Microsoft Certification Exam Policies

• Ensuring Integrity of Our Certification Program

• Candidate bans
• Candidate appeal process
• Exam Retake policy
• Testing center closures due to security reasons
• Testing center appeal process
• Data forensics
• Out-of-country testing
• Candidate retesting at request of Microsoft
• Revoking certifications
• Beta testing
• Right of exclusion

• Falsifying score reports, by modifying and/or altering the original results/score reports for any exam record

• Cheating during the exam (such as looking at the monitors of other exam takers)

• Providing or accepting improper assistance

• Bringing non-authorized items into the testing center during an exam session (such as notes or unauthorized materials and electronic devices, such as cell phones)

• Using unauthorized material in attempting to satisfy certification requirements (this includes using "brain-dump" material and/or unauthorized publication of exam questions with or without answers)

• Falsifying identity or impersonating another individual to gain access to an exam

• Misconduct as determined by statistical analysis

• Copying, publishing, disclosing, transmitting, selling, offering to sell, posting, downloading, distributing in any way, or otherwise transferring, modifying, making derivative works of, reverse engineering, decompiling, disassembling, or translating any exam in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, verbal or written, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose

• Disclosing Microsoft intellectual property (IP)

• Disseminating actual exam content

• Using the exam content in any manner that violates applicable law

• Violating the current exam retake policy

• Violating the Microsoft non-disclosure agreement (NDA) in any way

• Violating the Prometric exam agreement in any way

1. Candidates may appeal their ban by submitting an appeal to mlsecure@microsoft.com.

2. A candidate may appeal a ban for falsifying a score report by submitting the original report (no scans or electronic copies) to:

   Microsoft Learning Security Team
   One Microsoft Way
   Redmond, WA 98052

3. The Microsoft Learning Security Team will review all submitted appeal requests and conduct a thorough investigation of each specific case and will communicate directly with the candidate regarding the conclusion of the investigation and final appeal decision.

1. General Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) Exam Retake Policy

   1. If a candidate does not achieve a passing score on an exam the first time, the candidate must wait at least a 24-hour period before retaking the exam.

   2. If a candidate does not achieve a passing score the second time, the candidate must wait at least a 14-day period before retaking the exam a third time.

   3. A 14-day waiting period will also be imposed for the fourth and fifth subsequent exam retakes. A candidate may not take a given exam any more than five times per year (12 months). This 12-month period would start the day of the fifth unsuccessful exam retake. The candidate would then be eligible to retake the exam 12 months from that date. In order to take a given exam more than five times per year, a candidate must submit a request and obtain prior permission from Microsoft.

   4. If a candidate achieves a passing score on an exam, the candidate cannot take it again.

2. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Exam Retake Policy

   1. If a candidate does not achieve a passing score on an exam the first time, there is no waiting period before retaking the exam.

   2. If a candidate does not achieve a passing score the second time, the candidate must wait 24 hours before retaking the exam a third time.

   3. A seven-day waiting period will be imposed for each subsequent exam retake.

   4. A candidate may not take a given exam any more than five times per year (12 months). This 12-month period would start the day of the fifth unsuccessful exam retake. The candidate would then be eligible to retake the exam 12 months from that date. In order to take a given exam more than five times per year, a candidate must submit a request and obtain prior permission from Microsoft.

   5. If a candidate achieves a passing score on an MTA exam, the candidate cannot take it again.

3. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Exam Retake Policy

   1. Retake vouchers can only be used to retake the same exam that was failed.

   2. All vouchers must be used prior to their expiration dates, without exception.

   3. Retake vouchers must be used within 30 days of the initial failed exam.

   4. There is no waiting period for retaking a failed MOS exam.

4. MCP Beta Exam Retake Policy

   1. Beta exams may be taken only once.

   2. This policy supersedes the general retake policy.

5. Exam-specific Retake Policy exceptions

   1. In some cases, Microsoft may have special policies for specific exams.

1. Microsoft may suspend testing at any location where we deem there is a security or integrity problem.

2. Microsoft may suspend testing at sites that are related to test sites that pose security risks.

1. Microsoft reserves the right to ask any candidate to retest for any suspected fraudulent activity or anomalous testing patterns at any time.

