This certification falls under the Microsoft Associate Level Certification Path
The exam covers a wide range of topics related to implementing managing and monitoring on premise and hybrid infrastructure. Essentially, you’re the security engineer responsible for data network and server security across on premise and cloud infrastructure this certification could be compared with the CompTIA Security+.
If you’re preparing for this exam, you’re going to want to utilise multiple resources. Microsoft offers multiple aids in this department, they offer the AZ-500 learn certification pathway, Study Guides and Practice exams, alongside being able to enrol in instructor led training. The AZ-500 is one of those exams that delved into the security behind server operating systems alongside the security operation around multi cloud tenants and vpn technologies and on-premise infrastructure.
If you’re on route to taking this certification, be sure to check out the Microsoft certification page to keep up to date with this exam, this exam was updated on 31ST January 2024.The skills measured for this exam can be found on the exam page but in short, your skills are measured over the following.
- Manage Identity and Access (30-35%)
- Implement Platform Protection (15-20%)
- Manage Security Operations (25-30%)
- Secure Data and Applications (25-30%)
My Overall Experience in this Exam
My overall experience based on the examination result I received after taking this exam overall I scored 750+ as we can see this exam focuses on implementing protection across office 365 and azure alongside managing security operations of the tenants, managing identity and access alongside securing data applications involved having a good knowledge how to secure your infrastructure across office 365 and Virtual desktop environments alongside implementing security controls within azure and other Microsoft security stacks such as teams , SharePoint , defender and more.
My two highest scoring areas were
- Implement Platform Protection (15-20%)
- Manage Security Operations (25-30%)
My two lower scoring areas were
- Manage Identity and Access (30-35%)
- Secure Data and Applications (25-30%)
This led me to believe that the exam I received was heavy in all areas of security, it really couldn’t pin point a specific area to study here but what I would say is utilise the learning path and practice assessments until you get familiar with security operations across cloud and hybrid infrastructure in particular know your CIA Triad and your Microsoft Cybersecurity Architecture Framework.
My library for study consisted of
- Microsoft Learn AZ-500 Certification Learning Path
- Microsoft AZ-500 Practice assessment on Microsoft Learn
- Measure Up AZ-500 practice assessment
- AZ-500 Study Cram John Savill YouTube
Best of Luck in Your Studies
#always learning