Microsoft SC-200 Security Operations Analyst Real Exam Questions [Jan 2026 Update]

About the Exam: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200

The Microsoft Security Operations Analyst SC-200 exam validates your expertise in detecting, investigating, and responding to cybersecurity threats using Microsoft tools. It focuses on how to protect organizations from modern digital attacks through proactive threat management and incident response.

This certification is ideal for IT security professionals who work in SOC (Security Operations Centers), incident response teams, or threat analysis roles.

Exam Snapshot

What is the Microsoft SC-200 Exam, and What Will You Learn From It?

The SC-200 exam helps you master the skills to protect, monitor, and respond to threats across Microsoft hybrid environments. You’ll learn to use tools like Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender XDR, and Microsoft 365 Defender to identify and mitigate security incidents.

This certification shows that you can:

• Investigate and respond to active threats.
• Configure and use Microsoft Sentinel for security monitoring.
• Implement automated threat detection and response processes.
• Reduce risk and improve organizational security posture.

Prerequisites Before Taking the SC-200 Exam

Before attempting SC-200, you should:

• Understand Microsoft 365 and Azure security features.
• Have hands-on experience with Defender XDR and Microsoft Sentinel.
• Know incident response workflows and threat analysis methodologies.
• Ideally complete SC-900 (Security Fundamentals) first.

Main Objectives and Domains You Will Study for SC-200

The SC-200 exam tests your ability to mitigate, investigate, and respond to security incidents using Microsoft technologies.

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

• Detect and analyze threats in Microsoft 365 Defender.
• Investigate endpoint, identity, and email threats.
• Implement security alerts, automation, and playbooks.

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

• Configure Microsoft Sentinel data connectors.
• Create Kusto Query Language (KQL) queries.
• Build analytics rules, workbooks, and automation.

3. Mitigate Threats Using Microsoft Defender for Cloud (25–30%)

• Identify vulnerabilities in hybrid and cloud workloads.
• Manage regulatory compliance.
• Use security recommendations and advanced threat protection.

4. Perform Threat Hunting and Incident Response (10–15%)

• Hunt for threats using KQL queries.
• Analyze security incidents across environments.
• Create threat detection reports and playbooks.

Changes in the Latest Version of SC-200

The 2026 update includes:

• Expanded coverage of Microsoft Defender XDR integrations.
• New AI-based threat analysis capabilities.
• Additional focus on Microsoft Copilot for Security.
• Updated Sentinel automation rules and KQL syntax enhancements.

Register and Schedule Your SC-200 Exam

You can register for the exam via:

• Microsoft Certification Dashboard
• Pearson VUE for online or in-person proctored tests.

Select your preferred date, time, and testing location.

SC-200 Exam Cost and Discounts

• Base cost: $165 USD.
• Student discount: Up to 50% off with a valid academic email.
• Corporate discounts: Available through Microsoft Partners.
• Cert Empire bundles: Include SC-200 question banks and exam prep guides at reduced prices.

Exam Policies You Should Know Before Taking SC-200

• A valid government-issued ID is required for verification.
• Online exams are proctored in real time.
• You must wait 24 hours before your first retake attempt.
• Microsoft certifications are valid for 12 months and can be renewed online for free.

What to Expect on Your SC-200 Exam Day

• Question Count: 40–60 questions.
• Question Types: Multiple-choice, case studies, and scenario-based labs.
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced.

Expect hands-on scenarios where you must analyze incidents or configure Sentinel rules.

Plan Your SC-200 Study Schedule Effectively With 5 Study Tips

1. Start with Microsoft Learn’s SC-200 Learning Path.
2. Practice KQL queries for data analysis in Sentinel.
3. Use Defender XDR demo labs to simulate security incidents.
4. Review Sentinel playbooks and automation rules.
5. Attempt real SC-200 questions.

Best Study Resources You Can Use to Prepare for SC-200

• Microsoft Learn – SC-200 Learning Path.
• Cert Empire SC-200 Practice Questions.
• Microsoft Sentinel and Defender XDR documentation.
• Pluralsight, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy courses.
• Hands-on practice in Microsoft Defender and Sentinel portals.

Career Opportunities You Can Explore After Earning SC-200

After earning SC-200, you can apply for roles such as:

• Security Operations Analyst
• SOC Engineer
• Incident Response Analyst
• Threat Hunter
• Cloud Security Specialist

Average Salary Range: $95,000 – $125,000 per year.

