Microsoft Security Operations Analyst
A Microsoft security credential focused on investigating threats, responding to incidents, using security monitoring tools, and supporting security operations workflows.
Last verified: 2026-09-01
Overview
Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate validates skills for monitoring, investigating, hunting, and responding to security threats across Microsoft security platforms. The role uses Microsoft Defender XDR, Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft Purview, Defender for Cloud workload protections, KQL, automation, and related security operations capabilities. It is designed for practitioners working in security operations and incident response.
- Recommended experience
- Microsoft expects candidates to be familiar with Microsoft security, compliance, and identity solutions; Microsoft 365; Azure cloud services; AI agents and Copilots; and Windows, Linux, and mobile operating systems. Hands-on security monitoring, incident response, KQL, and Microsoft Sentinel or Defender experience is strongly beneficial.
- Estimated study time
- 80–140 hours
- Target job roles
- Security Operations AnalystSOC AnalystCybersecurity AnalystIncident Response AnalystThreat HunterSecurity Engineer
Exam Details
Microsoft Security Operations Analyst
- Exam code
- SC-200
- Number of exams
- 1
- Duration
- 100 minutes
- Question count
- Question count varies; Microsoft does not publish a fixed count.
- Delivery method
- Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam
- Price
- Varies by country or region
Skills and Domains
Manage a security operations environment
40–45%Configure and operate Microsoft security platforms, detections, automation, Sentinel, Defender XDR, and related controls.
Respond to security incidents
35–40%Triage, investigate, contain, remediate, and coordinate response to security incidents.
Perform threat hunting
20–25%Use KQL, hunting queries, analytics, threat intelligence, and investigation techniques to identify threats.
Study Resources
Security Operations Analyst Associate
Official resourceDocumentation · Free
Official certification and SC-200 exam page.
View resourceSC-200 Study Guide
Official resourceOfficial Guide · Free
Official Microsoft study guide with current skills measured.
View resourceMicrosoft Certification Renewal
Official resourceDocumentation · Free
Official Microsoft renewal guidance for role-based certifications.
View resourceRenewal
- Validity period
- 1 year
- Renewal method
- Renew for free by passing the online renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn during the six-month eligibility window.
- Notes
- Microsoft role-based associate certifications are valid for one year and can be renewed before expiration through Microsoft Learn.
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Specializations
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