SC-900 Describe the capabilities of Microsoft Entra Practice Question
Network Topology
Refer to the exhibit. An administrator runs the Azure CLI commands shown. What is the purpose of these commands?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse the `az login` command with creating a service principal, but `az ad sp create-for-rbac` is the command for creation, while `az login --service-principal` is strictly for authentication.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
To authenticate a service principal for automated tasks.
The Azure CLI commands shown are used to authenticate a service principal for automated tasks. Specifically, `az login --service-principal -u <app-id> -p <password> --tenant <tenant-id>` authenticates using the service principal's credentials without interactive user login, enabling non-interactive automation or scripts.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
To create a new service principal.
Why it's wrong here
The `az login --service-principal` command is designed for authenticating an *existing* service principal, not for creating a new one. Creating a service principal typically involves using commands like `az ad sp create-for-rbac` or through the Azure portal, which provisions the identity and assigns necessary permissions. This specific command assumes the service principal's credentials (application ID and client secret or certificate) are already established and are being used to initiate a session.
- ✗
To list all Azure subscriptions.
Why it's wrong here
The `az login --service-principal` command's primary function is to establish an authenticated session with Azure using a service principal's credentials. It does not, by itself, list Azure subscriptions or any other resources. Once successfully logged in, subsequent Azure CLI commands, such as `az account list`, would then be used to enumerate accessible subscriptions and other resources within the authenticated context.
- ✗
To log in to Azure as a user with MFA.
Why it's wrong here
The `--service-principal` flag explicitly indicates that the authentication is for an application identity, not a human user. Therefore, this command bypasses interactive user login flows, including those that would prompt for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). User logins, especially those requiring MFA, typically involve `az login` without the `--service-principal` flag, often opening a browser for interactive authentication.
- ✓
To authenticate a service principal for automated tasks.
Why this is correct
The `az login --service-principal` command is precisely engineered for non-interactive authentication, making it ideal for automated processes. By providing the application ID and either a client secret or certificate, it enables scripts, CI/CD pipelines, and other unattended applications to securely access Azure resources without human intervention. This method ensures programmatic access for tasks where a human user login is impractical or undesirable.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Azure DDoS Protection and Firewall
Key term
User
A user is any person, system, or device that interacts with an IT service, resource, or identity system, typically authenticated through credentials and authorized to perform specific actions.
Key term
Service principal
A service principal is an identity created for an application or automated tool to access cloud resources securely without using a human user account.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SC-900 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-900 exam.