Microsoft Security Certification — How to Register & Take the Exam
Microsoft Security (SC-) credentials use the same Microsoft Learn → Pearson VUE flow as Azure. SC-900 fundamentals never expire; SC-200/SC-100 are role-based with free 1-year renewals.
Microsoft Security credentials (SC-900, SC-200, SC-100) share the exact same registration and delivery flow as Microsoft Azure exams: Microsoft Learn profile → Pearson VUE. SC-900 is a fundamentals exam ($99, never expires); SC-200 and SC-100 are role-based ($165, 1-year validity with free online renewal).
1. Registration process
Create or sign into a Microsoft Learn profile at learn.microsoft.com/credentials. Link a personal or work Microsoft account.
Open the certification page (e.g. AZ-104) and click Schedule exam → Schedule with Pearson VUE. The first time, Microsoft will provision a Pearson VUE candidate ID for you behind the scenes — you do not maintain a separate Pearson account.
Pick delivery mode (online or test center), date, time, and pay.
Vouchers (purchased via Microsoft Learn for Educators, MCT, employer, or promo events) can be redeemed during checkout. Voucher codes are typically valid 6–12 months.
2. Delivery options
Online proctored (Pearson VUE OnVUE): 24/7 in most countries. Same hardware/room rules as AWS — Windows or macOS, single monitor, webcam, no notes/phones, walled private room.
In-person test center: Pearson VUE network worldwide.
ID: one government-issued photo ID (in-center); online requires one primary photo ID — name must exactly match the Microsoft Learn profile.
Prices are listed in local currency and vary slightly by country (India, Eastern Europe, etc. cost less). Microsoft offers a periodic free "Get Certified" challenge that grants free vouchers to a subset of role-based exams.
4. Scheduling
Up to 90 days in advance. Online appointments commonly available the next day; test centers depend on local capacity.
Reschedule/cancel up to 24 hours before the appointment without penalty. Within 24 hours = forfeit.
5. Exam day
Check in 30 minutes early. Online flow: ID + room scan via the OnVUE app, then exam launches in a locked secure browser.
Exam structures may include multiple-choice, multiple-response, drag-and-drop, hot-area, case studies, and (occasionally) labs. Once you advance past a section that contains a case study or lab, you cannot go back.
No personal items, no notes, no scratch paper online (digital whiteboard provided). Test centers provide an erasable note board.
A built-in unscheduled break is offered on most associate/expert exams (the lab/case-study section's review screen).
6. Results
Pass/fail and a score report appear on-screen at exam end and in your Microsoft Learn certification dashboard within minutes.
Scores are scaled 1–1000, passing is 700.
7. Retake policy
1st retake: wait 24 hours.
2nd retake: wait 14 days.
Subsequent retakes: 14 days each. Maximum 5 attempts per 12 months per exam. Full fee per attempt.
Once passed, you cannot re-sit the same exam.
8. Validity
Fundamentals certifications never expire (AZ-900, AI-900, DP-900, SC-900).
Role-based certifications (associate / expert / specialty) expire after 1 year but can be renewed for free via an unproctored online assessment on Microsoft Learn starting 6 months before expiration. Successful renewal extends validity by 1 year.
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