2. Retesting will take place at a facility that is selected by Microsoft at a time agreed upon by Microsoft and the candidate.

1. Inclusion in beta testing is by invitation only.

2. Microsoft reserves the right to exclude countries and/or testing centers from the beta testing program.

• Read frequently asked questions about exam policies
• Read frequently asked questions about exam security

• Modifying and/or altering the original results/score report for this Exam or any other exam records

• Violation of the current exam retake policy

• Fraudulently impersonating another to gain access to the Exam

• Submission of any work that is not completely your own

• Providing or accepting improper assistance

• Using unauthorized materials in an attempt to satisfy Exam requirements (this includes using brain-dump material and/or unauthorized publication of Exam questions with or without answers)

• Disseminating actual Exam content

• Possession of non-authorized items at the testing center during an Exam

• Misconduct as determined by statistical analysis

• Copying, publishing, disclosing, transmitting, selling, offering to sell, posting, downloading, distributing in any way, or otherwise transferring, modifying, making derivative works of, reverse engineering, decompiling, disassembling or translating any Exam in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, verbal or written, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose

• Using the Exam content in any manner that violates applicable law

• Companies purchase vouchers and then issue the vouchers to their employees.

• Schools enrolled in the Microsoft IT Academy Program purchase vouchers and then issue the vouchers to their Students.

• Schools or government agencies that purchase a site license to deliver the Exams.

1. DEFINITIONS
   The following terms will have the following meaning where capitalized herein. All other capitalized terms not defined in this Section 1 shall have the definition assigned to them elsewhere in this Agreement.

   1. "MCP, MOS, or MCT Member Websites" means the MCP, MOS, or MCT member-only websites currently located at www.microsoft.com/mcp (MCP), www.microsoft.com/mos (MOS), and www.microsoft.com/mct (MCT) or a successor site designated by Microsoft. The Member Websites provide tools and information about the Program.

   2. "Microsoft Certification" means passing the requisite Microsoft Certification Exams and meeting and maintaining compliance with all requirements for entitlement to use the corresponding Name or Logo. The current list of Microsoft Certifications is located at Microsoft Certifications.

   3. "Microsoft Certification Name" or "Name" means the full or abbreviated title of a specific Microsoft Certification that is used to signify achievement of that Microsoft Certification.

   4. "Microsoft Certification Exam" or "Exam" means the examinations identified by Microsoft that you must pass to attain Microsoft Certification.

   5. "Microsoft Certification Logo" or "Logo" means the specific Microsoft Certification logo designated for a specific Microsoft Certification that is currently available online at the MCP, MOS, or MCT Member Websites.

   6. "Microsoft Certification Program" or "Program" means the Microsoft program that certifies technology professionals’ skills in designing, developing, implementing and supporting solutions with a particular Microsoft technology and grants certification to individuals who have complied and continue to comply with all the requirements for the applicable Microsoft Certification.

   7. "Microsoft Certification Program Logo Usage Guidelines" or "Guidelines" means the current specifications established by Microsoft that those who have achieved Microsoft Certification must agree to abide by in order to use the corresponding Name or Logo.

   8. "Microsoft Certified Professional" or "MCP" means anyone who achieves and currently holds one or more active Microsoft Certifications.

   9. "Microsoft Office Certification" means any of the following Microsoft Certifications: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Microsoft Office Specialist Expert (MOS Expert), and/or Microsoft Office Specialist Master (MOS Master).

   10. "Microsoft Technical Certification" means any of the following Microsoft Certifications: Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD), Microsoft Certified Masters (MCM), Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA), Microsoft Certified Learning Consultant (MCLC), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA), Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD), Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD), Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST), Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), and/or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer + Security or Messaging (MCSE + S or MCSE + M), Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Systems Administrators + Security or Messaging (MCSA + S or MCSA + M), and/or MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification. Microsoft may alter or add additional Microsoft Technical Certifications from time to time at its sole discretion.

2. MICROSOFT CERTIFICATION

   1. Obtaining Microsoft Certification. To obtain a Microsoft Certification and to use the corresponding Name and/or Logo, you must have:

      1. successfully passed all required exams and satisfied all requirements for the Microsoft Certification. Microsoft Certification requirements are available at Microsoft Certification;

      2. accepted and agreed to comply with the terms and conditions in this Agreement; and

      3. accepted and agreed to comply with the Guidelines and all Program requirements.

