MOS Frequently Asked Questions

Exam Basics

Q: How many questions will there be on the exam?

A:The number of questions on an exam is subject to change as we update the certification exam over time to keep current with the technology. Most Microsoft Certification exams contain 40-60 questions; however, the number can vary.

Q: Which testing formats and question types will be used in the exam I'm taking?

A:Because Microsoft continually introduces innovative testing technologies and question types, we do not provide this level of information for each exam. To get a feel for what you might see on an exam, we encourage you to review some possible exam formats and question types.

Q: How much time will I have to complete the exam?

A:

*Note Exam time refers to the amount of time that you have to complete the exam. Seat time refers to the amount of time that you should allocate for the exam. It includes the time needed to review the instructions, read and accept the NDA, complete the exam questions, and provide comments after completing it (if you choose to do so).

**Note Case studies are not timed separately from the rest of the exam. The number of case studies in an exam is noted on the exam introduction screen. Manage your exam time accordingly so that you are able to complete all case studies and all other sections of your exam.

Q: How does Microsoft decide how many questions on a particular subject to include on the exam?

A:The skills measured on an exam are identified by subject-matter experts external to Microsoft (in other words, they are not Microsoft employees). This list of skills, called the “objective domain,” is the basis for exam development. The number of questions that measure each skill area is determined through the blueprinting process; sections of the exam measuring critical and/or more frequently performed skills will contain more questions than those that assess less important or less frequently performed skills.

Q: Will the exam cover material that is not covered in the Microsoft Press book I am using to prepare for the exam? 

A: All learning materials related to exams, including Microsoft training and Microsoft Press resources, are developed independently of exam content, because the exams are intended to assess competence when using the technology, not the effectiveness of training materials or learning. Qualified candidates must have sufficient experience in working with the technology to pass the exam. Training is a great first step in preparing for a Microsoft Certification exam, but it is not required and does not guarantee that you will pass the exam. Experience is required.

Microsoft works hard to ensure that some form of training material exists for all skills that will be measured on an exam. Use the information provided on the exam details page to identify which Microsoft training resources cover the skills assessed in the exam.

Q: What disability accommodations are available ?

A: Microsoft is dedicated to ensuring our exams are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. For a list of available accommodations, please visit the Accommodations Page

Exam Specifics

Q: Why is the case study format used ?

A: The case study exam format uses complex scenarios that more accurately simulate what Microsoft Certified Professionals do on the job. Scenario-based questions included in the case studies are designed to test your ability to identify the critical information needed to solve a problem and then analyze and synthesize it to make decisions. You can refer to scenario details as often as you’d like while you are working on questions in a case study.

Q: After I complete a case study, will I be able to review the questions ?

A: You may review the questions in a case study until you move to the next case or section of the exam. Once you leave a case study, however, you will not be able to review the questions associated with that case. When you complete a case study and its associated questions, a review screen will appear. This screen lets you review your answers and make changes before you move to the next case study.

Note Case studies are not timed separately from the rest of the exam. The number of case studies in an exam is noted on the exam introduction screen. Manage your exam time accordingly so that you are able to complete all case studies and all other sections of your exam.

Scoring and results

Q: How and when will I get my exam results ?

A: You will receive notification of your pass or fail status within a few minutes of completing your exam. In addition, you will receive a printed report that provides your exam score and feedback on your performance on the skill areas measured. 

Q: What does the score report look like ?

A: The score report provides a numeric score for overall exam performance, pass/fail status, and a bar chart showing performance on each skill area assessed on the exam. Using this information, candidates can determine areas of strength and weakness.

Q: Can i find whether I answered a specific question correctly, or whether this answer affected my pass / fail status ?

A: No. Microsoft Certification exams are designed to measure candidates’ skills and abilities in this technology, not their ability to study or memorize specific questions that were on the exam. Qualified candidates will be able to pass this exam regardless of the questions asked. As a result, to protect the integrity of the certification process, Microsoft does not share information about the specific questions that were missed.

Q: How are the questions scored? How many points is each question worth? Will I be be penalised for answering a question wrongly?

Answer:

• Most questions are worth one point, regardless of what you have to do to answer the question. If a question is worth more than one point, this information will be stated in the question.
• There is no penalty for guessing. If you choose an incorrect answer, you simply do not earn the point(s) for that item. No points are deducted for incorrect answers. 
• Some questions on the exam may not be included in the calculation of your score. To gather data to update and improve the quality of each exam, we present new content to candidates without counting the results toward their score. However, as soon as we have the necessary data to evaluate the quality of the question, items that meet Microsoft’s psychometric standards will be scored. Microsoft will not inform candidates as to which questions are unscored; as a result, you should answer every question as if it will be scored.

Note that this scoring system is subject to change as Microsoft continues to introduce new and innovative question types. Microsoft will indicate if a question is scored differently in the text of the question.

Q: How are my exam scores calculated ?

A: After you complete your exam, the points you earned on each question are summed and then compared with the cut score to determine whether the result is pass or fail.

Exam security and integrity policies

Q: What is proxy testing ?

A: Proxy testing occurs when someone takes an exam for another candidate. In other words, the candidate has passed an exam without actually taking it. Engaging in proxy testing as either the test taker or the person who hired the test taker is a form of misconduct and fraud.

Q: How can i identify a proxy testing website or organisation ?

A: The primary warning sign of a proxy testing website or organisation is any guarantee that you will pass the exam without having to take it. Proxy testing sites indicate that they will provide a full credential if you send them your credit card information.

Q: Why should i avoid proxy testing?

A: If a candidate engages in proxy testing, that candidate will be permanently banned or prohibited from taking any future Microsoft Certification exams and may be decertified from the Microsoft Certification Program. Additionally, test scores and certifications, if applicable, may be revoked. These actions may be taken even if the candidate did not intend to defraud the Microsoft Certification Program.

Q: What kind of security should be at a testing centre ?

A: The testing centres are provided with security policies that must be enforced in order to acquire and maintain testing center status. Ongoing inspections ensure that each testing center maintains the security outlined by Microsoft and the exam delivery provider. In addition, proctors at testing centers are authorized to immediately take appropriate measures against candidates who violate testing rules. For specific information about the expectations for candidates, please contact the exam delivery provider.

Q: What kinds of impropriety can occur on the part of the testing centre ?

A: Testing centre administrators act inappropriately when they fail to follow any security policies of Microsoft or the exam delivery provider. Examples could include, but are not limited to, overlooking inappropriate candidate identification; failing to ask for an ID from each candidate; failing to conduct periodic walkthroughs; failing to keep partitions between testing stations; overlooking the presence of crib sheets or electronic devices; providing answers or aid in any form with regard to any exam item; and allowing the release of Microsoft intellectual property in any form.

Q: What happens to a testing centre that participates in fraudulent behaviour ?

A: If Microsoft determines that a testing centre has acted improperly or fraudulently, Microsoft has the right to cease delivery of all exams at that centre.

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