Apple DEP-2025 - Apple Deployment and Management Certification Exam

Configuration profiles allow IT administrators to manage Screen Time settings on iOS/iPadOS devices (and macOS to a lesser extent), such as setting app limits, restricting content, or enforcing downtime. These profiles are deployed via MDM or manually, aligning with organizational policies. Find My (option B) and iCloud (option C) are unrelated to Screen Time management. MDM (option D) delivers profiles, but the profiles define the settings. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails Screen Time configuration via profiles.

Apple devices follow specific roaming behavior standards. Instead of automatically connecting to the nearest access point, iPhone, iPad, and Mac remain on their current access point until the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) drops below a definedroam trigger threshold. For example, Apple documents that iOS devices typically consider roaming when the RSSI falls around –70 dBm. Until this threshold is reached, the device does not initiate roaming, even if a stronger access point is nearby. This design avoids excessive roaming, which could degrade performance. Therefore, users may stay connected to the initial AP until the signal strength truly weakens.

Apple Business Manager (ABM) and Apple School Manager (ASM) supportCustom Apps, which are distributed privately through the App Store. According to Apple’s learning materials, Custom Apps are developed using standard App Store guidelines but are assigned specifically to organizations. Thedeveloper must explicitly assign the appto a particular ABM or ASM account by using the organization’s ID. Once assigned, the app appears in the Apps and Books section, where licenses can be purchased or redeemed. IT admins do not submit apps through AppleCare; this is handled solely by the developer. This ensures apps are securely distributed only to intended organizations.

Declarative Device Management (DDM) provides a more proactive approach for software updates. When administrators set an update deadline, supervised iPhones begin to notify users in advance. Specifically, Apple states that24 hours before the deadline, users receive a mandatory notification warning them the update will install automatically. This occurs regardless of Do Not Disturb settings because the system prioritizes compliance. The goal is to ensure that security and OS updates aren’t missed due to user inaction or notification suppression. Apple emphasizes that DDM deadlines enforce automatic enforcement while still providing users clear, advanced notice of impending installation.

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.

TheReturn to Serviceworkflow is designed to redeploy iPhones and iPads with minimal IT interaction. Apple Learning details that when sending theEraseDevice command, MDM can optionally attach aWi-Fi payloadand theenrollment profile. The Wi-Fi payload ensures the freshly erased device automatically reconnects to the network during Setup Assistant, enabling seamless MDM re-enrollment. The enrollment profile ensures the device knows which MDM server to connect to. Apple specifies that supervision status is retained automatically for supervised devices; it is not an optional payload. Data plans and Location Services are unrelated to the Return to Service workflow. These options allow organizations to quickly cycle devices for redeployment, particularly in education and enterprise shared-use environments.

Managed Distributionis Apple’s licensing model for apps and books in Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager. Apple documentation emphasizes that Managed Distribution gives organizations flexibility — licenses can berevoked from one user or device and reassigned to another. This allows organizations to maximize their investment, especially for paid apps, by reallocating licenses as staff or students change. Unlike legacy redemption codes, which permanently attach to an Apple ID, Managed Distribution licenses remain organizational assets. Apps can be assigned to either devices or users, and books can be assigned to both as well. A Managed Apple Account is not mandatory for device-based assignment. Therefore, the critical and correct principle is that Managed Distribution supports revocation and reassignment, giving IT administrators ongoing control over licensed content.

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.

Apple’s MDM framework allows organizations to take ownership of apps that users may have installed manually. This process is calledconverting unmanaged apps to managed. When an administrator deploys the same app via MDM to a supervised device, Apple documentation specifies that the system silently converts the app to a managed state. No user interaction is required, and the existing app data remains intact. This avoids disruption while still giving the organization control over the app, including the ability to configure settings, update it, or remove it remotely. Options like requiring user approval or uninstalling the app are not part of the standard workflow; Apple designed the feature to ensure seamless transition for end users while granting IT management authority.

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.