Quick Answer
The correct answer is ago() and between, as these are the two valid KQL operators for performing time-based analysis in threat hunting. The ago() function returns a datetime offset from the current UTC time, allowing you to specify a relative time range like “ago(7d)” to look back seven days, while the between operator filters a datetime column to a specific interval, such as “Timestamp between (datetime(2024-01-01) .. datetime(2024-01-07))”. On the Microsoft SC-200 exam, this tests your ability to construct efficient hunting queries that narrow results by time windows, a critical skill for incident response and proactive threat detection. A common trap is confusing ago() with the now() function or misusing between with non-datetime columns, so remember that ago() is always relative and between requires a column and two explicit datetime boundaries. For a quick memory tip, think “ago looks back, between locks in a range.”
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of perform threat hunting. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which TWO are valid KQL operators for performing time-based analysis in threat hunting? (Choose two.)
project
Why wrong: Project selects columns, not time-based filtering.
between
Between filters results within a datetime range.
summarize
Why wrong: Summarize aggregates data, not specifically time-based.
extend
Why wrong: Extend adds calculated columns, not time-based filtering.
ago()
Ago() returns a datetime offset from the current time for filtering.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
between
Option A is correct because 'ago' is used to specify a relative time range. Option B is correct because 'between' is used to filter a column between two datetime values. Option C is wrong because 'extend' creates new columns, not time-based. Option D is wrong because 'project' selects columns. Option E is wrong because 'summarize' aggregates data.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
project
Why it's wrong here
Project selects columns, not time-based filtering.
between
Why this is correct
Between filters results within a datetime range.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
summarize
Why it's wrong here
Summarize aggregates data, not specifically time-based.
extend
Why it's wrong here
Extend adds calculated columns, not time-based filtering.
ago()
Why this is correct
Ago() returns a datetime offset from the current time for filtering.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Identify which SC-200 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Perform threat hunting — This question tests Perform threat hunting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: between — Option A is correct because 'ago' is used to specify a relative time range. Option B is correct because 'between' is used to filter a column between two datetime values. Option C is wrong because 'extend' creates new columns, not time-based. Option D is wrong because 'project' selects columns. Option E is wrong because 'summarize' aggregates data.
Identify which SC-200 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This SC-200 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 SC-200 exam.
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