MS-900 exam-day guide
MS-900 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring a current, unexpired photo ID whose name matches your exam registration exactly. Acceptable ID types vary by delivery method (test center vs. online proctored), so confirm the accepted forms with your exam provider before test day.
Registration confirmation and appointment number
Have the confirmation email or appointment/receipt number accessible. You may need it at check-in or if the proctor has to locate your booking.
Verified exam-provider account credentials
Confirm you can log in to the account you scheduled through (and the account tied to your certification profile). Reset the password a few days ahead rather than on test morning.
MS-900 skills outline printed or saved offline
Keep a copy of the official skills measured outline for a last pass over domains and weights. Do not plan to open it during the exam.
Reliable computer with webcam and microphone (online delivery)
If testing remotely, use a machine that meets the provider's technical requirements and run the provider's system test at least 24 hours ahead. Close background apps and disable notifications.
Stable internet connection plus a backup option
Wired or strong Wi-Fi preferred; have a mobile hotspot or alternate device ready in case of dropout. Confirm reconnect behavior with the provider.
Private, quiet, well-lit room with a clear desk
For online proctoring, remove papers, phones, watches, second screens, and anything within reach. A closed door and adequate lighting on your face are commonly required; confirm the specific room rules with the provider.
Note-taking allowance confirmed in advance
Whether scratch paper, a whiteboard, or an on-screen notepad is permitted depends on delivery method and provider. Ask before test day rather than assuming.
Approved accommodations arranged ahead of time
If you need extra time or other accommodations, the request is normally made well before the appointment. Confirm deadlines and status with the provider.
Passing score and scoring format understood
Microsoft certification exams are reported on a scaled score, and 700 is the published passing threshold for MS-900. The number of questions and time limit can change, so check the current exam details page rather than relying on secondhand figures.
Clear water in a container that meets provider rules
Some providers allow a clear bottle or glass; others do not. Confirm the policy for your delivery method.
Retake and reschedule policy reviewed
Know the reschedule/cancellation window and retake waiting period before you sit the exam. These terms are set by the provider and can change.
Plan the day
Re-read the official skills measured outline and list the domains where you are weakest. Do targeted review of those areas only - no new topics this late. Run the provider's system test if you are testing online, and confirm your ID matches your registered name.
Verify appointment time, time zone, and delivery method (test center address or online check-in link). Reconfirm any accommodation approvals and the note-taking policy.
Do a light review of summary notes and key terminology (Microsoft 365 service families, licensing models, identity and security concepts, compliance and endpoint management basics). Stop studying early enough to sleep well.
Prepare the room and equipment: charge devices, clear the desk, test webcam/mic/speakers, confirm internet and backup connectivity, and lay out your ID and confirmation details.
Eat, hydrate, and avoid cramming. Log in or arrive early - many providers advise checking in ahead of your appointment time to complete ID verification and room scans.
Close all other applications, silence your phone and put it out of reach, and make sure no other person enters the room during the session.
Read each question fully and watch for qualifiers such as 'first', 'best', 'not', and 'except'. Fundamentals exams often test the practical purpose of a service rather than deep configuration detail.
Answer every question - there is no credit for blanks. Use the review/mark-for-review feature if offered to flag uncertain items and return to them, then submit only when you have checked for unanswered questions.
If your connection drops or the interface misbehaves, stop and contact the proctor or support immediately rather than restarting on your own.
Your score and pass/fail result are typically shown at the end of the session; a formal score report follows. If you did not pass, note which domains the report identifies and confirm the retake waiting period with the provider before rebooking.
Rules to check
Present valid government-issued photo ID with a name matching your registration; if the names differ, resolve it with the provider before the appointment.
Keep the testing environment clear. Unauthorized materials - notes, phones, smart watches, books, or a second screen - are grounds for invalidating your result.
Do not communicate with anyone other than the proctor during the exam. Talking aloud, gesturing at others, or leaving the camera view can be flagged as a violation.
Breaks are not universally available on this exam. If you need one, request it before starting, since leaving the session may end your exam and you should confirm the policy with the provider.
Exam content is confidential. Sharing, reproducing, or discussing actual questions - including in study groups or online - violates the exam non-disclosure agreement and can void your certification.
Scoring is reported on a scaled basis, and 700 is the published passing score for MS-900. Individual question weighting is not disclosed, so do not try to game item counts.
Rescheduling, cancellation, and retake rules are set by the provider and can change; confirm the current windows and fees in your account before your appointment.
If you experience a technical failure, notify the proctor or support immediately and get a case reference. Do not attempt to re-enter or reschedule the exam on your own until support advises you.