Challenging an MCP Exam Item
Carefully developed and computer-administered Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) exams measure your ability to perform specific, real-world job functions or sets of tasks. These rigorous exams, with their emphasis on real-world relevance, go well beyond testing your knowledge of a product or terminology. That's because in the real world, you're rarely called upon to merely recall a list of facts. Instead, you need to apply your knowledge to a situation by analyzing technical solutions, solving problems, and making decisions.
We recommend that you gain at least one year of experience working with a Microsoft product or technology before attempting the corresponding certification exam. We also recommend that candidates become familiar with exam content by reviewing an exam's preparation guide thoroughly before taking the exam.
An important part of the exam development process is to review each exam item to ensure technical accuracy, clarity, relevance, and absence of ambiguity and bias. A thorough review also ensures that items are not misleading or tricky. The review is conducted by a panel of technical and job-function experts who scrutinize each item for technical accuracy and reach consensus on all technical issues. In addition, technical editors ensure that all exam items are without error or ambiguity. For more information, visit the How MCP Exams Are Developed page.
How can I challenge an exam item?
If you believe a specific item you encountered on an MCP exam is invalid, you may request an evaluation of the item by following the steps described below. You must submit your request within three days of taking the exam. Exam item challenges will be accepted only for exams that have not been scheduled for retirement. The frequently asked questions below provide more information regarding the process of challenging exam items.
We value your feedback in helping us make Microsoft certification exams as valid and relevant as possible.
Steps for challenging exam items
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| • | Use the form to describe in detail the specific reasons you are challenging an exam item. Include the name of the exam, time and date you took the exam, and the name and location of the testing center. Note Exam item challenges will be accepted only for exams that have not been scheduled for retirement. Please include as much specific detail as possible to expedite review. Your challenge will not be accepted for evaluation unless the form is complete. |
| • | Within three calendar days of taking the exam, submit the form by e-mail MCPHelp@microsoft.com with "Exam Item Evaluation" in the subject line. You must submit a separate form for each exam item you are challenging. |
| • | 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. |
Frequently asked questions about challenging exam items
Select a question from the list to show the answer. You can also view the answers to all of the questions by selecting the check box.
| Q. | I took an exam and think I should have passed it, but I didn't. Also, I didn't think my testing experience was as good as it should have been. Can I challenge my score and give feedback about what happened at the testing center? |
| A. | We appreciate your feedback about the MCP program and your testing experience. However, the process explained above is for challenging answers to specific exam items only. To be eligible for review through this process, you must be able to describe the exam item and specifically explain why you believe the answer was not correct. Exams will not be rescored. To offer other types of feedback, e-mail MCPHelp@microsoft.com. |
| Q. | The study materials I used to prepare (practice tests, study guides, training) didn't cover the exam objectives adequately and included incorrect information. Will you review these materials? |
| A. | Microsoft does not review study materials developed by third parties and is not responsible for their content. The only practice tests Microsoft reviews are those developed by MCP Practice Test Providers. Although your score on a practice test does not necessarily indicate what your score would be on a certification exam, a practice test gives you the opportunity to assess your knowledge and readiness, and provides feedback. Practice tests can supplement, but should not substitute, the training and required hands-on work experience in the skills covered by the exam objectives. If you have questions or comments about exam preparation materials developed by third parties, please contact the publishers directly. |
| Q. | Will a Microsoft employee review and evaluate the exam item I am challenging? |
| A. | A Microsoft staff member will conduct an initial evaluation. If further evaluation is needed, an independent subject-matter expert (technical and job-function expert) will review and evaluate the request. This process may require evaluation by a number of people, and each provides input. We appreciate your patience while your challenge is reviewed thoroughly. |
| Q. | Will I find out whether my answer to a specific item was correct or whether I would have passed if I had gotten it right? |
| A. | Microsoft staff members and independent subject-matter experts will review your exam challenge as described above. To help protect exam security, we will not provide information about whether your answer was correct, nor will we provide information about how your performance on that item may have affected your final score. |
| Q. | What if I don't agree with the evaluator's decision? May I appeal it? |
| A. | Before any exam is released, each item is reviewed carefully to ensure technical accuracy, clarity, relevance, and absence of ambiguity and bias. The beta exam process further eliminates any questionable items. By the time an exam is released in its live version, each item has been reviewed multiple times. When a candidate submits an item challenge, the process adds an additional review. Therefore, the evaluator's decision in the item challenge process is final and no further evaluation will take place. |
| Q. | Will I be given the rationale for the decision? |
| A. | To help protect exam security, the rationale for the decision will be kept confidential and will not be provided. The evaluation will remain a part of Microsoft's records until the exam is retired. |
| Q. | How can I learn more about the exam development process? |
| A. | Read the How MCP Exams Are Developed page. |
