Exam Details
Microsoft · SC-100
Prepare for SC-100: Design a Zero Trust cybersecurity architecture using Microsoft security solutions.
Study Plan Available
Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect (SC-100) – Study Plan
7-week plan · ~50 hours
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FAQ
The SC-100 exam validates your ability to design a cybersecurity strategy that protects an organization's assets across identity, endpoints, applications, data, infrastructure, and networks. This expert-level certification targets security architects who align security designs with Zero Trust principles using Microsoft security solutions. You'll prove you can design security operations, asset protection, and governance frameworks across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. As cyber threats grow in complexity, organizations need architects who design holistic security strategies, not just deploy individual tools.
You're a fit for SC-100 if you:
Not sure if you're ready? Try a free sample quiz: 10 questions, instant results, identify weak areas.
| Domain | Weight | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| Design a Zero Trust strategy and architecture | 30–35% | Architect identity, device, network, app, data, and infrastructure security using Zero Trust principles |
| Evaluate GRC technical strategies and security operations | 20–25% | Design risk management, regulatory compliance, incident response, and security operations workflows |
| Design security for infrastructure | 20–25% | Secure hybrid cloud, multi-cloud, containers, servers, and network infrastructure |
| Design a strategy for data and applications | 20–25% | Protect data at rest, in transit, and in use; secure application development and deployment |
You're probably ready if you can:
You might need more prep if:
If this feels too advanced:
If you know the basics but want to build confidence:
The exam generally consists of 40–60 questions, which may include multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and complex case studies. Candidates are typically given 120 minutes to complete the assessment, though additional time is allotted for the introductory screens and surveys.
You need a scaled score of 700 out of 1000 to pass. The scaling process ensures that the difficulty level is consistent across different versions of the exam, meaning the number of questions you need to answer correctly may vary slightly.
The exam is divided into four key functional groups that focus on architectural design:
Preparation should begin with the official Microsoft Learn paths and the Microsoft Cybersecurity Reference Architectures (MCRA). For practical application, ExamOS offers scenario-based practice quizzes that build real exam confidence by simulating the design challenges found in the actual test. Reviewing the Well-Architected Framework and Zero Trust documentation is also vital for success.
The registration fee is $165 USD for candidates in the United States. Pricing varies based on the country or region where the exam is proctored. It is important to check the Microsoft website for specific regional pricing and potential discounts for students or veterans.
If you do not pass on your first attempt, you must wait 24 hours before rescheduling. For subsequent attempts, a 14-day waiting period is enforced. You are allowed a maximum of five attempts within a 12-month period starting from the date of your first attempt.
The Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert certification is valid for one year. To maintain its validity, you must complete a free online renewal assessment through Microsoft Learn within the six-month window before your certification expires. If you fail to renew within this timeframe, you must retake the exam and all prerequisites.
This exam is designed for senior professionals like security architects and enterprise architects. To earn the Expert-level title, you must pass the SC-100 exam and hold one of the following prerequisite certifications:
Earning this certification demonstrates your ability to design enterprise-grade security strategies, but it is not a silver bullet for employment. It is most effective for individuals already in senior engineering roles who want to transition into high-level advisory or CISO-track positions. While it increases your visibility to recruiters for senior consultant roles, your actual project experience and ability to communicate security risks to board members remain the primary factors in career advancement.
Once you have mastered the Microsoft security ecosystem, you should consider broadening your scope with vendor-neutral or platform-adjacent certifications.