The Microsoft SC-900 Exam is a certification exam that measures a candidate’s foundational knowledge of cloud computing concepts and core Azure services. The exam is designed for individuals who are new to the world of cloud computing and Azure, including sales professionals, non-technical stakeholders, and students.
How to prepare for the Microsoft SC-900 Exam?
Preparing for the Microsoft SC-900 Exam requires a combination of study and hands-on experience. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for the exam:
- Review the Exam Objectives: The first step in preparing for the exam is to review the exam objectives, which are available on the official Microsoft exam page. This will give you a clear idea of what topics and skills are covered in the exam.
- Study Azure Fundamentals: The exam is focused on Azure Fundamentals, so it’s important to have a solid understanding of the core concepts and services of Azure. Microsoft provides free Azure Fundamentals learning paths on their website, which can be a great resource for exam preparation.
- Use Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft provides comprehensive documentation for all Azure services, which can be a great resource for exam preparation. Take time to read through the documentation for each service covered in the exam.
- Practice with Azure: Azure offers a free trial with access to many of their services. Use this opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the Azure services covered in the exam.
- Use Exam Study Materials: There are many study materials available, including books, courses, and practice exams. These can be a great way to reinforce your knowledge and prepare for the types of questions that may be on the exam.
- Join Online Communities: Join online communities, such as Reddit or Microsoft forums, to connect with others who have taken the exam. This can be a great way to ask questions and get advice from those who have already taken the exam.
- Stay Calm and Focused: Stay calm and focused during the exam. Take breaks if necessary, and don’t let stress or anxiety affect your performance.
Microsoft SC-900 Exam Glossary
Here are some key terms and concepts that may be useful to know for the Microsoft SC-900 Exam:
- Cloud Computing: The practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data.
- Azure: Microsoft’s cloud computing platform that provides a range of services, including virtual machines, databases, storage, and analytics.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): A cloud computing model where an organization rents a platform for developing, testing, and deploying applications.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): A cloud computing model where an organization rents software applications that are hosted by a provider.
- Security: The measures taken to protect data and resources from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.
- Privacy: The protection of personal information and the right of individuals to control how their information is collected, used, and disclosed.
- Cost Management: The practice of monitoring and controlling the cost of using cloud computing services.
- Azure Marketplace: A platform for buying and selling cloud-based software, services, and solutions.
- Azure Portal: A web-based interface for managing Azure services.
- Understanding Azure Resource Manager: A service that enables the management of Azure resources through a declarative model.
Microsoft SC-900 Study Guide
Here are some Microsoft SC-900 exam resources with links:
- Microsoft’s SC-900 Exam Page: This page provides an overview of the exam and includes information on exam objectives, pricing, and exam registration. It also includes links to free training resources.
Link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/exams/sc-900
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Learn offers free online training and resources on a variety of Microsoft topics, including Azure Fundamentals. This site provides interactive learning paths, hands-on labs, and video courses.
Link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/azure-fundamentals/
- Exam Ref SC-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals: This book provides in-depth coverage of the exam objectives and includes practice questions and hands-on exercises. It is available for purchase on Amazon.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Exam-Ref-SC-900-Microsoft-Fundamentals/dp/0136877185
- Practice Tests: Several companies offer practice tests for the Microsoft SC-900 exam. These tests can help you gauge your readiness for the exam and identify areas where you may need to focus more attention.
Link: https://www.whizlabs.com/microsoft-azure-certification-azure-fundamentals-sc-900/
- Microsoft Docs: Microsoft Docs provides detailed documentation on all Azure services, including Azure Fundamentals. This documentation can be a valuable resource for studying for the exam.
Link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/fundamentals/
By using these resources, you can prepare for the Microsoft SC-900 exam and earn your Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals certification.
Microsoft SC-900 Exam Preparation Guide
Passing the exam demonstrates professional competence in core subject areas covered by the corresponding Microsoft exam, as well as the ability to begin a career developing applications for Microsoft Windows operating systems. This is a detailed guide on How to pass the SC-900: Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals Exam.
Step 1 – Know about the exam syllabus
Here is the detailed exam content outline –
Describe the Concepts of Security, Compliance, and Identity (10—15%)
Describe security and compliance concepts
- describe the shared responsibility model (Microsoft Documentation: shared responsibility model, Shared responsibility in the cloud)
- define defense in depth (Microsoft Documentation: What is defense in depth?)
