Frequently asked questions about exam accommodations

If I have an accommodation for training that I took to prepare for the exam, do I need a separate one for the certification exam itself?

Yes. The exam experience is separate from the training experience, and different accommodations may be more appropriate in an exam setting. Microsoft is committed to ensuring a fair and valid evaluation of your skills during our exam. To do so, we may need to grant different accommodations that make more sense for an exam situation.

If I was previously provided an accommodation, do I have to go through the same process for my next exam?

Once we have your accommodation on file, approvals are valid indefinitely for permanent disabilities. You will not need to repeat the process unless you want to change your specific accommodations. If you have a temporary disability, you‘ll need to resubmit your request after one year.

If you received an accommodation from Pearson VUE prior to July 1, 2022, you will have to create a profile in the request system to ensure that Microsoft’s policies are applied to your request.

Why do I need to provide documentation to obtain an accommodation?

Certain accommodations require documentation to ensure fair and consistent delivery. Because some accommodations could provide an unfair advantage to those who don’t need them, we strive to create an equitable experience for all by verifying need.

We’ve expanded the list of documentation options that can be used to support your accommodation request and removed documentation requirements where no unfair advantage could be gained by providing the accommodation. You no longer need to provide medical documentation to receive an accommodation. Learn more about the types of acceptable documentation by visiting: Types of documentation accepted.

I would rather not disclose my condition to get the accommodation. Is that possible?

We do not request information about your condition. We simply need to know the accommodations you want.

For those accommodations that require documentation, medical documentation is no longer required. We have expanded the documentation options to include any document that demonstrates your need, including those showing you received the accommodation in the past. We don’t need to know what your condition is; we just need to know that a similar accommodation has been granted. The more we know about your specific needs, the more we can ensure you have what you need during the exam. Microsoft and our exam delivery providers are committed to privacy and data security and won’t share information provided as part of the accommodations process.

Note: Many accommodations don’t require documentation.

What are some behaviors that cause proctors to interrupt or revoke/cancel the exam?

Regardless of where you take your exam, you’ll be monitored via video; in an online experience, this happens through a web camera. You must stay in view of the camera at all times. Without an accommodation, you will not be able to read the questions aloud. You may move your lips, mumble, fidget, move around, and look away from the monitor.

If any of these behaviors, however, appear suspicious, the proctor will warn you to stop the questionable behavior and may ask you to do another room scan if you’re taking the exam online. If the behavior continues, the exam will be revoked.

One key difference between test center and online deliveries is that proctors have more control over what is brought into the testing area. With online deliveries, if unauthorized individuals enter your exam room, your exam will be cancelled or revoked. Note: If no other childcare options are available, children under the age of 13 may be present without requiring an accommodation.

If you need a reader/scribe or personal care attendant, that person may be present during your exam by requesting an accommodation.

If you still have questions about specific behaviors that might cause the proctor to interrupt or stop your exam, please contact the Microsoft Exam Accommodations Support team to learn more.

What if I have challenges with the check-in process for online exams?

You’ll need to take and upload pictures from your phone and use your webcam to visually scan the exam area within a 15-minute window. Your desk and walls will need to be cleared of any prohibited items. Please request an accommodation prior to registering for the exam if you feel unable to accomplish these tasks within the allotted time or cannot rearrange your testing area to meet the “clean” room requirements.

I have an approved accommodation, but I need to reschedule. What do I do?

Use the same process you used to schedule the original appointment; contact the scheduling agent as noted in your original approval letter. They will work with you to reschedule the exam.

I am having trouble completing the request process and cannot proceed. Who can help?

If you encounter issues that you cannot resolve at any point during the process, please contact the Microsoft Exam Accommodations for additional assistance.