The correct choice is a split domain configuration. This setup is essential during an Exchange Online migration because it allows mail to be routed to the correct location based on where each user’s mailbox currently resides, using MX records pointing to Exchange Online Protection (EOP) and internal connectors to forward mail for non-migrated users back to on-premises. On the Microsoft 365 Administrator MS-102 exam, this concept tests your understanding of hybrid mail flow and coexistence, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must distinguish split domain from a full cutover or hybrid deployment. A common trap is confusing it with a simple MX record change, which would break delivery for on-premises users. Remember the memory tip: “Split the path, not the domain”—the domain stays unified, but the routing splits based on mailbox location.
MS-102 Deploy and manage a Microsoft 365 tenant Practice Question
This MS-102 practice question tests your understanding of deploy and manage a microsoft 365 tenant. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 company plans to migrate their email from an on-premises Exchange server to Exchange Online. They want to ensure that during the migration, mail sent to users who have already been migrated is delivered to Exchange Online, while mail for non-migrated users is delivered to on-premises. Which type of domain configuration should they use?
Why wrong: While coexistence describes the state of having both on-premises and cloud mailboxes, 'coexistence domain' is not a specific domain configuration in Microsoft 365.
B
Shared domain
Why wrong: Shared domain is not a known domain type in Microsoft 365 for hybrid mail routing.
C
Split domain
Split domain configuration allows the same domain to have mailboxes both on-premises and in Exchange Online, with mail routed appropriately.
D
Forwarding domain
Why wrong: Forwarding domain is not a recognized domain type; forwarding is typically done at the mailbox or transport rule level.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Split domain
A split domain configuration is required when some mailboxes reside on-premises and others in Exchange Online during a migration. It uses MX records pointing to Exchange Online Protection (EOP) and internal mail flow connectors to route messages for migrated users to Exchange Online and non-migrated users to on-premises, ensuring each mailbox receives mail at its current location.
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.
✗
Coexistence domain
Why it's wrong here
While coexistence describes the state of having both on-premises and cloud mailboxes, 'coexistence domain' is not a specific domain configuration in Microsoft 365.
✗
Shared domain
Why it's wrong here
Shared domain is not a known domain type in Microsoft 365 for hybrid mail routing.
✓
Split domain
Why this is correct
Split domain configuration allows the same domain to have mailboxes both on-premises and in Exchange Online, with mail routed appropriately.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Forwarding domain
Why it's wrong here
Forwarding domain is not a recognized domain type; forwarding is typically done at the mailbox or transport rule level.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'split domain' with 'hybrid deployment' or 'coexistence,' but the question specifically asks for the domain configuration type, not the overall migration method; Microsoft often tests the exact terminology for mail flow scenarios during phased migrations.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, a split domain relies on an on-premises Send connector that routes messages to EOP via TLS, and an Inbound connector on the Exchange Online side that accepts messages from the on-premises server. The MX record points to EOP, which uses recipient lookup to determine whether the mailbox is in Exchange Online or on-premises; if on-premises, EOP forwards the message to the on-premises server via the configured connector. A real-world scenario where this matters is when a company must maintain compliance by keeping some mailboxes on-premises while migrating others, requiring precise mail flow control without a full hybrid deployment.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this MS-102 question in full detail.
Deploy and manage a Microsoft 365 tenant — This question tests Deploy and manage a Microsoft 365 tenant — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Split domain — A split domain configuration is required when some mailboxes reside on-premises and others in Exchange Online during a migration. It uses MX records pointing to Exchange Online Protection (EOP) and internal mail flow connectors to route messages for migrated users to Exchange Online and non-migrated users to on-premises, ensuring each mailbox receives mail at its current location.
What should I do if I get this MS-102 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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