How to Interpret a Conditional Access Policy JSON in Microsoft Entra ID
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.\n\n{\n \"conditions\": {\n \"users\": {\n \"includeUsers\": [\"All\"],\n \"excludeUsers\": [\"Admin@contoso.com\"]\n },\n \"applications\": {\n \"includeApplications\": [\"All\"]\n },\n \"clientAppTypes\": [\"MobileAppsAndDesktopClients\"]\n },\n \"grantControls\": {\n \"builtInControls\": [\"Mfa\"],\n \"operator\": \"OR\"\n }\n}You are reviewing the following Conditional Access policy JSON in Microsoft Entra ID. What does this policy do?
Quick Answer
The correct interpretation is that this Conditional Access policy JSON requires MFA for all users except Admin@contoso.com when accessing any app from mobile apps or desktop clients. This is determined by the JSON structure: the "users" object includes "allUsers" under "includeUsers" and excludes a specific group containing Admin@contoso.com, while "clientAppTypes" lists both "browser" and "mobileAppsAndDesktopClients" to enforce MFA across those platforms. On the MS-102 exam, this tests your ability to read JSON policy syntax and map it to real-world access controls—a common trap is overlooking that "browser" is included alongside mobile clients, which means web access also triggers MFA unless explicitly excluded. Remember the mnemonic "Exclude the admin, include all apps, require MFA for both browser and mobile" to quickly decode any policy JSON.
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often overlook the 'ExcludeUsers' array and assume the policy applies to all users, or they misinterpret 'clientAppTypes' as applying to all devices rather than specific client application types like browser and mobile/desktop apps.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Requires MFA for all users except Admin@contoso.com when accessing any app from mobile apps or desktop clients
The Conditional Access policy JSON targets all users except a specific group containing Admin@contoso.com, applies to all cloud apps, and requires MFA for the 'Browser' and 'Mobile apps and desktop clients' client app types. This effectively enforces MFA for all users except the excluded admin when accessing any app from either web browsers or native/mobile clients, as defined by the 'clientAppTypes' condition.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Requires MFA for all users accessing all apps from any client type
Why it's wrong here
Only mobile apps and desktop clients are included.
- ✗
Blocks access for all users except Admin@contoso.com when accessing from mobile apps
Why it's wrong here
The policy grants MFA, not blocks.
- ✓
Requires MFA for all users except Admin@contoso.com when accessing any app from mobile apps or desktop clients
Why this is correct
Matches the policy conditions and grant controls.
- ✗
Requires MFA for all users accessing all apps from any device
Why it's wrong here
Excludes Admin and only applies to mobile apps and desktop clients.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Microsoft 365 Tenant Setup
Key term
MFA
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security method that requires a user to verify their identity using two or more different types of evidence, such as a password plus a code from a phone, before they can access an account or system.
Key term
Microsoft Entra ID
Microsoft Entra ID is a cloud-based identity and access management service that lets employees sign in and access resources both inside and outside of your organization.
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Same concept, more angles
3 more ways this is tested on MS-102
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO permissions are required for a custom role to manage Conditional Access policies in Microsoft Entra ID?
medium- A.microsoft.directory/conditionalAccessPolicies/allProperties/read
- ✓ B.microsoft.directory/conditionalAccessPolicies/read
- C.microsoft.directory/conditionalAccessPolicies/delete
- ✓ D.microsoft.directory/conditionalAccessPolicies/update
- E.microsoft.directory/conditionalAccessPolicies/create
Why B: To manage Conditional Access policies in Microsoft Entra ID, a custom role requires both the read and update permissions. The 'read' permission (option B) is necessary to view existing policies, while the 'update' permission (option D) is required to modify or configure policy settings. Without both, the role cannot effectively manage policies, as management implies the ability to change them.
Variation 2. Refer to the exhibit. You are reviewing a Conditional Access policy JSON. The policy is intended to block legacy authentication. However, users are still able to connect using Exchange ActiveSync. What is the most likely reason?
hard- A.The policy is missing the 'browser' and 'mobileAppsAndDesktopClient' client app types
- B.The grant control operator 'OR' should be 'AND'
- ✓ C.The policy is configured in 'report-only' mode instead of 'enforce'
- D.The policy is missing a condition for 'device platforms' to target iOS and Android
Why C: The policy is configured in 'report-only' mode. In report-only mode, Conditional Access policies are evaluated but not enforced. Users can still connect using legacy authentication because the policy does not block access. To block legacy authentication, the policy must be set to 'enforce' mode. Additionally, the client apps condition should include 'Exchange ActiveSync clients' and 'Other clients' to specifically target legacy authentication protocols.
Variation 3. Refer to the exhibit. You need to ensure that users accessing Exchange Online from unmanaged devices are blocked. What should you modify in the policy?
medium- A.Remove the MFA control
- B.Add the 'approvedClientApp' grant control with OR
- C.Add a session control for app protection policies
- ✓ D.Change the operator from OR to AND
Why D: The exhibit shows a conditional access policy with two grant controls: 'Require multi-factor authentication' and 'Require device to be marked as compliant', connected by OR. With OR, users can satisfy either control, so unmanaged devices can still authenticate via MFA alone. Changing the operator to AND forces both MFA and device compliance, blocking access from unmanaged devices that cannot be compliant.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This MS-102 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the MS-102 exam.