AZ-500 Exam Prep Guide Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate Professional Certificate

Let’s discuss the AZ-500 Exam Prep Guide Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate Professional Certificate. This exam is designed for professionals working with Azure security services and solutions.

It validates a candidate’s expertise in managing Azure security controls, identity management, and securing data, applications, and networks in Azure environments. This certification is ideal for security engineers or cloud administrators who focus on maintaining the security posture of Azure solutions.

The AZ-500 exam can be challenging, but you can succeed with proper study and practice. It’s not meant for beginners—you should know the basics of Azure security and have some experience with security controls.

In this post, you will find everything you need about the AZ-500 Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate certification exam. This exam tests your skills in managing and securing Azure environments.

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AZ-500 Exam Prep Guide Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate Professional Certificate - Fig, 1
AZ-500 Exam Prep Guide Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate Professional Certificate – Fig, 1

What are the Main Responsibilities of an Azure Security Engineer?

AZ-500 Exam Prep Guide Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate Professional Certificate 1

As an Azure Security Engineer, your key responsibilities include the following.

Managing the security posture.
Identifying and remediating vulnerabilities.
Performing threat modelling.
Implementing threat protection.

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What is the Cost of the AZ-500 Exam?

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The standard fee for the AZ-500 exam is USD 165. If you need to retake the exam, there will be additional costs for each attempt.

What is the Passing Score for the AZ-500 Exam?

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To pass the Microsoft AZ-500 certification exam, you need a 700 out of 1000 score.

What is the Salary Range for Azure Security Engineers with the AZ-500 Certification?

AZ-500 Exam Prep Guide Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate Professional Certificate 2

The salary for Azure Security Engineers holding the AZ-500 certification typically ranges from $143,000 to $205,000 annually. Many companies are actively hiring for these positions, reflecting the high demand for skilled professionals in Azure security.

Are Professionals with the AZ-500 Certification in Demand?

Yes, there is a high demand for professionals with the AZ-500 certification. With organizations increasingly relying on cloud platforms, many career opportunities are available, such as Cloud Security Engineer, Security Analyst, and Azure Security Engineer.

How Many Times Can I Take the AZ-500 Exam?

You can take the AZ-500 exam up to 5 times within 12 months. After your first attempt, you can retake the exam after 24 hours. For subsequent attempts, a 14-day waiting period is required between each retake.

Who is Eligible to Take the AZ-500 Exam?

While having foundational knowledge, such as the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), can be beneficial, it is not a prerequisite for the AZ-500 certification. You can pursue the AZ-500 exam if you already have experience with platform protection and Azure security practices. You can take the AZ-500 certification exam if you meet these criteria.

What Score Do I Need to Pass the AZ-500 Exam?

To pass the AZ-500 exam, you must score 700 or greater.

How Long is the AZ-500 Certification Valid, and Does it Expire?

Yes, the AZ-500 certification is valid for 1 year after you pass the exam. You can renew your certification for free by completing a renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn.

Which Azure Certification Exam is the Easiest to Pass?

The AZ-900, or the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam, is generally considered the most accessible Azure certification. It’s incredibly manageable for those with prior knowledge and cloud computing experience.

What is the Duration of the AZ-500 Exam?

The Microsoft AZ-500 exam is typically 120 minutes (2 hours) long.

Which Azure Certification Exam is Considered the Hardest?

The Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification, which consists of the AZ-303 and AZ-304 exams, is often regarded as the most challenging Azure exam.

Is Obtaining the AZ-500 Certification Worth it?

Yes, the Microsoft AZ-500 certification is highly regarded and in demand in the job market, particularly for cybersecurity and cloud security positions.

Which Azure Certification Offers the Highest Salary?

The Azure Developer Associate certification is among the highest-paying Azure certifications. It is particularly sought after by developers who specialize in crafting, testing, and maintaining cloud applications on Azure.

How Many Questions Are Included in the AZ-500 Exam?

The AZ-500 certification exam consists of 40 to 60 multiple-choice questions. You have a time limit of 150 minutes to complete the exam.

What Does AZ-500 Stand For?

The AZ-500 refers to the Microsoft Azure Security Engineer certification exam.

What are the Main Differences between the AZ-500 and AZ-900 Exams?

The AZ-900 exam is the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals certification, which provides a foundational understanding of Azure cloud concepts and services.

In contrast, the AZ-500 exam is the Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate certification, focusing specifically on security management and protection of Azure environments.

What Should I Do if I Fail a Microsoft Exam?

If you don’t pass a Microsoft exam on your first attempt, you must wait 24 hours before you can retake it. For all subsequent attempts, there is a 14-day waiting period between each retake.

Are there Labs Included in the AZ-500 Exam?

