Preparing for and Taking an Exam – FAQ

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Microsoft Certification exams are available in a variety of languages. When you register for an exam, you can review the list of languages in which the exam is currently available. If an exam is not available in your native language and you must take it in English, you can request an additional 30 minutes to complete it. To request the additional 30 minutes, you need to register by phone rather than online, and you must make this arrangement before appearing at the testing center.

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Microsoft is dedicated to developing technology that is usable by and accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. If you are unable to take a Microsoft Certification exam, either using standard testing equipment or within the standard exam duration, the Microsoft Certification program is committed to making all reasonable efforts to accommodate you. Visit the following link for full details about the process for requesting an accommodation.

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Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) exams typically cost US$125 but are priced according to currency values in specific countries and regions. Exam prices are subject to change. In some countries and regions, additional taxes may apply. Beta exams are free.

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Yes, you can take advantage of the Microsoft volume discount on Microsoft Certification exams. When you purchase exam vouchers in quantities of 20 or more, you receive a 10 percent discount. The vouchers are good for one year from the date of purchase. To purchase vouchers, contact the exam delivery provider. This exam voucher volume discount is available in limited areas. The offer is valid in the following countries and regions:

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The preparation guide for each exam contains a "Skills Measured" section that you can review, as well as a list of preparation tools and resources provided by Microsoft. The best way to prepare for an exam is to practice the skills listed in the preparation guide. Hands-on experience with the technology is required to successfully pass Microsoft Certification exams.

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We do not provide information about the number of questions included on each exam. This practice helps protect exam security and the value of Microsoft Certifications.

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The time varies from one exam to another, but it will not exceed four hours under normal circumstances. In addition to answering the exam questions, you will have time to review instructions and provide comments after completing the exam. To request the duration of your exam, contact the exam delivery provider; however, because Microsoft reserves the right to change the exam content and time at any time, the most accurate information will be obtained if you contact the exam delivery provider on the day of your exam.

A notification appears on your screen before the exam begins that shows the maximum time allowed for answering the questions in that exam. Most candidates will complete the exam before reaching the maximum time.

If candidates are unable to take a Microsoft Certification exam within the standard exam duration due to a disability, the Microsoft Certification Program is committed to making all reasonable efforts to accommodate these candidates. Visit the following link for full details about the process for requesting an accommodation.

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Individuals vary in their approaches to taking exams, so there is no single approach that works for everyone. However, these tips help most candidates:

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To return to the question immediately preceding the question that you are answering, use the Previous button. To return to any other questions, use the Review Screen at the end of the section or the exam. In some exams, you cannot return to a section of the exam after you have left it; these sections will be clearly indicated during the exam, and you can review your answers before leaving the section.

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Our preparation guides list key tasks as well as subtasks that subject-matter experts have identified as important for the technology area covered by the exam—but they do not list all subtopics related to the key tasks that may be included on the exam. The subtopics are intended to better illustrate the scope of the key task/objective that will be covered. Also, some questions might reference technologies that are outside the focus of the exam in order to provide appropriate context for the question. Candidates who fit the audience profile for the exam should have the necessary experience to understand this contextual information.

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If you have feedback about an instructor-led Microsoft training course, you can provide it directly to the instructor. If you have feedback about a Microsoft E-Learning course, complete the feedback form that appears when you complete the course. For Microsoft Press books, use the following link.

Microsoft does not review study materials developed by third parties and is not responsible for their content. If you have questions or comments about exam preparation materials developed by third parties, please contact the publishers directly.

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All learning materials related to exams, including Microsoft training and Microsoft Press resources, are developed independently of exam content, because the exams are intended to assess real-world experience with the technology, not the effectiveness of training materials. Although these materials are designed to help candidates prepare for the exam, it is expected that qualified candidates will have sufficient experience in working with the technology to successfully perform the tasks described in the exam questions regardless of any training that the candidate may have taken.

For a variety of reasons, including the time available for the course, it is not always feasible to cover all the exam objectives in a classroom environment. However, Microsoft works hard to ensure that some form of training material exists for all skills that will be measured on an exam. Use the exam preparation guide to identify which Microsoft training resources cover the skills represented in the exam.

