A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO GET AZ-500 CERTIFIED IN 2025
Sep 26, 2025
If you want to be a cloud security engineer, then obtaining the AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Engineer certification is a crucial step. This training is designed for IT professionals focusing on securing resources within Microsoft Azure.
So whether aiming for a completely new domain, job, or moving to a more advanced current position, AZ-500 will provide the practical skills necessary for protecting environments in Azure from security threats.
This blog will elaborate on what the AZ-500 training covers, which audiences can attend this course, and what you will learn from it. Let's see what this certification opens up for you in the world of cloud security.
What does AZ-500 mean?
The certification of Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate is actually the AZ-500 exam. This exam qualifies a person for certification as a security expert concerning the Azure cloud environment. This study program mainly encompasses how to secure Azure resources, which include networks, applications, and data.
It ensures that the course has developed skills that can be deployed in the removal of security risks against Azure environments and the management of security solutions.
Eligibility for AZ-500 Learning Course
The AZ-500 training does not require any prior qualifications, and everyone is free to take the course to get an Azure Security Engineer certification. But having a little knowledge of Azure and basic IT concepts helps.
These are the few things that will help:
Basic IT Knowledge: You should understand basic IT concepts like networking, operating systems, and basic concepts of security.
Azure Fundamentals: It would not hurt to complete AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals first, as this course lays the foundation for what Azure cloud services are all about before taking up AZ-500 training.
Surely, hands-on experience in Azure: Azure services such as virtual machines, networking, storage, and identity services should provide an amazing source of benefit.
If you are new to Azure or the concept of cloud computing, don't be worried: You can start with some basic Azure training courses before attempting to take the AZ-500.
Key Skills Measured in the AZ-500 Exam:
1. Manage identity and access (30-35%).
It considers and mandates securing and managing access to Azure resources. You will be able to:
Work in Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) to manage identities.
Implement Conditional Access policies for controlling access to resources.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for extra protection.
Utilize Privileged Identity Management (PIM) to manage privileged accounts and their access.
2. Implement Platform Protection (15-20%)
This domain addresses the security of Azure services as well as the infrastructure. Major responsibilities include:
Network security configuration with Azure Firewalls and Network Security Groups (NSGs).
Enabling DDoS protection for safeguarding Azure resources.
Protecting Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) with endpoint security and network rules.
3. Manage Security Operations (25-30%)
In this section, your capabilities to monitor and respond to security events in Azure are evaluated. Among them, this includes:
Azure Security Center has an inbuilt functionality for continuous evaluation and remediation of any possible security concerns.
This also involves configuring and administering Azure Sentinel, a cloud-native SIEM that helps monitor and respond to security incidents: responding to alerts from within the cloud infrastructure or on-premises, threat modeling, and ensuring the security posture.
Nube security alerts, threat modeling, and security guarantees: The infrastructure is deployed in cloud and on-premise environments.
4. Secure Data and Applications (20-25%)
The focus in this section is to protect data and applications on Azure. Important subjects include:
Securing Azure SQL databases and alternative forms of storage.
Implementing data encryption with key management via Azure Key Vault.
Implementing Azure Policies and Security Baselines to make your organization security compliant.
AZ-500 Certification Importance:
1. Broader Career Opportunities
Cloud security has been in demand. The AZ-500 certification increases your chances of gaining entry into cloud security jobs.
2. Official Validation
Microsoft certification will confirm that you are a validated professional and will enhance your empowerment on your resume.
3. Higher Earning Potential
Due to increasing cybersecurity threats, cloud security specialists, in particular, earn high salaries.
4. Broader Understanding of Azure Security
Your depth of underwriting, platform security, access control, and data protection will increase.
5. Hands-On Approach
This practical preparation involves actual exposure to security tools like Azure Key Vault, Azure Sentinel, and Azure Security Center.
6. Gaining Asset
With the coming increase in cyber threats, the long-term value of this certificate will boost job security.
7. Climbing Up the Career Ladder
AZ-500 is the first step on the road to higher cloud and cybersecurity roles.
8. International Aspect
The certification is internationally known, so the potential extends worldwide.
Benefits of AZ-500?
1. Value Carriers Accept Wider Opportunities
Cloud security is in demand. Certification in AZ-500 increases your chances of being hired into cloud security roles.
2. Acknowledgement Visibility
Certification from Microsoft establishes your professional standard and enhances the power of your resume.
3. Earning Potential: Higher
Cloud security specialists earn good salaries due to the increase in cybersecurity threats.
4. A Comprehensive Understanding of Azure Security
Your depth of underwriting, platform security, access control, and data protection will increase.
5. Hands-On Preparation
Thursday's preparation involves real exposure to security tools such as Azure Key Vault, Azure Sentinel, and Azure Security Center.
6. Asset Acquisition
This principle has a long-term value that will testify to job protection in a time of increasing cyber threats.
7. Climbs the Professional Ladder
AZ-500 is really a staircase towards the top positions in cloud and cybersecurity.
8. International Relevance
The certification is internationally acceptable, hence potentially accessible around the globe.
How to Prepare for the AZ-500 Exam
To become an Azure Cloud Security Engineer, hands-on learning is essential. Skillsforeveryone offers practical training through live labs and expert-led sessions to help you master the AZ-500 certification.
24/7 lab access with no downtime
Live, flexible training with expert instructors
Affordable fees across all locations
Doubt-clearing sessions with cloud security pros
Certification and interview tips
Course completion certificate
Exam details :
Exam code: AZ-500
Time: 150 minutes
Questions: 40-60 items
Passing score: 700/1000
Cost: 165 USD (4800 INR in India)
Languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean
What Will You Know After AZ-500 Certification
By passing the AZ-500 exam, you will know how to:
Manage Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) effectively for users and identities.
Implement identity protection and governance controls.
Secure Azure environments with perimeter, network, host, and container security for them.
Protect data through encryption techniques and secure mechanisms such as Azure Key Vault.
Conclusion
The Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) certification is a valuable asset to anyone who intends to boost their career in the cloud security landscape. This certification affirms one's capability to secure the Azure environments while marking one as an expert in the cloud's security space. New to the field or skilling up, the AZ-500 is an important step in the career equation.
If you are aspiring to advance your career in this space, then consider pursuing the AZ-500 certification. Investments in this will pay well in terms of additional knowledge, career enhancement, and increased demand as a professional in the cloud industry.
