Information Security Administrator (SC-401T00)
Training plan
Module 1: Implement Microsoft Purview Information Protection
- Protect sensitive data in a digital world
- Classify data for protection and governance
- Review and analyze data classification and protection
- Create and manage sensitive information types
- Create and configure sensitivity labels with Microsoft Purview
- Apply sensitivity labels for data protection
- Classify and protect on-premises data with Microsoft Purview
- Understand Microsoft 365 encryption
- Protect email with Microsoft Purview Message Encryption
Module 2: Implement and manage Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention
- Prevent data loss in Microsoft Purview
- Implement endpoint data loss prevention (DLP) with Microsoft Purview
- Configure DLP policies for Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps and Power Platform
- Investigate and respond to Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention alerts
Module 3: Implement and manage Microsoft Purview Insider Risk Management
- Understand Microsoft Purview Insider Risk Management
- Prepare for Microsoft Purview Insider Risk Management
- Create and manage Insider Risk Management policies
- Investigate insider risk alerts and related activity
- Implement Adaptive Protection in Insider Risk Management
Module 4: Protect data in AI environments with Microsoft Purview
- Discover AI interactions with Microsoft Purview
- Protect sensitive data from AI-related risks
- Govern AI usage with Microsoft Purview
- Assess and mitigate AI risks with Microsoft Purview
Module 5: Implement and manage Microsoft 365 retention and recovery
- Understand retention in Microsoft Purview
- Implement and manage Microsoft 365 retention and recovery
Module 6: Audit and search activity in Microsoft Purview
- Search and investigate with Microsoft Purview Audit
- Search for content with Microsoft Purview eDiscovery
Recommended prerequisite knowledge
- Foundational knowledge of Microsoft security and compliance technologies.
- Basic knowledge of information protection concepts.
- Understanding of cloud computing concepts.
- Understanding of Microsoft 365 products and services.
Credentials and certification
Exam features
- Code: SC-401
- Title: Administering Information Security in Microsoft 365
- Duration: 120 minutes
- 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
- Implement information protection
- Implement data loss prevention and retention
- Manage risks, alerts, and activities
Career Advancement Pathway
Advance to Expert-Level Certification
Completing your SC-401 (Microsoft Certified: Information Security Administrator Associate) certification opens the door to prestigious Expert-level credentials. This Associate certification serves as a foundation for advanced Microsoft 365 administration roles.
Next Step: Microsoft 365 Administrator Expert
Your SC-401 certification qualifies you to pursue the Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert certification by completing the MS-102 (Microsoft 365 Administrator) course. This Expert-level credential validates comprehensive skills in Microsoft 365 administration, security, and compliance management.
Expert Certification Path
- ✅ SC-401 (Information Security Administrator Associate) – You’re here
- ➡️ MS-102 (Microsoft 365 Administrator) – Next step
- 🎯 Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert – Expert achievement
Alternative Pathways Available
The Microsoft 365 Administrator Expert certification recognizes multiple Associate-level foundations. If you hold certifications in related areas, you can also advance through alternative paths:
Why Pursue Expert Certification?
Career Benefits:
- Higher salary potential and advanced job opportunities
- Recognition as a senior Microsoft 365 professional
- Comprehensive expertise across all Microsoft 365 services
- Leadership roles in enterprise implementations
Technical Advancement:
- Deep knowledge of tenant configuration and management
- Advanced security and compliance implementation
- Complex identity and access management scenarios
- Enterprise-scale solution architecture
Ready to Advance?
Explore the Microsoft 365 Administrator Expert certification path and take the next step in your Microsoft 365 career journey.
Eccentrix Corner article/publication
Microsoft Certified: Information Security Administrator Associate (SC-401) Training
The Microsoft Certified: Information Security Administrator Associate (SC-401) training provides IT professionals with the expertise needed to implement and manage information security and compliance solutions in Microsoft environments. This course focuses on Microsoft Purview, data loss prevention (DLP), information governance, and security management to protect sensitive data and ensure regulatory compliance.