   2. Maintaining Microsoft Certification. To maintain a Microsoft Certification(s) and to use the corresponding Name and/or Logo, you must:

      1. meet all current requirements for the Microsoft Certification;

      2. comply with the terms and conditions in the Agreement; and

      3. comply with the Guidelines and all Program requirements.

   3. Microsoft Certification Exams. All Microsoft Certification exams, including exam questions and answers thereto, constitute Microsoft confidential information and are protected by trade secret law and by the Non-Disclosure Agreement and General Terms of Use for Microsoft Certification Exams (“Exam Agreement”) and may not be disclosed to or discussed with others or posted or published in any forum or through any medium. Anyone caught violating the Exam Agreement or engaging in fraudulent behavior may be decertified and terminated from the Program and/or permanently ineligible to participate in the Program.

3. PROGRAM BENEFITS
   

   1. Program Benefits Provided by a Third-Party. Some of the Program benefits may be provided by a third-party. You understand and agree that your relationship with respect to those benefits are with that third-party directly and not with Microsoft. Microsoft is not responsible for any Program benefit provided by a third-party, and Microsoft does not sponsor or endorse the third-party vendors or its services or products.

   2. Additional Terms. Program benefits may have additional terms, conditions, and licenses. You must accept those additional terms before using any Program benefit and use the Program benefits according to the terms of this Agreement and those additional terms, conditions, and licenses. You may not use a Program benefit if you do not agree to any applicable additional terms, conditions, and licenses.

4. USE OF CERTIFICATION NAMES AND LOGOS

   1. Grant of Rights. Subject to and expressly conditioned upon the successful completion of all requirements for the Microsoft Certification, and provided you comply with this Agreement, the Guidelines and all continuing Microsoft Certification requirements, Microsoft hereby grants you the right to use the corresponding Name(s) and Logo(s) for the active Microsoft Certifications for which you have obtained Microsoft Certification as indicated in your transcript located on the Member Websites.

   2. Restrictions. You may not use or reproduce the Name or Logos in any manner whatsoever other than as described in this Agreement and the Guidelines, and in any applicable artwork provided by Microsoft. You will use the Name and Logos in a manner that does not derogate from the rights of Microsoft in the Names and Logos, and will take no action that may interfere with or diminish the rights of Microsoft in the Names or Logos.

   3. Ownership. All rights not expressly granted herein are reserved by Microsoft. You acknowledge Microsoft’s sole ownership of the Names and Logos, and any associated goodwill, and that Microsoft retains all rights, title, and interest in and to the Names and Logos.

5. PRIVACY

   1. Disclosure of Your Personal Information. You acknowledge and agree that Microsoft collects certain information about you to operate and run the Program. Microsoft uses and protects that information as described in the Microsoft Online Privacy Statement. You also agree that the Microsoft Certifications you have earned and your Program activities may be tracked and associated with your personal information.

   2. License to Microsoft. You grant Microsoft the right to publish your name, biographical information, contact information, including web site URLs, Microsoft Certification Names and Microsoft Certification status, in whole or in part, in connection with your participation in the Program.

   3. Access Code. You will be assigned a unique "access code" to your information and data. You may wish to provide others with this access code, your password, and a link so that they will have access to your data located on your Microsoft Certification transcript. You acknowledge and agree that if you choose to provide your access code to others, they will be able to access and view your personal information and Microsoft Certification data located on your Microsoft Certification transcript.

6. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

   1. Business Practices.

      1. You agree that all business you conduct in your capacity as a Microsoft Certified Professional and all services you provide concerning Microsoft technologies will be performed in a manner that (i) does not in any way harm the reputation of Microsoft; (ii) avoids deceptive, misleading, or unethical practices; (iii) avoids making any representations, warranties, or guarantees to customers on behalf of Microsoft for Microsoft technologies or otherwise; (iv) complies with all applicable U.S. export regulations and other applicable governmental laws and regulations; and (v) complies with copyright and other intellectual property and proprietary rights protections for Microsoft software, development tools, and other products.

