Microsoft Azure Security Technologies Exam Cost 2026: Full Breakdown
The Microsoft Azure Security Technologies (AZ-500) exam costs $165 USD, but your total investment depends on training quality, practice resources, and your location. This guide breaks down every cost factor, including voucher pricing across regions, bundle options, and proven strategies to reduce expenses without compromising exam readiness.
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AZ-500 Exam Voucher Pricing 2026
The Microsoft Azure Security Technologies exam (AZ-500) voucher costs $165 USD when purchased directly from Pearson VUE or Microsoft Learn. This is the standard exam fee and has remained consistent since 2021, though Microsoft periodically evaluates pricing in different regions.
The $165 fee covers:
- One exam attempt at an authorized testing center or online proctored environment
- Official exam result reporting to your Microsoft account
- Access to your score report and detailed feedback areas
- Eligibility to add the digital badge to your professional profile
You can purchase the exam voucher directly from:
- Microsoft Learn (official Microsoft store)
- Pearson VUE (authorized testing provider)
- Training provider bundles (often discounted when paired with courses)
Important note: Voucher prices vary slightly if purchased through third-party resellers or during promotional periods. Some authorized training providers bundle the exam voucher with their courses, sometimes offering small discounts of 5-10% when purchased together.
Training and Course Costs
While the exam fee is fixed, training costs vary significantly depending on the quality and comprehensiveness of your preparation. Most candidates require structured training to pass the AZ-500 on their first attempt.
Self-Paced Online Courses
Self-paced courses are the most affordable option and range from $100 to $500, depending on the provider and course depth:
- Basic online courses ($100-$200): Video lectures and slides, limited practice questions, no personalized support
- Comprehensive courses ($200-$400): Video labs, practice exams, community forums, downloadable resources
- Premium courses with labs ($300-$500): Hands-on Azure security labs, challenge labs, detailed scenario practice, extended access (6-12 months)
DiviTrain's AZ-500 course includes comprehensive content with MeasureUp practice exams (60 days access), challenge labs (12 hours of hands-on Azure environments), and expert tutor support available 24/7, providing professional-grade preparation without the enterprise price tag.
University and Bootcamp Programs
Formal programs cost significantly more but provide structured learning paths:
- University cloud certification programs: $2,000-$5,000 for multi-week programs
- Intensive bootcamps: $3,000-$8,000 for 4-12 week programs with guaranteed exam attempts
- Corporate training programs: $1,500-$3,000 per employee for enterprise licenses
For most working professionals, self-paced training offers the best value, particularly when it includes hands-on labs and practice exams.
Free and Low-Cost Resources
You can supplement paid courses with free resources to reduce overall training costs:
- Microsoft Learn modules (free): Official Microsoft learning path with hands-on interactive labs
- YouTube channels with AZ-500 content (free to free-with-ads)
- Azure free tier account ($200 credit): Practice security configurations in real Azure environments
- Official Microsoft documentation: Detailed, always current security best practices
However, relying solely on free resources increases study time and reduces first-attempt pass rates. Industry data shows that candidates using structured courses with practice exams pass at rates 20-30% higher than those using free resources alone.
Regional Pricing Breakdown
Exam voucher prices vary by country due to currency conversion, local taxes, and regional pricing strategies. Here's the breakdown for Divitrain's primary markets:
United States
- Exam voucher: $165 USD
- Training course: $300-$500 USD (DiviTrain course available)
- Practice exams bundle: Included with premium courses, or $50-$100 separately
- Total estimated cost: $465-$665 USD
United Kingdom
- Exam voucher: GBP 128-135 (approximately £130 GBP)
- Training course: GBP 250-400 (DiviTrain course available)
- Practice exams: Included or £35-£60 separately
- Total estimated cost: £385-£595
- USD equivalent: $485-$750 USD
Note: UK pricing typically includes VAT (20%), so actual pre-tax costs are lower. Training providers may offer VAT exemptions for business purchases.
