Quick Answer
The answer is the Hybrid Identity Administrator role in Microsoft Entra ID. This role is required because enabling password hash synchronization (PHS) involves writing configuration changes to the Microsoft Entra ID directory schema and syncing hash values, which demands elevated permissions that only the Hybrid Identity Administrator possesses. On the MS-102 exam, this question tests your understanding of the specific role-based access control needed for hybrid identity features, often appearing as a trick where candidates confuse PHS with other sync options like pass-through authentication or federation. A common trap is assuming any global admin or user admin can enable PHS, but Microsoft deliberately restricts this to the Hybrid Identity Administrator to separate identity configuration from broader tenant management. Remember the memory tip: "PHS needs PHS—Privileged Hybrid Sync"—the Hybrid Identity Administrator is the only role that can flip the PHS switch.
This MS-102 practice question tests your understanding of implement and manage microsoft entra identity and access. 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.
Your company has a hybrid identity configuration with Microsoft Entra Connect Sync. You need to enable password hash synchronization (PHS) for hybrid users. What is the prerequisite?
Pass-through authentication agent installed
Why wrong: PTA is an alternative, not a prerequisite.
Password writeback enabled
Why wrong: Writeback is separate from PHS.
Hybrid Identity Administrator role in Microsoft Entra ID
This role is needed to configure PHS.
Federation with AD FS
Why wrong: PHS works without federation.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Hybrid Identity Administrator role in Microsoft Entra ID
Option A is correct because PHS requires the Hybrid Identity Administrator role to configure. Option B is wrong because PHS does not require federation. Option C is wrong because PHS does not require password writeback. Option D is wrong because PHS does not require pass-through authentication.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Pass-through authentication agent installed
Why it's wrong here
PTA is an alternative, not a prerequisite.
Password writeback enabled
Why it's wrong here
Writeback is separate from PHS.
Hybrid Identity Administrator role in Microsoft Entra ID
Why this is correct
This role is needed to configure PHS.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Federation with AD FS
Why it's wrong here
PHS works without federation.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Identify which MS-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.
Implement and manage Microsoft Entra identity and access — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Implement and manage Microsoft Entra identity and access — This question tests Implement and manage Microsoft Entra identity and access — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Hybrid Identity Administrator role in Microsoft Entra ID — Option A is correct because PHS requires the Hybrid Identity Administrator role to configure. Option B is wrong because PHS does not require federation. Option C is wrong because PHS does not require password writeback. Option D is wrong because PHS does not require pass-through authentication.
Identify which MS-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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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.
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