      2. You may not advertise, promote, or suggest in any manner that the services being provided to customers in connection with the Logos and Names are provided by, sponsored by, or associated with Microsoft, or that you are employed by, affiliated with, or sponsored by Microsoft, except to state that you have successfully completed all requirements for the particular Microsoft Certification you have earned, including having passed the applicable Microsoft Certification Exams for a particular version of a Microsoft technology. During the term of this Agreement, you will insert the following language in each contract under which you provide services involving Microsoft technologies:

         "Microsoft is not a party to this Agreement, and will have no liability whatsoever with respect to the services that are the subject of this contract. The Microsoft Certification Name indicates that I have successfully completed the corresponding Microsoft Certification requirements, which reflect commensurate skills required to implement, utilize, support, and maintain solutions with relevant Microsoft technologies. The services I provide under this contract are not provided, licensed, or sponsored by Microsoft.."

      3. You should note that some states and countries regulate the use of the term "engineer," and you should comply as applicable with any such laws in the event you attain any Microsoft Certification Name related to "Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer."

   2. Trademark Restrictions. Nothing in this Agreement authorizes you to use any Microsoft trademarks, service marks, or logos except as expressly referenced in this Agreement.

7. CHANGES TO THE PROGRAM

   Microsoft reserves the right to discontinue the Program and to change the Program or any aspect of it at any time, including the right to change the Program requirements and/or Program benefits. Microsoft will notify you of changes by posting them on the MCP Member Website. You are responsible for checking the MCP, MOS, or MCT Member Websites regularly for changes. Changes are effective on the date the changes are posted. Changes do not apply retroactively. You agree to comply with the most current version of this Agreement, the Guidelines, and any other applicable requirements located in this Program Agreement.

   You acknowledge and agree that Microsoft may, at its sole discretion, change Microsoft Certification requirements (both initial and continuing) by posting such changes on the Microsoft Learning website or on the MCP, MOS, or MCT Member Websites. You will be allowed three (3) full calendar months from the date Microsoft posts the changes to comply with any such changed requirements. Your right to use a particular Name or Logo may terminate if you do not meet the most current Microsoft Certification requirements associated with the particular Name or Logo.

8. NO WARRANTIES

   MICROSOFT DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOUR SATISFACTION WITH THE PROGRAM OR YOUR RESULTS. MICROSOFT AND ITS AFFILIATES AND SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTIES REGARDING THE PROGRAM, NAMES, OR LOGOS, AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE BE IMPLIED BY LAW.

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

   TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT, ITS AFFILIATES, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE SUCCESSORS, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE PROGRAM (WHETHER FOR PROGRAM BENEFITS, TERMINATION, OR OTHERWISE), YOUR MICROSOFT CERTIFICATION, FAILURE TO ACHIEVE MICROSOFT CERTIFICATION, USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE NAMES, OR LOGOS. THIS EXCLUSION WILL APPLY REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY UPON WHICH ANY CLAIM FOR SUCH DAMAGES IS BASED, EVEN IF THE PARTIES HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

10. INDEMNIFICATION

    You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Microsoft, its affiliates and their respective successors, directors, officers, employees, and agents from and against any and all third-party claims, demands, costs, liabilities, judgments, losses, expenses, and damages (including attorneys' fees) arising out of, in connection with, or related to (a) your participation in the Program; (b) your use of any Name and/or Logo in a manner which is in any way inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement; (c) the performance, promotion, sale, or distribution of your services as a Microsoft Certified Professional; (d) the termination of this Agreement by Microsoft pursuant to the terms herein. In the event Microsoft seeks indemnification from you under this provision, Microsoft will promptly notify you in writing of the claim(s) brought against Microsoft for which it seeks indemnification. Microsoft reserves the right, at its option, to assume full control of the defense of such claim with legal counsel of its choice. If it so undertakes, any settlement of such claim requiring payment from you will be subject to your prior written approval. You will reimburse Microsoft upon demand for any expenses reasonably incurred by Microsoft in defending such a claim, including, without limitation, attorney's fees and costs, as well as any judgment on or settlement of the claim in respect to which the foregoing relates.

