Microsoft provides a variety of certifications for various work categories in the fields of cloud security and cybersecurity. The SC-200: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst and the AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies are two of the most well-liked choices for professionals with a security concentration. Which is better, the SC-200 or the AZ-500, if you’re having trouble deciding between the two?

In brief, it relies on your background, desired competence, and career ambitions. This post will help you choose the certification that best fits your needs by outlining the main distinctions, contrasting the test content, and highlighting career roles.

Overview: SC-200 and AZ-500: What Are They?

This is a small verdict to know Which is better, SC-200 or AZ 500

MS Security Operations Analyst Associate SC-200

Professionals who use Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender for Cloud, and Microsoft 365 Defender to monitor, look into, and respond to threats are the target audience for the SC-200 test. It’s perfect for people who handle incident response and threat hunting, or who work in Security Operations Centers (SOCs). For more details on the SC-200 exam environment, Learn more about how difficult the SC-200 exam is and whether it is open book.

Principal Areas of Attention:

• Identification and reaction to threats
• Investigation into the incident
• Sentinel from Microsoft (SIEM)
• Protector for Cloud Apps, Identity, and Endpoints

Understand the prerequisites for SC-200 before beginning your prep.

Suggested for:

• Analysts of Security Operations
• SOC specialists
• Hunters of Threats

Z-500: Associate Security Engineer for Microsoft Azure

Covering subjects including identity and access management, platform protection, data security, and security operations inside Azure, the AZ-500 test is designed for IT professionals who are interested in Azure careers.

Principal Areas of Attention:

• Role-based access control (RBAC) in Azure
• Security of virtual networks
• Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Azure Key Vault
• Identity management and oversight

Suggested for:

• Engineers for Azure Security
• Experts in Cloud Security
• Architects for Infrastructure Security

Which is better: SC-200 vs. AZ-500? Important Distinctions

Choose SC-200 if you’re working in or aiming for a position in a threat response or SOC team. The AZ-500 is your best option if you’re more interested in platform-level security or Azure architecture.

1. Domain Focus 

SC-200 is more comprehensive in terms of coverage across the Microsoft 365 and Azure platforms and focuses on security operations. It emphasizes SIEM/SOAR tools, incident response, and threat intelligence.

The Azure platform, which includes identity, networking, computation, and storage, is the primary emphasis of AZ-500 security.

2. Cloud Involvement Level

The Azure-specific AZ-500 test presumes that you know a little bit about cloud infrastructure and Azure services.

In addition to Azure capabilities, SC-200 offers a more hybrid perspective on cybersecurity by covering Microsoft 365 Defender and on-premises integration.

You can also explore non-coding jobs in cybersecurity if you’re concerned about the technical depth.

Which is better?

If you are or wish to be a cloud security engineer, go with the AZ-500. If your function is more closely related to security monitoring in hybrid environments, go for SC-200.

3. Employment and Professional Development

Despite having different roles and focusing on various areas of competence, the SC-200 and AZ-500 certificates are both very useful in the cybersecurity industry. The top-paying jobs with Microsoft certifications often list both. The AZ-500 is focused on putting strong security measures in place within Azure cloud settings, whereas the SC-200 is focused on using security operations to identify and address threats. Your credibility as a cybersecurity professional is increased and your command of Microsoft security technologies is demonstrated by obtaining either certification. One may be more appropriate for your professional path than the other, but in many situations, having both can greatly expand your skill set and employment prospects.

SC 200 is compatible with positions such as

• Analyst for Security Operations
• Hunter of Threats
• Responder to Incidents
• SOC Specialist

Check out the salary and cost insights for SC-200.

The AZ-500 is compatible with:

• Security Engineer for Azure
• Consultant for Cloud Security
• Architect for Infrastructure Security

Salary Insights: Based on worldwide wage surveys:

• Professionals with SC-200 certification typically make between $95,000 and $110,000 annually.
• Depending on region and expertise, AZ-500 certified professionals often earn between $105,000 and $125,000 annually.

To understand broader salary comparisons, read Which cybersecurity role pays the most in India?

Which is superior?

The AZ-500 might provide more expansion if you want to deal with cloud-based enterprise security. However, because threat detection and response abilities are essential for contemporary businesses, the SC-200 is highly sought after.

Exam Prerequisites and Difficulty

1. Microsoft security solutions, Microsoft 365, Azure, and a fundamental grasp of incident response are prerequisites for the SC-200.

• More technical knowledge is required for the AZ-500, including familiarity with PowerShell, the Azure site, ARM templates, and networking/security protocols.

Which is more difficult?

In general, SC-200 is more analytical, while AZ-500 is more technical. Pick the one that plays to your advantages. If you’re preparing for multiple Microsoft certifications, use this study plan for Microsoft certifications.

Conclusion: 

So, Which is better, SC-200 or AZ 500 In the end, it boils down to your professional goals:

If you have a strong desire to work in a SOC or cyber defense team, analyze logs, and investigate threats, go with SC-200. If you want to work directly with Azure environments, secure cloud infrastructure, and set access restrictions, go with the AZ-500. In order to develop a broad skill set, many professionals work toward both credentials. If you want a more comprehensive overview of Microsoft security technologies before delving deeply into Azure-specific security with the AZ-500, starting with the SC-200 is an excellent option.