate real-world challenges, such as recovering deleted objects, resolving replication conflicts, or configuring policies to meet security requirements. By actively working through these scenarios, learners build confidence and develop the ability to apply their knowledge in professional settings.

Detailed exam objectives covered in this course

Install and configure Active Directory Domain Services (20–25%)
Learn the full process of setting up AD DS, from initial installation to domain configuration. This includes creating and managing forests, domains, and organizational units. Students will understand how to promote servers to domain controllers, configure domain and forest functional levels, and plan a domain hierarchy suitable for small, medium, and large organizations. Practical exercises involve creating new domains, setting up trust relationships, and ensuring replication between domain controllers is functioning correctly.

Manage and maintain Active Directory Domain Services (15–20%)
Once AD DS is in place, it must be maintained effectively. This section focuses on the ongoing tasks of monitoring, troubleshooting, and ensuring high availability. Learners will explore methods for backing up and restoring Active Directory, managing FSMO roles, and using tools such as Active Directory Administrative Center and PowerShell to automate repetitive management tasks. The importance of maintaining a healthy domain environment is emphasized through scenarios that involve replication conflicts, DNS issues, and user account problems.

Create and manage Group Policy (25–30%)
Group Policy is one of the most powerful tools available to administrators, allowing centralized management of users and computers across the network. This section provides an in-depth look at the creation, configuration, and deployment of Group Policy Objects (GPOs). Learners will understand inheritance, precedence, filtering, and how to troubleshoot policy application issues. Realistic demonstrations show how to enforce security policies, configure desktop environments, and deploy software packages using Group Policy. By the end of this section, students will be able to confidently design a Group Policy infrastructure that supports organizational needs.

Implement Active Directory Certificate Services (10–15%)
Security often requires certificates, and AD CS provides the foundation for issuing and managing them within a Windows environment. Students will be introduced to the concepts of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and will configure a certificate authority hierarchy. Practical tasks include installing a CA, configuring certificate templates, issuing and renewing certificates, and managing revocation lists. Use cases such as securing web servers, enabling smart card logon, and encrypting communications are explored in detail to provide context for why certificate services are critical in modern organizations.

Implement identity federation and access solutions (15–20%)
Identity today often extends beyond the local network, requiring secure federation and access solutions. In this part of the course, learners will implement AD FS to enable single sign-on across trusted partners and applications. They will also configure Web Application Proxy to securely publish applications to external users. The training explains concepts such as claims-based authentication, relying party trusts, and multifactor authentication integration. By exploring real-world scenarios, learners will see how these technologies provide secure and seamless access in hybrid environments that involve on-premises and cloud-based resources.

Prerequisites for the Course

Access to a computer system for practical exercises A strong motivation to learn and progress in IT Basic understanding of Windows Server installation and deployment Introductory familiarity with PowerShell commands

This course provides an in-depth exploration of Windows Server 2016 identity and access functionalities. The training begins with the fundamentals of Active Directory Domain Services and Group Policy, moving into practical applications and everyday management tasks. Learners will gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, ensuring readiness for professional environments as well as certification objectives.

Identity is central to modern IT environments. Organizations rely on secure authentication and authorization to protect resources, enforce compliance, and streamline user experiences. Active Directory Domain Services is the foundation of these systems, offering administrators the tools to manage domains, forests, and organizational structures. Group Policy extends this functionality, allowing centralized configuration and enforcement of rules across the network.

Installing and configuring Active Directory Domain Services

AD DS is the foundation of Windows Server identity solutions. In this module, learners are introduced to the full lifecycle of setting up Active Directory. The training begins with planning an Active Directory deployment, taking into account organizational size, location, and trust requirements. Learners will understand forests, trees, and domains, and how these elements interact in enterprise environments.

Hands-on practice involves installing the Active Directory Domain Services role on a Windows Server, promoting it to a domain controller, and configuring DNS to support AD DS functionality. Learners also configure domain and forest functional levels, create organizational units, and establish trust relationships between domains. These tasks build confidence in structuring an environment that meets real organizational needs.

Special emphasis is placed on understanding replication. Students configure sites and subnets to optimize replication traffic and ensure reliability across geographically distributed networks. Monitoring tools are used to validate replication health, while troubleshooting exercises highlight common errors and their solutions.

