AZ-900 exam format: 45 minutes, 65 in the seat and five question types to try first

Seeing the screens before the day removes one source of surprise.

Time

You have 45 minutes of exam time. Microsoft advises allowing 65 minutes in the seat for instructions and the candidate agreement. Plan the day around 65.

Microsoft states that most of its exams have 40 to 60 questions, and some questions may be unscored trial items that you cannot identify. Answer every question as if it counts.

Scoring

Scores run from 1 to 1,000 and you need 700 to pass. The score is scaled, so 700 does not mean 70 per cent of the points. There is no penalty for guessing, and multi-part questions usually give a point for each correct part. Never leave a question blank.

Unlike Microsoft's Associate and Expert exams, Fundamentals exams give no access to Microsoft Learn during the exam.

Five question types

Microsoft names these types and demonstrates them in its sandbox, but does not say in advance which types each exam uses.

Try the sandbox

The exam page links a free exam sandbox. Open it before the day and try each type once, so the screens are familiar. A fumble with a hot area on the day costs minutes you would rather spend thinking.

A reading habit that works for every type

Most questions describe a short need and ask for the best fit. Read the last line first, so you know if you are choosing a service, a tool or a model. Then remove options that do something different.

Practise in 45-minute blocks

In Stage D, do timed practice in 45-minute blocks. It matches the time you will have on the day. After each block, count first answers only and sort your misses by habit.

What to do with a question you cannot place

Give your best answer and move on. A partial answer to a multi-part question usually earns something.

Online breaks

If you test online, the exam clock keeps running during any break, and after a break you cannot return to the questions you saw before it. Plan not to need a break. If you have a documented disability, request accommodations before you schedule, because processing can take up to 20 days.

The day-before list

• The sandbox tried.
• Your pace known from two timed blocks.
• Your plan for not needing a break made.
• The 65-minute window protected in your diary.