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

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."

With User Enrollment, personal and managed iCloud Drives coexist separately. TheiOS Deployment Referenceexplains, "When a device is enrolled with a Managed Apple ID via User Enrollment and iCloud Drive is enabled, an additional iCloud Drive appears in the Files app, separating personal data (linked to the personal Apple ID) from managed data (linked to the Managed Apple ID)." Option B is incorrect as data doesn’t merge, C is false as personal data remains accessible, and D doesn’t occur during this process.

Bypass codes are stored in MDM for organization-linked Activation Lock. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidestates, "Bypass codes for organization-linked Activation Lock are stored in the MDM solution, allowing administrators to unlock devices without user credentials."

Unlisted apps require a link. TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "Unlisted apps are published to the App Store but are discoverable only via a direct link, often for private distribution."

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."

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.

Configuration profiles allow IT administrators to manage iCloud settings on a device, such as enabling/disabling iCloud Drive, restricting backups, or limiting document sync. These profiles are deployed via MDM or manually, providing granular control over iCloud features. Find My (option B) is a user-facing tracking feature, not a management tool. iCloud Backup (option C) is a specific iCloud service, not a management feature. MDM (option D) is the system that deploys profiles, but the profiles themselves contain the settings. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails configuration profiles’ role in iCloud management.

The provisional period starts post-enrollment. TheApple Configurator User Guidestates, "The 30-day provisional period begins after the device enrolls in the MDM server, allowing users to opt out of supervision."

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.

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.

In Apple Business Manager (ABM), books are assigned to users with Managed Apple Accounts, not directly to devices. This allows users to access books across multiple devices linked to their account. TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "Books can be assigned to users with Managed Apple Accounts. Once assigned, users can access these books on any device where they’re signed in with their Managed Apple Account." Options A, B, and D are incorrect because assignment is user-centric, not device-specific, though Macs can access books via the user’s account.

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.

Platform SSO syncs credentials with an IdP. ThemacOS Security Overviewstates, "Platform SSO allows users to synchronize their local Mac account password with an identity provider, providing a seamless login experience." Option B is a separate feature, C is managed via ABM, and D is unrelated to Platform SSO.

Managed Distribution, available through Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM), is required to deploy books to devices using an MDM solution. Administrators purchase books in ABM/ASM, assign them to users or devices via Managed Distribution, and the MDM pushes them silently (for supervised devices) or with user consent. An Apple Developer account (option A) is for apps, not books. User acceptance (option C) may be needed for non-supervised devices but isn’t the core requirement. A VPN configuration (option D) is unrelated. TheApple Business Manager User Guideconfirms Managed Distribution for book deployment.

Configuration profiles, deployed via MDM or manually, allow IT administrators to restrict apps on a device by setting policies such as blocking the App Store, preventing app removal, or allowing only specific apps (e.g., via an allow list). These profiles are highly customizable for security and compliance. Activation Lock (option A) secures device reactivation, not app restrictions. Find My (option C) and iCloud (option D) are user-focused features without app restriction capabilities. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails configuration profiles’ role in app management.

User Enrollment separates managed Keychain items. TheiOS Deployment Referencestates, "With User Enrollment, Keychain items associated with a Managed Apple ID are stored in a distinct cryptographic container." Options B, C, and D aren’t separated unless tied to managed apps.

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.

Managed Distribution, available through Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM), is required to push apps to devices using an MDM solution. It allows administrators to assign app licenses (purchased or free) to devices or users, which the MDM then deploys silently, assuming the device is supervised or the user consents. An APNs certificate (option A) enables MDM communication but isn’t specific to app pushing. User acceptance (option C) may be needed for non-supervised devices but isn’t a requirement for supervised ones. A VPN configuration (option D) is unrelated. TheApple Business Manager User Guidedetails Managed Distribution’s role in app deployment.