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You will receive notification of your pass or fail status immediately upon completing your exam. In addition, you will receive a printed report that provides your exam score and feedback on the skills measured. The exam delivery provider will forward your score to Microsoft within five working days of your exam.

Beta exam results: You will be notified by mail of your beta exam results about six to eight weeks after the beta period ends. Some beta exams require additional time for results to be processed.

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If you do not pass an exam and want to retake it, review the preparation guide and continue to practice the necessary skills. When you are ready, schedule a retake with the exam delivery provider in accordance with our retake policy. Note that you must pay for each exam you retake and follow Microsoft’s retake policy. To learn more, view the following link.

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Microsoft Certification exams include various formats and question types to accurately evaluate the candidate's knowledge and skills.

Microsoft is continually introducing innovative testing technologies and reserves the right to incorporate new item types into any exam at any time without advanced notice.

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No. Microsoft does not identify the formats of any given exam at the time of registration. Also, we adopt new testing technologies and question types periodically. Both practices help us protect exam security and the value of Microsoft Certification.

To get a feel for the exam testing technologies, we encourage you to take practice tests offered through Microsoft Certified Practice Test Providers.

Note that Microsoft reserves the right to incorporate new item types into any exam at any time without advanced notice.

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Selectable elements are marked with a border and shaded when you move your cursor over them.

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Click an element to select it. The area around the element will become dim to indicate that it has been selected. Click the element again to cancel the selection. To reverse all selections, click the Reset button.

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You can use the split bar to resize panes. In some cases, you might need to use the scroll bar to view the entire text of the question or the entire graphic.

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To fill in a text box, drag the appropriate text element to the text box. To replace the text in a text box, drag another text element to the text box. To remove the text, drag the text element back to its original location.

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To select an option or a check box, you can either click the option or check box or click the text of the option or text box.

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To clear an option, you can either click another option within the same group or click the text of another option within the same group. To reverse all selections, click the Reset button.

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To clear a check box, you can either click the selected check box or click the text of the selected check box.

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You can use the split bar to resize panes. In some cases, you might need to use the scroll bar to view the entire text of the question or the entire graphic.

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In some active-screen questions, not all elements in the dialog box will be active.

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Drag the appropriate source objects to the correct target locations in the answer area. Target locations are indicated by a dimmed box. When a source object is within a target, an outline will appear around the dimmed box. The object will snap into position when you release the mouse button.

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You can either drag the object back to its original position or select the object and press the DELETE key. To replace objects that have been positioned on a target, you can also drag another object into its position. To reverse all selections, click the Reset button.

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You can use the split bar to resize panes. In some cases, you might need to use the scroll bar to view the entire text of the question or the entire graphic.

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You might not need to use all source objects or targets provided. Depending on the question, plausible distracters may be included in either list.

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Some source objects can be used only one time, while some can be used more than once. A source object will appear deactivated when its use limit is reached. To use this source object again, remove an instance of it from the answer area.

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Drag source objects from the list of choices to the answer list, and arrange the objects in the correct order. You can also click a source object to select it, and then click the LEFT ARROW key to move the object from the list of choices to the bottom of the answer list.

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To reorder objects in the answer list, drag an object to the correct location in the answer list. You can also click an object to select it, and then use the arrow buttons to move the object. Note that the arrow buttons might be unavailable based on the location of the selected object (for example, the top or bottom of the list).

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To remove an object from the answer list, drag the object from the answer list to the list of choices. You can also select the object and press the DELETE key, or select the object and then click the LEFT ARROW key. In all these cases, the object will be returned to the list of choices.

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To remove all objects from the answer list, click the Reset button.

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The case study exam format uses complex scenarios that more accurately simulate what Microsoft Certified Professionals do on the job. A case study model also allows us to test your ability to analyze and synthesize information to make decisions.

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No, you will not be able to review a case study after you move to the next one. When you complete a case study and its associated questions, a review screen will appear. This screen lets you review your answers and make changes before you move to the next case study.

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Scenario-based questions are designed to test your ability to analyze and synthesize information in order to make decisions—not to test memory. You can refer to scenario details as frequently as necessary while you are working on questions in a case study.