Canada
- Exam voucher: CAD $220-$235 (approximately CAD $225)
- Training course: CAD $400-$650 (DiviTrain course available)
- Practice exams: Included or CAD $65-$100 separately
- Total estimated cost: CAD $625-$985
- USD equivalent: $465-$730 USD
Canadian pricing varies by province due to GST/PST taxes. Most online courses charge GST (5%) on top of listed prices; some provinces add an additional 8-10% PST.
Cost Comparison Summary
| Region | Exam Fee | Training (Est.) | Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $165 | $300-$500 | $465-$665 |
| United Kingdom | £130 | £250-£400 | $485-$750 |
| Canada | CAD $225 | CAD $400-$650 | $465-$730 |
Retake Fees and Renewal Costs
If you don't pass on your first attempt, retake costs add significantly to your total investment. Understanding these fees helps you budget for your certification journey.
Exam Retake Fees
Each retake costs the full exam fee:
- First retake: $165 USD (or regional equivalent)
- Second and subsequent retakes: $165 USD each
- Waiting period: You must wait 24 hours between attempts
Microsoft allows up to three exam attempts within a 12-month rolling period. After three failures, you must wait 14 days before scheduling another attempt. This policy prevents exam farming and encourages proper preparation.
Industry data shows that first-attempt pass rates for AZ-500 range from 45-55%, meaning roughly half of candidates need at least one retake. Candidates using comprehensive training with hands-on labs and practice exams achieve pass rates of 70-80%.
Certification Renewal Costs
Microsoft Azure certifications are valid for three years from the exam date. After expiration, you must either:
- Retake the full exam: $165 USD (most common)
- Take a renewal assessment: $99 USD (available for some Azure certifications, conditions apply)
- Pursue a newer Azure certification: Replaces the expired cert if you pass a newer exam in the Azure track
Many professionals renew their Azure certifications every 2-3 years to stay current with platform updates. A renewal assessment, when available, costs $99 and typically covers only the latest product updates since your last exam.
Ongoing Learning and Recertification
To maintain certification value between renewals, many candidates invest in ongoing training:
- Annual Azure updates: $100-$300 for courses covering new security features
- Advanced certifications: Building on AZ-500, certs like AZ-304 or AZ-700 cost $165 each
- Microsoft Learn modules: Free continuous learning to stay current
Total Cost of Certification
Your complete cost to obtain the AZ-500 certification depends on multiple factors. Here's a realistic breakdown for different scenarios:
Budget-Conscious Path (First-Attempt Pass)
- Free Microsoft Learn modules: $0
- Budget self-paced course with labs: $300
- Exam voucher: $165
- Total: $465 USD
This path works for candidates with strong foundational cloud knowledge and several months to study independently. It requires significant self-discipline and carries higher retake risk.
Recommended Path (Higher First-Attempt Success)
- Comprehensive course with challenge labs: $400
- MeasureUp practice exams (60 days): Included
- Expert tutor support: Included
- Exam voucher: $165
- Total: $565 USD
This is the path most candidates choose. It includes hands-on labs, practice exams, and tutor support, significantly improving first-attempt pass rates. DiviTrain's AZ-500 course falls in this category, offering 365 days of access and comprehensive Azure security labs.
Premium Path (Maximum Support and Labs)
- Premium comprehensive course with extended labs: $500
- Additional practice exam bundles: $100
- One-on-one tutoring sessions (5 hours): $250
- Exam voucher: $165
- Total: $1,015 USD
This path includes personalized guidance and is ideal for candidates with less technical background or those pursuing security as a career pivot.
If You Need a Retake
Add $165 USD for each retake attempt, plus potentially $100-$300 for additional training materials or tutoring focused on weak areas identified in your score report.
Realistic average total cost with one retake: $630-$880 USD (recommended path + one retake).
Bundle and Discount Options
Several legitimate ways exist to reduce your AZ-500 certification costs through bundled offers and strategic purchasing.
