Training plan
Microsoft Azure Security Technologies (AZ-500T00)
Module 1: Secure identity and access
- Manage security controls for identity and access
- Manage Microsoft Entra application access
Module 2: Secure networking
- Plan and implement security for virtual networks
- Plan and implement security for private access to Azure resources
- Plan and implement security for public access to Azure resources
Module 3: Secure compute, storage, and databases
- Plan and implement advanced security for compute
- Plan and implement security for storage
- Plan and implement security for Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance
Module 4: Secure Azure using Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Microsoft Sentinel
- Implement and manage enforcement of cloud governance policies
- Manage security posture by using Microsoft Defender for Cloud
- Configure and manage threat protection by using Microsoft Defender for Cloud
- Configure and manage security monitoring and automation solutions
Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect (SC-100T00)
Module 1: Design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities
- Introduction to Zero Trust and best practice frameworks
- Design security solutions that align with the Cloud Adoption Framework (CAF) and Well-Architected Framework (WAF)
- Design solutions that align with the Microsoft Cybersecurity Reference Architecture (MCRA) and Microsoft cloud security benchmark (MCSB)
- Design a resiliency strategy for ransomware and other attacks based on Microsoft Security Best Practices
- Case study: Design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities
Module 2: Design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities
- Design solutions for regulatory compliance
- Design solutions for identity and access management
- Design solutions for securing privileged access
- Design solutions for security operations
- Case study: Design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities
Module 3: Design security solutions for applications and data
- Design solutions for securing Microsoft 365
- Design solutions for securing applications
- Design solutions for securing an organization’s data
- Case study: Design security solutions for applications and data
Module 4: Design security solutions for infrastructure
- Specify requirements for securing SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS services
- Design solutions for security posture management in hybrid and multicloud environments
- Design solutions for securing server and client endpoints
- Design solutions for network security
- Case study: Design security solutions for infrastructure
Recommended prerequisite knowledge
- Security best practices and industry security requirements such as defense in depth, least privileged access, role-based access control, multi-factor authentication, shared responsibility, and zero trust model.
- Security protocols such as Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Internet Security Protocol (IPSec), Secure Socket Layer (SSL), disk and data encryption methods.
- Deploying Azure workloads. This course does not cover the basics of Azure administration, instead the course content builds on that knowledge by adding security specific information.
- Windows and Linux operating systems and scripting languages. Course labs may use PowerShell and the CLI.
- Identity and access, platform protection, security operations, securing data and securing applications.
- Hybrid and cloud implementations
Credentials and certification
Exam features
- Codes: AZ-500 and SC-100
- Titles: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies and Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect
- 150 minutes for the AZ-500 and 120 minutes for the SC-100
- Number of Questions: 40 to 60
- Question Format: Multiple choice, multiple response, scenario-based
- Passing Score: 700 out of 1000
- Cost: $0 (included in your training)
Exam topics
- Manage identity and access
- Secure networking
- Secure compute, storage, and databases
- Manage security operations
- Design solutions that align with security best practices and priorities
- Design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities
- Design security solutions for infrastructure
- Design security solutions for applications and data
Flexible Certification Pathway Options
Multiple Routes to Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert Certification
The Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert certification offers flexible pathways to accommodate different professional backgrounds and expertise areas. While our recommended path combines AZ-500 (Azure Security Engineer) with SC-100 (Cybersecurity Architect), you have alternative foundation options.
Choose Your Foundation Certification
-
Option 1: AZ-500 (recommended path)
-
Option 2: SC-200
-
Option 3: SC-300
- Focus on implementing security controls and maintaining security posture
- Ideal for security professionals working with Azure environments
- Comprehensive coverage of identity, platform protection, data security, and security operations
- Ideal for security operations and threat hunting professionals
- Emphasizes threat detection, investigation, and response capabilities
- Essential for professionals with SOC and incident response experience
- Explore SC-200 Security Operations Analyst certification training
- Perfect for professionals specializing in identity and access management
- Covers identity governance, access management, and identity protection
- Strong foundation for security architects focusing on identity solutions
- Explore SC-300 Identity and Access Administrator certification training
Your Existing Certification Counts
Already certified? If you hold any of these Associate-level certifications (AZ-500, SC-200, or SC-300), you can proceed directly to SC-100 (Cybersecurity Architect) to achieve your Expert-level credential. This flexible approach recognizes your existing expertise while building upon your specialized knowledge.
