Dear Microsoft 365 / Azure Security Friends,
What I always have to tell myself when I read Fundamentals, never underestimate an exam like this. Such exams are always a kilometer long but only 1 centimeter deep. That means a lot of topics are asked, but not how to install or configure it.
What does that mean exactly? For example, a question might be structured like this: You need to capture signals from an on-premises Active Directory with a cloud solution, what do you use? The answer is Microsoft Defender for Identity.
On the exam there are single choice questions and multiple choice questions (minimum 2 answers). No case studies or sliding scale questions.
Now to my preparations for the exam:
1. First of all, I looked at the Exam Topics to get a first impression of the scope of topics.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/exams/sc-900
Please take a close look at the skills assessed:
https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RE4Mr81
2. So that I can prepare for an exam I need a test environment (this is indispensable for me). You can sign up for a free trial here.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/business/compare-all-microsoft-365-business-products
I chose the "Microsoft 365 Business Premium" plan for my testing.
3. Now it goes to the Microsoft Learn content. These learn paths (as you can see below, all 4) I have worked through completely and "mapped"/reconfigured as much as possible in my test environment.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/describe-concepts-of-security-compliance-identity/
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/describe-capabilities-of-microsoft-identity-access/
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/describe-capabilities-of-microsoft-security-solutions/
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/describe-capabilities-of-microsoft-compliance-solutions...
4. Register for the exam early. This creates some pressure and you stay motivated.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/exams/sc-900
5. Thomas Maurer's exam preparation information is super helpful!
https://www.thomasmaurer.ch/2021/04/sc-900-study-guide-microsoft-security-compliance-and-identity-fu...
6. What you should also definitely watch is the YouTube of John Savill, really super informative!
https://youtu.be/Bz-8jM3jg-8
I know you've probably read and heard this many times: read the exam questions slowly and accurately. Well, that was the key to success for me. It's the details that make the difference between success and failure.
One final tip: When you have learned something new, try to explain what you have learned to another person (whether or not they know your subject). If you can explain it in your own words, you understand the subject. That is exactly how I do it, except that I do not explain it to another person, but record a video for YouTube!
I hope this information helps you and that you successfully pass the exam. I wish you success!
Kind regards, Tom Wechsler