Training Course Plus Exam Bundles
Many training providers offer bundled pricing that combines the course with the exam voucher:
- DiviTrain bundle: Course with 365-day access, challenge labs, and practice exams typically costs $400-$500 total (exam voucher often purchased separately or discounted in bundle)
- Udemy courses: $15-$50 courses frequently on sale (note: does not include exam voucher or official practice exams)
- Pluralsight: Subscription-based ($299-$449/year) with multiple Azure courses and labs included
- A Cloud Guru: $299-$479/year subscription with AZ-500 course and practice exams
Multiple Certification Discounts
If pursuing multiple Microsoft certifications, look for these discount opportunities:
- Azure bundle exams: Some regional providers offer 5-10% discount when purchasing multiple Azure exam vouchers simultaneously
- Learning path packages: Purchasing 3+ exams through Microsoft directly sometimes qualifies for promotional pricing
- Employer or student discounts: Up to 20% off for students, military, or enterprise employees through Microsoft partners
Promotional Periods and Sales
Timing your purchase strategically can reduce costs:
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday (November): Training platforms typically offer 20-40% discounts on annual subscriptions
- New Year promotions (January): Back-to-school and New Year resolutions drive 15-30% course discounts
- Microsoft Learn promotions: Occasional campaigns offer $20-$50 off exam vouchers or free practice exams
- Provider loyalty programs: Annual subscribers sometimes get $30-$50 voucher discounts
Government and Military Discounts
Eligible candidates can access special pricing:
- Veterans: Some training providers offer 10-20% discounts with veteran verification
- Active military: Discounts typically 15-25% through military-specific programs like Military.com
- Government employees: Access to specialized government learning contracts with negotiated rates
- Non-profit employees: Some providers offer 10-15% discounts to non-profit staff with organizational verification
How to Save Money on AZ-500
Beyond bulk discounts, strategic approaches to your certification journey can meaningfully reduce overall costs while maintaining or improving your chances of success.
1. Maximize Free Resources First
Microsoft Learn's official AZ-500 learning path is free and includes sandbox Azure environments for hands-on practice. Spend 2-3 weeks here before investing in paid training. This helps you identify weak areas and determine if you need additional support.
Simultaneously, create a free Azure account with $200 free credits. Use these credits to build real security configurations, firewalls, and identity management setups you'll be tested on.
2. Choose the Right Course Format
Self-paced courses cost 60-75% less than bootcamps or instructor-led training while often providing similar or better learning outcomes for independent learners. However, ensure your chosen course includes:
- Hands-on labs in real or sandboxed Azure environments
- Official practice exams (or access to MeasureUp)
- Documented instructor credentials in Azure security
- Recent content (updated within the last 6 months to reflect current Azure features)
A comprehensive cloud specialist certification course with these features typically costs $300-$500 and pays for itself by reducing retake fees through better preparation.
3. Study Strategically to Avoid Retakes
Each retake costs $165 USD plus study time. Smart preparation reduces retake probability:
- Practice exams early: Take MeasureUp or official Microsoft practice tests at 50% completion of your course. Identify weak domains and focus remaining study time there.
- Review score reports: Microsoft provides detailed feedback on weak areas (security operations, governance, etc.). Target these in your final 2-3 weeks of study.
- Schedule exam strategically: Book your exam 6-8 weeks after starting, giving ample time to reach confidence levels of 80%+ on practice tests before attempting the real exam.
- Join study groups: Free community forums on Reddit (r/azurecertification) and Microsoft Learn provide peer support and cost nothing.
4. Leverage Employer Education Benefits
If your employer offers education reimbursement, use it strategically:
- Check if your company has a LinkedIn Learning or Pluralsight subscription you can access for free
- Investigate whether your employer has a Microsoft Learning Partner discount (common at larger enterprises)
- Request exam reimbursement for passing, which some employers offer as professional development incentives
Even if your employer only reimburses after passing, this is motivation to prepare thoroughly and avoid costly retakes.