Managed Distribution, available through Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM), enables app and content management by allowing administrators to purchase, assign, and revoke licenses for apps and books, deployed via MDM. This ensures centralized control over organizational content. Personalization (option A) is user-driven, not a distribution benefit. Network performance (option C) is enhanced by content caching. Data separation (option D) is a User Enrollment feature. The Apple Business Manager User Guide emphasizes content management as the key benefit.

Supervision, applied via Apple Configurator or ADE, enables additional restrictions on devices, such as blocking app removal, enforcing single-app mode, or managing Activation Lock, providing greater control for organizations. Personalization (option A) is more limited under supervision. Network performance (option C) is unrelated, and data separation (option D) is a User Enrollment feature. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidehighlights supervision’s enhanced management capabilities.

Account-driven User Enrollment limits MDM scope. TheiOS Deployment Referencestates, "MDM can enforce policies like requiring a passcode with User Enrollment, but it cannot access location, wipe the device, or disable Activation Lock."

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."

Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions are used to manage and secure Apple devices remotely. To link a device to an MDM solution, an enrollment profile is required. This profile is a configuration file that, once installed on the device, establishes a connection between the device and the MDM server, allowing the server to send commands and policies to the device. The enrollment profile contains information such as the MDM server’s URL and authentication details, enabling secure communication via Apple Push Notification service (APNs). While APNs (option A) facilitates communication between the MDM server and the device after enrollment, it is not the mechanism that links the device to the MDM solution. A firewall (option B) is a network security tool and unrelated to linking a device to MDM, and a restriction (option C) is a policy applied via MDM, not the linking mechanism itself. According to Apple’s official documentation, such as theApple Platform Deployment Guide, the enrollment profile is the foundational step for MDM enrollment.

Apple Configurator is a macOS application requiring a Mac computer to run, used for supervising and configuring iOS/iPadOS/tvOS devices via USB. An MDM solution (option A) can complement it but isn’t required. User acceptance (option C) isn’t needed, as it’s an administrative tool. A VPN configuration (option D) is unrelated. The Apple Platform Deployment Guide specifies a Mac as the platform for Apple Configurator.

In Kerberos, the Ticket-Granting Ticket (TGT) is the feature that enables single sign-on (SSO). After initial authentication, the user receives a TGT from the Key Distribution Center (KDC). The TGT is then used to obtain service tickets for accessing various resources without re-authenticating, providing a seamless SSO experience. Sign in with Apple at Work & School (option A) is an Apple-specific feature, not a Kerberos component. OAuth (option B) and SAML (option D) are separate SSO protocols, not Kerberos features. TheApple Platform Security Guideexplains the TGT’s role in Kerberos SSO.

Managed Distribution requires Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM) to purchase and assign apps, books, or custom content to users or devices, which are then deployed via MDM. An Apple Developer account (option A) is for custom app creation, not distribution management. User acceptance (option C) may be needed for non-supervised devices but isn’t a requirement for the feature itself. A VPN configuration (option D) is unrelated. TheApple Business Manager User Guidemandates ABM/ASM for Managed Distribution.

Find My allows device tracking, enabling users or administrators (via MDM) to locate, lock, or wipe a lost or stolen device using iCloud or GPS. It’s a key security feature for personal and managed devices. Additional restrictions (option B) are a supervision feature. Network performance (option C) is unrelated, and data separation (option D) pertains to User Enrollment. TheApple Platform Security Guideemphasizes tracking as Find My’s primary benefit.

Apple Business Manager (ABM) enables device and content management by providing a portal to enroll devices via ADE, purchase and distribute apps/books through Managed Distribution, and manage user accounts. This centralizes organizational control over Apple deployments. Personalization (option A) is user-driven, not an ABM benefit. Network performance (option C) is enhanced by content caching, not ABM. Data separation (option D) is a User Enrollment feature. TheApple Business Manager User Guidehighlights device and content management as ABM’s core benefit.

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."

FileVault encryption requires authentication. ThemacOS Security Overviewstates, "When FileVault is enabled, macOS Recovery requires a FileVault-enabled user account and password to decrypt thedisk." Option D (Recovery Lock) uses a separate password, not user selection.

