AZ-500Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate
Secure Azure infrastructure and workloads
Details last reviewed October 2026. Fees and exam formats change — always confirm on the official page.
About this certification
AZ-500 validates skills in implementing security controls, maintaining an organization's security posture, and managing identity, access, data, and application security in Azure. It's the primary security credential for Azure engineers and pairs well with AZ-104.
MyCertPath verdict
The Azure-specific security credential. Strong fit if you're already in or pivoting to Azure security; narrower than CISSP or CCSP. Important: Microsoft has announced AZ-500 retirement as part of the 2026 certification overhaul, with SC-500 named as the replacement — verify which exam is current before you schedule.
What it actually tests
40–60 questions in 120 minutes covering identity and access (Microsoft Entra), platform protection, data and applications, and security operations within Azure. Expect specific portal and CLI configuration questions and KQL-style log analysis.
Common traps
Things candidates underestimate or get wrong on this exam.
- Targeting AZ-500 in mid-to-late 2026 without checking the retirement date. SC-500 may already be the right target.
- Underestimating the identity domain — Entra ID configuration is heavily tested.
- Not practicing in a live Azure environment. Many questions reference specific portal flows.
What you'll validate
- ✓Azure Active Directory / Entra ID
- ✓Identity and access management
- ✓Azure Key Vault
- ✓Network security (NSGs, Firewalls, DDoS)
- ✓Microsoft Defender for Cloud
- ✓Azure Sentinel (SIEM)
- ✓Data and application security
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Covers both identity and infrastructure security in Azure
- +High demand as enterprises migrate to Azure
- +Free annual renewal via Microsoft Learn
Disadvantages
- −Requires solid Azure fundamentals first
- −Annual renewal required
Who it's for
Best for
- →Azure admins adding security specialization
- →Security engineers in Azure-heavy enterprises
- →Cloud engineers targeting security architect roles
Not ideal for
- ×Azure beginners
- ×Those focused on multi-cloud (AWS/GCP)
Career paths this unlocks
AZ-500: quick answers
- How much does the AZ-500 exam cost?
- The listed exam fee is $165 (USD). Fees vary by region and change over time — confirm on the official page before you buy.
- How long does it take to prepare for AZ-500?
- We estimate roughly 150 hours of study for most candidates; your time depends on prior experience.
- How long is the AZ-500 exam?
- The exam is 100 minutes with about 60 questions.
- How long is the AZ-500 credential valid?
- 1 year. Free annual renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn
Study resources
This exam is retired, so we no longer list prep courses or practice tests for it. Check the official page for the issuer's current options.
Jobs for AZ-500 holders
Pay depends on role, location, and experience more than on any single credential. Check current postings below for real ranges in your market.
LinkedIn Jobs
Posted in the last 7 days
Indeed
Dice (tech roles)
Tech-focused job board
Job links open external sites. Search results are live and not curated by MyCertPath.
Quick Facts
- Exam Cost
- $165
- Exam Duration
- 100 minutes
- Questions
- ~60
- Passing Score
- 700/1000
- Exam Format
- Multiple Choice
- Study Time
- ~150 hours
- Validity
- 1 year
- Salary Impact
- Strong (editorial rating)
- Last Reviewed
- October 2026
Prerequisites
- !AZ-104 or equivalent Azure admin experience recommended
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