Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer (MS-721T00)
Training plan
Module 1: Plan and design Teams collaboration communications systems
- Introduction to Teams meetings and calling
- Plan for Teams Phone
- Plan for Microsoft Teams Rooms and shared meeting spaces
- Plan and optimize network performance for Teams media
- Configure and deploy Teams Phone
- Configure and deploy Teams Phone with Direct Routing
- Extend Teams Phone with additional services
Module 2: Manage Teams collaboration communications systems
- Manage meetings and events experiences
- Guided project – Create and assign Teams policies to meet business requirements in Microsoft Teams
- Configure and manage voice users
- Configure auto attendants and call queues
- Configure, deploy, and manage Teams devices
- Guided project – Prepare meeting room experiences
- Monitor and troubleshoot Teams collaboration communications systems
Recommended prerequisite knowledge
Students should have a general knowledge of the following topics:
- Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams
- Basics of networking, telecommunications, and audio/visual
- Basics of identity and access management
Credentials and certification
Exam features
- Code: MS-721
- Title: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer
- Duration: 150 minutes
- Number of Questions: 40 to 60
- Questions Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-answer, scenario-based
- Passing Score: 700 out of 1000
- Cost: $0 (included in your training)
Exam topics
- Plan and design collaboration communications systems
- Configure and manage Teams meetings and events
- Configure and manage Teams Phone
- Configure and manage Teams Rooms and devices
Eccentrix Corner article/publication
Teams Communications Engineer Training
The Microsoft 365 Certified: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate (MS-721) certification is tailored for IT professionals responsible for designing, configuring, managing, and troubleshooting unified communications solutions using Microsoft Teams. Our Teams Communications Engineer training equips participants with the skills needed to deploy and maintain high-quality, reliable communication solutions. This course covers advanced topics such as call routing, Teams phone systems, integration with PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), and network troubleshooting for optimal communication services.
Whether you’re preparing for the MS-721 certification exam or enhancing your expertise in Microsoft 365 communications, this training will provide you with the comprehensive knowledge to support collaboration tools effectively in your organization.
Why Achieve the Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate Certification?
Earning the Microsoft 365 Certified: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate certification demonstrates your expertise in designing and managing modern unified communication solutions. With the growing reliance on remote work and virtual collaboration, organizations need IT professionals skilled in configuring and maintaining communication systems that ensure seamless connectivity and high-quality user experiences. This certification validates your ability to handle voice, video, and meetings within Microsoft Teams, integrating these solutions to support business objectives.
By mastering the MS-721 training, you’ll enhance your capability to design and support robust communication strategies that promote efficient collaboration and reliable communication across teams.
Key Skills You Will Learn in the Microsoft 365 Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Training
Our MS-721 training provides hands-on instruction in managing Microsoft Teams and communication systems. Key topics include:
Configuring and Managing Teams Phone Systems
Gain expertise in setting up Teams Phone systems, including call routing, direct routing, and integrating with existing telephony infrastructures. You’ll learn how to manage voice policies, dial plans, and emergency calling options.Designing and Implementing Call Routing Solutions
Learn to design effective call routing solutions to ensure efficient internal and external communication. This section covers the use of voice routing policies, PSTN connectivity options, and configuration of call queues and auto attendants.Managing Microsoft Teams Meetings and Audio/Video Conferences
Understand how to configure and manage Teams meetings and video conferencing to deliver high-quality user experiences. You’ll explore advanced meeting options, live events, and policies that support collaboration across diverse teams.Integrating Communication Systems with Other Microsoft 365 Services
Discover how to integrate Teams communication solutions with other Microsoft 365 services like SharePoint and OneDrive to create a cohesive collaboration experience.Ensuring Communication Security and Compliance
Explore strategies for ensuring security and compliance within Teams communication systems, including managing information barriers, retention policies, and data loss prevention (DLP) for secure communications.Monitoring and Troubleshooting Network and Communication Services
Develop skills in monitoring the performance of communication services and troubleshooting network issues that impact the quality of voice and video calls. This section covers the use of analytics and diagnostic tools for maintaining service reliability.
This training ensures that you can design, implement, and support secure and efficient communication solutions using Microsoft Teams.
Instructor-Led MS-721 Training for Effective Learning
Our instructor-led Microsoft 365 Certified: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate (MS-721) training offers live, interactive sessions led by certified Microsoft experts. Through practical exercises and real-world scenarios, you’ll gain hands-on experience in configuring and managing advanced communication systems using Microsoft Teams.
By the end of the course, you’ll be well-prepared to manage communication solutions in complex business environments and succeed in the MS-721 certification exam.
Who Should Attend the Microsoft 365 Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Training?
The MS-721 training is ideal for:
- IT Administrators, Systems Engineers, and Unified Communications Specialists responsible for designing, deploying, and managing communication systems within their organizations.
- Telecom Engineers and Technical Support Staff who need to expand their knowledge of Microsoft Teams phone systems and integrated communication solutions.
- IT Professionals preparing for the Microsoft 365 Certified: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate certification exam to advance their careers.
This course is perfect for those looking to deepen their expertise in unified communications and manage high-quality, reliable communication solutions in a modern enterprise.
Enhance Your Communications Expertise with Microsoft 365
By completing the Microsoft 365 Certified: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate (MS-721) training, you’ll gain the skills needed to design and manage advanced communication systems that enhance collaboration and connectivity. This training will prepare you to deploy secure, reliable communication solutions and support your organization’s communication infrastructure.
Advance your career and gain essential skills in managing unified communications with Microsoft 365. Enroll in our MS-721 training today and prepare to manage, secure, and optimize communication solutions in modern enterprises.
MS-721 Exam Success Strategies
Mastering the MS-721 certification requires more than technical knowledge – strategic preparation, effective time management, and optimal mental performance are equally crucial for success.