Complete Expert Certification
Regardless of your chosen foundation, completing SC-100 (Cybersecurity Architect) will earn you the prestigious Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert certification, validating your comprehensive skills in designing and evaluating cybersecurity strategies across Zero Trust, GRC, SecOps, data, and applications.
Ready to advance your career? Contact us to discuss which pathway aligns best with your professional goals and current expertise.
Eccentrix Corner article/publication
Cybersecurity Architect Expert Training
This Cybersecurity Architect Expert training bundle is tailored for professionals seeking to master the design and implementation of comprehensive cybersecurity solutions within Microsoft environments. Combining the skills of an Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) and a Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100), this bundle provides a robust foundation for securing cloud and hybrid infrastructures while aligning security strategies with organizational goals.
Ideal for security engineers, architects, and IT professionals, this training equips participants to achieve advanced expertise in cybersecurity and earn globally recognized certifications.
Why Choose the Cybersecurity Architect Expert Bundle?
In an era where cybersecurity threats are increasingly complex, organizations require experts capable of designing and implementing end-to-end security solutions. This bundle bridges operational and architectural security expertise, empowering professionals to safeguard Azure environments and implement strategic security initiatives.
By earning these certifications, you validate your ability to protect sensitive data, prevent cyberattacks, and lead security strategies in modern IT ecosystems.
Key Skills Developed in the Training
Secure cloud and hybrid infrastructures
Learn to configure robust security measures for Azure environments, including data encryption, identity protection, and access management.Implement threat protection
Master advanced techniques to detect, analyze, and respond to security threats using tools like Microsoft Sentinel and Azure Security Center.Design comprehensive cybersecurity strategies
Acquire the skills to create security architectures that address business needs and regulatory compliance.Lead security operations
Develop expertise in managing SOC processes, incident response, and vulnerability assessments.Ensure compliance with industry standards
Learn to apply best practices for meeting legal, regulatory, and organizational security requirements.Collaborate across teams
Work effectively with IT, business, and security stakeholders to align security practices with organizational goals.
Comprehensive, Instructor-Led Training
This training bundle is delivered by Microsoft-certified instructors who bring real-world expertise and practical scenarios into the classroom. Through hands-on exercises and interactive sessions, participants build confidence in applying their knowledge while preparing for the AZ-500 and SC-100 certification exams.
Who Should Attend?
This training bundle is ideal for:
- Security engineers transitioning into cybersecurity architect roles
- IT professionals managing security solutions in Azure environments
- Cybersecurity architects preparing for expert-level certifications
- Organizations seeking advanced expertise in designing and implementing security strategies
Transform Security Challenges into Strategic Solutions
The Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert (AZ-500 + SC-100) training bundle provides the skills and certifications to design, implement, and lead comprehensive cybersecurity strategies. Enroll today to achieve expert-level recognition and advance your career in cybersecurity.
SC-100 Exam Success Strategies
Mastering the SC-100 certification is the final step toward achieving the Cybersecurity Architect Expert credential. Strategic preparation, effective time management, and optimal mental performance are equally crucial for success.
SC-100 Exam Statistics & Success Rates
- Average Pass Rate: 55-60% on first attempt (Microsoft Expert level average)
- Most Common Score Range: 710-760 for passing candidates
- Average Study Time: 8-10 weeks for experienced cybersecurity architects
- Retake Rate: 35-40% of candidates require a second attempt
- Top Failure Areas: Design security operations, identity, and compliance solutions (44%), Design security for infrastructure and data (41%), Design security for applications and data (39%)
Study Method Comparison
| Study Approach | Duration | Pass rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hands-on Practice Only |
6-7 weeks |
40-50% |
Experienced security architects |
|
Documentation + Practice |
8-9 weeks |
60-65% |
Methodical learners |
|
Training + Labs + Practice |
8-10 weeks |
75-80% |
Comprehensive preparation |
|
Practice Tests Only |
3-4 weeks |
30-40% |
Not recommended |
Strategic Study Approach
- Create an 8-10 week study timeline – Expert-level certifications require substantial preparation time
- Follow the 70-20-10 rule – 70% hands-on security architecture design across Microsoft security solutions, 20% reading documentation and security frameworks, 10% practice tests
- Focus on scenario-based learning – SC-100 emphasizes real-world security architecture decision-making over memorization
- Study in 90-minute focused blocks with 15-minute breaks to maximize retention
Common Exam Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don’t confuse Microsoft security products – understand when to use Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Defender for Identity, and Microsoft Defender for Office 365
