SC-900 Describe the capabilities of Microsoft Entra Practice Question
Which THREE of the following are valid components of Microsoft Entra Conditional Access? (Select THREE.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is to treat Grant and Session as assignment components. They are access controls, not assignments. Users and groups, Conditions, and Cloud apps or actions are the three assignment components; Grant and Session apply after the policy is triggered.
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
✓
Users and groups
In Microsoft Entra Conditional Access, a policy is built from assignments and access controls, and the assignment side includes Users and groups (A), which determines who the policy applies to (all users, specific users/groups, or directory roles). Conditions (C) is also a valid assignment component, letting you scope the policy by signals such as locations, device platforms, client apps, and sign-in risk. Cloud apps or actions (D) is the third valid assignment component, specifying which cloud applications or user actions (like registering security info) the policy protects. Session (B) and Grant (E) are not standalone assignment components; they are categories of access controls (Session controls and Grant controls) that are configured after assignments, so they are not counted among the three assignment components asked for here.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Users and groups
Why this is correct
Users and groups are a fundamental component of Conditional Access policies, defining the scope of identities to which a policy applies. This 'who' element allows administrators to target specific users, security groups, or directory roles, or to exclude certain identities from policy enforcement. By precisely defining the user scope, policies can be tailored to ensure appropriate access for different organizational segments while preventing unintended restrictions or permissions.
- ✗
Session
Why it's wrong here
Session is a control within a Conditional Access policy, not a condition that evaluates context for policy application. Session controls dictate specific actions or restrictions that are enforced *during* a user's active session, such as requiring app-enforced restrictions, using Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps for real-time monitoring, or enforcing continuous access evaluation. Conditions, conversely, are evaluated *before* a session is established to determine if access should be granted at all.
- ✓
Conditions (e.g., locations, device platforms)
Why this is correct
Conditions are critical inputs that Conditional Access policies evaluate to determine if a policy should be enforced, representing the context of an access attempt. These include various signals such as user risk, sign-in risk, device platforms (e.g., iOS, Android, Windows), locations (e.g., trusted IPs, specific countries), client apps (e.g., browser, mobile apps), and device state (e.g., compliant, hybrid Microsoft Entra ID joined). They define the 'where,' 'how,' and 'risk level' associated with an access request.
- ✓
Cloud apps or actions
Why this is correct
Cloud apps or actions specify the target resources or activities that a Conditional Access policy is designed to protect. This component defines the 'what' a user is attempting to access or perform, allowing policies to be applied to specific Microsoft 365 services like Exchange Online, third-party SaaS applications, or even user actions such as registering security information. By targeting specific applications or actions, policies ensure that appropriate security measures are applied only when relevant.
- ✗
Grant
Why it's wrong here
Grant is an access control within Conditional Access policies, determining the outcome of an access request rather than being a condition for policy evaluation. It specifies whether a user is allowed access and, if so, under what additional requirements, such as requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA), a compliant device, or a hybrid Microsoft Entra ID joined device. Grant controls are the 'then' part of the policy, dictating the enforcement action once conditions are met.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Azure Network Security Groups and Firewalls
Key term
Risk
Risk is the possibility that an event or action will negatively affect an organization's ability to achieve its goals, often measured in terms of likelihood and impact.
Key term
Security
Security in IT is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.
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