Microsoft Announces SC-5009: New Instructor-Led Training for Secure AI Solutions in the Cloud

Microsoft has announced SC-5009: Secure AI Solutions in the Cloud using Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Microsoft Entra, a new instructor-led training (ILT) course scheduled for release on March 27, 2026. This comprehensive training program brings together cloud security and identity content to help learners prepare for the Secure AI Solutions in the Cloud Applied Skills assessment while deepening their Microsoft Entra expertise for real-world scenarios.

The course features a unique two-path structure designed to serve different learning objectives and delivery formats. Learning Path 1 focuses specifically on the Azure AI Foundry and Microsoft Defender for Cloud tasks covered in the Secure AI Solutions in the Cloud Applied Skills assessment. This path is ideal for learners whose primary goal is to validate their skills through the credential.

Learning Path 2 expands the curriculum to include Microsoft Entra coverage for identity and access scenarios. This content is exclusive to ILT and self-paced learning formats and is not aligned to any certification or credential. The separation allows learners to gain comprehensive identity and access expertise without changing the scope of the Applied Skills assessment.

The dual-path approach addresses a common challenge in technical training: balancing certification preparation with broader skill development. By separating the credential-aligned content from the additional Microsoft Entra material, Microsoft enables instructors to tailor their delivery based on audience needs and time constraints.

For ILT delivery, trainers have two flexible options depending on their audience and goals:

4-hour delivery format: This streamlined approach teaches the core 3 hours of content that prepare learners for the Secure AI Solutions in the Cloud Applied Skills assessment, followed by the final hour dedicated to administering the assessment itself. This format is ideal for organizations looking to quickly validate team skills or for learners focused primarily on certification.

Full-day delivery format: This comprehensive option spends the first part of the day preparing learners for the assessment, then continues with the additional Microsoft Entra content included in the second learning path. This format provides learners with both credential-aligned preparation and deeper identity and access coverage, making it suitable for security engineers and administrators seeking comprehensive skill development.

Both delivery formats will be supported on the dedicated Microsoft Learn course page, where the two learning paths will be organized for easy navigation. This structure allows instructors to seamlessly transition between paths based on their chosen delivery format and learner needs.

The course is specifically designed for security engineers, administrators, and instructors working in Azure environments who want hands-on practice securing AI solutions and strengthening identity and access capabilities. As organizations increasingly adopt AI technologies, the need for professionals who can secure these solutions while managing identity and access becomes critical.

To get started with SC-5009 preparation, Microsoft recommends several steps:

• Review the credential overview and study guide for Secure AI Solutions in the Cloud Applied Skills on Microsoft Learn
• Visit the SC-5009 course page on Microsoft Learn once published (expected at least 30 days prior to release)
• Follow the ILT Communications blog for title plan updates and release notes

The course represents Microsoft's continued investment in practical, hands-on training that addresses real-world security challenges in AI deployments. By combining Microsoft Defender for Cloud's security capabilities with Microsoft Entra's identity and access management features, SC-5009 provides a comprehensive approach to securing AI solutions in cloud environments.

This announcement comes at a time when organizations are rapidly deploying AI solutions and facing increasing security challenges. The integration of security and identity training in a single course reflects the interconnected nature of these domains in modern cloud architectures.

Microsoft's approach of offering both credential-focused and comprehensive learning paths demonstrates an understanding of different learner needs and organizational requirements. Whether an organization needs quick skill validation or deep expertise development, SC-5009 provides the flexibility to meet those needs while maintaining alignment with Microsoft's certification framework.

The March 27, 2026 release date gives organizations time to plan their training initiatives and ensures that learners have access to the most current content and tools available in the Microsoft ecosystem.