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Click one of the round buttons in the left pane. If a list of sections (for example, Business Requirements or Company Information) appears under the button, click one of them to display its content. To return to a question from a case study, click the Question button in the left pane.

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Microsoft uses the format for exam items that most accurately evaluates the candidate's knowledge and skills. Such formats may include:

The choice of item type varies from exam to exam and may change from time to time.

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To date, the following exams include performance-based items:

Note that this list is subject to change at any time. Some exceptions apply in selected regions.

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Simulations limit the number of paths available to complete exam tasks because they simulate a small portion of the technology’s functionality, whereas virtual labs allow for any path and tool available in a real computing environment. From a scoring perspective, it doesn’t matter what path you take to perform the task; as long as the outcome is correct, you will receive credit for performing the task.

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At this time, only Exam 83-640 includes virtual labs testing items, but we will be adding virtual labs to other exams. We are in the process of making virtual labs available in other languages. Because virtual labs validate the same skills and knowledge as the multiple-choice items, candidates should not take different approaches to exam preparation. Note that Microsoft reserves the right to add performance-based items to any exam at any time without advanced notice.

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Not at this time, but Microsoft is in the process of rolling out performance-based exams around the world. Note that when most testing centers in a region have demonstrated that they can deliver performance-based exams, only the performance-based version of the exam will be available to customers in that region at the testing centers that can deliver these exams.

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The decision to apply performance-based testing is made on a case-by-case basis when Microsoft determines that it is the best method to validate a particular skill. Some exams have many performance-based questions, and some exams have few or none.

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There are certain skills that are better tested by more traditional formats, such as multiple-choice questions. The number of hands-on tasks in an exam depends on the skills being measured.

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No. The skills that are tested do not change; therefore, retesting is not necessary.

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No. As with non-lab-based exams, we recommend that you use the exam preparation guide to determine which subject areas and skills are required to pass the exam. When an exam is updated with a new lab-based item, the skills measured remain the same. Hands-on experience is always required, and this remains the same regardless of the item type used to measure your skills.

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Yes, these exams are typically longer than exams that do not contain performance-based items.

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Here is some general information about exam scoring:

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) exams

All MCTS and MCITP exams are scaled such that the passing score is 700. The actual cut score (the number of items you need to answer correctly) is determined by a group of subject-matter experts. A common misperception is that you must answer 70 percent of the items correctly in order to pass the exam; however, the actual percentage varies from exam to exam and may be more or less than 70 percent, depending on the input provided by the subject-matter experts who helped us set the cut score. After you complete your exam, the number of items that you got correct is compared with the cut score to determine whether the result is pass or fail. The exam delivery provider's software generates the scaled score and bars shown on your score report based on scoring information provided by Microsoft.

Microsoft Office exams

All Microsoft Office exam scores are reported on a scale of 1 to 1,000. The passing score varies from exam to exam and is provided on the score report. The actual cut score percentage is determined by a group of subject-matter experts using a process similar to that used to set the cut score for MCTS and MCITP exams. After you complete your exam, the points you earned are compared with the cut score to determine whether the result is pass or fail.

Microsoft Dynamics exams

Microsoft Dynamics exam scores are not scaled. The percentage of items that candidates must answer correctly varies from exam to exam and is provided on the score report. The actual cut score percentage is determined by a group of subject-matter experts who use a process similar to that used to set the cut score for Technology Specialist and IT Professional exams. After you complete your exam, the points you earned are compared with the cut score to determine whether the result is pass or fail.

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MCTS and MCITP exams

Your scaled score and pass/fail status: All MCTS and MCITP exams are scaled so that a passing score is 700. Any score of 700 or greater is a "pass." Any score below 700 is a "fail." Different passing scores do not reflect different levels of examinee knowledge. Because of the way Microsoft sets the cut score, we cannot guarantee that an examinee who scores 900 is more knowledgeable in the exam's topic area than an examinee who scores 800. We can only say that both examinees are at least minimally qualified. The same is true for failing scores. An examinee who scores 400 is not necessarily less knowledgeable in the exam's topic area than an examinee who scores 600. In this case, both examinees fail to meet the minimum qualifications for the certification. This is why your exam scores do not appear on your transcript.

