This introductory course provides a foundational understanding of directory services and their critical role within modern Identity and Access Management architectures. Students will explore core LDAP concepts, directory data models, schema design, naming structures, and security principles. By the end of the course, participants will understand how directory services store, organize, and secure identity data, and how they enable scalable, high-performance identity solutions across enterprise environments
Directory services sit at the heart of every modern identity platform, yet they are often misunderstood or treated as a black box. This course removes that mystery.
In this engaging and practical introduction, you will learn how directory services actually work, why they are fundamentally different from traditional databases, and how they power authentication, authorization, and identity data management at scale. You will gain insight into LDAP models, schema design, directory trees, and real-world operational concepts that form the backbone of enterprise IAM systems.
Whether you are new to identity or looking to strengthen your foundation, this course will give you the clarity and confidence to understand, discuss, and begin working with directory technologies in real environments.
Chapter 1 Introduction to Directory Services
What is a directory
Real world and enterprise examples
The role of directories in IAM
Chapter 2 LDAP Fundamentals
Overview of LDAP
LDAP standards and RFCs
LDAP models and architecture
Chapter 3 Directory Data and Schema
Entries attributes and values
Object classes and schema
Best practices for schema design and extension
Chapter 4 Directory Information Tree
Naming model and hierarchy
Distinguished names and relative distinguished names
Namespace design considerations
Chapter 5 LDAP Operations
Bind and authentication
Search operations
Add modify delete and rename operations
Chapter 6 Security Model
Authentication mechanisms
Access control instructions and policies
Password policies and delegated administration
Basic understanding of IT systems and infrastructure
Familiarity with networking fundamentals such as TCP and IP
General awareness of authentication and user accounts
Basic command line exposure is helpful but not required
No prior LDAP or directory services experience required
Identity and Access Management beginners
System administrators and engineers new to IAM
Developers integrating with identity systems
Security professionals seeking foundational IAM knowledge
Architects evaluating identity platforms
Project managers working on IAM initiatives
Business and technical stakeholders who need to understand identity infrastructure