Certification Overview

Microsoft positions Cloud and AI Security Engineer Associate as a structured way to demonstrate implementing end-to-end security controls across Azure, hybrid, and AI-enabled environments. The current assessment scope emphasizes Manage identity, access, and governance, Secure storage, databases, and networking, Secure compute, Secure AI solutions, Manage and monitor security posture. Candidates are expected to connect product knowledge with the practical decisions made in real Microsoft environments. Depending on the role, this can include planning, configuration, development, governance, security, monitoring, troubleshooting, or optimization.

The credential is designed for cloud security engineers, Azure security administrators, and security platform specialists. It is relevant to career paths such as Cloud Security Engineer, Azure Security Engineer, AI Security Engineer, Security Platform Engineer. Microsoft classifies it at the Intermediate level, while Atmic Networks maps it to Associate Level for website filtering. The certification can validate a focused role or provide a foundation for a broader Microsoft learning path, but it does not replace practical project experience.

The official earning path is: Pass exam SC-500: Cloud and AI Security Engineering. Mandatory prerequisites are stated separately from recommended experience: None. Candidates should prepare from the active Microsoft Learn certification page and study guide, use hands-on labs where appropriate, and review the latest skills measured before scheduling. Microsoft updates exams regularly, so the current online study guide is the controlling blueprint even when the exam code remains unchanged.

Exam appointments are delivered through Microsoft's authorized testing workflow, with pricing based on the country or region where the exam is proctored. After passing, candidates can review the credential in the Credentials area of their Microsoft Learn profile. One year from the date the certification is earned. Candidates should keep their personal Microsoft account and legal identification details accurate so exam records, certificates, and renewal activity remain accessible.

Track Details & Exam Requirements

Certification provider: Microsoft

Credential type: Role-based certification

Microsoft level: Intermediate

Current status: Active

Official earning rule: Pass exam SC-500: Cloud and AI Security Engineering

Mandatory prerequisites: None

Recommended experience: Practical Azure and hybrid administration experience, strong Microsoft Entra ID familiarity, and awareness of Microsoft 365 administration are recommended

Certification path

1. Pass exam SC-500: Cloud and AI Security Engineering

Exam 1 - SC-500: Cloud and AI Security Engineering

Exam code: SC-500

Exam name: Cloud and AI Security Engineering

Current exam version: Microsoft does not publish a numbered exam version; use the current Microsoft Learn study guide

Status: Active

Exam duration: 120 minutes

Exam format: Secure proctored assessment; interactive components may appear where Microsoft enables them

Number of questions: Not officially specified

Passing score: 700 or greater on Microsoft's scaled scoring model

Languages: English

Testing provider: Pearson VUE

Delivery options: Online proctored or authorized test center, subject to regional availability

Exam price: Pricing varies by country or region; confirm the final amount during official registration

Skills measured: The active Microsoft study guide covers:

• Manage identity, access, and governance
• Secure storage, databases, and networking
• Secure compute
• Secure AI solutions
• Manage and monitor security posture

Exam retake policy

• A candidate may retake a failed certification exam after 24 hours for the first retake.
• Subsequent failed attempts use Microsoft's increasing waiting periods, and a maximum of five attempts per exam is allowed within a 12-month period.
• Beta exam results can be delayed while Microsoft completes scoring and quality analysis.

Registration, results, and credential tracking

• Use a personal Microsoft account for scheduling so the exam history remains available if employment or school access changes.
• Schedule through the official Microsoft Learn exam page and Pearson VUE workflow; the legal name must match the identification presented at check-in.
• Use the Credentials area of the Microsoft Learn profile to review certification status, expiration, renewal eligibility, certificates, and sharing options.
• Microsoft provides a shareable digital credential and electronic certificate after the full certification requirements are completed.

Validity & Recertification

Validity: One year from the date the certification is earned

Renewal method: Renew at no cost by passing the online renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn during the six-month renewal window before expiration

Renewal window: The six months before the certification expiration date

Renewal cost: No charge for the online renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn

After renewal: The certification is extended for one year from its current expiration date

Expired certification: If the certification expires, meet the current earning requirements again

Recordkeeping: Monitor the Microsoft Learn profile rather than relying only on reminder emails