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Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate (SC-200)
Validates knowledge of security operations, incident response and threat hunting with KQL using Microsoft Sentinel and Defender XDR.
Summary
SC-200 is Microsoft's associate certification for security operations analysts who work, or want to work, in a SOC that runs on Microsoft security tools. It covers configuring Microsoft Sentinel and Defender XDR, responding to incidents and hunting threats with KQL.
Good fit if
- You work or want to work as a Microsoft SOC analyst
- You already use Sentinel, Defender XDR or KQL at work
- You want an associate route toward SC-100 Cybersecurity Architect Expert
Salary & jobs
Prerequisites
Cost
What holders say
Strongest if you already do SOC work on Microsoft tools
Commenters say SC-200 pays off mainly for people already writing Sentinel detections or hunting with KQL, because it matches their daily work and gives them concrete material for interviews.
Security+ is still the name HR filters look for
A recurring view is that SC-200 impresses technical interviewers, while Security+ is what many recruiters and screening systems search for.
Experience counts for more than the certificate
A self-described hiring manager says a candidate who can explain how to use Sentinel and Defender is just as acceptable without the certification.
Certification path
Security Operations Analyst Associate is one of three certifications that qualify you for Cybersecurity Architect Expert.
Renewal
SC-200 is valid for one year.
- Validity
- 1 year
- Renewal requirement
- Free online assessment
- Renewal fee
- $0 USD
The renewal assessment opens six months before expiry. It is unproctored, open book and shorter than the exam, and you can retake it. Passing extends the certification by one year from the expiry date.
Renew your Microsoft certification ↗Alternatives
CompTIA Security+$439 required · Entry
Vendor-neutral baseline that passes more HR and ATS filters than SC-200 alone.
CySA+$439 required · Intermediate
Vendor-neutral equivalent for defensive security analysis and incident response.
GCIH$999 required · Intermediate
Deeper, vendor-neutral incident handling credential from GIAC.
FAQ
How much does the SC-200 exam cost?
$165 in the US. Microsoft sets the price by the country you test in, and you see it when you schedule.
What changes on SC-200 on October 21, 2026?
The English exam moves to an updated skills list. The only change Microsoft lists is a minor one to Sentinel data ingestion, and the three skill areas and weights stay the same. Other languages update about eight weeks later.
Is SC-200 hard?
Pass reports call it one of the tougher Microsoft associate exams, mainly because of KQL questions and a timed case study. Hands-on Sentinel and Defender experience makes it easier.
Do I need Security+ before SC-200?
No. There is no prerequisite. Some people take Security+ first for broader recognition, others start with SC-200 because it matches their work.
Does SC-200 expire?
Yes, after one year, unless you pass the free online renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn.
Last updated October 2026