Administering Information Security in Microsoft 365
Exam Code: SC-401
The SC-401 certification exam validates your ability to plan, implement, and manage information security for sensitive data using Microsoft Purview, Microsoft 365 services, information protection, data loss prevention, retention, insider risk management, and security activity monitoring.
- Exam Breakdown
- Domain Breakdown
- Access Breakdown
Exam Format
- Exam Code: SC-401
- Certification Level: Intermediate / Associate
- Exam Duration: 100 minutes
- Passing Score: 700 out of 1000
- Unscored Content: The exam may include unscored questions for evaluation purposes. These questions do not affect your final score and may not be identified separately.
Exam Details
- Question Types: Multiple choice, case studies, drag-and-drop, build list, scenario-based questions, and interactive components
- Number of Questions: Microsoft certification exams typically contain 40–60 questions, but the exact number may vary
- Hands-On Questions: The exam may include interactive components, but Microsoft does not publish a fixed lab count for SC-401.
Exam Policies
- Offline Proctoring: Must be rescheduled or canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled exam time.
- Online Proctoring: Must be rescheduled or canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled exam time.
- Waiting Period: A 24-hour wait is required after the first failed attempt. A 14-day wait applies for subsequent retakes.
- Retake Fee: Full exam fee must be paid for each retake, unless a valid voucher or eligible offer applies.
Certification Validity and Renewal
- Validity: 1 year
- Renewal Options: Renew for free by passing the online renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn before the certification expires.
Exam Fee
- Base Fee: $165 USD, based on the country or region in which the exam is proctored
- Taxes: Country-specific taxes may apply. Example: In India, 18% tax applies, making the total $194.70 USD ($165 + $29.70 tax)
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for taking the SC-401 exam. However, it is recommended to have:
- Experience with Microsoft 365 security and compliance solutions
- Knowledge of Microsoft Purview and information protection features
- Familiarity with Microsoft 365 services, PowerShell, and Microsoft Entra
- Understanding of Microsoft Defender portal and Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
- Experience implementing data loss prevention, sensitivity labels, retention, and insider risk management
- Knowledge of information security, governance, and risk reduction practices
Exam Topics
- Implement Information Protection: Data classification, sensitive information types, document fingerprinting, exact data match, trainable classifiers, sensitivity labels, encryption, Microsoft Purview Information Protection client, and message encryption
- Implement Data Loss Prevention and Retention: DLP policies, endpoint DLP, Adaptive Protection, Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps file policies, retention labels, retention policies, adaptive scopes, and data recovery
- Manage Risks, Alerts, and Activities: Insider Risk Management, forensic evidence settings, audit, Activity explorer, Content search, DLP alerts, Microsoft Defender XDR alerts, and data protection for AI services
Intended Audience
The SC-401 certification is ideal for professionals responsible for protecting sensitive information and managing Microsoft 365 information security, including roles such as:
- Information Security Administrator
- Microsoft 365 Security Administrator
- Compliance Administrator
- Security Operations Analyst
- Data Protection Administrator
- Governance and Risk Professional
- Microsoft Purview Administrator
Career Impact
Jobs You Can Get:
- Information Security Administrator, Microsoft 365 Security Administrator, Compliance Administrator, Data Protection Analyst, Security Operations Analyst, Governance Specialist, and Microsoft Purview Administrator.
Average Salary:
- Varies by country — U.S.: $85,000–$130,000 USD,
- India: ₹8,00,000–₹22,00,000 INR,
- United Kingdom: £45,000–£75,000 GBP,
- UAE: 180,000–300,000 AED per year.
Why It’s Valuable:
- This certification validates Microsoft 365 information security skills, including Microsoft Purview, sensitivity labels, DLP, retention, insider risk management, audit, and data protection for AI-powered environments.
Exam Mode
The exam is proctored and can be taken either:
- In-person at authorized Pearson VUE test centres
- Online through Pearson VUE's online proctoring system
Exam Booking Link
- Book your SC-401 Exam via Microsoft Learn / Pearson VUE — Click here (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/information-security-administrator/)
Once you pass the exam
- Download your Microsoft Certified: Information Security Administrator Associate certificate from Microsoft Learn
- Processing Time: Certification results and badge details are usually updated shortly after passing the exam
- Log in to your Microsoft Learn profile
- Navigate to the Credentials or Certifications section
- Download or share your Microsoft certification badge and certificate
Offers
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Top Reasons to Choose
Administering Information Security in Microsoft 365
High Demand for Information Security Skills
Organizations need professionals who can protect sensitive information across Microsoft 365. This certification validates practical skills in Microsoft Purview, data protection, DLP, retention, and insider risk management.
Strong Focus on Real-World Data Protection
The exam focuses on sensitivity labels, data classification, encryption, DLP, retention, audit, alerts, and risk management, helping professionals prove practical skills for protecting business data.
Career Growth and Microsoft Recognition
As an official Microsoft Associate certification, SC-401 supports career growth in information security, compliance, governance, Microsoft 365 administration, and data protection roles worldwide.
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FAQ
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Who should take the SC-401 Administering Information Security in Microsoft 365 exam?
The SC-401 exam is ideal for information security administrators, Microsoft 365 security administrators, compliance professionals, data protection specialists, and Microsoft Purview administrators. Candidates should understand Microsoft 365 services, Microsoft Purview, sensitivity labels, data loss prevention, retention, insider risk management, audit, Microsoft Entra, PowerShell, and security governance requirements.
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How difficult is the SC-401 exam?
The SC-401 exam is considered intermediate because it covers multiple Microsoft 365 security and compliance areas, including information protection, DLP, retention, insider risk, audit, alerts, and AI data protection. Candidates with hands-on Microsoft Purview and Microsoft 365 administration experience will find it manageable, while beginners need structured practice.
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Why does Microsoft offer the Information Security Administrator Associate certification?
Microsoft offers this certification to validate skills required to protect sensitive data in Microsoft 365 environments. Organizations need administrators who can implement Microsoft Purview, sensitivity labels, DLP, retention, insider risk controls, audit, and AI data protection. The certification helps employers identify professionals who can reduce information security risks effectively.
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What tools and resources can be used to prepare for the SC-401 exam?
Candidates can prepare using the official Microsoft Learn SC-401 study guide, Microsoft Purview documentation, Microsoft security documentation, practice assessments, exam sandbox, instructor-led training, and hands-on labs. Practical experience with sensitivity labels, DLP policies, retention, Insider Risk Management, Audit, Content search, PowerShell, and Defender portals is strongly recommended.
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Is the SC-401 certification still valuable in 2026?
Yes, SC-401 remains valuable in 2026 because organizations increasingly need strong data protection, compliance, insider risk management, and AI security controls across Microsoft 365. The certification proves current Microsoft Purview and information security skills, supporting careers in security administration, compliance, governance, risk management, and Microsoft 365 security.
