Microsoft SC-900 exam-day guide
Microsoft SC-900 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact ID name that matches your registration. If testing at a test center, a valid passport or national ID is the safest choice; confirm accepted ID types and name-matching rules with the test provider before test day.
Second form of ID (test center)
Some centers ask for a second ID or a signature-bearing card. This is not universal, so confirm with the provider whether a second ID is required at your chosen location.
Appointment confirmation details
Have your appointment number, test date/time, and the test center address or online-proctoring link saved offline (screenshot or printed) in case your phone or email is unavailable.
Login credentials for the exam delivery platform
For online proctored delivery, verify your account username and password work a day ahead. Password reset flows can fail under time pressure; confirm the exact login route with the provider.
Quiet, private room and working webcam/microphone (online delivery)
Online proctoring typically requires a private room, a clear desk, and functional camera and mic. Exact room and desk rules vary, so confirm the provider's environment requirements in advance.
System check completed (online delivery)
Run the provider's system readiness test on the same device and network you will use. Do this at least 24 hours before the appointment so you have time to fix issues.
Power and connectivity backup
Charge your laptop, know your charger location, and have a phone hotspot or alternate network available if permitted. Confirm whether a backup connection is allowed under the provider's rules.
Arrival or check-in buffer
Plan to arrive at a test center or join the online session well before the start time; check-in and ID verification take time. The exact required arrival window should be confirmed with the provider.
Clear workspace and permitted items only
Remove notes, phones, watches, and study materials from the desk. Whether scratch paper or a whiteboard is allowed varies by delivery mode, so confirm the permitted-items list with the provider.
Water and a light snack for before/after
Stay hydrated and eat beforehand. Whether food or drink is allowed during the exam or during any break should be confirmed with the provider; assume not unless told otherwise.
Accessibility or accommodation confirmation
If you requested extra time or other accommodations, bring the approval confirmation and verify it is reflected in your appointment. Confirm the process with the provider if you are unsure.
Review plan notes only, not new material
Bring a short one-page summary of key concepts (zero trust, identity, compliance, Defender/Sentinel basics) for a light final review. Do not attempt to bring notes into the exam room.
Plan the day
Shift from learning to consolidation. Re-read your own summary notes on the four SC-900 domains: security, compliance, and identity concepts; Microsoft Entra capabilities; Microsoft security solutions; and Microsoft compliance solutions. Do timed practice sets and log every miss with the reason you missed it (misread question, unknown term, or guessed). Spend the remaining time only on the terms you keep missing, such as authentication vs. authorization, conditional access, MFA, passwordless methods, and the difference between Defender products and Microsoft Sentinel. Confirm your appointment time, location or online link, and ID requirements now, not later.
Do a light review of your error log and the one-page summary; stop heavy study in the evening. Complete any system check for online delivery, charge devices, and lay out your ID, confirmation details, and charger. Check the test center's travel route and parking, or test your webcam, mic, and room setup. Sleep on a normal schedule; fatigue costs more points than one extra hour of review. Avoid learning brand-new topics the night before.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate moderately, and avoid heavy caffeine if you are already anxious. Re-read your one-page summary for 15 to 20 minutes, then stop. Arrive early or join check-in early with ID ready. Close extra applications, silence notifications, and keep your phone out of the workspace as required. Take a few slow breaths and remind yourself that many questions test recognition of terms and product purposes rather than deep configuration.
Read each question fully and watch for qualifiers like 'not', 'best', and 'first'. Answer easy items first and flag long scenario questions to revisit. Eliminate obviously wrong options before guessing. For matching and multiple-response items, count the selections required. If a question is unfamiliar, choose the option most consistent with Microsoft's core themes: least privilege, zero trust, defense in depth, and shared responsibility. If time allows, review flagged items, but change answers only when you have a clear reason. Use any permitted break per provider rules; confirm break policy beforehand.
Rules to check
Bring ID that exactly matches your registration name. If your name differs, resolve it with the provider before test day; do not assume staff will fix it at check-in.
Do not bring notes, phones, smart watches, or other unauthorized materials into the exam room or within camera view. Confirm the permitted-items list and any scratch-paper or whiteboard rules with the provider.
Follow all proctor instructions for both test center and online delivery. Behavior that looks like communicating with others or leaving camera view can lead to a conduct review; confirm specific monitoring rules with the provider.
Breaks are not guaranteed and policies differ by delivery mode and exam. Ask the provider in advance whether scheduled or unscheduled breaks are allowed and whether the clock stops during them.
Scoring is based on your performance across scored items; some items may be unscored pretest questions. You will not see which items are unscored, so treat every question as scored. Confirm the passing score and score-report details with the provider.
Do not discuss, reproduce, or share exam content. Most certification programs prohibit disclosing questions, and doing so can invalidate your result. Confirm the exact confidentiality terms with the provider.
If technical problems occur during online delivery, pause and contact proctor support immediately rather than troubleshooting alone. Confirm the support channel and incident process with the provider before you start.
Arrive or check in on time. Late arrival may forfeit your seat or appointment depending on provider policy, so confirm the late-arrival and reschedule rules in advance.