Yes, the AZ-500 exam does include labs. Microsoft has added labs to some of its certification exams, including the AZ-500, to provide candidates with practical experience and a better understanding of the content before taking the test.

How Do the AZ-500 and AZ-104 Exams Differ?

The AZ-104 exam focuses on Azure Administration and is more technical and implementation-oriented, covering general Azure management tasks. The AZ-500 exam is a security certification focusing more centrally on securing Azure environments and resources.

AZ-500 Exam Prep Guide – Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate Professional Certificate

As an Azure Security Engineer, your main job is to keep the cloud safe, including Azure, multi-cloud, and hybrid environments. You protect everything in the system, including data, applications, identity, and network security.

You constantly monitor and manage the security of these areas. You also work with architects, administrators, and developers to ensure the system meets security and compliance standards and is secure from threats.

Note! The English version of the AZ-500 certification exam will be updated on October 30, 2024. This means some exam objectives or question types may change after this date. Review the official study guide for details about what will be updated so you can prepare accordingly.

AZ-500 Exam Prep Guide Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate Professional Certificate - Fig, 1 - Fig.1 - Creds to MS
AZ-500 Exam Prep Guide Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate Professional Certificate – Fig.2 – Creds to MS

Skills Measured in the AZ-500 Exam

To pass the AZ-500 exam, focus on understanding these key areas: By mastering the following topics, you can confidently prepare for the exam, whether aiming to pass on February 8, 2024, or anytime after. To pass the AZ-500 Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate certification exam, you must demonstrate your knowledge in the following areas.

Manage Identity and Access

Control who has access to Azure resources by using Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). Implement solutions like Privileged Identity Management (PIM) to manage high-privilege roles.

Secure Networking

Configure and secure network connections using tools like Network Security Groups (NSGs), Azure Firewall, and DDoS protection. Securely manage hybrid connectivity, including setting up secure VPNs and ExpressRoute connections between on-premises and Azure.

Secure Compute Storage and Databases

Implement security best practices for virtual machines (VMs), including just-in-time VM access, patch management, and endpoint protection. Secure storage accounts with encryption at rest and manage access using firewalls and private endpoints. Protect databases like Azure SQL with encryption, access controls, and threat detection.

Manage Security Operations

Monitor and manage the security of Azure resources using tools like Azure Security Center and Azure Sentinel, a cloud-native security information and event management (SIEM) tool—Configure automated responses to threats, including setting up alerts and incident management processes.

AZ-500 Exam Prep Guide Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate Professional Certificate - Fig, 1 - Fig.3 - Creds to MS
AZ-500 Exam Prep Guide Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate Professional Certificate – Fig. 3- Creds to MS

Skill Areas and Task – Skills Measured as of October 30, 2024

As an Azure security engineer, you are essential in responding to security incidents. You collaborate with architects, administrators, and developers to create and implement solutions that meet security and compliance needs.

To succeed in this role, you should have hands-on experience managing Microsoft Azure and hybrid environments and a solid understanding of Azure’s computing, networking, and storage services and Microsoft Entra ID.