Ideal for security administrators, IT security professionals, and compliance specialists, this training prepares participants for the SC-401 certification exam and provides them with the practical skills necessary to effectively secure organizational data.
Why Choose Information Security Administrator Training?
Data security and regulatory compliance are essential priorities for modern organizations. The SC-401 certification validates your ability to implement robust security solutions and protect sensitive information using Microsoft technologies. This training helps you manage organizational risks, meet legal obligations, and maintain a secure and compliant environment.
Through practical scenarios and hands-on exercises, this course offers an in-depth understanding of advanced tools like Microsoft Purview, enabling you to confidently tackle data security and compliance challenges.
Skills Developed During Training
Implement Information Protection
Master the implementation techniques for sensitivity labels, encryption, and access controls to secure sensitive data across all Microsoft environments.Implement Data Loss Prevention and Retention
Learn to configure and manage advanced DLP policies and retention solutions to protect critical data in cloud environments and on endpoints.Manage Risks, Alerts, and Activities
Develop expertise in detecting, analyzing, and mitigating risks through advanced monitoring, reporting, and incident response tools.Configure Information Governance Solutions
Master the creation and application of governance policies, eDiscovery solutions, and records management for optimal compliance.Ensure Regulatory Compliance
Discover how to use Microsoft Purview Compliance Manager to assess and manage organizational compliance requirements.Integrate Security Solutions in Microsoft 365
Explore seamless integration with SharePoint, Teams, Exchange, and other Microsoft 365 services for a unified security strategy.
Comprehensive, Instructor-Led Training
This training is delivered by Microsoft-certified instructors who bring their expertise and real-world scenarios to the classroom. Participants gain hands-on experience with Microsoft Purview and associated security tools, ensuring their professional development and preparation for the SC-401 certification exam.
Who Should Attend This Training?
This training is ideal for:
- Security administrators focusing on data protection and governance
- IT professionals responsible for managing sensitive data and organizational security
- Individuals preparing for the Microsoft Certified: Information Security Administrator Associate (SC-401) certification
- Organizations seeking to strengthen their security and data protection frameworks
Strengthen Data Security and Compliance with Microsoft Expertise
The Microsoft Certified: Information Security Administrator Associate (SC-401) training provides you with the skills needed to secure sensitive information and meet regulatory requirements. Register today to earn a globally recognized certification and advance your career in information security and compliance.
SC-401 Exam Success Strategies
Mastering the SC-401 certification requires more than technical knowledge – strategic preparation, effective time management, and optimal mental performance are equally crucial for success.
SC-401 Exam Statistics & Success Rates
- Average Pass Rate: 65-70% on first attempt (Microsoft Associate level average)
- Most Common Score Range: 720-780 for passing candidates
- Average Study Time: 6-8 weeks for experienced IT professionals
- Retake Rate: 25-30% of candidates require a second attempt
- Top Failure Areas: Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policy configuration and tuning (38%), Insider Risk Management implementation (35%), Information Protection sensitivity labels and encryption (32%)
Study Method Comparison
| Study Approach | Duration | Pass rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hands-on Practice Only |
4-5 weeks |
45-55% |
Experienced information security admins |
|
Documentation + Practice |
6-7 weeks |
70-75% |
Methodical learners |
|
Training + Labs + Practice |
6-8 weeks |
85-90% |
Comprehensive preparation |
|
Practice Tests Only |
2-3 weeks |
35-45% |
Not recommended |
Strategic Study Approach
- Create a 6-8 week study timeline – Don’t cram for this associate-level certification
- Follow the 70-20-10 rule – 70% hands-on practice with Microsoft Purview, 20% reading documentation, 10% practice tests
- Focus on scenario-based learning – SC-401 emphasizes real-world data protection and compliance over memorization
- Study in 90-minute focused blocks with 15-minute breaks to maximize retention
Common Exam Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don’t confuse Microsoft Purview components – understand the distinct roles of Information Protection, DLP, Insider Risk Management, and Information Governance
- Sensitivity labels vs. retention labels – know when to use each label type and their configuration differences
- DLP policy scope and conditions – distinguish between location-based policies, condition logic, and action configurations