11. TERMINATION

    1. Termination Without Cause. Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time, with or without cause, on thirty (30) calendar day’s prior written notice to the other party.

    2. Termination For Cause. Microsoft may immediately terminate this Agreement upon written notice on any of the following events:

       1. you fail to comply with any applicable Microsoft Certification requirements;

       2. you otherwise fail to comply with any of the terms of this Agreement or the Guidelines;

       3. you engaged in misappropriation or unauthorized disclosure of any trade secret or confidential information of Microsoft;

       4. you engaged in any other activities prohibited by law or that compromises the integrity of Microsoft Certifications; or

       5. a government agency or court finds that services you provided concerning the Microsoft technologies to which your Microsoft Certification relates are defective in any way.

    3. Automatic Termination. This Agreement will automatically terminate if you lose your status as a MCP or Microsoft cancels the Program.

    4. Effects of Termination. In all events of termination of this Agreement, all rights granted to you under the Program are immediately terminated. You will immediately:

       1. cease all activity relating to the Program;

       2. stop identifying itself as a participant in the Program;

       3. cease all use of any Name or Logo and Program benefit; and

       4. destroy any associated materials that you have received as part of the Program.

    5. Survival. Sections 1 and all other definitions herein, 2.3, 3.1, 4.3, 8, 9, 10, 11.5, and 12 will survive termination of this Agreement. You agree that Microsoft and its affiliate and subsidiary corporations will not be liable to you or any third party for costs or damages of any sort resulting from (a) the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, and (b) your suspension from or cancellation of the Program.

12. MISCELLANEOUS

    1. Notices. All notices required by this Agreement to be sent to Microsoft must be addressed to the following address:

       Microsoft Certification Program
       Microsoft Corporation
       One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

       All notices required or permitted by this Agreement will be sent to you at the most recent email address provided by you. It is your responsibility to keep your contact address (email) information with Microsoft updated.

    2. No exclusivity. Your participation in this Program is voluntary. Nothing in this Agreement restricts you from supporting, promoting, distributing, or using non-Microsoft technology.

    3. Relationship. The parties are independent contractors. This Agreement does not create an employer-employee relationship, partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship, and does not create a franchise. You may not make any representation, warranty, or promise on Microsoft’s behalf.

    4. Governing law and jurisdiction. The laws of the State of Washington govern this Agreement. If federal jurisdiction exists, the parties consent to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the federal courts in King County, Washington. If not, the parties consent to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the Superior Court of King County, Washington.

    5. Attorneys’ fees. If either party employs attorneys to enforce any rights arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the prevailing party will be entitled to recover its reasonable attorney’s fees, costs, and other expenses, including the costs and fees incurred on appeal or in a bankruptcy or similar action.

    6. Severability. If any court of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Agreement is illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

    7. No Waiver. Any delay or failure by Microsoft to exercise a right or remedy will not result in a waiver of that, or any other, right or remedy.

    8. Assignment. You will not assign, transfer, or sublicense this Agreement, or any right granted under this Agreement, in any manner. Any attempted assignment, transfer, or sublicense, by operation of law or otherwise, will be null and void.

• Learn more about how Microsoft Certification exams are developed

• Read frequently asked questions about challenging exam items

Steps for challenging exam items

• Download the exam item challenge form (Microsoft Word file, 48.5 KB)

• Use the form to describe in detail the specific reasons you are challenging an exam item. Include your contact information, your registration ID, the number and name of the exam, the date you took the exam, and the location of the testing center. Please provide as much detail as possible about the item to expedite review. Your challenge will not be accepted for evaluation unless the form is complete.

  Note Exam item challenges will be accepted only for exams that have not been scheduled for retirement.

• Within three calendar days of taking the exam, submit the form by e-mail to MCPHelp@microsoft.com with "Exam Item Evaluation" in the subject line. You must submit a separate form for each exam item you challenge.

• Your submittal will be acknowledged by e-mail. At that time, you will receive either the result of the evaluation or, if more time is needed for evaluation, an estimate of when you can expect a decision.

• Download the accommodation request form (Microsoft Word file, 72 KB)

• Find a Microsoft Regional Service Center near you