SC-401: Information Security Administrator
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Interactive Study Guide
Each module covers one exam topic with plain-English explanations, real-world scenarios, and built-in practice. Everything you need to understand and retain the material — no tab-switching required.
Domain 1: Implement Information Protection ›
Domain 2: Implement DLP and Retention ›
Domain 3: Manage Risks, Alerts, and Activities ›
Exam Resources
Official learning paths, exam details, skills measured, and community resources to supplement your study.
About the SC-401 Exam
Microsoft Purview — sensitivity labels, DLP, retention, insider risk, Adaptive Protection, and DSPM for AI.
The Microsoft Purview information security cert (replaces SC-400). Sensitivity labels, DLP, retention, insider risk, Adaptive Protection, and DSPM for AI.
Who Should Take This Exam?
The SC-401 is designed for IT professionals with some hands-on experience. 6-12 months of hands-on experience recommended.
Typical study time: 4-8 weeks of focused study
Exam Quick Facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Exam Code | SC-401 |
| Title | Information Security Administrator |
| Duration | 100 minutes |
| Questions | 40–60 |
| Pass Score | 700 / 1000 |
| Cost | $165 USD |
| Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Validity | Renew annually (free via Microsoft Learn) |
| Question Types | Multiple choice, Multiple response, Drag-and-drop, Case study |
| Official Page | View on Security → |
Exam Domains & Weights
The SC-401 exam covers 3 domains. Focus your study time based on the weights below — higher-weighted domains have more exam questions.
| Domain | Weight | Practice Qs |
|---|---|---|
| Implement Information Protection | 32% | 67 |
| Implement DLP and Retention | 33% | 67 |
| Manage Risks, Alerts, and Activities | 35% | 66 |
| Total | 100% | 200 |
💡 Study tip: Manage Risks, Alerts, and Activities carries the most weight (35%) — start there. Implement Information Protection has the least (32%), but don’t skip it — exam questions can come from any domain.
Practice Exam — 200 Questions
Prepare for the SC-401 with our 200-question practice exam covering all 3 exam domains. Every question includes detailed explanations and maps to official exam objectives.
What you get:
- ✅ Exam simulation mode with timer
- ✅ Spaced repetition for weak areas
- ✅ Detailed explanations for every question
- ✅ Progress tracking across domains
- ✅ 20 free questions — no account needed
Microsoft Certification Path
Microsoft certs follow three levels: Fundamentals → Associate → Expert. Start with a Fundamentals cert in your area, then work up.
Related Security Certifications
If you’re studying for the SC-401, you might also be interested in these Security certifications:
- AB-900: Copilot & Agent Admin Fundamentals — 250 practice questions
- AI-901: Azure AI Fundamentals — 250 practice questions
- AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals — 250 practice questions
- DP-800: SQL AI Developer — 200 practice questions
- DP-900: Azure Data Fundamentals — 200 practice questions
Study Tips
- Start with the heaviest domain — focus your time where the exam focuses its questions
- Use our practice exam — try the 20 free questions first to gauge your readiness
- Review explanations — don’t just check if you got it right; read why each answer is correct
- Simulate exam conditions — use the timed exam mode to practice under pressure
- Check the official page — official exam details always have the latest objectives
Compare SC-401 across AWS & Google Cloud → Cert Compass