This post lists some professional certifications for administration of Windows operating systems.
List of certifications for Windows administration:
- Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst
- GIAC’s GCWN
- Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate
- Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administration Associate
List of certifications for Windows Security
Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst
Certification is “Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst”.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/security-operations-analyst/
Exam related to this certification is SC-200 “Mitigate threats using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint”.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/sc-200-mitigate-threats-using-microsoft-defender-for-endpoint/
GIAC’s GCWN
GIAC Certified WiNdows Security Administrator (GCWN) is a certification issued by GIAC.
https://www.giac.org/certifications/certified-windows-security-administrator-gcwn/
Related SANS training to GCWN is SEC505 “Securing Windows and PowerShell Automation”. It is a 6-day training.
Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate
I think that it is more focused in Microsoft 365 / Azure rather than Windows.
Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate is a certification issued by Microsoft.
There are four levels in Microsoft certifications:
- Fundamentals
- Associate
- Expert
- Specialist
In order to become a Security Admin. Asociate, you need to pass the exam MS-500.
As of 2021, MS-500 exam fee is $165.
More info about the certification on this external link.
More info about the exam MS-500 on this external link.
Microsoft offers an online free learning path for MS-500 consisting of 4 parts.
There is also the instructor-led tranining course MS-500T00-A “Microsoft 365 Security Administration”. It lasts 4 days, sometimes 5 days.
You can find a list of Microsoft’s training partners on this external link.
Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate
I think this is the least related to Security.
Certification is Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate.
There are two exams linked to this certification:
1-day course.
List of courses for Windows Security
MD-100T03 “Protecting Windows 10” by Microsoft
Instructor-led training.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/courses/md-100t03
This course is related to exam MD-100 “Windows 10”, that is one of the pre-requisites for certification “Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate“.
Learning Path “Manage security with Microsoft 365” by Microsoft
Free.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/m365-security-management/
This learning path includes module “Secure Windows 10 endpoints“.
This learning path helps to prepare for exams of certifications “Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate” and “Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administration Expert“.
Learning Path “Microsoft 365 – Modernize your enterprise deployment with Windows devices and Microsoft 365 Apps” by Microsoft
Free.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/m365-getmodern/
This learning path includes module “Update your security and compliance configuration – Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 Apps“.
Learning Path “Secure your organization with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint” by Microsoft
Free online courses.
It is focused on Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/defender-endpoint-fundamentals/
Course “Windows 10 Host Security” by Infosec Institute
Windows 10 Host Security by Infosec Institute.
You need an annual subscription to Infosec Institute courses.
https://www.infosecinstitute.com/skills/learning-paths/windows-10-host-security/
Course “Windows 10 Security Features” by Udemy
https://www.udemy.com/course/windows-10-security-features/
Secure your organization with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint