The answer is that the Conditional Access policy requires an approved client app, even though the device itself is compliant. In Microsoft Intune, a device can report as compliant while still failing access if the Conditional Access policy includes additional requirements beyond device health, such as mandating a specific approved client app like Outlook or Microsoft Teams. This scenario tests your understanding that Conditional Access policies are layered—compliance alone does not guarantee access if the policy also enforces app-level controls. On the MD-102 exam, this is a common trap where candidates assume a compliant device automatically passes all checks, but the policy may also require a specific app or location. Remember the memory tip: “Compliant device, blocked access? Check the app—not the health.”
MD-102 Protect devices Practice Question
This MD-102 practice question tests your understanding of protect devices. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A user's Android device is enrolled in Microsoft Intune. The device reports as 'Compliant' but the user cannot access corporate resources that require compliant devices. The conditional access policy is configured to require a compliant device. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The conditional access policy requires an approved client app.
Even if the device is compliant, the conditional access policy may also require a specific client app or location. Option C is correct because the conditional access policy might have additional requirements like 'Require approved client app'. Option A is incorrect because the device is compliant. Option B is incorrect because stale compliance is not the issue if it shows compliant. Option D is incorrect because the Company Portal app is not required for access.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The compliance policy has not been refreshed on the device.
Why it's wrong here
If it shows compliant, it has been evaluated.
✗
The user does not have the Company Portal app installed.
Why it's wrong here
Company Portal is not required for conditional access.
✓
The conditional access policy requires an approved client app.
Why this is correct
Additional conditions in conditional access can block access.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The device is not compliant with the compliance policy.
Why it's wrong here
The device reports as compliant.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
If it shows compliant, it has been evaluated.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this MD-102 question in full detail.
Identify which MD-102 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Protect devices — This question tests Protect devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The conditional access policy requires an approved client app. — Even if the device is compliant, the conditional access policy may also require a specific client app or location. Option C is correct because the conditional access policy might have additional requirements like 'Require approved client app'. Option A is incorrect because the device is compliant. Option B is incorrect because stale compliance is not the issue if it shows compliant. Option D is incorrect because the Company Portal app is not required for access.
What should I do if I get this MD-102 question wrong?
Identify which MD-102 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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