What is the pass mark for SC 200? A well-liked credential for cybersecurity professionals who want to focus on threat detection, response, and monitoring utilizing Microsoft’s security technologies is the SC-200 exam, also known as the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst Associate certification. “What is the pass mark for SC-200?” is one of the most common queries that test takers ask.
This article will discuss how Microsoft scores its examinations, how to pass the SC-200 on your first try, what to do if you don’t pass, and the passing score.
How Does the SC-200 Exam Work?
Security operations analysts using Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, and other Microsoft security products are the target audience for the Microsoft SC-200 certification. The test assesses your capacity to:
Utilize Microsoft 365 Defender to reduce risks.
Utilize Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to do threat hunting.
Use Microsoft Sentinel to look into and address occurrences.
For data analysis, use Kusto Query Language (KQL).
The Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate badge, which is widely accepted in the cybersecurity sector, is awarded to professionals who successfully complete the SC-200 test.
How Does the SC-200 Exam Work?
The SC-200 exam requires a passing score of 700 out of 1000. Because Microsoft employs a scaled scoring system, your raw score, which is determined by the number of right answers, is transformed into a scaled score that ranges from 1 to 1000.
To pass the SC-200 exam, you must receive at least 700 points.
This grading system guarantees that your final result takes into account the degree of difficulty. To put it another way, not all questions are equally important.
What is the pass mark for SC-200, and how do you score on the SC-200 exam?
Knowing how Microsoft grades the SC-200 test will help you study more efficiently.
- No Derogatory Labeling
Guessing is always preferable to leaving a question blank because you won’t lose points for giving the wrong answer. - Scaled Rating
Microsoft doesn’t reveal how many questions there are or how much weight each one has. Your score is modified by the scaling procedure according to how challenging the questions were. As a result, two individuals may receive distinct sets of questions and still pass with varying percentages of correct answers. - Question Types
You will be asked a variety of questions, including
- Multiple-choice
- Examples of cases
- Questions based on scenarios
- True/False (yes/no)
You can increase your chances of success by being aware of these formats.

How Many SC-200 Exam Questions Are There?
There are usually 40 to 60 questions on the SC-200, and you have about 120 minutes to finish the test. Depending on the test version, the actual number of questions may differ slightly. Depending on your preference, you can take the examination in person or online.
Tips for Passing the SC-200 Test
You must have a good preparation strategy if you want to meet or beyond the 700-point pass mark. The following tried-and-true advice will help you pass the SC-200 on your first attempt:
- Make use of Microsoft Learn
Microsoft provides a free, approved study guide specifically designed for the SC-200 test. Real-world scenarios, interactive laboratories, and films are all included in these modules. - Get hands-on experience
using Microsoft Defender and Sentinel. To create environments and practice with Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft 365 Defender tools, use the Azure free tier. - Gain proficiency in Kusto Query Language (KQL)
Writing and comprehending KQL queries is necessary for threat hunting and data analysis. To assist, Microsoft provides KQL practice labs - Take Practice Tests
SC-200 practice exams that mimic the actual exam format are available on websites such as Whizlabs, MeasureUp, and ExamTopics. - Go over the official skills outline for the exam.
To comprehend the main exam subjects, go to the Microsoft certification portal and obtain the Skills Measured PDF. Learn about exam difficulty
What Takes Place If You Fail?
- You can retake the test, but you won’t pass if your score is less than 700.
- First retake: You have 24 hours following your initial attempt to retake the exam.
- Repeated attempts: You have to wait at least 14 days following the second attempt before attempting the test again.
- Maximum attempts: You may sit for the test no more than five times annually.
- What happens if you fail
Make use of the comments in your exam report to pinpoint your areas of weakness and strengthen them before trying again.
Advantages of Getting Through the SC-200
You can access a number of career benefits after passing the SC-200 and earning your Microsoft Certified Security Operations Analyst Associate certification.
- Increased earning capacity
- Access to more senior positions, such as Tier 2 SOC Analyst or Security Engineer
- Acknowledgment by Microsoft and international employers
Final Thoughts
What is the pass mark for SC 200? To put it simply: 700 out of 1000. But passing the test demands more than just knowing your score; you also need to be conversant with Microsoft’s security tools, have study habits, and have real-world experience. In order to maximize your chances:
- Adhere to a planned study path.
- Practice frequently.
- Take practice tests.
- On test day, remain composed and self-assured.
A significant professional milestone in cybersecurity is earning the SC-200 certification, which is easily attainable with the correct preparation.