☁️ Microsoft Azure Security Fundamentals

🧠 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body

  • Full Name: Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)

  • Issuing Organization: Microsoft

  • Reputation: Microsoft is a global technology leader. Its certifications are highly respected across industries, especially in enterprises using Azure. SC-900 is part of Microsoft’s role-based certification path.

📚 2. Curriculum and Skills Covered

  • Covered Domains:

    • Security, compliance, and identity concepts

    • Microsoft Entra (Azure AD), Microsoft Defender, Sentinel (SIEM/SOAR), Microsoft Purview

    • Access management, zero trust, threat protection, and governance

  • Depth of Content: Primarily theoretical, with interactive modules and examples; not deeply hands-on.

  • Technologies & Tools: Azure Active Directory (Entra ID), Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Microsoft Sentinel, Azure Security Center, Microsoft Intune

  • Job Market Relevance: Highly relevant as more companies migrate to Azure and need staff familiar with Microsoft’s security model.

  • Mapped Frameworks: Concepts map to Zero Trust Architecture, NIST, ISO 27001, and MITRE ATT&CK (via Microsoft Defender and Sentinel).

🧩 3. Prerequisites and Recommended Level

  • Prior Requirements: None required.

  • Skill Level: Beginner.

  • Recommended Knowledge: Basic understanding of cloud computing, Microsoft ecosystem (Office 365, Azure), and security principles is helpful.

💵 4. Cost

  • Total Cost: ~$99 USD for the exam (SC-900).

  • Includes Materials: Microsoft Learn offers extensive free materials; additional paid courses may be found on platforms like Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, or Pluralsight.

  • Discounts: Student pricing, Microsoft Virtual Training Days (often free with exam voucher), and regional discounts available.

⏳ 5. Estimated Preparation Time

  • Study Hours: 8–15 hours depending on experience.

  • Format: Self-paced or instructor-led via Microsoft Learn or partners.

  • Learning Modes: Self-study, live online events, corporate bootcamps.

🎯 6. Target Roles and Career Path

  • Prepared Roles:

    • Junior SOC Analyst

    • Cloud Security Support

    • Security Administrator (Entry-level)

    • Compliance Analyst

  • Career Fit: Excellent entry point into Microsoft’s security certifications or for anyone seeking a high-level overview of cloud security and compliance in Azure.

  • Orientation: Technical, with some managerial and compliance focus.

🧪 7. Exam Format and Difficulty

  • Exam Delivery: Online or at Pearson VUE testing centers.

  • Assessment Type: Multiple-choice and scenario-based questions; no hands-on labs.

  • Proctoring: Online proctored or in-person.

  • Length & Questions: 40–60 questions; 45–60 minutes.

  • Difficulty: Entry-level; pass rate estimated around 70–80% for prepared candidates.

📜 8. Validity and Renewal

  • Expiration: Valid for 1 year (as of current Microsoft renewal policy).

  • Renewal: Free renewal exam available online annually via Microsoft Learn.

🧰 9. Study Resources Available

  • Official Materials:

  • Books: SC-900 study guides (Unofficial), Microsoft Security documentation

  • Labs & Platforms: Hands-on practice via Microsoft Learn Sandbox

  • Communities: Microsoft Tech Community, Reddit (r/AzureCertification), Discord channels, LinkedIn groups

  • Free Courses: Microsoft Learn, YouTube (John Savill’s Technical Channel, Microsoft Mechanics)

💼 10. Industry Value and Demand

  • Job Listings: Frequently requested in junior cloud security or compliance job postings, especially in Microsoft-heavy environments.

  • Recruiter Value: Strong signal of foundational knowledge in Microsoft security and identity ecosystem.

  • Company Recognition: Recognized by Microsoft partners, enterprise clients, and public sector entities.

  • Salary Insight: Foundation-level, but can support entry roles in cloud or security. Combined with higher-level certs (e.g., AZ-500), leads to roles earning $80K–$130K+.

🧭 11. Related Certifications and Progression

  • Next Steps:

    • Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)

    • Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate (SC-300)

    • Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator (SC-400)

  • Complementary Certs: CompTIA Security+, Google Cloud Security Fundamentals, AWS Security Fundamentals

  • Track Integration: Acts as a launching pad for technical or compliance-focused security roles in Microsoft ecosystems.