Azure AZ-900 exam-day guide
Azure AZ-900 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Use a valid, unexpired ID with a photo and signature (passport or driver's license are typical). The name on the ID must match your exam registration exactly - if it does not, fix the registration before test day. For online proctoring you will be asked to photograph the ID, so keep it within arm's reach.
Appointment confirmation and time zone
Note your appointment time in the time zone shown on your booking confirmation, not your local assumption. If you are traveling or in a different time zone, convert it explicitly so you do not miss the slot.
System test completed in advance
For online-proctored delivery, run the provider's system check (camera, microphone, browser, connectivity) on the same machine and network you will use on exam day. Do this at least a day ahead so you have time to fix problems.
Quiet, private room with a clear desk
For online proctoring: a closed room, no other people, desk cleared of papers, books, phones, and second screens. Expect a room scan via webcam. Confirm the provider's specific workspace rules when you check in.
Stable internet with a backup plan
Wired or strong Wi-Fi, plus a fallback (mobile hotspot or a phone number for provider support) in case the connection drops mid-exam.
Working webcam, microphone, and speakers/headset
Built-in hardware is usually fine; test it beforehand. Confirm with the provider whether headsets are permitted, since rules differ between delivery modes.
Account credentials ready
Know the username and password for your Microsoft certification profile and the testing-provider account, and have them written somewhere you can reach without leaving the room.
Notes and scratch paper - know the rule for your delivery mode
On-site test centers typically supply erasable materials; online proctoring generally prohibits paper and pens. Do not assume - confirm with the provider which is allowed for your appointment type.
Water, snack, and rest ahead of time
The exam is short (roughly 45 minutes of testing time), but hydrate and eat beforehand. Confirm with the provider whether any break is offered; fundamentals-level exams commonly have none.
Plan for arrival/check-in lead time
Arrive at a test center, or start online check-in, well before your slot. Check-in with ID verification and room scan takes time, and late arrival can forfeit your seat. Confirm the exact lead time with the provider.
Plan the day
Run the full system test if testing online; verify your ID is unexpired and the name matches your registration; confirm the appointment time and time zone; re-read the official skills outline and list the 3-4 objectives you are weakest on.
Stop learning new topics. Do targeted review of weak domains - for AZ-900 that usually means cloud service types (IaaS/PaaS/SaaS), the shared responsibility model, and cost/management tooling. Review your own summary notes only.
One light review pass (60-90 minutes max), then stop. Prepare your workspace or bag, charge devices, confirm login credentials, and check for any provider emails about your appointment. Sleep on a normal schedule.
Eat a normal meal, re-check the appointment time, close all other applications on the test machine, silence your phone and put it out of reach (not on the desk), and start check-in early with your ID ready.
Read the instructions screen and any provided tutorial. Note how much total time you have and whether the interface offers a 'mark for review' feature. Write nothing down unless your delivery mode permits it.
Budget roughly one minute per question. Answer in one pass, mark genuinely uncertain items for review, and never leave a question blank - there is no penalty for a wrong answer on these exams. Watch for 'select all that apply' wording and for drag-and-drop matching tasks.
Return to marked items, confirm you have answered everything, and submit with a couple of minutes to spare rather than racing the clock.
You typically receive a provisional pass/fail on screen; the official score report follows in your certification profile. If you did not pass, check the retake waiting period with the provider before rebooking.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID; the name must match your registration exactly, or you may be turned away.
Do not communicate with anyone, use unauthorized materials, or leave the camera view (online) / testing room (on-site) during the exam. Suspected misconduct can void your result and your certification eligibility.
Scoring is a scaled score, not a raw percentage; AZ-900 is commonly reported with a passing score of 700 on a 1000-point scale, but confirm the current threshold with Microsoft, as published passing scores can change.
Unanswered questions are scored as incorrect, so always submit an answer even when unsure.
Retake rules and waiting periods between attempts are set by the provider and differ by attempt number - confirm the current policy with Microsoft or the testing provider before rescheduling.
If you test online, all workspace restrictions (clear desk, no paper, no second monitor, no phone within reach) apply for the whole session; confirm the specific list at check-in.
Scheduled breaks, if any, are delivery-mode dependent and a break does not stop the exam clock unless the provider states otherwise - confirm with the provider for your appointment.
If technical problems occur during the exam, stop and contact provider support immediately rather than continuing; unresolved incidents are generally handled through the provider's case process, so keep any case number.