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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Microsoft
Exam Format
100 min
40-60
700
Associate
Registration
$165 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
Validity
2 years
Pass renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn (free); Pass a higher-level certification exam; Complete specified Microsoft Learn modules
SC-401 Exam Topics and Domains
SC-401 is organized into 3 weighted domains. Expect to work with Microsoft Purview, Microsoft Purview Insider Risk Management, Microsoft Purview DLP, Microsoft Purview DSPM, and more.
1
Implement information protection
30%
Implement and manage data classification
Identify sensitive information requirementsTranslate requirements into sensitive info typesCreate and manage custom sensitive info typesImplement document fingerprintingCreate and manage exact data match (EDM) classifiersCreate and manage trainable classifiersMonitor data classificationConfigure OCR support
- Design and implement comprehensive data classification strategies
- Create custom classification methods for unique organizational needs
- Monitor and optimize classification effectiveness
Implement and manage sensitivity labels in Microsoft Purview
Implement roles and permissionsDefine and create sensitivity labelsConfigure protection settings and content markingConfigure and manage publishing policiesConfigure and manage auto-labeling policiesApply labels to containersApply labels using Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
- Design comprehensive sensitivity label taxonomies
- Implement automated labeling strategies
- Extend protection to cloud applications and containers
Implement information protection for Windows, file shares, and Exchange
Plan and implement Purview Information Protection clientManage files using the Information Protection clientApply bulk classification using the scannerDesign and implement Purview Message EncryptionDesign and implement Advanced Message Encryption
- Protect on-premises data repositories
- Implement email encryption strategies
- Deploy and manage protection clients and scanners
2
Implement data loss prevention and retention
30%
Create and configure data loss prevention policies
Design DLP policies based on requirementsImplement roles and permissions for DLPCreate and manage DLP policiesConfigure DLP for Adaptive ProtectionInterpret policy and rule precedenceCreate file policies in Defender for Cloud Apps
- Design comprehensive DLP strategies
- Implement adaptive and risk-based protection
- Extend DLP to cloud applications
Implement and monitor Microsoft Purview Endpoint DLP
Specify device requirements for Endpoint DLPConfigure advanced DLP rules for devicesConfigure Endpoint DLP settingsConfigure just-in-time protectionMonitor endpoint activities
- Deploy and configure endpoint protection
- Monitor and respond to endpoint activities
- Implement just-in-time protection mechanisms
Implement and manage retention
Plan for information retention and dispositionCreate, configure, and manage adaptive scopesCreate retention labels for data lifecycleConfigure retention label policies to publishConfigure retention label policies to auto-applyInterpret policy precedence and use Policy lookupCreate and configure retention policiesRecover retained content in Microsoft 365
- Design comprehensive retention strategies
- Implement automated retention and disposition
- Manage content lifecycle and recovery
3
Manage risks, alerts, and activities
30%
Implement and manage Microsoft Purview Insider Risk Management
Implement roles and permissionsPlan and implement connectorsImplement integration with Defender for EndpointConfigure and manage settingsConfigure policy indicatorsSelect appropriate policy templatesCreate and manage policiesManage forensic evidence settingsEnable and configure insider risk levelsManage alerts and casesManage workflow and notice templates
- Design comprehensive insider risk programs
- Implement detection and investigation capabilities
- Manage the complete insider risk lifecycle
Manage information security alerts and activities
Assign Purview Audit (Premium) licensesInvestigate activities using Purview AuditConfigure audit retention policiesAnalyze activities using activity explorerRespond to DLP alertsInvestigate insider risk activitiesRespond to Purview alerts in Defender XDRRespond to Defender for Cloud Apps alertsPerform searches using Content search
- Implement comprehensive auditing and monitoring
- Investigate and respond to security incidents
- Leverage integrated security platforms
Protect data used by AI services
Implement controls in Purview for AIImplement controls in M365 productivity workloadsImplement prerequisites for DSPM for AIManage roles and permissions for DSPMConfigure DSPM for AI policiesMonitor activities in DSPM for AI
- Protect data in AI-powered environments
- Implement Data Security Posture Management for AI
- Monitor and control AI data usage
How do I earn this certification?
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
Use the official PlanetCert Practice Test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for SC-401.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2025-02-04
- Announcement date: 2024-11-01
Updates
- Microsoft Purview Information Protection Latest Core exam component - 30-35% of questions • Release date: Continuous updates
- Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention Latest Core exam component - 30-35% of questions • Release date: Continuous updates
- Microsoft Purview Insider Risk Management 2.0 Major focus area with Adaptive Protection integration • Release date: 2024-11-01
- DSPM for AI 1.0 New exam topic - expect 5-10% coverage • Release date: 2025-01-01
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Information Security Administrators and Security Engineers.
- Familiarity with all Microsoft 365 services
- Experience with PowerShell
- Knowledge of Microsoft Entra (Azure AD)
- Understanding of Microsoft Defender portal
- Experience with Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
- Basic understanding of information security principles
- Knowledge of data governance concepts
What jobs can I get with this?
Information Security Administrator
Security Operations Analyst
Compliance Administrator
Data Governance Specialist
Insider Risk Analyst
Information Protection Specialist