- describing the Zero-Trust model (Microsoft Documentation: zero-trust methodology)
- Describe encryption and hashing (Microsoft Documentation: Describe security and compliance concepts)
- Describe Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) concepts
Define identity concepts
- define identity as the primary security perimeter (Microsoft Documentation: Identity as the primary security perimeter)
- defining authentication (Microsoft Documentation: Authentication vs. authorization)
- define authorization (Microsoft Documentation: Authentication vs. authorization)
- describing identity providers (Microsoft Documentation: Identity Providers for External Identities)
- Describe the concept of directory services and Active Directory
- describe the concept of Federation (Microsoft Documentation: federation with Azure AD)
Describe the capabilities of Microsoft Entra (25—30%)
Describe the basic identity services and identity types of Microsoft Entra ID
- describing Microsoft Entra ID
- describe types of identities
- describing hybrid identity (Microsoft Documentation: concept of hybrid identities)
Describe the authentication capabilities of Microsoft Entra ID
- describing the authentication methods (Microsoft Documentation: authentication and verification methods)
- describing Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) (Microsoft Documentation: Azure AD Multi-Factor Authentication, Configure Azure AD Multi-Factor Authentication settings)
- describe password protection and management capabilities (Microsoft Documentation: password protection and management capabilities of Azure AD, Eliminate bad passwords using Azure Active Directory Password Protection, Enforce on-premises Azure AD Password Protection for Active Directory Domain Services)
Describe access management capabilities of Microsoft Entra ID
- describing conditional access (Microsoft Documentation: Define Conditional Access)
- Describe Microsoft Entra roles and role-based access control (RBAC)
Describe the identity protection and governance capabilities of Microsoft Entra
- describe Microsoft Entra ID Governance
- Describe access reviews (Microsoft Documentation: Azure AD entitlement management, Azure AD access reviews)
- Describe the capabilities of Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM) (Microsoft Documentation: capabilities of Privileged identity Management)
- Describe Entra ID Protection
- Describe Microsoft Entra Permissions Management
Describe the capabilities of Microsoft Security Solutions (35—40%)
Describe core infrastructure security services in Azure
- Describe Azure distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) Protection (Microsoft Documentation: Azure DDoS Protection Standard)
- describing Azure Firewall (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Firewall)
- describing Web Application Firewall (WAF) (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Web Application Firewall)
- Describe Network Segmentation with Azure Virtual Networks
- Describe Network Security groups (NSGs) Network security groups)
- describe Azure Bastion (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Bastion)
- Describe Azure Key Vault
Describe security management capabilities of Azure
- Describe Microsoft Defender for Cloud (Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft Defender for Cloud)
- Describe Cloud security posture management (CSPM) (Microsoft Documentation: Manage cloud platform security)
- Describe how security policies and initiatives improve the cloud security posture
- Describe the enhanced security features provided by cloud workload protection
Describe security capabilities of Microsoft Sentinel
- Define the concepts of security information and event management (SIEM) and security orchestration automated response (SOAR) (Microsoft Documentation: concepts of SIEM, SOAR)
- Describe threat detection and mitigation capabilities in Microsoft Sentinel
Describe threat protection with Microsoft Defender XDR
- describe Microsoft Defender XDR services
- describe Microsoft Defender for Office 365 (Microsoft Documentation: Office 365 Security, Microsoft Defender for Office 365)
- describing Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint)
- Describe Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps (Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps overview)
- describing Microsoft Defender for Identity (Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft Defender for Identity)
- Describe Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management
- Describe Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence (Defender TI)
- Describe the Microsoft Defender portal (Microsoft Documentation: Visit the Microsoft 365 Defender portal)
Describe the Capabilities of Microsoft Compliance Solutions (20—25%)
Describe Microsoft’s Service Trust Portal and privacy principles
- Describe the Service Trust Portal offerings (Microsoft Documentation: Get started with Microsoft Service Trust Portal)
- Describe the privacy principles of Microsoft (Microsoft Documentation: Privacy overview)
- Describe Microsoft Priva
Describe the compliance management capabilities of Microsoft Purview
- Describe the Microsoft Purview compliance portal (Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft Purview compliance portal)
- describing compliance manager (Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft Compliance Manager)
- describe use and benefits of compliance score (Microsoft Documentation: Understanding your compliance score)
Describe information protection, data lifecycle management, and data governance capabilities of Microsoft Purview
- describing data classification capabilities (Microsoft Documentation: Know your data – data classification, data classification capabilities in the Microsoft 365 Compliance Center)
- describe the benefits of content explorer and activity explorer (Microsoft Documentation: activity explorer, content explorer)
- describing sensitivity labels and sensitivity label policies (Microsoft Documentation: sensitivity labels)
- describing Data Loss Prevention (DLP) (Microsoft Documentation: Overview of data loss prevention, Data loss prevention)
- describe Records Management (Microsoft Documentation: records management in Microsoft 365)
- Describe retention policies, retention labels, and retention label policies (Microsoft Documentation: retention policies and retention labels)
- Describe unified data governance solutions in Microsoft Purview
Describe insider risk, eDiscovery, and audit capabilities in Microsoft Purview
- describe Insider risk management (Microsoft Documentation: insider risk management in Microsoft 365)
- Describe eDiscovery solutions in Microsoft Purview
- Describe audit solutions in Microsoft Purview
Step 2 – Know about the exam Format
The Microsoft SC-900 Exam consists of 40-60 questions in various formats such as scenario-based single answer questions, multiple-choice questions, arrange in the correct sequence type questions, drag & drop questions, mark review, drag and drop, and so on. However, in order to pass the SC-900, a candidate must obtain a score of 700 or higher. Furthermore, the Microsoft SC-900 Exam costs $99 USD and is only available in English.