This certification opens doors to advanced cybersecurity roles in enterprise environments.

Certifications to Go For After Completing SC-200

Once you pass SC-200, consider advancing to:

• SC-300: Identity and Access Administrator
• SC-400: Information Protection Administrator
• SC-100: Cybersecurity Architect Expert
• AZ-500: Azure Security Engineer Associate

How Does SC-200 Compare to Other Microsoft Security Certifications?

Prepare confidently with verified SC-200 exam questions and study bundles from Cert Empire.

Why Practice Exam Questions Are Essential for Passing Microsoft SC-200 Exam in 2026

Passing the SC-200 certification isn’t about memorizing terms or rot learning, it’s about developing the aptitude required of a Microsoft Security Operations Analyst. Loaded with detailed explanations and extensive references, Cert Empire’s SC-200 Exam Questions are designed to help you think like an actual cybersecurity analyst. These practice questions mirror the Microsoft exam pattern, guiding you through what’s required to pass the exam on your first attempt.

Prepare Smarter with Exam Familiar Quiz

The SC-200 exam is challenging and analytical, but consistent practice turns that difficulty into confidence. By regularly solving real exam-style questions, you’ll improve your pacing, reduce anxiety, and recognize recurring patterns in security analysis and threat detection. Over time, the structure will feel natural, helping you focus on logic instead of uncertainty on exam day.

Master Every Domain with Real Exam Logic

The SC-200 practice questions cover all official domains in the correct proportion. This means you’ll gain balanced knowledge across all exam areas, including threat mitigation, incident response, and data protection, ensuring your preparation is well-rounded and effective.

What’s Included in Our SC-200 Exam Prep Material

It’s not just a question blob that we offer, but a whole experience that transforms your exam preparation. Here is exactly what you get:

PDF Exam Questions

• Instant Access: Start preparing right after purchase with immediate delivery.
• Study Anywhere: Access the soft form questions from your phone, laptop, or tablet.
• Printable Format: Ideal for offline review and personal note-taking, and especially if you prefer to study from hard-form documents.

Interactive Practice Simulator

• Question Simulation: Our online SC-200 exam practice simulator is designed to help you interactively review and prepare for the exam with tailored features such as show/hide answers, see correct answers etc.
• Flashcard-like Practice: Save your toughest questions and revisit them until you’ve mastered each domain.
• Progress Tracking: The progress tracking feature of our quiz simulator lets you resume your study journey right from where you left.

To enhance your preparation, explore exam practice options that suit your learning style and improve your exam performance.

3 Months of Unlimited Access

Enjoy full, unrestricted access for three months, long enough to practice, revise, and retake simulations until you are satisfied with your results.

Regular Updates

Cybersecurity evolves rapidly, and keeping your preparation current is essential. CertEmpire’s certified exam experts update the SC-200 content regularly, aligning with Microsoft’s latest objectives and changes in threat intelligence, SIEM, and endpoint security frameworks.

Free Practice Tests

To make the decision easy for you, we offer free practice tests for the SC-200 exam. Look at the right side-bar and you will find the free practice test button that will take you to a sample free SC-200 practice test. Go through the free SC-200 exam questions section and discover the richness of our practice questions.

Free Exam Guides

Cert Empire offers free exam preparation guides for SC-200. You can find a variety of SC-200 related exam prep resources in our website’s blog section. From tailored study plans for success in SC-200 to exam day strategies and case-based practice, we’ve covered it all, and it’s free for everyone.

Important Note

Our SC-200 Exam Questions are updated regularly to match the latest Microsoft exam version.
The Cert Empire content team, led by certified SC-200 professionals, has taken the newest release and added updated concepts, frameworks, and Microsoft Sentinel integrations to ensure relevance.

✔ Each question includes detailed reasoning for both correct and incorrect options, helping you understand the full context behind every answer.
✔ Every solution links to official Microsoft references, allowing you to expand your knowledge through verified documentation.
✔ Mobile-Compatible – Both the PDF and simulator versions are easy to use across smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even in printed form.

The SC-200 remains one of the most respected cybersecurity certifications in Microsoft’s ecosystem, proving your mastery of detection, investigation, and response using modern security tools.