SC-300 exam-day guide
SC-300 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring an original, unexpired ID with photo and signature; the name must match your exam registration exactly. Confirm accepted ID types with the exam provider.
Second form of ID (if required)
Some delivery modes ask for a secondary ID. needs_review - confirm with the provider whether a second document is required for your appointment.
Appointment confirmation
Have the confirmation email or app screenshot with date, time, time zone, and delivery method (test center vs. online proctored).
Quiet, private room (online delivery)
Clear desk, no posters or notes in view, door closed, no other people or pets entering during the session.
Working webcam, microphone, and speakers
Test them in advance; the proctor will need to see you and your room during check-in.
Stable internet and power
Prefer wired ethernet or a strong connection; plug in your laptop and close bandwidth-heavy apps.
Run the provider's system test
Install and test the proctoring software a few days ahead. needs_review - the exact tool and requirements depend on the provider; confirm on your appointment page.
Account credentials
Know the sign-in details for the Microsoft account tied to your certification profile and for the proctoring app.
Single monitor only
Disconnect or disable additional displays; leave only the primary screen active.
Phone silenced and out of reach
Turn it off or place it away from your testing area; do not pick it up during the exam.
Travel plan (test center)
Check the address and transit time; aim to arrive early. needs_review - confirm the provider's recommended arrival window.
Light review sheet in your head, not on paper
No notes are allowed in the testing area; review high-weight topics (identity governance, authentication and access management, app access, monitoring) before you sit down.
Plan the day
Confirm appointment details and the reschedule/cancel deadline. Run the system test if testing online. Verify your ID name matches the registration. Do targeted review of weak domains (conditional access, PIM, entitlement management, app registrations/SSO, access reviews). Avoid learning brand-new topics.
Light review only: skim your own summary of commonly missed concepts. Prepare the room and device if online, or plan the trip if at a test center. Charge devices, update the proctoring app if prompted, and get a full night's sleep.
Eat and hydrate. Have your ID out and confirmation ready. Join or arrive early (commonly about 30 minutes before the start - confirm with the provider). Close all other applications and notifications.
Follow the proctor's instructions exactly: show your ID, pan the room with the webcam if online, and stay silent unless spoken to. Resolve any name or technical issue before the clock starts if possible.
Read each stem fully and watch for qualifiers like 'least privilege' or 'minimal administrative effort'. Flag uncertain items and return to them. Check the clock at roughly the halfway point and adjust pace. Treat case studies as a set of related questions and note key constraints first.
A provisional pass/fail is typically shown at the end; the formal score report follows. Note any candidate ID or issue number if something went wrong.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID; the name must match your registration. Confirm accepted documents with the provider before exam day.
No unauthorized materials in the testing area: no notes, books, second screens, smartwatches, or phones.
If testing online, remain in camera view and inside the room; do not leave except under an approved break. Confirm the exact room and movement rules with the provider.
Break availability and whether the clock stops vary by exam and delivery mode - confirm with the provider rather than assuming.
Microsoft certification exams are scored on a scaled scale, and 700 is generally the passing score; treat the on-screen result as provisional until the official report is issued.
You agree not to share, record, or reconstruct exam content; doing so can invalidate your result.
Reschedule and cancellation deadlines and fees vary - confirm the policy on your appointment page.
If the proctoring software or connection fails, contact the proctor or provider support immediately instead of troubleshooting alone.