Managing and maintaining Active Directory Domain Services

Once Active Directory is installed, it must be managed carefully to ensure smooth operation. This module covers day-to-day administrative tasks, focusing on maintaining high availability and recovering from problems. Learners gain experience managing Flexible Single Master Operations roles, transferring and seizing roles as necessary when domain controllers fail or are decommissioned.

Backup and recovery strategies are introduced, including how to perform authoritative and non-authoritative restores of AD DS. Students also work with the Active Directory Recycle Bin to recover deleted objects quickly and safely. These exercises reinforce the importance of preparedness in real IT environments, where data loss and service interruptions can have significant consequences.

Monitoring tools are demonstrated to help administrators keep track of replication status, domain controller performance, and potential issues with DNS integration. PowerShell scripting is introduced as a way to automate repetitive tasks, improving efficiency and consistency. By practicing these activities, learners develop the skills needed to ensure Active Directory remains a stable and reliable backbone for identity management.

Introduction to Group Policy

Group Policy is one of the most powerful features of Windows Server, providing centralized management of users and computers across a domain. This section introduces learners to the concepts of Group Policy Objects, organizational units, and policy inheritance. The training explains how policies are applied in a hierarchy and how administrators can use security filtering and WMI filters to target policies to specific groups or computers.

Students practice creating new GPOs, linking them to organizational units, and configuring settings for users and computers. Exercises include setting password policies, restricting access to control panel items, and enforcing desktop configurations. Through these tasks, learners see the direct impact of Group Policy on the user experience and system behavior.

Practical applications of Group Policy

The training emphasizes how Group Policy can be used to enforce security, standardize configurations, and automate management tasks. Learners are guided through deploying software applications using Group Policy, configuring folder redirection for user data, and implementing scripts that run at logon or logoff.

Security policies are explored in detail, with exercises that configure audit settings, enforce password complexity, and apply account lockout policies. Students also learn to configure Windows Firewall settings through Group Policy, ensuring consistent protection across all systems in the domain.

Troubleshooting Group Policy is another key focus. Learners use tools such as Resultant Set of Policy and Group Policy Modeling to understand how policies are applied and to resolve conflicts. Practical scenarios illustrate common issues such as conflicting policies, slow logon times, or policies not applying as expected. By working through these challenges, students gain confidence in diagnosing and fixing Group Policy problems.

Why these skills matter

The first half of this training builds a strong foundation in identity and access management. By learning to install, configure, and maintain Active Directory and Group Policy, students develop critical skills that organizations depend on every day. Active Directory is at the core of user authentication and resource authorization, and Group Policy is the tool that ensures compliance with organizational standards.

The knowledge gained in this stage of training is directly applicable to certification objectives for Microsoft Exam 70-742, but more importantly, it prepares learners for real-world responsibilities. Administrators must ensure systems remain secure, reliable, and consistent. This requires not only understanding the theory but also practicing the skills necessary to implement and maintain solutions in a dynamic environment.

Why this course is valuable

This program is ideal for individuals preparing for the Microsoft 70-742 certification exam, one of the three exams required for the MCSA Windows Server 2016 credential. Passing this exam demonstrates proficiency in identity management and access solutions, a cornerstone of modern IT infrastructures. The skills acquired here not only help in achieving certification but also equip learners with the practical expertise required to design, deploy, and maintain secure and reliable server environments.

Identity and access solutions form the foundation of organizational security. By understanding how to install, configure, and manage Active Directory and related services, participants gain the ability to protect resources, streamline authentication, and enforce compliance with organizational policies. These are critical abilities for network and system administrators who are responsible for maintaining uptime, security, and user productivity.

Who should take this course

The Windows Server 2016 Identity and Access Training program is designed for a wide range of learners, from experienced IT professionals seeking to expand their knowledge to individuals just beginning their journey in system and network administration. The course addresses both foundational and advanced skills, making it suitable for people at different stages of their careers. With a strong emphasis on real-world applications, it provides value to anyone who wants to strengthen their expertise in Windows Server 2016 identity and access management.