- Insider Risk Management policies vs. DLP – understand when to use behavioral analytics versus content-based protection
- Retention policies vs. retention labels – know the differences between organization-wide policies and item-specific labels
- eDiscovery workflows and permissions – understand case management, search permissions, and legal hold processes
Topic Weight Distribution
| Exam Domain | Weight | Focus Areas | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Implement Microsoft Purview Information Protection |
30-35% |
Sensitivity labels, encryption, Azure Information Protection |
Critical |
|
Implement and Manage Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention |
25-30% |
DLP policies, endpoint DLP, policy tuning |
Critical |
|
Implement and Manage Microsoft Purview Insider Risk Management |
15-20% |
Risk policies, alerts, investigations |
High |
|
Protect Data in AI Environments with Microsoft Purview |
5-10% |
AI governance, Copilot protection |
Medium |
|
Implement and Manage Microsoft 365 Retention and Recovery |
15-20% |
Retention policies, labels, records management |
High |
|
Audit and Search Activity in Microsoft Purview |
10-15% |
Audit logs, eDiscovery, content search |
Medium |
Exam Day Time Management
- Allocate 90 seconds per question on average – this gives buffer time for complex scenarios
- Read case studies completely first before attempting related questions
- Flag uncertain questions and return to them – don’t get stuck on difficult items
- Reserve 15 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 preparation – your first instinct is usually correct on scenario questions
Technical Preparation Tips
- Practice with Microsoft Purview portal extensively – know how to navigate Information Protection, DLP, Insider Risk, and Compliance Manager
- Master sensitivity label configuration – understand label policies, auto-labeling, encryption settings, and visual markings
- Understand DLP policy design patterns – know how to create effective policies with proper conditions, actions, and user notifications
- Review insider risk scenarios thoroughly – understand policy templates, indicators, and investigation workflows
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 what 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 answering questions
- Remind yourself of your hands-on experience – you’ve likely protected organizational data before
- Stay positive during difficult questions – every candidate faces challenging scenarios
- Remember that 700/1000 passes – you don’t need perfection, just solid competency
How to Schedule Your SC-401 Exam
- Official Testing Provider: Pearson VUE is Microsoft’s authorized testing partner for SC-401
- Scheduling Process: Create a Pearson VUE account, search for “SC-401”, select your preferred test center and date
- Exam Cost: Included with your Eccentrix training – exam voucher provided for this associate-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-401 as a validation of your existing information security administration skills rather than a test of memorized facts. Your practical experience with Microsoft Purview, data protection policies, and compliance management is your greatest asset.
Frequently asked questions about the Microsoft SC-401 training (FAQ)
What topics are covered in the SC-401 training?
The SC-401 training covers three main domains: implementing information protection, implementing data loss prevention and retention, and managing risks, alerts, and activities. You’ll master Microsoft Purview, DLP policies, data governance, incident response, and AI environment protection.
Who should attend this training?
This training is perfect for security administrators, IT professionals responsible for data protection, compliance specialists, and anyone preparing for the Microsoft Certified: Information Security Administrator Associate certification.
What are the prerequisites for this training?
Basic experience with Microsoft 365, fundamental understanding of IT security concepts, and familiarity with Microsoft cloud environments are recommended.
Does this training include hands-on exercises?
Absolutely! The training includes practical labs with Microsoft Purview, real-world scenario simulations, DLP configuration exercises, incident response workshops, and hands-on practice with sensitivity labels and encryption controls.
What tools and technologies are covered in this course?
Microsoft Purview (Information Protection, Data Loss Prevention, Insider Risk Management), Microsoft 365 Defender, Azure Information Protection, Microsoft Compliance Manager, and integration with SharePoint, Teams, Exchange, and AI services.
How can the SC-401 certification benefit my career?
The SC-401 certification validates your Microsoft information security expertise, opens opportunities as Security Administrator, Compliance Specialist, or Risk Analyst, and demonstrates your ability to protect critical organizational data in a high-demand market with excellent salary potential.
