Grafana Associate exam-day guide
Grafana Associate · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID (passport or driver's license) whose name matches your registration exactly. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Exam appointment confirmation
Have your confirmation email, scheduling portal login, and any session/launch code ready. For remote proctoring, confirm the check-in link and any system test you were asked to complete beforehand.
Stable computer and internet connection
For online-proctored delivery, use a wired or strong Wi-Fi connection, close bandwidth-heavy applications, and have a backup connection (mobile hotspot) available in case of dropout. Confirm the provider's minimum system requirements.
Working webcam and microphone
Remote proctoring typically requires a webcam for room scan and identity verification, plus a microphone. Test both in advance and confirm with the provider whether an external camera is permitted.
Quiet, private, well-lit room
Clear your desk of papers, phones, and notes unless the provider explicitly allows scratch materials. Inform household members not to enter during the exam. Confirm the provider's rules on permitted items and room setup.
Grafana documentation familiarity (not open-book unless confirmed)
Unless the provider confirms an open-book policy, assume the exam is closed-book. Review key areas: dashboard variables, panel queries, alert rules, data source configuration, and organization/user permissions. Do not rely on searching docs during the test.
Scratch paper and pen/pencil (if permitted)
Some providers allow a blank sheet or erasable board for notes. Confirm with the provider whether these are allowed and whether you must show them to the proctor before and after the exam.
Water in a clear container (if permitted)
Many proctoring services allow a clear glass or bottle. Confirm with the provider; avoid labels or opaque containers that could be flagged.
Restroom break plan
Confirm with the provider whether breaks are allowed, whether the clock stops, and whether you must notify the proctor. Plan hydration and timing accordingly.
Timer and question-flag strategy
Know the total number of questions and time limit from the provider's exam guide. Decide in advance how many minutes per question to target and how to use the flag/review feature for uncertain items.
Backup power and device
Charge your laptop and have a charger plugged in. If testing at a center, confirm the address, parking, and arrival time. Confirm with the provider what to do if your device fails mid-exam.
Provider contact information
Save the support phone number or chat link for the testing provider in case of technical issues, check-in problems, or scheduling questions. needs_review: exact support channels vary by provider.
Plan the day
Confirm your appointment details, ID requirements, and delivery method (remote or test center) with the provider. Run any required system test for remote proctoring. Review your weakest Grafana topics-dashboard variables, alerting, data source configuration, and permissions-using official Grafana documentation. Take one timed practice set if available, and note your pacing.
Do a focused review of Grafana fundamentals: panel types and queries, transformations, annotations, dashboard links, and organization/team/user roles. Write a one-page summary of concepts you tend to forget. Avoid learning entirely new topics; consolidate instead.
Light review only: skim your summary sheet and key documentation pages. Prepare your workspace and test your equipment again. Confirm the check-in time and any launch code. Get a full night's sleep; avoid cramming late.
Eat a normal meal and hydrate moderately. Join the check-in early if the provider allows. Close all unnecessary applications, silence notifications, and clear your desk. Have your ID and confirmation ready. Do a final 10-minute review of your summary sheet, not new material.
Read each question fully and watch for qualifiers like 'best', 'first', or 'most likely'. Answer confident questions first, flag uncertain ones, and return to them if time permits. Manage your clock against your per-question target. If a technical issue occurs, notify the proctor immediately and note the time. Do not panic if a question is unfamiliar-eliminate clearly wrong options and move on.
Rules to check
Bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID with a name matching your registration. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Follow all proctor instructions, including room scans, showing your workspace, and any permitted-items checks. Failure to comply can result in exam invalidation.
Do not use unauthorized materials, devices, or assistance. Unless the provider confirms an open-book policy, treat the exam as closed-book and keep phones and notes out of reach.
Confirm break rules with the provider before exam day. Many proctored exams do not stop the clock for breaks, and leaving the camera view without permission may be flagged.
Scoring policies, including pass thresholds and whether partial credit applies, are set by the provider. Confirm the current scoring and retake policy on the official program page rather than relying on secondhand information.
If you experience a technical failure, contact the proctor or provider support immediately and document the issue. Do not attempt to restart the exam without instruction.
Arrive or check in early per the provider's instructions. Late arrival may forfeit your appointment or reduce your available time; confirm the provider's late-arrival policy.