MS-721 Exam Statistics & Success Rates
- Average Pass Rate: 65-70% on first attempt (Microsoft Associate level average)
- Most Common Score Range: 720-780 for passing candidates
- Average Study Time: 6-8 weeks for experienced IT professionals
- Retake Rate: 25-30% of candidates require a second attempt
- Top Failure Areas: Direct Routing configurations (34%), Teams Rooms management (30%), call quality troubleshooting (26%)
Study Method Comparison
| Study Approach | Duration | Pass rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hands-on Practice Only |
4-5 weeks |
45-55% |
Experienced admins |
|
Documentation + Practice |
6-7 weeks |
70-75% |
Methodical learners |
|
Training + Labs + Practice |
6-8 weeks |
85-90% |
Comprehensive preparation |
|
Practice Tests Only |
2-3 weeks |
35-45% |
Not recommended |
Strategic Study Approach
- Create a 6-8 week study timeline – Don’t cram for this associate-level certification
- Follow the 70-20-10 rule – 70% hands-on practice with Teams Phone and devices, 20% reading documentation, 10% practice tests
- Focus on scenario-based learning – MS-721 emphasizes real-world collaboration communications troubleshooting over memorization
- Study in 90-minute focused blocks with 15-minute breaks to maximize retention
Common Exam Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don’t confuse Direct Routing with Operator Connect – understand when each PSTN connectivity option is appropriate and their configuration requirements
- Teams Rooms vs. Teams devices management – know the differences between managing room systems, personal devices, and shared space equipment
- Call Quality Dashboard interpretation – understand how to read and troubleshoot call quality metrics and network performance data
- Emergency calling configurations – distinguish between different emergency calling scenarios and regulatory requirements
- Audio conferencing vs. Teams Phone – understand when to use each service and their integration points
- Session Border Controller (SBC) configurations – know the requirements and limitations for Direct Routing deployments
Topic Weight Distribution
| Exam Domain | Weight | Focus Areas | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Plan and Design Teams Collaboration Communications |
45-50% |
Architecture, network planning, device selection |
Critical |
|
Configure and Deploy Teams Phone |
30-35% |
PSTN connectivity, voice routing, emergency calling |
Critical |
|
Manage Teams Meetings and Devices |
25-30% |
Teams Rooms, Surface Hub, meeting policies |
High |
Exam Day Time Management
- Allocate 90 seconds per question on average – this gives buffer time for complex scenarios
- Read case studies completely first before attempting related questions
- Flag uncertain questions and return to them – don’t get stuck on difficult items
- Reserve 15 minutes at the end for reviewing flagged questions and checking answers
Managing Exam Stress & Performance
- Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep the night before – avoid last-minute cramming
- Arrive 30 minutes early to settle in and complete check-in procedures calmly
- Use deep breathing techniques if you feel overwhelmed during the exam
- Trust your preparation – your first instinct is usually correct on scenario questions
Technical Preparation Tips
- Practice with Teams admin center and Teams Rooms Pro Management Portal – know where to find device management and calling configuration settings
- Master PowerShell cmdlets for Teams Phone and devices – understand both GUI and command-line management approaches
- Understand network requirements and troubleshooting – this is heavily weighted and often confuses candidates
- Review PSTN connectivity options thoroughly – know the differences between Calling Plans, Operator Connect, and Direct Routing
Final Week Preparation
- Take 2-3 practice exams to identify knowledge gaps and build confidence
- Review Microsoft’s official exam objectives one final time
- Avoid learning new concepts – focus on reinforcing what you already know
- Prepare your exam day logistics – route to test center, required identification, arrival time
Mental Preparation Strategies
- Visualize success scenarios – imagine yourself confidently answering questions
- Remind yourself of your hands-on experience – you’ve likely configured many of these Teams features before
- Stay positive during difficult questions – every candidate faces challenging scenarios
- Remember that 700/1000 passes – you don’t need perfection, just solid competency
How to Schedule Your MS-721 Exam
- Official Testing Provider: Pearson VUE is Microsoft’s authorized testing partner for MS-721
- Scheduling Process: Create a Pearson VUE account, search for “MS-721”, select your preferred test center and date
- Exam Cost: Included with your Eccentrix training – exam voucher provided for this associate-level certification
- Scheduling Timeline: Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance for better time slot availability
- Rescheduling Policy: Free rescheduling up to 24 hours before your exam appointment
- Required ID: Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license) matching your registration name exactly
Success Mindset: Approach MS-721 as a validation of your existing collaboration communications systems engineering skills rather than a test of memorized facts. Your practical experience with Microsoft Teams Phone, devices, and unified communications is your greatest asset.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Microsoft certified Teams MS-721 training (FAQ)
What topics are covered in the MS-721 training?
The training covers the integration of Teams phone systems, call routing, managing Teams meetings and events, applying compliance rules, and configuring security features.
Who is this training for?
It is designed for IT administrators, systems engineers, and unified communications specialists who manage and optimize Microsoft Teams communication solutions within an organization.
What prior knowledge is required for this course?
A basic understanding of Microsoft 365 services and experience in administering Microsoft Teams is recommended to maximize the benefits of this training.
Which Microsoft 365 tools are covered in this course?
The course focuses on Microsoft Teams while integrating collaborative features with other services like SharePoint, OneDrive, and Azure Active Directory.
What are the main benefits of this training?
Participants will gain skills to efficiently manage Teams phone systems, optimize remote collaboration, enhance security, and implement tailored compliance policies.
How does this training prepare for the MS-721 certification?
The course aligns with the objectives of the MS-721 certification, equipping participants with the skills required to pass the exam and excel in managing Microsoft 365 communication systems.
