CertifyDeckBefore you book AB-900, get clear on what Microsoft publishes on the official page. The exam lasts 45 minutes, you pass with 700 out of 1,000, it is offered in English only for now, you book it through Pearson VUE (or Certiport if you are a student or educator) and, if you fail, you can retake it after 24 hours. The English version is also being updated on 14 October 2026. Everything is here, as checked on 18 September 2026.
Duration, questions and passing score
The certification page states 45 minutes to complete the assessment, less than half of an associate exam. Microsoft does not publish the number of questions. Scoring is scaled and you pass with 700 out of 1,000, which is not the same as 70% correct because questions can be weighted differently. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so answer everything.
Format: mostly single answer and multiple choice, possibly with interactive items such as drag and drop or ordering; the page warns that interactive components may appear. With 45 minutes there is little time to re-read: timed practice matters more than you would expect for a fundamentals exam. You can see the real interface in Microsoft's exam sandbox.
Language: English only, and what to do about it
As of 18 September 2026 the official page lists English only. Microsoft usually localizes exams over time but publishes no schedule. If English is not your language you can request an extra 30 minutes through an accommodation request, which has to be made before you book.
If you study in another language, practise the questions in English, because the portal vocabulary (sensitivity labels, retention, conditional access, oversharing) is what you will see on exam day. On CertifyDeck every AB-900 question is available in English and Spanish and you can switch.
Cost and booking step by step
Microsoft says the price depends on the country or region. The reference for fundamentals exams is USD 99; in the euro area it is usually the same figure in euros plus tax, and in countries such as India it is considerably lower. The exact price appears when you start booking, before you pay. Legitimate ways to pay less: vouchers from official Microsoft events and trainings (fundamentals Virtual Training Days have often included them), verified student discounts and company vouchers if you work at a partner.
To book: open the certification page on Microsoft Learn with a personal Microsoft account (Microsoft recommends it: with a work account you lose your records if you change jobs), choose schedule exam and pick Pearson VUE, at a test centre or online. Students and educators can book through Certiport. Online you need a room to yourself, a camera, a microphone and a system check beforehand.
The 14 October change, retakes and expiry
The English version of the exam is updated on 14 October 2026. According to the study guide change log, the audience profile and domains do not change and there is a minor adjustment in the Microsoft 365 security features sub-block. If you sit the exam after that date, review the new version of the guide; if before, no need to change your plan.
If you fail you can retake 24 hours after the first attempt; later attempts have longer waits. And as a fundamentals certification it does not expire or need annual renewal. Before booking, check your level with a 45-minute AB-900 mock exam, free to start, and review the outline by domain.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the AB-900 exam cost?
Microsoft sets the price by country. The reference for fundamentals exams is USD 99; the exact amount appears when you book.
How long is the AB-900 exam?
45 minutes, with a passing score of 700 out of 1,000.
Is AB-900 still in beta?
As of 18 September 2026 the official page does not label it as beta and offers a practice assessment, which is what a generally available exam looks like.
What changes in AB-900 on 14 October 2026?
According to the study guide, a minor adjustment in the Microsoft 365 security features sub-block. The audience profile and domain weights do not change.