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

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.

Managed Distribution, available through Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager, enables app license management by allowing organizations to purchase, assign, and revoke app licenses centrally. This ensures efficient use of licenses, reassignment as needed, and compliancewith licensing terms. Personalization (option A) is unrelated to distribution. Data separation (option C) is a feature of User Enrollment, not Managed Distribution. Simplified enrollment (option D) pertains to ADE, not app management. TheApple Business Manager User Guidehighlights license management as the primary 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.

A content token links app licenses to MDM for distribution. TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "To configure Managed Distribution, download the content token from Apple Business Manager and upload it to your MDM server. This token authorizes the MDM to manage and distribute apps to enrolled devices." Options B, C, and D are unrelated to app distribution.

Custom local networks and public IP settings span subnets. ThemacOS Deployment Referencestates, "To optimize bandwidth across subnets, use ‘Cache content for devices using custom local networks’ to specify multiple subnets and ‘devices using the same public IP address’ for broader reach."

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."

Rapid Security Responses use a letter identifier. TheiOS Deployment Referencestates, "A Rapid Security Response appends a single-letter identifier, such as ‘(a)’, to the iOS version number (e.g., iOS 16.4.1 (a)) to indicate its application."

Licenses can be transferred within an organization. TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "Licenses for purchased apps can be transferred to another location within the same organization in Apple Business Manager." Options B, C, and D are incorrect as free content doesn’t require negotiation, assignment isn’t automatic, and multiple roles can purchase.

The Secure Enclave validates biometric data. TheApple Platform Security Guidestates, "The Secure Enclave processes and validates data from Face ID and Touch ID sensors, ensuring secure authentication."

Skipping Location Services hides it and disables it, with admin control. ThemacOS Deployment Referencestates, "If the Location Services pane is skipped in Setup Assistant, it is hidden from the user, and the service is disabled post-enrollment. An administrator can enable it later in System Settings." Option B fits managed scenarios, unlike D which implies user control.

Shared iPad requires Managed Apple IDs, created via Apple School Manager (ASM) or Apple Business Manager (ABM), to enable multiple users to log in with separate sessions. These IDs are organization-controlled and integrate with MDM for session management. Personal Apple IDs (options A and C, the same) are for individual use and incompatible with Shared iPad. There’s no “Shared Apple ID” (option D); Shared iPad uses individual Managed Apple IDs or temporary sessions. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidemandates Managed Apple IDs for Shared iPad.

To link a new Apple Authorized Reseller to your Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM) account, you must add the reseller’s Reseller Number (also known as the Apple Customer Number). TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "To ensure devices purchased from a new Apple Authorized Reseller appear in Apple Business Manager, add the reseller’s Reseller Number in the ‘Resellers’ section of your account settings." Option B (Organization ID) is provided to the reseller, not added in ABM/ASM, while A and C are not required for this purpose.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) is ideal for distributing devices to multiple users across multiple regions because it allows enrollment in an MDM solution without physically handling the devices. Devices are pre-registered in Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager, and upon setup, they automatically enroll in MDM, streamlining deployment at scale. Device Enrollment (option A) requires manual profile installation, impractical for large, dispersed deployments. User Enrollment (option B) is suited for BYOD, not organization-owned devices distributed widely. TheApple Platform Deployment Guiderecommends ADE for such scenarios.

Erasing triggers ADE. TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "To enroll devices in a new MDM solution via ADE after reassignment, erase the devices to restart Setup Assistant and connect to the new server."

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.

To install a configuration profile on an Apple device, user acceptance is required unless the device is enrolled in an MDM solution with specific automation (e.g., Automated Device Enrollment). Configuration profiles, which contain settings or policies, are typically downloaded manually (e.g., via a website or email) and must be approved by the user through the Settings app on iOS/iPadOS or System Settings on macOS. An MDM solution (option A) can push profiles, but it’s not required for manual installation. An APNs certificate (option B) is needed for MDM communication, not profile installation itself. An ADE token (option D) is for Automated Device Enrollment, not general profile installation. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidenotes that user consent is a default step for manual profile installation.

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.

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."

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.

MDM updates the login password only. ThemacOS Security Overviewstates, "When MDM changes the password of a secure token-enabled account, only the login password is updated; the secure token remains tied to the original password unless explicitly reset." Option C is incorrect due to this separation.

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."

Configuration profiles allow IT administrators to manage location settings on a device, such as enabling/disabling Location Services, restricting app access to location data, or enforcing privacy settings. These profiles are deployed via MDM or manually. Find My (option B) uses location for tracking but isn’t a management tool. iCloud (option C) is unrelated to location management. MDM (option D) delivers profiles, but the profiles define the settings. The Apple Platform Deployment Guide details location control via profiles.