• System administrators
  
  

• Manage user accounts, groups, and organizational resources effectively
  
  

• Gain skills in deploying, configuring, and troubleshooting Active Directory
  
  

• Implement security policies and ensure consistent operations across networks
  
  

• Network administrators
  
  

• Expand expertise in directory services and Group Policy management
  
  

• Learn to configure trust relationships and integrate identity into large infrastructures
  
  

• Secure both internal and external user access to resources
  
  

• Computer support specialists
  
  

• Move beyond basic troubleshooting to more advanced technical skills
  
  

• Resolve authentication issues, access permissions, and Group Policy errors more efficiently
  
  

• Contribute greater value to IT teams with stronger identity management knowledge
  
  

• Technical support personnel (second-line and third-line support)
  
  

• Gain tools to resolve escalated issues related to replication or policy conflicts
  
  

• Diagnose certificate errors and access-related problems in complex environments
  
  

• Deliver faster and more reliable solutions for critical support cases
  
  

• Service analysts and IT professionals
  
  

• Learn to design and implement secure infrastructures
  
  

• Manage hybrid identity scenarios combining on-premises and cloud solutions
  
  

• Ensure compliance and maintain data protection across organizational systems
  
  

• Students and career changers
  
  

• Build a strong foundation in Windows Server identity services
  
  

• Prepare for entry-level IT positions and certifications
  
  

• Establish a pathway for long-term career progression in system and network administration

Why this course is valuable for different learners

• It equips working professionals with advanced skills that improve efficiency and security in daily operations.
  
  

• It enables support staff to confidently address complex identity and access issues.
  
  

• It provides students and newcomers with the knowledge required to launch IT careers successfully.

This broad applicability ensures that learners from diverse backgrounds can benefit, making the program a valuable step toward both professional development and long-term career success.

Course Benefits

Enrolling in the Windows Server 2016 Identity and Access Training program offers numerous advantages for learners at different stages of their IT careers. The course is designed not only to help participants prepare for the Microsoft 70-742 certification exam but also to provide them with the real-world skills necessary to succeed in professional environments. Below are the key benefits explained in detail.

Comprehensive understanding of identity management

• Gain a complete overview of Windows Server 2016 identity services
  
  

• Understand authentication, authorization, and access control
  
  

• Learn to manage AD DS, Group Policy, AD CS, and AD FS effectively

Practical hands-on experience

• Perform installations and configurations of domain controllers
  
  

• Manage replication, trust relationships, and organizational structures
  
  

• Create and deploy Group Policy Objects
  
  

• Set up certificate authorities and federation services

Improved career prospects

• Prepare for the Microsoft 70-742 certification exam
  
  

• Qualify for roles such as system administrator, network administrator, or technical support engineer
  
  

• Increase chances of promotions and higher-level responsibilities

Strengthening problem-solving skills

• Troubleshoot replication failures and policy conflicts
  
  

• Recover deleted objects and manage FSMO roles
  
  

• Use built-in tools and PowerShell for diagnosing issues

Increased efficiency through automation

• Learn PowerShell scripting to automate AD management tasks
  
  

• Deploy policies and certificates consistently across the network
  
  

• Save time and reduce human error through automation

Strong security foundations

• Enforce compliance through Group Policy
  
  

• Use certificates to secure communications and encrypt data
  
  

• Deploy federation services for secure external access

Adaptability to modern hybrid environments

• Integrate on-premises Active Directory with cloud applications
  
  

• Configure AD FS and Web Application Proxy for hybrid solutions
  
  

• Support secure access for mobile and remote users

Recognition and credibility

• Achieve industry-recognized certification in Windows Server 2016 identity services
  
  

• Gain professional credibility with employers and peers
  
  

• Build a foundation for advanced certifications and specialized roles

Long-term professional growth

• Develop transferable skills applicable to newer versions of Windows Server
  
  

• Build a strong foundation for ongoing learning in identity management
  
  

• Position yourself for continued advancement in IT careers

This course offers far more than exam preparation. It equips learners with the technical expertise, practical abilities, and professional confidence required to excel in identity and access management roles. Whether the goal is certification, career advancement, or stronger skills for current responsibilities, the benefits of this program provide lasting value.

Enroll Today

The Windows Server 2016 Identity and Access Training program is more than just another IT course—it is a direct pathway to mastering one of the most critical skill sets in enterprise technology. Whether you are a system administrator looking to sharpen your Active Directory expertise, a network administrator seeking to strengthen security and policy management, or a student preparing for a career in IT, this program provides you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed.

By enrolling today, you gain access to structured, step-by-step training that not only prepares you for the Microsoft 70-742 certification exam but also builds real-world skills that employers value. Do not wait to take the next step in your professional development. Start your journey toward mastering Windows Server 2016 identity and access management now. Enroll today, and equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in the modern IT landscape.