Skill AreaTasks
Manage identity and access(25–30%)
Manage Microsoft Entra identitiesSecure Microsoft Entra users
Secure Microsoft Entra groups
Recommend when to use external identities
Secure external identities
Implement Microsoft Entra ID Protection
Manage Microsoft Entra authenticationImplement multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Configure Microsoft Entra Verified ID
Implement passwordless authentication
Implement password protection
Implement single sign-on (SSO)
Integrate single sign on (SSO) and identity providers
Recommend and enforce modern authentication methods
Manage Microsoft Entra authorizationConfigure Azure role permissions for management groups, subscriptions, resource groups, and resources
Assign Microsoft Entra built-in roles
Assign Azure built-in roles
Create and assign custom roles, including Azure roles and Microsoft Entra roles
Implement and manage Microsoft Entra Permissions Management
Configure Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management
Configure role management and access reviews in Microsoft Entra
Implement Conditional Access policies
Manage Microsoft Entra application accessManage access to enterprise applications in Microsoft Entra ID, including OAuth permission grants
Manage Microsoft Entra app registrations
Configure app registration permission scopes
Manage app registration permission consent
Manage and use service principals
Manage managed identities for Azure resources
Recommend when to use and configure an Microsoft Entra Application Proxy, including authentication
Secure networking(20–25%)
Plan and implement security for virtual networksPlan and implement Network Security Groups (NSGs) and Application Security Groups (ASGs)
Plan and implement user-defined routes (UDRs)
Plan and implement Virtual Network peering or VPN gateway
Plan and implement Virtual WAN, including secured virtual hub
Secure VPN connectivity
, including point-to-site and site-to-site
Implement encryption over ExpressRoute
Configure firewall settings on PaaS resources
Monitor network security by using Network Watcher, including NSG flow logging
Plan and implement security for private access to Azure resourcesPlan and implement virtual network Service Endpoints
Plan and implement Private Endpoints
Plan and implement Private Link services
Plan and implement network integration for Azure App Service and Azure Functions
Plan and implement network security configurations for an App Service Environment (ASE)
Plan and implement network security configurations for an Azure SQL Managed Instance
Plan and implement security for public access to Azure resourcesPlan and implement Transport Layer Security (TLS) to applications, including Azure App Service and API Management
Plan, implement, and manage an Azure Firewall, including Azure Firewall Manager and firewall policies
Plan and implement an Azure Application Gateway
Plan and implement an Azure Front Door, including Content Delivery Network (CDN)
Plan and implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Recommend when to use Azure DDoS Protection Standard
Secure compute, storage, and databases(20–25%)
Plan and implement advanced security for computePlan and implement remote access to public endpoints, including Azure Bastion and just-in-time (JIT) virtual machine (VM) access
Configure network isolation for Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
Secure and monitor AKS
Configure authentication for AKS
Configure security monitoring for Azure Container Instances (ACIs)
Configure security monitoring for Azure Container Apps (ACAs)
Manage access to Azure Container Registry (ACR)
Configure disk encryption, including Azure Disk Encryption (ADE), encryption at host, and confidential disk encryption
Recommend security configurations for Azure API Management
Plan and implement security for storageConfigure access control for storage accounts
Manage life cycle for storage account access keys
Select and configure an appropriate method for access to Azure Files
Select and configure an appropriate method for access to Azure Blob Storage
Select and configure an appropriate method for access to Azure Tables
Select and configure an appropriate method for access to Azure Queues
Select and configure appropriate methods for protecting against data security threats, including soft delete, backups, versioning, and immutable storage
Configure Bring your own key (BYOK)
Enable double encryption at the Azure Storage infrastructure level
Plan and implement security for Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed InstanceEnable Microsoft Entra database authentication
Enable database auditing
Identify use cases for the Microsoft Purview governance portal
Implement data classification of sensitive information by using the Microsoft Purview governance portal
Plan and implement dynamic masking
Implement Transparent Data Encryption (TDE)
Recommend when to use Azure SQL Database Always Encrypted
Manage security operations(25–30%)
Plan, implement, and manage governance for securityCreate, assign, and interpret security policies and initiatives in Azure Policy
Configure security settings by using Azure Blueprints
Deploy secure infrastructures by using a landing zone
Create and configure an Azure Key Vault
Recommend when to use a dedicated Hardware Security Module (HSM)
Configure access to Key Vault, including vault access policies and Azure Role Based Access Control
Manage certificates, secrets, and keys
Configure key rotation
Configure backup and recovery of certificates, secrets, and keys
Manage security posture by using Microsoft Defender for CloudIdentify and remediate security risks by using the Microsoft Defender for Cloud Secure Score and Inventory
Assess compliance against security frameworks by using Microsoft Defender for Cloud
Add industry and regulatory standards to Microsoft Defender for Cloud
Add custom initiatives to Microsoft Defender for Cloud
Connect hybrid cloud and multi-cloud environments to Microsoft Defender for Cloud
Identify and monitor external assets by using Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management
Configure and manage threat protection by using Microsoft Defender for CloudEnable workload protection services in Microsoft Defender for Cloud, including Microsoft Defender for Storage, Databases, Containers, App Service, Key Vault, and Resource Manager
Configure Microsoft Defender for Servers
Configure Microsoft Defender for Azure SQL Database
Manage and respond to security alerts in Microsoft Defender for Cloud
Configure workflow automation by using Microsoft Defender for Cloud
Evaluate vulnerability scans from Microsoft Defender for Server
Configure and manage security monitoring and automation solutionsMonitor security events by using Azure Monitor
Configure data connectors in Microsoft Sentinel
Create and customize analytics rules in Microsoft Sentinel
Evaluate alerts and incidents in Microsoft Sentinel
Configure automation in Microsoft Sentinel
AZ-500 Exam Prep Guide Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate Professional Certificate – Table 1
AZ-500 Exam Prep Guide Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate Professional Certificate  - Fig 4 - Creds to MS
AZ-500 Exam Prep Guide Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate Professional Certificate – Fig.4 – Creds to MS

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Author

Anoop C Nair has been Microsoft MVP from 2015 onwards for 10 consecutive years! He is a Workplace Solution Architect with more than 22+ years of experience in Workplace technologies. He is also a Blogger, Speaker, and Local User Group Community leader. His primary focus is on Device Management technologies like SCCM and Intune. He writes about technologies like Intune, SCCM, Windows, Cloud PC, Windows, Entra, Microsoft Security, Career, etc.

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