Microsoft SC-500 Certification Preparation: Cloud and AI Security Engineer (AZ-500 successor)
SC-500 replaces AZ-500, which retired on 31 August 2026, and extends Azure security to AI workloads. Over four days you secure identities, secrets, storage, databases, networking and compute, then manage posture with Defender for Cloud, Sentinel and Security Copilot. Every block ends with exam-style questions so you can track your progress.
The essentials
Publisher : Microsoft
Certification : Microsoft Certified: Cloud and AI Security Engineer Associate
Exam code : SC-500
Duration : 4 days (28 h)
Level : Intermediate
Formats : Live virtual class · In-person in Casablanca · On-site (intra-company)
Languages : French or English
Exam facts : 120 min · passing score 700 · exam in English
Exam voucher: included or optional depending on the package — contact us.
Secure access to resources with Microsoft Entra ID
Protect secrets, keys and certificates with Azure Key Vault
Enforce security governance and regulatory compliance
Secure storage accounts, databases and Azure network services
Protect AI workloads, virtual machines and application platform services
Manage posture with Defender for Cloud, Microsoft Sentinel and Security Copilot
Program
Identity, access and governance (20–25%)
Secure access with Entra ID
Secrets and keys in Key Vault
Governance and regulatory compliance
Storage, databases and networking (25–30%)
Storage account security
Database security
Azure network service security
Compute security (20–25%)
Security for AI solutions
Servers and virtual machines
Application platform services
Posture management and monitoring (20–25%)
Posture with Defender for Cloud
Activity and event collection in Sentinel
Implementing Security Copilot
Prerequisites
Hands-on experience administering Azure and hybrid environments (compute, network, storage)
Strong familiarity with Microsoft Entra ID
Some Microsoft 365 administration experience
AZ-104 level knowledge is a good starting point
Target audience
Azure and cloud security engineers
AZ-500 holders or candidates moving to SC-500
Azure administrators taking on security duties
Teams deploying AI solutions on Azure
The exam
The SC-500 exam lasts 120 minutes, may include interactive components and requires a score of 700. It is out of beta and you take it through Pearson VUE at a test centre or online with a remote proctor. It is currently offered in English only; you can request an extra 30 minutes when the exam is not available in your preferred language. The Associate certification is valid for one year, renews for free online and is one of the accepted prerequisites for the SC-100 Expert certification.
Preparation tips
Storage, databases and networking is the heaviest domain, so give it extra time
Practise Defender for Cloud and Key Vault in a trial subscription
Do not skip AI security and Security Copilot: they are newer topics that need hands-on practice
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is AZ-500 still available?
No. The Azure Security Engineer Associate certification (AZ-500) retired on 31 August 2026 and can no longer be earned or renewed. SC-500 is the path to follow for Azure security.
What changes compared with AZ-500?
The Azure core stays (identity, Key Vault, networking, storage, compute), but SC-500 adds security for AI workloads and Security Copilot. The domains are reorganised around identity, data, compute and posture, so revision plans built for AZ-500 need rework.
Can I take the exam in French?
Not yet: it is only available in English, and you can ask for 30 extra minutes. The course itself can be delivered in French or English, with English terminology practised throughout.
Do I need AZ-104 first?
It is not required, but solid hands-on Azure administration experience is expected, and AZ-104 is a common way to build it before moving on to security.
Does SC-500 lead to SC-100?
Yes, it is one of the Associate certifications accepted for Cybersecurity Architect Expert. It also pairs well with SC-200 for teams that handle both protection and detection.
Securevalley training — online and in-person sessions. Contact us for pricing and registration terms.
Securevalley is not a Microsoft training partner. Microsoft, Azure, Microsoft Entra, Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Security Copilot are trademarks of Microsoft.