The correct answer is Conditional Access and Microsoft Intune Device Compliance policy. This pairing works because Conditional Access acts as the gatekeeper, evaluating sign-in conditions such as network location, while the Device Compliance policy defines the specific security standards a device must meet—like encryption or OS patch levels—to be marked as compliant by Intune. When a user attempts to log in from an untrusted network, Conditional Access checks the device’s compliance status and blocks access if the device is not compliant, effectively enforcing the requirement. On the AZ-500 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how Conditional Access policies integrate with Intune’s compliance framework, often appearing as a distractor where candidates mistakenly choose Identity Protection or Privileged Identity Management. A common trap is confusing risk-based policies with device-based enforcement; remember that Identity Protection handles user risk, not device compliance. Memory tip: think of Conditional Access as the bouncer checking ID, and Intune’s compliance policy as the dress code—both are needed to enter the club from a sketchy neighborhood.
AZ-500 Secure identity and access Practice Question
This AZ-500 practice question tests your understanding of secure identity and access. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Your company uses Microsoft Entra ID (P2 licensed) and requires that all user logins from untrusted networks be blocked unless the user's device is marked as compliant by Microsoft Intune. You need to implement this requirement. Which TWO components should you use together to achieve this? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Conditional Access policy with device compliance condition
Correct: B (Conditional Access) and D (Device Compliance policy). Conditional Access evaluates conditions like network location and device compliance. Device Compliance policy in Intune defines what constitutes a compliant device. Option A is wrong because Identity Protection detects risks but does not enforce device compliance. Option C is wrong because PIM manages privileged roles. Option E is wrong because Access Reviews attest access after the fact.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
Why it's wrong here
PIM manages privileged role activation, not device compliance.
✗
Microsoft Entra Identity Protection
Why it's wrong here
Identity Protection detects risks but does not enforce device compliance.
✓
Conditional Access policy with device compliance condition
Why this is correct
Conditional Access can block access from untrusted networks if device is not compliant.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✓
Microsoft Intune Device Compliance policy
Why this is correct
Device Compliance policy defines compliance criteria that Conditional Access checks.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Microsoft Entra Access Reviews
Why it's wrong here
Access Reviews are for attesting access, not real-time enforcement.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this AZ-500 question in full detail.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related AZ-500 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Secure identity and access — This question tests Secure identity and access — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Conditional Access policy with device compliance condition — Correct: B (Conditional Access) and D (Device Compliance policy). Conditional Access evaluates conditions like network location and device compliance. Device Compliance policy in Intune defines what constitutes a compliant device. Option A is wrong because Identity Protection detects risks but does not enforce device compliance. Option C is wrong because PIM manages privileged roles. Option E is wrong because Access Reviews attest access after the fact.
What should I do if I get this AZ-500 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related AZ-500 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This AZ-500 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the AZ-500 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.