Question Regarding the Future of the AZ-500 Certification

Stephane Kenfack Momo 0 Reputation points
2026-07-21T21:13:16.1333333+00:00

Greetings,

I recently renewed my Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) certification, and my current certification is valid until December 19, 2027.

I understand that Microsoft has announced changes to its certification program and that the AZ-500 certification has been replaced by the SC-500 certification.

Could you please clarify what will happen after my current certification expires? Specifically:

  • Will holders of the AZ-500 certification be able to renew it after December 2027?
  • Will there be a transition path from AZ-500 to SC-500?
  • Will I need to earn the SC-500 certification separately to maintain an equivalent certification status?

I would appreciate any guidance you can provide regarding Microsoft's transition plan for individuals who earned and renewed the AZ-500 certification before the change.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Sincerely,

Stephane Momo

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Answer recommended by moderator
TP 163.2K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2026-07-21T21:45:18.4866667+00:00

Hi,

Answering your questions:

1. No, you will not be able to renew it in the future.

2. No, there is no transition path. What you can do is attend the upcoming (July 28/29) two day "Strengthen Cloud Security with Microsoft Defender for Cloud" Virtual Training Day, which will give you 50% off discount on SC-500 exam. Study for and pass SC-500 so you earn new Cloud and AI Security Engineer Associate certification.

NOTE: If you can't attend the above event, you can search for the same two day training event for a future day on the Microsoft Virtual Training days site.

3. Yes, if you want to earn the new replacement Cloud and AI Security Engineer Associate certification you will need to pass SC-500 exam.

Please click Accept Answer if the above was helpful.

Thanks.

-TP

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  1. AI answer

    2026-07-21T21:13:38.9966667+00:00

    Based on the published retirement and renewal policy:

    • AZ-500 remains valid until its retirement date of August 31, 2026.
    • During the transition period, either AZ-500 or SC-500 can be used for Security Solutions Partner designation and specialization skilling requirements.
    • Microsoft states that existing AZ-500 certifications remain valid until retirement, and no immediate action is required.

    For the questions about after December 2027:

    • Renewing AZ-500 after that point is not supported by the available guidance. Microsoft’s renewal policy says certifications must be renewed through the renewal assessment before the certification expires, and if a certification expires, it must be earned again by passing the required exam(s). The retirement notice for AZ-500 says the certification itself retires on August 31, 2026.
    • No transition path from AZ-500 to SC-500 is described in the available guidance.
    • If equivalent future status is needed, SC-500 should be planned as a separate certification. The announcement says Microsoft is introducing Cloud and AI Security Engineer Associate (SC-500) as the replacement path and recommends planning future skilling with SC-500 as it becomes available.

    What is clearly stated:

    1. AZ-500 is retiring on August 31, 2026.
    2. SC-500 is the replacement certification being introduced.
    3. No immediate action is required during the transition period.
    4. No alternative renewal path is available other than the renewal assessment for the certification before expiry.
    5. No published transition exam or equivalency path for AZ-500 to SC-500 is provided in the available material.

    References:

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