5. Time Your Exam Purchase
Purchase exam vouchers during promotional periods if possible. Set calendar reminders for:
- Thanksgiving/Black Friday (largest discounts, November)
- New Year promotions (January)
- Microsoft Build conference season (May, sometimes includes exam voucher promotions)
- Azure-specific promotional periods (watch Microsoft Learn announcements)
Waiting 2-4 weeks for a promotion can save $20-$30 on the exam fee, which adds up when purchasing multiple certifications.
6. Bundle Multiple Azure Certifications
If you're pursuing AZ-104 (Azure Administrator) or other Azure certifications, buying multiple exam vouchers together sometimes qualifies for discounts. Some regional resellers offer 5-10% off when purchasing 2-3 vouchers simultaneously.
7. Verify Your Learning Investment
Before enrolling, verify that:
- The course provider includes official MeasureUp practice exams or equivalent (value of $99-$150)
- Lab access is included (rather than sold separately for $50-$100)
- Access duration covers at least 3-4 months of study
- Tutor support is available if you get stuck (even email support costs money elsewhere)
A course lacking these elements may seem cheaper upfront but requires additional spending later.
Cost Comparison with Other Azure Certifications
Understanding how AZ-500 costs compare to related Azure certifications helps you plan a broader cloud certification strategy.
AZ-500 vs. AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals)
- AZ-900 exam fee: $99 USD (cheaper entry point)
- AZ-900 training: $0-$200 (many free resources available)
- AZ-900 total: $99-$299
- Difficulty: Beginner level, general Azure knowledge
- Career value: Entry-level credential, often a prerequisite for AZ-500
If you lack Azure fundamentals, starting with AZ-900 adds $200-$300 to your journey but significantly improves AZ-500 success rates. Many employers view this as two separate certifications, adding resume value.
AZ-500 vs. AZ-104 (Azure Administrator)
- Both cost: $165 USD per exam
- Training comparison: Both require $300-$500 in quality courses
- Combined total: $930-$1,330 USD for both certifications
- Difficulty: AZ-104 is broader (infrastructure); AZ-500 is deeper (security)
- Career overlap: High; many security roles prefer both certifications
Pursuing AZ-104 and AZ-500 together creates a complete Azure platform skill set. Some training providers offer combination courses covering both, reducing total course costs to $600-$800.
AZ-500 vs. Competitive Security Certifications
| Certification | Exam Fee | Training Cost | Total Estimate | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AZ-500 | $165 | $300-$500 | $465-$665 | Azure cloud security |
| CompTIA Security+ | $370 | $300-$600 | $670-$970 | General IT security |
| AWS Security (SAA-C03) | $150 | $350-$500 | $500-$650 | AWS cloud security |
| Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) | $300 | $400-$800 | $700-$1,100 | Penetration testing |
AZ-500 offers competitive pricing while providing the most cloud-specific security training. AWS's equivalent certification has similar costs but focuses on a different cloud platform. CompTIA Security+ costs more but provides vendor-neutral foundational security knowledge that transfers across platforms.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Consider cost relative to career impact:
- Salary increase: Azure security professionals earn 8-15% more than general IT roles after obtaining AZ-500 (median: $75K-$95K vs. $65K-$80K for non-certified)
- ROI calculation: A $500-$600 certification investment recovers in 3-6 months of the resulting salary increase
- Job market demand: Azure security certifications have higher job placement rates (78-82%) than general certifications
The DiviTrain Advantage
- Expert tutor support available 24/7
- MeasureUp Practice Exams (60 days access)
- 365 days of course access
- Challenge labs (12 hours of hands-on Azure security labs)
- Comprehensive Azure security content aligned to AZ-500 objectives
- Hands-on scenarios for real-world security implementation
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the AZ-500 exam cost in 2026?
