Free Course

Intermediate

Domain Management & DNS

Configure and manage domains like a pro

16 lessons

6-7 hours

About this course

The complete guide to managing your domains effectively. From transfers and nameserver changes to advanced DNS configuration, RDAP queries, and EPP status codes. Master both everyday management and technical deep-dives.

What you'll learn

Transfer domains between registrars smoothly
Configure any DNS record type correctly
Set up professional email with your domain
Query RDAP servers and interpret EPP status codes

Course Content

How to Transfer a Domain

Start here

Moving domains between registrars is a common task. Learn the complete transfer process step by step.

Unlock the domain and get the EPP/auth c...Initiate transfer at the new registrar

11 min

Domain Transfer Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure a smooth domain transfer without any surprises.

Verify domain is eligible (not in 60-day...Update contact email before starting

8 min

How Long Transfers Take

Set proper expectations for transfer timelines and learn what can speed things up or slow them down.

Standard transfers take 5-7 daysSome can be expedited to minutes

7 min

Changing Nameservers

Nameserver changes are fundamental to domain management. Learn when and how to make changes safely.

Know your new nameserver addresses befor...Changes can take 24-48 hours to propagat...

12 min

Pointing Domain to Your Website

Connect your domain to your hosting with the right DNS configuration.

A records point to IP addressesCNAME records point to other domains

11 min

Setting Up Email With Your Domain

Professional email adds credibility. Learn to configure MX records and email services.

MX records tell servers where to deliver...SPF and DKIM improve deliverability

8 min

Domain Forwarding Setup

Redirect one domain to another. Learn the difference between forwarding types and when to use each.

301 redirects are permanent and SEO-frie...302 redirects are temporary

10 min

Managing Auto-Renewal

Prevent accidental domain loss with proper auto-renewal configuration.

Enable auto-renewal for important domain...Keep payment methods up to date

10 min

Updating Contact Information

Keep your registration details current to maintain control and receive important notices.

ICANN requires accurate contact informat...Changes may require email verification

6 min

Monitoring Your Domains

Set up monitoring to catch unauthorized changes and prevent domain loss.

Monitor DNS records for unauthorized cha...Track expiration dates across all domain...

12 min

DNS Record Types Explained

A comprehensive guide to all DNS record types and when to use each one.

A/AAAA records for IP addressesCNAME for aliases, MX for email

16 min

Understanding DNS TTL

Time-to-Live controls how long DNS records are cached. Master TTL for faster changes and better performance.

Lower TTL = faster propagation but more ...Lower TTL before making changes

11 min

RDAP: The Modern WHOIS

RDAP is replacing WHOIS for domain lookups. Learn what's different and why it matters.

RDAP returns structured JSON dataBetter standardization than WHOIS

14 min

Querying RDAP Programmatically

Build domain lookup tools using the RDAP protocol. Code examples included.

RDAP endpoints are registry-specificBootstrap file maps TLDs to RDAP servers

15 min

EPP Status Codes Decoded

Those cryptic status codes in WHOIS have specific meanings. Learn to read them like a pro.

clientTransferProhibited prevents transf...serverHold takes domain offline

12 min

Domain Lifecycle Stages

From registration through expiration to deletion, understand every stage of a domain's life.

Registration → Active → ExpiredGrace period allows late renewal

13 min

Ready to start?

FREE

Start Lesson 1

Track your progress across devices:

Already started? Recover progress

Who it's for

Website owners managing multiple domains
IT administrators and DevOps engineers
Freelance web developers
Domain industry professionals

Prerequisites

Domain Fundamentals