Your section scores: The bars on the score report show your relative performance in the various subject areas covered by the exam--the longer the bar, the stronger your performance in that area. The length of the bars does not correspond to the number of questions you answered correctly on that subject. Additionally, because the subject areas contain varying numbers of items, the length of any bar or combination of bars does not correspond directly to your overall exam score or Pass/Fail status.

Microsoft Office exams

Scores for Microsoft Office exams are reported on a scale of 1 to 1,000. The passing score varies from exam to exam and is provided on the score report. The bars on the score report show your relative performance in the various subject areas covered by the exam—the longer the bar, the stronger your performance in that area. The length of the bars does not correspond to the number of questions you answered correctly on that subject. Additionally, because the subject areas contain varying numbers of items, the length of any bar or combination of bars does not correspond directly to your overall exam score or pass/fail status.

Microsoft Dynamics exams

Scores for Microsoft Dynamics exams are reported on a scale of 0 to 100 percent. The passing score varies from exam to exam and is provided on the score report. The percentages on the score report show your relative performance in the various subject areas covered by the exam—the higher the percentage, the stronger your performance in that area.

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The score report details the areas in which a candidate demonstrates technical strength and the areas in which the candidate shows a need for improvement. The report provides a numeric score for overall exam performance as well as a bar graph for each subject area of the exam.

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Microsoft provides numeric scores on all exams that provide the candidate with some indication of their level of performance on the exam.

MCTS and MCITP exams

Microsoft has worked with customers and testing industry experts to create an exam scale that is consistent across all exams. The scale requires a minimum passing score of 700 on all exams. If you receive a score of 700 or above, it means that you are at least minimally qualified; if you receive a score below 700, it means that you are not minimally qualified. Because of the way the cut scores are set, no other judgments about the numerical score obtained can be made.

Microsoft Office exams

Scores for Microsoft Office exams are reported on a scale of 1 to 1,000. The passing score varies from exam to exam and is provided on the score report. The score report shows the percent correct for each section. If your score is at or above the required score, it means that you are at least minimally qualified; if you receive a score below the required score, it means that you are not minimally qualified. Because of the way the cut scores are set, no other judgments about the numerical score obtained can be made.

Microsoft Dynamics exams

Scores for Microsoft Dynamics exams are reported on a scale of 0 to 100 percent. The passing score varies from exam to exam and is provided on the score report. If your score is at or above the required score, it means that you are at least minimally qualified; if you receive a score below the required score, it means that you are not minimally qualified. Because of the way the cut scores are set, no other judgments about the numerical score obtained can be made.

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The bars indicate how strongly an examinee performed on each skills section of the exam. The closer the bar comes to the strong end of the continuum, the higher the score on that skills section. The closer the bar is to the "needs development" end of the continuum, the lower the score in that skills section.

These results will help all examinees determine areas where they have strengths and where they need improvement. The skills sections listed on the score report correspond to those listed in the skills matrix provided in the Exam Preparation guide.

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MCTS and MCITP exams

MCTS and MCITP exams do not show a numerical score for each section. The score report provides a numerical score to reflect pass/fail status only. Because we provide scaled scores and each exam section often contains a different number of questions, combining their numerical results at the section level rarely provides an accurate final exam result. As an alternative to providing a numerical score for each section, we provide score bars to show an overview of areas of strength and weakness relative to overall performance.

Note that on upgrade exams, candidates must pass all sections in order to pass the exam because each section represents a component exam for which examinees are given credit when they pass the upgrade exam. As a result, these candidates receive a numerical score for each component exam.

Microsoft Office exams

Microsoft Office exams show the percent correct for each section. Because each exam section often contains a different number of questions, combining their numerical results at the section level rarely provides an accurate final exam result. We provide score bars to show an overview of areas of strength and weakness relative to overall performance.

Microsoft Dynamics exams

Microsoft Dynamics exams show the percent correct for each section. Because each exam section often contains a different number of questions, combining the section-level percentages may not reflect your final exam result. We provide percentages to show an overview of areas of strength and weakness within that section.