The AZ-500 exam costs $165 USD when purchased directly from Microsoft Learn or Pearson VUE. This price is consistent across most regions, though regional currency conversion and local taxes may increase the final cost. For example, UK pricing is approximately GBP 130, and Canadian pricing is approximately CAD $225. Some training providers offer bundled pricing that slightly discounts the voucher when purchased with their course.
What's included in the AZ-500 exam fee?
The $165 exam fee covers one attempt at an authorized testing center or online proctored environment, official result reporting to your Microsoft account, a detailed score report showing which domains you performed well or poorly on, and eligibility to earn and display the digital Azure Security Engineer Expert badge on your professional profiles. The fee does not include training materials, practice exams, or lab access.
How much should I budget for AZ-500 training?
Most candidates budget $300-$500 for quality self-paced training that includes hands-on labs and practice exams. Budget-conscious learners using free resources plus a basic course might spend $0-$200 on training. Those requiring more personalized support should budget $500-$800. When combined with the $165 exam fee, total costs range from $165 (exam only) to $965+ (comprehensive training with premium support). The recommended middle ground is $465-$665 USD total.
What if I fail the AZ-500 exam and need to retake it?
Each retake costs the full $165 exam fee. You must wait 24 hours before scheduling another attempt. Most candidates who invest in quality training pass on the first attempt, but industry data shows approximately 50% of candidates need one retake. To avoid retakes, choose training that includes practice exams, challenge labs, and expert support. Failing to prepare properly means retake costs of $165-$330 additional, plus the time cost of studying again.
Are there any hidden costs I should know about?
Beyond the exam and training costs, potential additional expenses include optional one-on-one tutoring ($20-$50 per hour), advanced practice exam bundles ($50-$100), extended lab access beyond included hours, and renewal costs after three years (either $165 for full retake or $99 for a renewal assessment if available). Some regional pricing includes VAT or GST taxes not immediately obvious. Reading the fine print on training provider websites prevents unexpected charges.
How can I get a discount on the AZ-500 exam?
Legitimate discounts include purchasing during promotional periods (Black Friday typically offers 15-30% off training bundles), buying multiple exam vouchers simultaneously (sometimes 5-10% off), employer education reimbursement programs, military or veteran discounts (10-25%), and bundled course plus exam packages from authorized training providers. Watch Microsoft Learn, Pearson VUE, and training provider emails for promotional announcements. Avoid reseller sites claiming huge discounts, as gray market vouchers may not be honored.
What's the cost difference between AZ-500 and other Azure certifications?
Most Microsoft exam vouchers, including AZ-104 (Administrator) and AZ-500 (Security), cost $165 USD. The entry-level AZ-900 (Fundamentals) costs $99 USD. Training costs vary by certification complexity, but all require $200-$600 in quality courses. If pursuing multiple Azure certifications, combined costs might be $800-$1,500, though some training providers offer multi-cert bundles at slight discounts. AWS equivalent certifications have similar pricing, making cloud certifications more cost-comparable than you might expect.
How long does my AZ-500 certification last and when will I need to renew?
Your AZ-500 certification remains valid for three years from your exam pass date. After expiration, you must renew by taking the full exam ($165 USD) or, if available, a renewal assessment ($99 USD) covering only the latest Azure updates. Many professionals renew every 2-3 years to maintain currency. Ongoing learning costs are optional but recommended, ranging from $0 (using free Microsoft Learn) to $200-$300 annually if taking paid update courses to stay current between renewals.
About the Author
DiviTrain is an international IT learning platform with nearly 20 years of experience in professional IT training. Our courses are developed by Skillsoft, the global leader in enterprise learning, ensuring high-quality, industry-relevant content. You get access to hands-on practice labs, expert tutor support available 24/7, and official MeasureUp practice exams, all backed by DiviTrain's commitment to your certification success. Whether you're pursuing your first certification or advancing your career in cloud security, DiviTrain provides the complete tools, guidance, and support you need to succeed.
