Certification Overview
To earn the Security Operations Analyst Associate certification, you must pass:
-
- SC-200 – Microsoft Security Operations Analyst

This exam measures your ability to mitigate threats using Microsoft 365 Defender and Microsoft Sentinel.
What SC-200 Validates
With Security Operations Analyst Associate, you demonstrate your ability to:
- Detect and analyze threats
- Investigate and respond to security incidents
- Configure and manage Microsoft Sentinel
- Implement Microsoft Defender solutions
- Perform threat hunting and analysis
Track Details & Exam Requirements
What SC-200 Validates
With Security Operations Analyst Associate, you demonstrate your ability to:
- Detect and analyze threats
- Investigate and respond to security incidents
- Configure and manage Microsoft Sentinel
- Implement Microsoft Defender solutions
- Perform threat hunting and analysis
Exam Focus Areas
The SC-200 exam covers:
🔹 Mitigate Threats Using Microsoft 365 Defender
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Microsoft Defender for Identity
- Microsoft Defender for Office 365
- Incident investigation and response
🔹 Mitigate Threats Using Microsoft Defender for Cloud
- Cloud workload protection
- Security recommendations
- Compliance monitoring
🔹 Mitigate Threats Using Microsoft Sentinel
- Log ingestion and data connectors
- KQL (Kusto Query Language) basics
- Analytics rules and alerts
- Workbooks and dashboards
- Automated response (playbooks)
Validity & Recertification
Security Operations Analyst Associate certification is valid for
1 year.
To maintain certification, you must complete a free online renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn before expiration.
Recommended Experience
Microsoft recommends:
- Experience with Microsoft security tools
- Familiarity with Azure and Microsoft 365 environments
- Understanding of networking and security fundamentals
- Basic knowledge of scripting and KQL
There are
no formal prerequisites, but Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) is helpful.
Who Should Pursue Security Operations Analyst?
- SOC Analysts
- Security Analysts
- Threat Hunters
- Incident Responders
- IT Security Professionals
Career Benefits
- Validates hands-on threat detection and response skills
- Enhances credibility in cybersecurity roles
- Prepares you for advanced security certifications (SC-300, AZ-500)
- Opens opportunities in SOC and cloud security operations