Return to Service includes Wi-Fi and enrollment. TheMobile Device Management Protocol Referencestates, "With Return to Service, MDM can include a Wi-Fi payload and enrollment profile in the EraseDevice command to automate redeployment."

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.

Apple Business Manager (ABM) supports the distribution of multiple app types via Managed Distribution: custom apps (developed in-house), free apps (from the App Store), and purchased apps (bought through ABM’s Apps and Books section). This flexibility allows organizations to manage all app needs within ABM, assigning them to users or devices via MDM. Options A, B, and C are all correct individually, but D encompasses them all, aligning with ABM’s comprehensive capabilities as outlined in theApple Business Manager User Guide.

For Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) deployments, User Enrollment is the commonly used method. It allows users to enroll their personal devices in an MDM solution via a customized URL or portal, maintaining a separation between personal and managed data. Device Enrollment (option A) is typically for organization-owned devices, requiring more control than BYOD allows. Automated Device Enrollment (option C) is for organization-owned devices pre-registered with Apple, not BYOD. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidespecifies User Enrollment as the standard for BYOD.

Supervision requires Apple Configurator (via USB connection) or Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) through Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM). These methods apply a supervision identity to the device, enabling advanced management features. An MDM solution (option A) manages supervised devices but isn’t the tool for applying supervision. User acceptance (option C) isn’t required, as supervision is an administrative action. A VPN configuration (option D) is unrelated. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidespecifies these tools for supervision.

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.

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.

To deploy custom apps (e.g., in-house apps developed for an organization), an Apple Developer account is required to create and sign the app using an Enterprise Developer Program or standard Developer Program account. Once signed, the app can be distributed via MDM using Managed Distribution, but the account is the prerequisite for app creation. Managed Distribution (option B) facilitates deployment but assumes the app exists, requiring the developer account first. User acceptance (option C) may be needed for installation on non-supervised devices but isn’t the core requirement. A VPN configuration (option D) is unrelated. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidespecifies the need for an Apple Developer account for custom apps.

Configuration profiles enhance device security by allowing IT administrators to enforce policies such as passcode requirements, app restrictions, and encryption settings. Deployed via MDM or manually, they ensure devices meet organizational security standards. Network performance (option B) is improved by content caching, not profiles. Data separation (option C) is a User Enrollment feature. Simplified enrollment (option D) aligns with ADE. TheApple Platform Deployment Guideemphasizes security as a primary benefit of configuration profiles.

Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) requires Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM) to register devices purchased from Apple or authorized resellers. These portals link devices to an MDM solution for automatic enrollment and supervision during setup. An Apple Developer account (option A) is for app development, not ADE. User acceptance (option C) isn’t needed, as ADE is automatic. A VPN configuration (option D) is unrelated. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidemandates ABM/ASM for ADE.

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.

Server tokens expire annually. TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "The MDM server token expires every 12 months and must be renewed to maintain enrollment functionality."

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.

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."

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.

Administrator and People Manager roles manage federation but use local ABM/ASM credentials. TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "Administrators and People Managers can configure and manage the federation process in Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager, but their accounts remain local and cannot sign in using federated authentication." Options C, D, and E lack these permissions or are not relevant roles for federation management.

Activation Lock is a security feature tied to a user’s Apple ID or Managed Apple ID that prevents a wiped device from being reactivated without the original credentials or organizational authorization (via MDM or ABM/ASM). It’s automatically enabled when Find My is active on a device with an Apple ID. Find My (option B) enables locating and wiping but doesn’t enforce reactivation protection alone. MDM (option C) can manage Activation Lock but isn’t the feature itself. iCloud (option D) supports Activation Lock but isn’t the feature. TheApple Platform Security Guideexplains Activation Lock’s role in theft deterrence.

Content token expiration disrupts app sync. TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "If the content token expires, app licenses won’t sync to the MDM solution until it’s renewed." Option B affects notifications, not apps.

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.

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 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.

Automated Device Enrollment (ADE), used with Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM), supports Activation Lock management by allowing administrators to enable, disable, or bypass Activation Lock on supervised devices via MDM. This is critical for organization-owned devices to ensure they can be reactivated after a wipe without user Apple IDs. Device Enrollment (option B) can manage Activation Lock if the device is supervised, but it’s not inherent without ADE. User Enrollment (option C) doesn’t support full Activation Lock management, as it’s for BYOD with limited control. The Apple Platform Deployment Guide ties Activation Lock management to ADE.

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.

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.

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.