ADE enforces OS requirements. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidestates, "When a device attempts ADE and doesn’t meet the minimum OS version specified in the MDM profile, it will download and install the required update during Setup Assistant, then resume the enrollment process automatically." Options B, C, and D don’t align with this process.

SSO extensions support modern protocols. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidestates, "Single sign-on (SSO) extensions allow IdPs to integrate modern authentication protocols like OAuth 2.0 or OpenID Connect across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS." Options B, C, and D (corrected from "WireGuar") are networking technologies, not authentication-focused.

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.

Devices ineligible for Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) in Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM)—typically because they weren’t purchased directly from Apple or an authorized reseller—can still be enrolled manually via Device Enrollment. This involves installing an enrollment profile locally on the device, often using tools like Apple Configurator. Automated Device Enrollment (option B) and Automatic enrollment (option C) refer to ADE, which isn’t applicable here. “No enrollment possible” (option D) is incorrect, as manual enrollment is an option. TheApple Platform Deployment Guideoutlines Device Enrollment for such cases.

Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) provides the most control over organization-owned devicesby integrating them with an MDM solution during initial setup, without user intervention. Devices enrolled via ADE are automatically supervised, allowing restrictions like mandatory MDM enrollment and advanced policies. Device Enrollment (option B) offers control but requires manual profile installation and doesn’t inherently supervise devices unless paired with supervision tools. User Enrollment (option C) is for BYOD, offering less control to protect user privacy. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidepositions ADE as the most robust option for organization-owned devices.

Remote wipe preserves eSIM. TheMobile Device Management Protocol Referencestates, "The EraseDevice command with the preserveDataPlan option allows MDM to keep the eSIM active during a wipe, aiding redeployment."

Enterprise SSO leverages Kerberos. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidestates, "Enterprise Single Sign-On in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS is based on Kerberos, enabling seamless authentication to enterprise resources." Options B, C, and D serve different purposes.

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.

User Enrollment separates managed data. TheiOS Deployment Referencestates, "With User Enrollment, managed data such as Notes associated with a Managed Apple ID is separated from personal data." Options A, B, and D aren’t inherently separated unless tied to managed apps.

Skipping local account creation requires alternative login. ThemacOS Deployment Referencestates, "If ADE skips local account creation, users must log in with a network account or another pre-existing account created outside Setup Assistant." Option C is incorrect as Managed Apple IDs don’t become local accounts.

The one-to-one deployment model, also referred to as personally enabled, involves assigning a single device to an individual user, allowing personalization while maintaining organizational oversight via MDM. This model is a strategic choice for organizations aiming to balance user flexibility with management control, often used in education or enterprise settings. Application Programming Interface (API) (option A) is a technical tool, not a deployment model. Over-the-air (OTA) enrollment (option B) is a method of enrolling devices, not a deployment model defining ownership or usage. TheApple Platform Deployment Guideidentifies one-to-one as a core deployment model alongside shared and BYOD scenarios.

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."

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

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 School Manager (ASM) supports the distribution of multiple content types via ManagedDistribution: apps (free or purchased), books (from the Books Store), and custom content (e.g., PDFs or ePub files created by the organization). This allows schools to manage all educational materials centrally. Options A, B, and C are all correct individually, but D encompasses them all, aligning with ASM’s capabilities as outlined in theApple School Manager User 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.

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.

Automated Device Enrollment (ADE), used with Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager, automatically supervises devices during setup, enabling advanced restrictions and management. Supervision is a default outcome of ADE for organization-owned devices. Device Enrollment (option B) can include supervision if paired with tools like Apple Configurator, but it’s not inherent. User Enrollment (option C) is for BYOD and doesn’t support supervision to protect user privacy. TheApple Platform Deployment Guideties supervision to ADE.

The public key generates the server token. TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "To generate a server token for ADE, download the public key from your MDM solution and upload it to Apple Business Manager." Option C is never shared, and B and D serve different purposes.

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.

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.

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.