Zero Trust Architect
Design and implement Zero Trust architectures that assume breach and verify every request. Master identity, device trust, and network segmentation at enterprise scale.
Who this path is for
This path is for security engineers, network engineers and identity admins who are being asked to design or lead a Zero Trust program. You should already understand firewalls, Active Directory or Entra ID, and endpoint management. The goal is to move you from running individual controls to designing how identity, devices and network access work together.
What you'll be able to do
- Explain the core Zero Trust principles: verify explicitly, use least privilege and assume breach, in terms a project sponsor understands.
- Design identity controls such as strong authentication and Conditional Access as the main access decision point.
- Use device health and compliance signals as a condition for access to sensitive apps and data.
- Plan network segmentation and microsegmentation that limits lateral movement after a compromise.
- Build a phased roadmap that starts with high value assets instead of trying to change everything at once.
What you'll cover
Zero Trust Principles
Understand the three core principles: verify explicitly, use least privilege, and assume breach.
Identity as the New Perimeter
Build identity-centric security with Entra ID, MFA, conditional access, and Privileged Identity Management.
Device Trust & Endpoint Security
Ensure only healthy, compliant devices can access resources using MDM, EDR, and compliance policies.
Network Segmentation & Microsegmentation
Move beyond VLANs to software-defined microsegmentation that limits lateral movement.
Knowledge Check
Related certifications
Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect Expert
Focuses on designing security strategy and Zero Trust architecture across Microsoft security services. The closest match to this path for Microsoft environments.
Free SC-100 course →Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator
Worth doing first if you need more hands-on depth with Entra ID and Conditional Access, which carry most of the Zero Trust load.
Free SC-300 course →ISC2 certifications
Vendor neutral credentials that many architect job postings list, and that cover the wider security and cloud design context.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Zero Trust Architect path take?
About 11 hours for the four topic areas and the knowledge check. Turning it into a design for your own organization is a longer project that this path helps you plan.
What should I know before starting?
You should have hands-on experience with at least one of identity, endpoint management or network security. The path connects those areas rather than teaching each from zero.
What jobs does this path help with?
It supports roles such as security architect, Zero Trust architect, identity architect and senior security engineer who leads access modernization projects.
Path Summary
- Level
- Intermediate
- Estimated time
- 11 hours
- Topics
- 4
- Resources
- 12
- Quiz questions
- 10
- Passing score
- 70% (7/10)