Quick Answer
The correct choice is a scheduled query rule. This is because a scheduled query rule in Microsoft Sentinel is specifically designed to run queries on a recurring basis and can correlate multiple events across a defined time window, such as detecting a user account creation followed by a login from an unfamiliar location within 24 hours. Unlike anomaly detection rules, which rely on machine learning baselines, or near-real-time (NRT) rules that run continuously without scheduling, the scheduled query rule gives you precise control over the query logic and time-based correlation. On the SC-900 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how Microsoft Sentinel classifies analytics rules, and a common trap is confusing scheduled rules with NRT rules—remember that scheduled rules are for batch correlation over hours, while NRT rules trigger within minutes. A helpful memory tip: think of “scheduled” as your calendar appointment for checking event sequences, not for instant alerts.
This SC-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 organization uses Microsoft Sentinel as a SIEM. You need to create a rule that triggers an incident when a user account is created in an Azure subscription and then logs in from an unfamiliar location within 24 hours. Which type of rule should you configure?
Anomaly detection rule
Why wrong: Anomaly rules are ML-based, not custom correlation.
Scheduled query rule
Scheduled rules can correlate events over time.
Fusion rule
Why wrong: Fusion uses advanced ML to correlate alerts.
Near-real-time (NRT) rule
Why wrong: NRT rules run every minute, not suitable for 24-hour correlation.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Scheduled query rule
Option A is correct because a scheduled query rule can correlate two events based on time. Option B is wrong because anomaly detection rules use ML models. Option C is wrong because NRT rules run near real-time but not scheduled. Option D is wrong because fusion rules use advanced ML.
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.
Anomaly detection rule
Why it's wrong here
Anomaly rules are ML-based, not custom correlation.
Scheduled query rule
Why this is correct
Scheduled rules can correlate events over time.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Fusion rule
Why it's wrong here
Fusion uses advanced ML to correlate alerts.
Near-real-time (NRT) rule
Why it's wrong here
NRT rules run every minute, not suitable for 24-hour correlation.
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-900 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.
Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All SC-900 questions
1,411 questions across all exam domains
Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals SC-900 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
SC-900 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise SC-900 questions linked to Describe the capabilities of Microsoft Entra.
Practise SC-900 questions linked to Describe the capabilities of Microsoft security solutions.
Practise SC-900 questions linked to Describe the capabilities of Microsoft compliance solutions.
Practise SC-900 questions linked to Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity.
Practise SC-900 questions linked to SC-900 fundamentals.
Practise SC-900 questions linked to SC-900 scenario.
Practise SC-900 questions linked to SC-900 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity — This question tests Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Scheduled query rule — Option A is correct because a scheduled query rule can correlate two events based on time. Option B is wrong because anomaly detection rules use ML models. Option C is wrong because NRT rules run near real-time but not scheduled. Option D is wrong because fusion rules use advanced ML.
Identify which SC-900 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.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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.
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.