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Each section of the exam may contain a different number of questions; therefore, the relative results on individual exam sections might not reflect your final exam result. In other words, there is no one-to-one relationship between the length of the bars and your pass/fail status. Additionally, a common misperception is that you must answer 70 percent of the items correctly in order to pass the exam; however, the actual percentage varies from exam to exam and may be more or less than 70 percent, depending on the input provided by the subject-matter experts who helped us set the cut score.

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Each item, task, or simulation is worth one point, regardless of what you have to do to answer the question.

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No. Points are not deducted for incorrect answers; if you answer incorrectly, you will simply not earn the point associated with answering correctly.

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Microsoft is committed to continually updating exam content and utilizing innovative testing techniques. Our goal is to increase the relevance of our exams, offer a more comprehensive and valuable certification, and ensure the security of exam content. To gather the data needed to update and improve the quality of exams, we present new content to candidates without counting the results toward their score.

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No, it does not indicate an error. It is not uncommon for candidates to obtain similar or identical scores on multiple attempts of an exam. Receiving the same score on multiple attempts does not indicate that the program computing the results is in error.

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The number of questions that appear for each section is determined by subject matter experts. As a result, some sections have more questions than others. It is not uncommon to score zero when a section contains relatively few questions.

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In some cases, you may experience a delay of up to a minute while your next question loads. The exam delivery provider’s software is designed to accommodate this event. A delay between questions does not impact the responses you have recorded. Your exam will be scored correctly regardless of delays between questions.

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No. By not providing this information, we are better able to maintain exam security and integrity of the exam process.

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Although Microsoft Certification exams provide feedback about the areas where examinees need to develop their skills further, Microsoft Certification exams are not designed to provide detailed or diagnostic feedback. We encourage you to use practice tests from Microsoft Certified Practice Test Providers as diagnostic tools to identify your strengths and weaknesses.

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To help protect exam security and the value of Microsoft Certification, we cannot share information about which items you missed. This is a standard practice in the certification industry. The bars on the score report show your relative performance in the various subject areas covered by the exam. If you do not pass an exam, review the preparation guide. Focus on obtaining and practicing the skills in the areas where you had the weakest exam performance.

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Our exam retake policy helps to ensure that candidates take the necessary time to prepare for their exam, and to prevent unauthorized use and/or piracy of the exams or any of their content.

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No. Exams cannot be rescored. If you have a concern about the technical accuracy of a particular item, please submit an Item Challenge form.

If you experienced technical difficulties during the exam, please contact the exam delivery provider’s customer service.

To offer other types of feedback, please contact your Regional Service Center or the Microsoft Certification Program Help Center.

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The Microsoft Certification Program requires candidates to accept the terms of an NDA before taking an exam. The NDA legally requires candidates to keep information related to exam content confidential. Requiring the acceptance of the NDA helps protect the security of Microsoft Certification exams and the integrity of the Microsoft Certification Program by legally discouraging piracy and/or unauthorized use of exam content.

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Performance-based testing requires candidates to perform tasks rather than simply answer questions. This discourages candidates from memorizing questions.

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Cheating is any activity that negatively affects the integrity and/or security of the Microsoft Certification Program or enables an unqualified candidate to pass an exam.

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As explained to all exam candidates at the testing centers, if a candidate violates testing rules, the candidate is permanently ineligible for any Microsoft exam and may lose any Microsoft Certifications the individual already holds. Proctors at testing centers are authorized to respond immediately and appropriately against candidates who are caught violating testing rules. Examples of violations include, but are not limited to, using notes brought into the testing center (whether on crib sheets or electronically), copying exam questions, bringing any electronic equipment (such as cell phones) into the testing room, and looking at the monitors of other exam takers.

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A "braindump," as it relates to the certification exams, is the practice of copying and sharing actual certification exam questions—or questions that are very similar to the actual questions. Braindump providers, including Web sites and printed study materials, are in violation of Microsoft intellectual property rights and non-disclosure agreements.

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Braindump users may have memorized enough information to pass an exam, but they do not have the requisite knowledge to manage Microsoft software or systems effectively. Hiring managers find this out eventually. There is no substitute for hands-on experience. Please inform Microsoft if you think you have discovered a braindump site.

