Azure IoT Developer (AZ-220) exam-day guide
Azure IoT Developer (AZ-220) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact ID the registration name matches. For online proctoring, the name on your ID must match your registration; confirm accepted ID types and any secondary-ID requirement with the provider before test day.
Exam appointment confirmation and access details
Have the confirmation email, appointment time, and the test provider's launch link or check-in instructions accessible. Verify your time zone conversion the day before so you do not misjudge the start time.
Stable internet connection and a backup option
For online delivery, use a wired or reliable connection and have a phone hotspot or second network as fallback. Run the provider's system test in advance; if it fails, contact support before test day rather than at check-in.
Compatible computer, webcam, microphone, and speakers
Online proctoring typically requires a webcam, microphone, and audio output, and often prohibits certain virtual machines or remote-desktop setups. Run the official system check and confirm equipment rules with the provider.
Quiet, private, cleared room
Use a space with a closed door, no other people, and a clear desk. Remove papers, notes, phones, and extra monitors unless the provider explicitly allows them; proctors may ask for a room scan.
Understand the question formats and navigation
Know that questions may include multiple-choice, multiple-response, drag-and-drop, hotspot, case-study, and lab-style items, and that some sections may not allow returning to earlier questions. Confirm the exact behavior in the provider's tutorial.
Time-management plan for the exam length
Confirm the total appointment time, number of questions, and whether labs or case studies consume extra time. Practice pacing so you leave time to review flagged items if review is permitted.
Knowledge refresh on core AZ-220 domains
Review IoT Hub device provisioning and lifecycle, device-to-cloud and cloud-to-device messaging, Device Provisioning Service enrollment, IoT Edge modules and deployment manifests, monitoring and diagnostics, and security fundamentals. Use your own notes, not brain dumps.
Calculator or scratch materials policy
Do not assume a physical calculator, pen, or paper is allowed. Confirm with the provider what is permitted for online versus test-center delivery; many online sessions allow only an on-screen whiteboard or nothing at all.
Accessibility or accommodation arrangements
If you need extra time or other accommodations, confirm approval and how to activate it before the appointment. Last-minute requests may not be honored.
Provider support contact and incident plan
Save the provider's support number or chat link. If the session disconnects or the proctor cannot reach you, know how to reconnect and report the incident promptly.
Rest, hydration, and a backup clock
Sleep well, eat beforehand, and set two alarms. Keep a watch or clock visible only if the provider allows it; otherwise rely on the on-screen timer.
Plan the day
Re-read your own summary notes across the main domains and redo a small set of hands-on tasks you can do without a subscription, such as drafting an IoT Hub message-routing query, a DPS enrollment flow, or an IoT Edge deployment manifest. Do not start new topics. Run the provider's system test and confirm your appointment time, time zone, and ID requirements. Resolve any accommodation or equipment issues now.
Do a light review of weak areas only, then stop studying early. Confirm the room setup, charge devices, test the webcam and microphone, and locate your ID and confirmation email. Verify whether breaks are allowed and how they affect the clock. Set alarms and plan to arrive or log in early, since check-in can take time.
Eat a normal meal, avoid cramming new material, and close unnecessary applications. Log in early enough to complete identity verification and the room scan without rushing. Keep your phone nearby only if the provider permits it for support, and silence notifications.
Read each item fully, especially multiple-response questions that ask for a specific number of answers. Flag uncertain items and move on if review is allowed. For case studies, read the scenario once, note constraints, then answer. For labs or interactive items, follow the stated objective and verify the result before submitting. Watch the timer and reserve the last minutes for flagged items or a final check. If a technical problem occurs, pause and contact the proctor immediately rather than troubleshooting alone.
Note any incident or technical issue and report it to the provider if it may have affected your session. Keep your score report and confirmation for your records.
Rules to check
Present the same government-issued photo ID used at registration; the name must match. If you are unsure which documents are accepted for your delivery method, confirm with the provider before the appointment.
Do not use unauthorized materials, notes, second screens, phones, or another person's help. Online sessions are typically proctored and recorded, and suspected misconduct can void your result.
Follow the proctor's instructions, including room scans and showing your workspace. Refusal to comply can end the session.
Confirm the break policy with the provider. Some exams allow scheduled breaks, and unscheduled breaks may not stop the clock or may be prohibited entirely.
Understand the scoring model before you start: many certification exams are pass/fail with a scaled score, and some question types may be unscored or may not allow review. Confirm the specifics with the provider rather than assuming.
Do not discuss, share, or reconstruct exam content afterward. Keep your own notes about the experience general and free of specific questions.
If a technical failure occurs, stop and contact the proctor or support immediately; document the time and nature of the issue so it can be reviewed.
Arrive or log in early. Late arrival may forfeit your appointment or shorten your time, depending on the provider's policy, so confirm the cutoff with them.