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Microsoft SC-200 Exam Guide 2026 – Security Operations Analyst

Microsoft Security Operations Analyst (SC-200) certification validates your ability to detect, investigate, respond to, and remediate cyber threats using Microsoft security solutions. This 2026 guide covers exam details, skills measured, and preparation strategy.


What Is SC-200?

SC-200 measures your skills as a Security Operations Analyst. You are expected to monitor security events, investigate incidents, and respond using tools like Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender XDR, and Defender for Cloud.

  • Exam code: SC-200
  • Duration: ~120 minutes
  • Question types: Case studies, multiple-choice, drag & drop
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Prerequisites: Basic security & Azure knowledge

SC-200 Skills Measured (Latest Blueprint)

1. Mitigate Threats Using Microsoft Defender XDR (25–30%)

  • Monitor and investigate threats
  • Respond to incidents using Defender XDR
  • Analyze alerts and incidents
  • Perform advanced hunting

2. Mitigate Threats Using Microsoft Sentinel (25–30%)

  • Configure Microsoft Sentinel workspace
  • Analyze logs and incidents
  • Create analytics rules
  • Automate responses using playbooks

3. Mitigate Threats Using Microsoft Defender for Cloud (15–20%)

  • Monitor cloud security posture
  • Investigate security recommendations
  • Respond to cloud workload alerts

4. Configure and Use KQL for Threat Hunting (20–25%)

  • Write KQL queries
  • Analyze log data
  • Detect suspicious activities

Key SC-200 Concepts Explained

Microsoft Sentinel vs Defender XDR

  • Microsoft Sentinel: SIEM & SOAR for log analytics and automation
  • Defender XDR: Endpoint, identity, email, and app protection

KQL Basics

Kusto Query Language (KQL) is used to query logs, investigate incidents, and perform threat hunting across Microsoft security tools.


Sample SC-200 Questions with Explanation

Question 1: Which Microsoft tool is primarily used as a cloud-native SIEM?

  • A. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
  • B. Microsoft Sentinel ✅
  • C. Azure Firewall
  • D. Microsoft Intune

Explanation: Microsoft Sentinel is Microsoft’s cloud-native SIEM and SOAR solution.

Question 2: What language is used to query logs in Microsoft Sentinel?

  • A. SQL
  • B. PowerShell
  • C. KQL ✅
  • D. JSON

Explanation: Kusto Query Language (KQL) is used for log analysis and threat hunting.

Question 3: Which feature helps automate incident response in Sentinel?

  • A. Analytics rules
  • B. Workbooks
  • C. Playbooks ✅
  • D. Dashboards

Explanation: Playbooks use Logic Apps to automate security responses.

Question 4: Which Defender solution protects endpoints?

  • A. Defender for Cloud Apps
  • B. Defender for Endpoint ✅
  • C. Defender for Identity
  • D. Defender for Office 365

Explanation: Defender for Endpoint provides endpoint detection and response (EDR).

Question 5: What is the main role of a Security Operations Analyst?

  • A. Build applications
  • B. Design networks
  • C. Detect and respond to threats ✅
  • D. Manage databases

Explanation: SC-200 focuses on monitoring, investigation, and response.

Download/Practice full SC-200 exam questions..


How to Prepare for SC-200

  1. Learn Microsoft security fundamentals
  2. Practice Microsoft Sentinel and Defender
  3. Understand KQL queries
  4. Attempt SC-200 mock exams
  5. Review real incident scenarios

Why Prepare SC-200 with ClearCatNet

  • ✅ Updated SC-200 exam content (2026)
  • ✅ Real-world SOC scenarios
  • ✅ Clear explanations for Sentinel & Defender
  • ✅ Trusted by security professionals worldwide

SC-200 Frequently Asked Questions

Is SC-200 difficult?
It is intermediate-level and requires hands-on security experience.

Is SC-200 worth it in 2026?
Yes. It is one of the most in-demand SOC certifications.

Do I need coding skills?
No coding, but basic KQL knowledge is required.


Recommended Next Microsoft Certifications

  • AZ-500: Azure Security Engineer
  • SC-300: Identity and Access Administrator
  • SC-100: Cybersecurity Architect

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Microsoft SC-200 Exam Dumps FAQs

The Microsoft SC-200 Certification Exam validates your skills as a Security Operations Analyst. It focuses on threat detection, investigation, response, and remediation using Microsoft security solutions.

The SC-200 exam focuses on mitigating threats using Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender for Cloud, and Microsoft Defender for Identity.

Clearcatnet keeps SC-200 exam material up-to-date with the latest Microsoft security objectives. We provide real exam-style questions, verified answers, detailed explanations, and reference links to help you pass confidently on your FIRST ATTEMPT.

Learning SC-200 helps you become a certified Security Operations Analyst. It is ideal for professionals responsible for monitoring, investigating, and responding to cybersecurity threats.

The target audience includes security analysts, SOC analysts, cybersecurity professionals, and IT administrators involved in threat detection and incident response.

Skills measured include mitigating threats using Microsoft Defender, investigating incidents, responding to threats, and managing security operations.

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The SC-200 exam includes multiple-choice and scenario-based questions. The exam typically contains 40–60 questions with a time limit of about 120 minutes. The passing score is usually 700 out of 1000.

Microsoft role-based certifications are valid for one year. Renewal is free and can be completed online to keep your certification current.

There are no formal prerequisites for SC-200. However, basic knowledge of Microsoft security tools and cybersecurity concepts is recommended.

(Keep your existing certification list here unchanged)

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