This morning I was sipping on my cup of coffee and browsing through Microsoft’s Learn page when I stumbled upon a few new certifications and exams around Microsoft Security and Compliance! I haven’t seen any announcements around these new certifications but I was intrigued nonetheless. Today, we’ll discuss the new beta exams and corresponding certifications that Microsoft has released and do a brief breakdown of what each of these exams will cover. Let’s jump in!
Certification – Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate
Exam: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 (beta)
This certification is comprised of one exam and once passed, you’ll obtain the brand new Security Operations Analyst Associate certification! This certification all revolves around reducing risk by remediating active attacks, advising on improvements to threat protection practices, and referring violations of organizational policies to the appropriate parties. The exam covers the following topics:
- Mitigating threats using Microsoft 365 Defender
- Mitigating threats using Azure Defender
- Mitigating threats using Azure Sentinel
If you’re a Security Engineer responsible for threat management then this certification is for you! By mastering the threat management, monitoring, and response aspects of these 3 solutions, you’ll be able to proactively investigate, respond to, and hunt down threats! If this exam peaks your interest you can get up to an 80% discount by using SC200PELHAM when registering for the exam. However, please note that you must register and take the exam on or before March 8, 2021, to get this discount!
Certification – Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate
Exam: Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator SC-300 (beta)
This certification is only comprised of one exam and once passed, you’ll obtain the brand new Identity and Access Administrator Associate certification! So what exactly does this exam cover? Well, as the name indicates, this exam revolves heavily around identity and access management which consists of the following topics:
- Implementing an identity management solution
- Implementing an authentication and access management solution
- Implementing access management for apps
- Planning and implementing a governance strategy
Microsoft indicates that this job role is geared towards administrators and security engineers responsible for collaborating with other roles in the organization to drive strategic identity projects to modernize identity solutions, implement hybrid identity solutions, and implement identity governance. If you’re interested in taking the beta exam, Microsoft will give you an 80% discount if you’re one of the first 300 people to register! Just be sure to use code SC300VINEMONT when registering to get the discount! However, please note that you must register and take the exam on or before March 8, 2021, to get this discount!
Certification – Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate
Exam: Microsoft Information Protection Administrator SC-400 (beta)
This certification is only comprised of one exam and once passed, you’ll obtain the brand new Microsoft Information Protection Associate certification! This exam will cover three topics:
- Implementing Information Protection
- Implementing data loss prevention
- Implementing information governance
If you’re responsible for all things compliance at your organization, then this exam is definitely one you should be considering! As an Information Protection Administrator, you are responsible for translating requirements and compliance controls into technical implementation. You would also be responsible for the creation of policies and rules for content classification, data loss prevention, governance, and protection. If you’re looking to give this exam a try, you can use code SC400DECATUR when registering to get the 80% off discount! Don’t forget, you only have until March 8, 2021, to register and take the exam!
Certification – Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
Exam: Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals SC-900 (beta)
This certification is only comprised of one exam and once passed, you’ll obtain the brand new Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity certification! This exam is a little different from the others in that this is a fundamentals exam meaning topics are covered at a higher level and don’t go into as much depth. Fundamental exams are meant to help familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of security, compliance, and Identity (SCI). Since this exam covers things at a high level it can be taken by a wide range of the business, whether it is your business stakeholders, your IT professionals, or maybe you’re just a student looking to learn more about Microsoft security, compliance, and identity solutions! However, Microsoft does recommend that you are familiar with both Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 and that you also understand how these SCI solutions fit into the broader Microsoft solution. This exam will cover the following topics:
- Concepts of security, compliance, and identity
- Capabilities of Microsoft identity and access management solutions
- Capabilities of Microsoft security solutions
- Capabilities of Microsoft compliance solutions
Whether you’re a seasoned Microsoft 365 SCI veteran who just needs a refresher or maybe you’re just trying to get your foot in the door, this exam is a great way to prove your general knowledge in Microsoft security, compliance, and identity fundamentals! If you’re interested in this exam, you can get an 80% discount with code SC900NORTHPORT during your registration! As with the other exams, you’ll only have until March 8, 2021 to register and take the exam!
That wraps up the new Microsoft Security and Compliance exams and certifications! I hope you have found this helpful and wish you the best of luck with your exam preparation!
