New Relic Verified Foundation exam-day guide
New Relic Verified Foundation · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact ID name matching your registration. If you are testing remotely, use the same ID type the proctor will inspect on camera. Confirm accepted ID types with the provider before test day; this is needs_review because accepted documents vary by delivery method.
Appointment confirmation and login details
Have your scheduling confirmation, test-taker account credentials, and any session link or launch instructions accessible. Verify the time zone shown on the confirmation and convert it to your local time. Confirm the check-in window with the provider.
Quiet, private, well-lit room (remote testing)
Clear the desk of papers, phones, and second screens. A proctor may ask for a 360-degree room scan. Sit with a plain wall behind you and reliable lighting on your face. If you test at a center, skip this and confirm center rules with the provider.
Working webcam, microphone, and speakers
Test them the day before. If your setup fails during check-in, you may lose your slot. Run any system or compatibility check the provider offers in advance. Confirm whether a headset is allowed with the provider; this is needs_review.
Stable internet connection with a backup
Wired or strong Wi-Fi is safer than mobile hotspot alone, but keep a phone hotspot as fallback. Know how to reconnect if the session drops, and confirm the provider's reconnect or reschedule policy.
Close background applications and disable notifications
Close chat, email, and sync clients. Silence your phone and place it out of reach unless the proctor instructs otherwise. Screen-sharing or recording tools may trigger a proctor flag.
Review the exam guide and scoring basics
Re-read the official exam description for domain weightings and question format. Know whether the exam is scored on a scaled range and what the passing threshold is. If you cannot find these details, confirm with the provider rather than guessing.
Prepare a one-page concept sheet for last-minute review
Summarize high-value topics such as telemetry data types, alerting concepts, dashboards, and query basics. Keep it for pre-check-in review only; do not bring notes into the test unless the provider explicitly permits them.
Plan arrival or check-in time with buffer
Aim to arrive or log in early enough to absorb delays. For remote testing, check in before your scheduled time if the provider allows. Confirm the late-arrival policy with the provider.
Water, snack, and rest plan
Hydrate and eat lightly before the test. If you are prone to headaches from screen time, plan a short break only if the provider permits scheduled or unscheduled breaks; otherwise prepare to sit through the session.
Backup contact for the provider
Save the provider's support contact or chat link in case of technical failure or check-in problems. Have it on a device other than the one you are testing on.
Confirm break and materials rules
Ask whether scratch paper, a whiteboard, or a calculator is allowed and how it must be shown to the proctor. Treat all of this as needs_review until confirmed with the provider.
Plan the day
Confirm your appointment time, time zone, and delivery method. Run the provider's system check on the exact computer and network you will use. Re-read the official exam guide and note domain weightings. Build your one-page concept sheet from areas where practice scores were weakest, and schedule two focused review blocks rather than a single marathon.
Take one timed practice set under exam-like conditions, then review every wrong answer for the underlying concept, not just the correct option. Stop adding new topics after this point; consolidate what you already know. Verify ID details match your registration name exactly.
Do a light review of your concept sheet and the exam format. Prepare your testing space, charge devices, and test webcam and microphone again. Confirm login credentials work. Set two alarms. Get a full night of sleep; do not study late into the night.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate, and avoid heavy caffeine if you are jittery. Do a final 15- to 20-minute skim of your concept sheet only. Close background apps, silence your phone, and clear your desk. Log in or arrive with buffer time. Keep your ID and confirmation within reach.
Read each question fully and watch for qualifiers such as 'best', 'primary', or 'least'. Answer confident questions first and flag uncertain ones for review if the interface allows. Budget time so you can revisit flagged items; do not leave blanks unless the format penalizes wrong answers. If a technical issue occurs, stay calm, note the time, and contact the provider through the saved support channel. Follow proctor instructions exactly.
Note which domains felt weak while memory is fresh, in case you need to retake. Check the provider's stated score-reporting timeline and keep your confirmation email. Do not discuss specific exam content with others; it is typically prohibited.
Rules to check
Present the same government-issued photo ID used at registration; the name must match your registration. Confirm accepted ID types with the provider before test day.
Test alone in a private space. No other people, no coaching, no unauthorized materials, notes, or devices in reach unless the provider explicitly allows them.
Do not capture, share, or discuss exam questions or content. Most providers treat this as a conduct violation that can void your result.
Follow all proctor instructions, including room scans and showing your desk or screen. Refusal may end the session.
Breaks: confirm with the provider whether scheduled or unscheduled breaks are allowed, whether the clock keeps running, and whether you must remain on camera. Do not assume a break is permitted.
Scoring: confirm the passing score, scaled range, and whether results are immediate or delayed with the provider. Do not rely on secondhand claims about thresholds.
If your session disconnects, attempt to reconnect promptly and contact provider support. Ask the provider in advance how a technical failure affects your attempt or eligibility for a reschedule.
Arrive or check in on time. Late arrival may forfeit your slot or fee; confirm the late-arrival and reschedule policy with the provider.