- Zero Trust architecture principles – know how to design solutions based on verify explicitly, use least privilege access, and assume breach
- Identity architecture decisions – distinguish between Azure AD, Azure AD B2B, Azure AD B2C, Conditional Access, and Privileged Identity Management
- Compliance and governance – understand Microsoft Purview, compliance policies, data classification, and regulatory requirements
- Security operations design – know how to architect SIEM/SOAR solutions using Microsoft Sentinel, including data connectors, analytics rules, and playbooks
- Hybrid and multi-cloud security – understand how to secure workloads across Azure, on-premises, AWS, and GCP
Topic Weight Distribution
| Exam Domain | Weight | Focus Areas | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Design a Zero Trust Strategy and Architecture |
30-35% |
Zero Trust principles, identity security, device security |
Critical |
|
Evaluate Governance Risk Compliance (GRC) |
10-15% |
Regulatory compliance, data governance, risk management |
High |
|
Design Security for Infrastructure |
10-15% |
Network security, compute security, storage security |
High |
|
Design a Strategy for Data and Applications |
15-20% |
Data protection, application security, key management |
High |
|
Recommend Security Best Practices and Priorities |
20-25% |
Security operations, incident response, threat intelligence |
Critical |
Exam Day Time Management
- Allocate 2 minutes per question on average – expert exams have more complex scenarios
- Read case studies completely first before attempting related questions
- Flag uncertain questions and return to them – don’t get stuck on difficult architectural decisions
- Reserve 20 minutes at the end for reviewing flagged questions and checking answers
Managing Exam Stress & Performance
- Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep the night before – avoid last-minute cramming
- Arrive 30 minutes early to settle in and complete check-in procedures calmly
- Use deep breathing techniques if you feel overwhelmed during the exam
- Trust your security architecture experience – your first instinct is usually correct on design questions
Technical Preparation Tips
- Practice designing complete security architectures – work through end-to-end scenarios including identity, infrastructure, data, and application security
- Master Zero Trust principles – understand how to apply verify explicitly, least privilege, and assume breach across all security domains
- Understand Microsoft Sentinel architecture – know how to design data collection, analytics, automation, and incident response workflows
- Review security frameworks – study NIST Cybersecurity Framework, CIS Controls, MITRE ATT&CK, and Microsoft’s security best practices
Final Week Preparation
- Take 2-3 practice exams to identify knowledge gaps and build confidence
- Review Microsoft’s official exam objectives one final time
- Avoid learning new concepts – focus on reinforcing security architecture patterns you already know
- Prepare your exam day logistics – route to test center, required identification, arrival time
Mental Preparation Strategies
- Visualize success scenarios – imagine yourself confidently making security architecture decisions
- Remind yourself of your security design experience – you’ve likely architected security solutions before
- Stay positive during difficult questions – every candidate faces challenging security scenarios
- Remember that 700/1000 passes – you don’t need perfection, just solid security architecture judgment
How to Schedule Your SC-100 Exam
- Official Testing Provider: Pearson VUE is Microsoft’s authorized testing partner for SC-100
- Scheduling Process: Create a Pearson VUE account, search for “SC-100”, select your preferred test center and date
- Exam Cost: Included with your Eccentrix training – exam voucher provided for this expert-level certification
- Scheduling Timeline: Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance for better time slot availability
- Rescheduling Policy: Free rescheduling up to 24 hours before your exam appointment
- Required ID: Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license) matching your registration name exactly
Success Mindset: Approach SC-100 as a validation of your existing cybersecurity architecture and Zero Trust design skills rather than a test of memorized facts. Your practical experience with designing comprehensive security solutions across identity, infrastructure, data, and applications is your greatest asset. Passing SC-100 completes your journey to the Cybersecurity Architect Expert certification.
Frequently asked questions - Microsoft certified AZ-500 + AZ-305 training bundle (FAQ)
What certifications are included in this training bundle?
The bundle includes the AZ-500 (Azure Security Engineer Associate) and SC-100 (Cybersecurity Architect Expert) certifications.
Who is this training designed for?
It is designed for security engineers, architects, and IT professionals focusing on cybersecurity within Azure environments.
What are the prerequisites for this training?
Familiarity with Azure security tools and a basic understanding of security frameworks are recommended.
Does this training include practical exercises?
Yes, participants engage in hands-on activities to apply security concepts to real-world scenarios.
What tools and technologies are covered?
You will work with Azure Security Center, Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender, and other Azure security solutions.
How do these certifications benefit my career?
These certifications validate your expertise in securing cloud environments and designing cybersecurity strategies, enhancing your career prospects in advanced security roles.
