Microsoft exams are proctored online or at physical testing centers

You can take a Microsoft certification exam in two ways: at a Pearson VUE testing center near you, or online from home through Pearson OnVUE. Both routes use the same exam content and scoring. The choice depends on whether you prefer a supervised in-person environment or the convenience of testing from your own computer.

Microsoft does not run the exams itself. Instead, the company contracts with Pearson VUE, a third-party testing company, to deliver, proctor, and score all Microsoft certification exams. This means you book your exam through Pearson VUE's website, not through Microsoft directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft certification exams are delivered by Pearson VUE, either at physical testing centers or online through Pearson OnVUE.
  • You register and pay for your exam on the Pearson VUE website, not on Microsoft's site, though you log in with your Microsoft account.
  • Testing centers are located in most cities and towns; you can search for one near you by zip code on the Pearson VUE site.
  • Online proctoring requires a quiet private space, a webcam, a microphone, and a stable internet connection, with a proctor watching via video throughout the exam.
  • Exam fees vary by certification level but typically range from $99 to $165 per exam, paid at the time of registration.

Finding and booking at a Pearson VUE testing center

Go to the Pearson VUE website (pearsonvue.com) and select "Microsoft" from the list of exam providers. Enter your zip code or city to see all testing centers within your area. Most cities have at least one center; rural areas may require travel to the nearest town.

Once you find a center, you can see available exam dates and times for the next several weeks. Click the exam you want to take, select your preferred date and time slot, and proceed to registration. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID to test in person—bring it with you on exam day.

Testing centers are typically located in professional office buildings, community colleges, or dedicated testing facilities. The environment is quiet and monitored. You will be seated at a computer in a private or semi-private booth, and a proctor will be present or monitoring via camera.

Taking an exam online with Pearson OnVUE

Pearson OnVUE lets you take your exam from home or any private location with a computer, webcam, microphone, and stable internet. You register the same way as for a testing center—through the Pearson VUE website—but select "Online Proctored" instead of a physical location.

Before your exam, you must run a system check on the Pearson OnVUE website to confirm your computer meets the technical requirements. Your internet speed must be at least 2.5 Mbps read and 1 Mbps upload. Your browser must be compatible (usually Chrome or Edge). You cannot use a phone or tablet.

On exam day, log into Pearson OnVUE 15 minutes early. A proctor will verify your identity by asking you to show your photo ID to your webcam, then scan your testing space to confirm you are alone and have no unauthorized materials. The proctor watches via your webcam throughout the entire exam. You cannot leave the frame, use a second monitor, or have anyone else in the room.

What to bring and what is not allowed

For in-person testing, bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Pearson will not let you test without it. Arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in.

You cannot bring notes, study materials, phones, smartwatches, or any electronic devices into the testing room. You cannot wear headphones or earbuds. You cannot eat, drink, or chew gum during the exam. Pearson provides scratch paper and a pen for notes during the test; you turn these in when you finish.

For online testing, the same rules explore: no phones, no second monitors, no notes visible on your desk, no one else in the room. Your desk must be clear except for your computer. Some people use a small whiteboard for notes, which is allowed, but it must be erased and shown to the proctor before the exam begins.

Exam fees and rescheduling

Microsoft certification exam fees are set by Pearson VUE and vary by exam. Most exams cost between $99 and $165. Some bundle exams (like the two-exam Microsoft 365 Certified Associate track) may have discounted pricing. You pay when you register, not on exam day.

If you need to reschedule, you can do so through your Pearson VUE account up to 24 hours before your exam time. Rescheduling to a different date or time is free. If you cancel more than 24 hours in advance, you forfeit your exam fee; if you cancel within 24 hours or do not show up, you lose your fee and cannot reschedule without paying again.

What happens after you finish

You receive a preliminary score when ready after you complete the exam. Your official score report is sent to your Microsoft account within 24 hours. If you passed, you can read your digital badge and certificate from your Microsoft Learn profile.

If you did not pass, your score report shows which skill areas you scored lower in. You can retake the exam, but there is a waiting period: you must wait 24 hours before your second attempt, and 14 days before a third attempt in the same calendar year. After three attempts in one year, you must wait 12 months before trying again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a Microsoft exam without registering through Pearson VUE?

No. Microsoft only delivers exams through Pearson VUE. You cannot take an official Microsoft certification exam through any other testing company or directly through Microsoft. All registration and payment goes through Pearson VUE's website.

What if my internet cuts out during an online exam?

If your connection drops, the exam pauses. You have a few minutes to reconnect before the proctor ends the session. If you reconnect in time, you can resume where you left off. If the connection fails permanently, contact Pearson VUE support when ready—they may allow you to retake the exam without paying again, depending on the circumstances.

Do I need to use a specific browser for online proctoring?

Pearson OnVUE works best with Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Safari and Firefox are not supported. Before exam day, read the Pearson OnVUE browser extension and run the system check to confirm everything works on your computer.

Can I test in a language other than English?

Most Microsoft exams are available in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese. When you register on the Pearson VUE website, you can select your preferred language. Not all exams are translated into all languages, so check availability when you search for your specific exam.

What if I fail the exam—do I have to pay the full fee again?

Yes. Each exam attempt, whether it is your first or your fifth, requires a separate registration and payment. There are no discounts for retakes. Some employers or training programs offer exam vouchers that cover the fee, so check whether your organization provides them before paying out of pocket.