Azure AI-900 exam-day guide
Azure AI-900 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring a valid, unexpired photo ID whose name matches your exam registration exactly. If your registered name differs even slightly, fix it before test day.
Second form of ID (online proctored or test center)
Some delivery providers ask for a second ID or a signature-bearing card. Check the ID requirements listed in your appointment confirmation and confirm with the provider if unclear.
Appointment confirmation / registration number
Have your confirmation email or registration ID accessible (printed or on your phone before you sit down). Test centers may ask to see it at check-in.
Test center location and travel plan
If testing in person, confirm the exact address, parking/transit options, and the arrival time stated in your confirmation. Plan to arrive with buffer time for check-in.
Computer with working webcam, microphone, and speakers
For online proctored delivery only. Use a desktop or laptop (not a tablet or phone), and make sure the camera can show your face and your room.
Completed system/pre-check test
Run the provider's system test on the same machine and network you will use on exam day, ideally 72 hours ahead so you have time to fix problems.
Quiet, private, well-lit room
For online proctored delivery: no other people, no interruptions, clear desk, door closed, and lighting that keeps your face visible.
Stable wired-or-strong internet connection
Have a backup plan (mobile hotspot or phone number for provider support) in case your connection drops at start time.
Knowledge of allowed scratch materials
On-screen noteboard/whiteboard availability and physical scratch paper rules vary by delivery method. Confirm what is permitted with the provider before test day.
Accommodation approval (if applicable)
If you requested extra time or other accommodations, confirm it is approved and attached to your appointment before test day.
Water and a light snack for before/after
Eat and hydrate before you start. Personal items generally cannot be at your desk during the exam, so plan for before and after.
Notifications and background apps silenced
Turn off phone alerts, messaging apps, and automatic updates so nothing interrupts the session or triggers a proctor flag.
Plan the day
Run the provider's system test on your exam machine and network; resolve any camera, microphone, browser, or bandwidth issues now. Confirm the appointment date, time, and time zone in your confirmation email, and check the provider's reschedule/cancellation window if your plans are at risk.
Do a final targeted review instead of a full re-read: AI workloads (machine learning, computer vision, NLP, conversational AI), responsible AI principles, and Azure AI service names and what each is for. Stop studying new topics you cannot reinforce.
Lay out your ID, confirm travel or room setup, check the exact start time in local time, and read the provider's rules on what is allowed at your desk. Get a normal night's sleep rather than cramming.
Light review only: skim your own summary notes and any missed practice questions. Avoid memorizing exact question counts or score thresholds - those can vary.
Eat, hydrate, and avoid starting a big new topic. For online delivery, close all other applications, plug in power, and start the check-in process early as instructed in your confirmation. For a test center, arrive at the time your confirmation states, allowing buffer for check-in.
Read each question fully and watch for words like 'not' and 'best'. Answer confidently-known items first, flag uncertain ones, and use any review screen to revisit them. Pace yourself against the timer - roughly a minute per question is comfortable for a 45-minute exam - and leave time to review before submitting.
If you hit a technical problem, stop and contact the proctor or provider support rather than troubleshooting alone; they can document the issue and advise on next steps.
Rules to check
Your registered name must match your photo ID exactly; mismatches can prevent you from testing.
For online proctored exams, you must be alone in a closed, well-lit room with a clear desk; no notes, phones, or second screens unless the provider explicitly allows them.
Do not talk aloud, read questions aloud, or leave the camera view during an online proctored session - this can be flagged as a policy violation.
Breaks are generally not offered during a fundamentals-level exam of this length; if you need an accommodation, arrange and confirm it in advance with the provider.
Exam content is confidential: do not screenshot, copy, record, or share questions in any form.
Scoring and any retake policy are set by the provider; confirm the current passing score, score report timing, and retake rules with the provider rather than relying on secondhand reports.
Follow all proctor instructions immediately; unresolved or repeated violations can result in the session being ended and the exam voided.
If you need to reschedule, do it within the provider's stated window (commonly a set number of hours before the appointment) - confirm the exact deadline with the provider.