The Microsoft MS-500 exam is where the quest of IT specialists trying to make big in the security domain ends. Linked with a job role-based certification, this test assesses the candidate’s expertise in domains like monitoring security as well as compliance solutions for Microsoft 365 and hybrid environments.

Certification Overview

The Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate is what will be yours if you score passing grades in the MS-500 exam. As the title suggests, it is an intermediate-level certification that imparts an established understanding of knowledge areas like securing the Microsoft 365 enterprise and hybrid environments, identifying the threats, and using the viable Microsoft security technologies. It also prepares the holders for the Microsoft Enterprise Security Administrator job role, which is great in terms of market demand and significance. Because of their excellent command of identity protection, information protection, threat protection, security management, and data governance, the bearers of this designation are no less than assets for ecosystems where Microsoft services and products are handling the operations.

Is It the Right Choice for You?

It is if you’re already equipped with the functional knowledge of Microsoft 365 workloads and trying to explore the career opportunities spread across the world in the Microsoft security realm.

Test Characteristics

Just like any other role-based associate-level professional exam, the Microsoft MS-500 features 40-60 test items. The anticipated question formats are active screen, build list, case studies, hot area, and MCQ. To attempt these questions, candidates are granted 130-150 minutes plus, scoring anything above 700 is essential to appear victorious in the actual exam. To add more, the test is globally available via Pearson VUE and can be taken up online and offline. Regardless of the delivery mode picked, the exam is proctored and the fee for this is $165, which is likely to vary as per the location of the test-taker. Also, note that the fee will be paid in the form of an exam voucher, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. Hence, investing money is only suggested if one is sure to go for the Microsoft MS-500 test. More so, English and Japanese are the two available exam language options. Using this strict format, the official exam tests the aspirants on the implementation and management of identity and access, threat protection, information protection, and governance alongside compliance features in Microsoft 365. These exam domains are further divided into multiple subdomains and educate the test-takers on all the interlinked expertise.

Acing Final Exam with Quality Books

Admittedly, books are powerful self-study materials that allow a learner to have an in-depth understanding of the targeted learning domains at their own pace. For the Microsoft MS-500 candidates, Amazon serves as a dependable and ideal platform to seize the updated, content-rich, and exam domain-focused books. Thus, here are the top choices to explore:

• Microsoft 365 Security Administration by Peter Rising

  A star performer at Amazon, this manual is famed for offering comprehensive and detailed assistance regarding MS-500 prep. The author has done a notable job in imparting the knowledge that is applicable in the real world. All the best and verified configuration and deployment practices are explained with full diligence here. Plus, the self-assessment questions and one mock test allow the readers to test their subject matter expertise simultaneously. Lastly, within the guide, you’ll explore the summaries of topics, illustrations, and actual-world scenarios that will equip you with the relevant skills to nail the final exam without strain.

• Securing Office 365 by Matthew Katzer

  Microsoft Office 365 security will be covered in detail in the main test so this book will help the test-takers grasp the nitty-gritty of this knowledge area in the most understandable manner. When in doubt about how to securely keep data breaches, compliance fines, and the distribution of personally identifiable information, refer to such a book. By paying attention to what this manual is trying to convey, Microsoft Office 365 specialists will be able to get equipped with the skills required for the secure configuration of Office 365 and the prevention of data in the same. For the interested candidates, the handbook is available in paperback and Kindle editions for $54.99 and $49.99, respectively.

• Microsoft Office 365 Administration Inside Out by Anthony Puca, Julian Soh, and Marshall Copeland

  Designed for intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office 365 professionals, this study guide is wonderfully composed and leaves no stone unturned to transform the readers into real-world specialists in Office 365 administration. With hundreds of time-saving solutions, viable tips, expert suggestions, and real-world examples, the book helps the candidates deal with actual concerns regarding the deployment, configuration, and management of Microsoft Office 365 so new levels of subject matter expertise can be gained with its help.

• Mastering Identity and Access Management with Microsoft Azure by Jochen Nickel

  Become a real-world specialist in designing, implementing, and management of hybrid identity and access management, which is an integral part of the Microsoft MS-500 exam, by taking this book on board. Some of the renowned learning takeaways of this material are an in-depth understanding of Microsoft Information Protection technologies, the Microsoft Azure identity and access management, the Microsoft Software as a Service (SaaS) products, and Enterprise Mobility Management. So, if you want to clear the actual MS-500 exam on the initial try, such a guide is a way to go.

• Beginning Security with Microsoft Technologies by Vasantha Lakshmi

  It is a very crisp learning material rendering verified cognizance on key security principles that are viable for safeguarding Microsoft technologies. After one finishes this book, identifying various levels and stages of attacks, finding remedial solutions, using advanced threat analytics, the usage of Azure Information Protection for securing information, and Azure Security Center becomes easier than ever.

Ending Notes

Becoming a Microsoft Certified Security Administrator Associate means turning into a blessing for the industry. In no time, the recruiters will hire those who have a mention of this certification on their resumes. All thanks go to the Microsoft MS-500 exam. However, the daunting test nature can fret a few examinees. So, if you don’t want to get counted in that list, turn to Amazon. Here, one can find a huge pile of professionally penned-down and fact-driven books for the real MS-500 exam. Also, referring to them means a smooth exam journey, augmented success possibilities, and unmatched actual-world understanding of the tested domains.