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Proxy testing occurs when someone takes an exam for another candidate.

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The primary warning sign of a proxy testing Web site or organization is any guarantee that you will pass the exam without having to take it. Proxy testing sites indicate that they will provide a full credential if you send them your credit card information.

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Corrective action—up to and including removal from the Microsoft Certification Program and prohibiting the taking of any Microsoft exams—will be taken against any candidate who obtains certification through proxy testing, even if the candidate did not intend to defraud the Microsoft Certification Program. Furthermore, giving your identification and credit card information to an unknown entity on the Internet could put you at risk of credit card fraud or identity theft. If you believe a Web site or company provides proxy test-taking services, please inform Microsoft immediately.

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Falsified score reports are reports that Microsoft deems to be unauthentic or that deceive or defraud the Microsoft Certified Professional program in any way.

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If Microsoft determines that a candidate has falsified a score report, the candidate will be ineligible to take any future Microsoft exams and his or her certifications may be revoked.

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The testing centers are provided with security policies that must be enforced in order to acquire and maintain testing center status. Ongoing inspections ensure that each testing center is maintaining the security outlined by Microsoft and the exam delivery provider. In addition, proctors at testing centers are authorized to immediately take appropriate measures against candidates who violate testing rules. For specific information about the expectations for candidates, please contact the exam delivery provider. If you have a concern about the security of your exam experience, please contact tctips@microsoft.com.

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Testing center administrators act inappropriately when they fail to follow any security policies of Microsoft or the exam delivery provider. Examples could include, but are not limited to, overlooking inappropriate candidate identification; failing to ask for an ID from each candidate; failing to conduct periodic walkthroughs; failing to keep partitions between testing stations; overlooking the presence of crib sheets or electronic devices; providing answers or aid in any form with regard to any exam item; and allowing the release of Microsoft intellectual property in any form.

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If Microsoft determines that a testing center has acted improperly or fraudulently, Microsoft has the right to cease delivery of all exams at that center.

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Send an e-mail message to tctips@microsoft.com, and include as much information as possible about the situation and the persons involved. Although we appreciate anonymous tips, we often need more information to conduct a thorough investigation; if you are willing, please include your full contact information so that someone from Microsoft can contact you to discuss the details, if necessary. Microsoft has dedicated staff that investigates these tips. Because of tips from individuals like you, several Web sites have been terminated. Due to the volume of e-mail we receive, you may not always receive a personal response.

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We appreciate your feedback about the Microsoft Certification Program and your exam experience. If you have a concern about the technical accuracy of a particular item, please submit an Item Challenge form.

To report a concern about a testing center or technical difficulties experienced during your exam, please contact the exam delivery provider’s customer service.

To offer other types of feedback, please contact your Regional Service Center or the Microsoft Certification Program Help Center.

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We work closely with the exam delivery provider to ensure that each and every testing center delivers a satisfactory experience. Unfortunately, candidates may experience a technical issue during an exam. The exam delivery provider’s software is designed to accommodate this event and saves your responses after each item. If you have feedback about your exam experience, please contact the exam delivery provider's customer support. The exam delivery provider’s customer support will work with you and the testing center to investigate and resolve the issue.

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If you believe a question on a Microsoft Certification exam is invalid, you can request an evaluation of that question. You must submit your request within three calendar days of taking the exam. The evaluation process helps us identify and correct problematic questions, and update exams accordingly.

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A Microsoft employee will conduct an initial evaluation. If additional evaluation is needed, an independent subject-matter expert (technical and job-function expert) will review and evaluate the challenge. This process may require evaluation and input from a number of people.

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No. Microsoft applies a rigorous exam development process to ensure the technical accuracy, clarity, relevance, and objectivity of our exams. Furthermore, given the credentials of the independent subject-matter experts and the respect they garner from the IT community, we consider their evaluation final.

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No. By not providing this information, we are better able to maintain exam security.

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No. To help protect exam security, we keep the rationale for challenge decisions confidential although we will provide a general overview of the result. The evaluation remains a part of Microsoft records until the exam is retired. All feedback is compiled and carefully considered as Microsoft makes decisions on how to improve the overall quality of the exam.