The answer is 1 hour. The output from Get-AzureADPolicy shows a policy definition with TokenLifetime set to 1.00:00:00, which represents one day, but this setting applies only to refresh and session tokens by default, not to access tokens. In Azure AD, the access token lifetime is a separate, configurable property that must be explicitly overridden in the policy; if no such override exists, the default access token lifetime of 1 hour remains in effect. On the AZ-500 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between the general TokenLifetime setting and the specific access token lifetime, a common trap where candidates mistakenly apply the one-day value to all token types. Remember the memory tip: “Access tokens are the short-lived guests—they leave after an hour unless the policy gives them a specific invitation.”
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.
Refer to the exhibit. You run the PowerShell cmdlet Get-AzureADPolicy for a tenant. Based on the output, what is the access token lifetime for this policy?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
1 hour
The output of Get-AzureADPolicy shows a policy definition with 'TokenLifetime' set to '1.00:00:00', which represents 1 day. However, the question asks for the access token lifetime. In Azure AD, the default access token lifetime is 1 hour, and the policy shown overrides the default token lifetime settings. Since the policy definition includes 'TokenLifetime' of 1 day, but access tokens have a separate configurable lifetime, and the default access token lifetime is 1 hour unless explicitly overridden by a policy that targets access tokens. The correct answer is 1 hour because the policy shown does not specify an access token lifetime override; it only sets a general token lifetime, which applies to refresh and session tokens, not access tokens. Therefore, the access token lifetime remains the default of 1 hour.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
24 hours
Why it's wrong here
24 hours is not specified in the policy.
✓
1 hour
Why this is correct
AccessTokenLifetime is set to 01:00:00, which is 1 hour.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
6 hours
Why it's wrong here
6 hours is the maximum single-factor session lifetime, not access token lifetime.
✗
12 hours
Why it's wrong here
12 hours is the maximum multi-factor session lifetime.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates see 'TokenLifetime' set to 1 day in the policy output and incorrectly assume it applies to access tokens, but Azure AD's default access token lifetime remains 1 hour unless explicitly overridden with the 'AccessTokenLifetime' property.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Azure AD, token lifetime policies can be configured using the 'TokenLifetime' property, but this property applies to refresh tokens and session tokens, not access tokens. Access tokens have a separate configurable property called 'AccessTokenLifetime' in the policy definition. If 'AccessTokenLifetime' is not specified, the default access token lifetime is 1 hour (60 minutes), as per Azure AD's default behavior. This distinction is critical because administrators often mistakenly assume that setting 'TokenLifetime' affects all token types, but it only impacts non-access tokens. In real-world scenarios, this can lead to unexpected token expiration for applications that rely on access tokens, causing authentication failures if the policy is misconfigured.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Secure identity and access — This question tests Secure identity and access — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 1 hour — The output of Get-AzureADPolicy shows a policy definition with 'TokenLifetime' set to '1.00:00:00', which represents 1 day. However, the question asks for the access token lifetime. In Azure AD, the default access token lifetime is 1 hour, and the policy shown overrides the default token lifetime settings. Since the policy definition includes 'TokenLifetime' of 1 day, but access tokens have a separate configurable lifetime, and the default access token lifetime is 1 hour unless explicitly overridden by a policy that targets access tokens. The correct answer is 1 hour because the policy shown does not specify an access token lifetime override; it only sets a general token lifetime, which applies to refresh and session tokens, not access tokens. Therefore, the access token lifetime remains the default of 1 hour.
What should I do if I get this AZ-500 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.