What is the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst Certification?
- The Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate credential is obtained by passing the SC-200: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst exam.
- The certification validates skills in:
- Threat detection, investigation, and response using Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender XDR, Microsoft 365 Defender, and Defender for Cloud Ops.
- Writing Kusto Query Language (KQL) for reporting, analytics, and incident hunting.
- Configuring threat protection policies across Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, and Purview compliance solutions.
- Designed for professionals working in or aspiring to Security Operations Centre (SOC) roles.
- The role includes mitigating active threats, advising on security posture improvements, enforcing policies, and performing threat hunting.
- Certification validity period: 12 months, with free renewal through Microsoft Learn.
Exam Scope & Skills Measured
Key skills covered in the SC-200 certification include:
- Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender XDR
- Threat mitigation with Microsoft 365 Defender
- Use Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Cloud, and Purview
- Create KQL queries to hunt threats in Microsoft Sentinel
- Secure and configure Microsoft Sentinel workspace and connectivity
The exam consists of 40–60 multiple-choice and performance-based questions to be completed within 120 minutes. The passing score is 700 out of 1000.
Cost & Logistics
- The SC-200 exam fee is approximately USD 165 (AUD 250–270).
- Available in English and other languages, with accommodations available for accessibility.
- Registration is handled through Microsoft’s certification portal or Pearson VUE.
Popularity & Role Comparison
- The SC-200 certification is focused on Security Operations Analysts and real-world incident response, while the AZ-500 certification emphasizes Azure security implementation and architecture.
- Typical roles for SC-200 certified professionals include SOC Analyst, Threat Hunter, and Incident Responder.
Job Demand & Salary in Australia
- Security Operations Analyst roles in Australia average about AUD 145,000 per year.
- Microsoft Cyber Security Analyst and Azure Security Engineer roles typically pay around AUD 110,000.
- Entry-level positions often start between AUD 70,000–85,000, progressing to senior roles exceeding AUD 120,000.
- Employment for database and ICT security specialists is projected to rise by 14.2% between 2024 and 2029.
- Australia’s cyber job market is expected to grow by 21% by 2026, with over 1,000 open roles advertised at any given time.
- Cybersecurity professionals consistently earn above-average wages according to major job boards.
Industry Trends & Future Outlook
- Growth of AI-driven cybersecurity, Zero Trust models, and hybrid cloud protection are shaping enterprise security strategies.
- Cybersecurity budgets and government investment continue to increase, making SC-200 highly relevant.
- The shortage of qualified professionals ensures high employability and salary potential for certified analysts.