Step 3 – Know about the exam policies
Some of the important policies that you need to know are –
Scheduling Policy
The Microsoft SC-900 Exam validates the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of security, compliance, and identity concepts. Following that, it assesses the capabilities of Microsoft identity and access management solutions as well as Microsoft security solutions. Candidates can, however, schedule the exam by logging in to the Microsoft exam portal linked on the exam page. Those who are new to the site can also register in order to sign in to their accounts.
Exam retake policy
Microsoft’s exam retaking policy states that candidates who do not pass the exam the first time must wait 24 hours before retaking the exam. During this time, they can access the Microsoft portal’s certification dashboard and reschedule the exam. However, if this occurs a second time, they may be required to wait at least 14 days before retaking the exam. More information can be found at Microsoft Exam Policies.
Exam reschedule and the cancellation policy
If candidates cancel their exams within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment, Microsoft will temporarily waive the reschedule and cancellation fees. However, there will be no charge if you reschedule or cancel an appointment at least 6 business days before your appointment. However, if a candidate cancels or reschedules an exam within 5 business days of the scheduled exam time, a fee will be assessed.
Step 4: Make a Strategic Plan
The following step is to plan a study strategy for your preparations. When making the plan, keep the course topics and the time remaining for the real exam in mind. Remember to begin by focusing on your weaker areas. In addition, pay close attention to topics with a higher weightage in the exam. Following your plan will assist you in remaining consistent and avoiding distractions. The key to success is to begin early, so begin your preparations and stay motivated.
Step 5 – Refer to Official Learning Paths by Microsoft
Microsoft provides access to its SC-900 Exam learning path. This SC-900 exam learning path consists of topics covering modules for understanding concepts in a step-by-step format. The main module, on the other hand, includes:
- Firstly, SC-900 part 1: Explaining the concepts of security, compliance, and identity
- Secondly, SC-900 part 2: Explaining the capabilities of Microsoft Identity and access management solutions
- Thirdly, SC-900 part 3: Describing the capabilities of Microsoft security solutions
- Lastly, SC-900 part 4: Describing the capabilities of Microsoft compliance solutions
Paid training – Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
Step 6 – Refer to other resources
Microsoft Documentation – Microsoft documentation is a powerful source of knowledge that has been developed to provide detailed information about all certification exams. Furthermore, by using Microsoft Documentation for Microsoft SC-900 Exam, you will learn about the various scales of this exam. This also includes modules that will help you learn a lot about the concepts covered in the Microsoft SC-900 Exam.
Testpreptraining Online Tutorials – SC-900: Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals Online Tutorials broaden your knowledge and help you understand exam concepts thoroughly. They also discuss exam details and policies. As a result, learning with Online Tutorials will assist you in better preparing.
Practice Tests – A practice test ensures that the candidate has prepared adequately. Candidates will benefit from the practice test in identifying their weak points so that they can work on them. These days, there are numerous practice tests available on the internet, so the candidate can choose which one they prefer. We also offer practice tests at TestprepTraining, which are extremely helpful to those who are preparing.
Step 7 – Expert Advice
You are now ready to take the exam after practising and consulting appropriate resources. Maintain your composure and patience while taking the exam. It is impossible to overestimate the importance of time management in exam preparation. As a result, we recommend that you regularly prepare for the AI-900 Exam. You should ideally study at the same time every day. When studying, make sure there are no distractions.
Summary
The Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals certifications demonstrate that the candidate is knowledgeable about Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365. They also understand how Microsoft security, compliance, and identity solutions can be used to provide a holistic and end-to-end solution.
With the proliferation of IoT devices, we now have access to more technology outside of the office. Because of the low cost of tablets and smartphones, we have more employees carrying sensitive data. Companies are increasingly utilizing cloud services, and employees can obtain software without the approval of a centralized IT department. The Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals certification include Exam SC-900: Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals.
