Microsoft · Professional Certification · Associate
Microsoft Certified: Information Security Administrator Associate (SC-401)
Crydd Score 56
Demand Growing
Career Value Strong
Recognition Strong
SC-401 at a glance
- Provider
- Microsoft
- Credential type
- Professional Certification
- Exam required
- Yes
- Category
- Security
- Level
- Associate
- Cost
- $165
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Time to earn
- 2–3 months
- Validity
- 1 year (free online renewal)
- Format
- Proctored exam, 100 minutes
- Prerequisites
- None required; Microsoft expects familiarity with Microsoft 365, PowerShell, Entra and the Defender portal
What is SC-401?
Microsoft's associate certification for protecting sensitive data in Microsoft 365 with Purview: sensitivity labels, data loss prevention, retention, insider risk and the alerts that go with them, including data used by AI services such as Copilot.
Skills it covers
- Microsoft Purview
- Information protection
- Data loss prevention and retention
- Insider risk management
- Protecting data used by AI
Is SC-401 worth it? The Crydd Verdict
CS 56Choose it if
You look after compliance or data protection in a Microsoft 365 organisation, or are preparing it for Copilot.
Consider alternatives if
Your focus is identity: SC-300. For threat detection and response, SC-200.
Why we say so
Rolling out Copilot forces organisations to sort out who can see what, which has made Purview skills newly urgent.
Market demand
Data protection and compliance roles in Microsoft 365 shops are growing as organisations prepare for AI assistants; postings often name Purview directly.
Where SC-401 takes you
- Security Engineer
- Systems Administrator
- Risk Analyst
Career roadmaps show where this certification fits in each path. See the roadmaps.
Related certifications
Curated connections from the catalog — each labelled with how it relates to SC-401, so you know why it’s here.
CS 83
Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)
Microsoft · Foundational
A more foundational start
CS 56
Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate (SC-300)
Microsoft · Associate
Also from Microsoft
CS 56
Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate (SC-200)
Microsoft · Associate
Also from Microsoft
Careers SC-401 leads to
The professional paths this certification genuinely serves — browse every relevant credential for each.
A sensible order
Where SC-401 sits on the path — build up, then step on.
