CertifyDeckThe PL-400 exam lasts 100 minutes, has between 40 and 60 questions in several formats (single answer, multiple choice, hotspot, drag and drop and case studies) and requires 700 out of 1,000 points. It is booked through Pearson VUE, at a test center or online proctored. Knowing this in advance removes a good chunk of the nerves; here is the full walkthrough, from booking to result.
Booking and delivery options
The PL-400 is booked and paid for through Pearson VUE, Microsoft's official exam delivery partner. You can take it at a physical testing center or in proctored online mode from home, provided you meet Pearson VUE's technical and workspace requirements.
You choose the language when booking: PL-400 is available in English, Spanish, German, French, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil) and Simplified Chinese.
On exam day
For the online option, identity and environment verification — clear desk, no second monitor, no phone within reach — usually takes 15 to 30 minutes before the exam timer itself starts. Budget that extra time on top of the 100-minute exam.
Question format
The exam mixes single-answer, multiple-choice, hotspot (selecting the right area of an image or code snippet), and drag-and-drop questions, plus possible case studies with several related questions about the same scenario. These are the same four formats you will find in PL-400 practice.
There's no explicit penalty for guessing, so mark an answer on every question before finishing, even if you're not sure. Multiple-choice questions state how many answers to pick: count them before selecting.
Duration and passing score
The exam lasts 100 minutes and the number of questions ranges from 40 to 60 depending on the version. Scoring is on a 1,000-point scale with 700 as the passing score; it is not a direct percentage of correct answers, since questions can carry different weights.
The certification renews annually through a free assessment on Microsoft Learn, without paying for the exam again. Always confirm the exact figures on the official exam page before you sit it.
If you fail
After a first failed attempt you can retake it after 24 hours. If you fail again, Microsoft applies longer waiting periods for subsequent attempts, so review the areas you struggled with before trying again — the results report breaks down your score by domain.
Use that breakdown to choose which categories to practice on CertifyDeck and follow the study plan by starting level to decide when to rebook.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the PL-400 exam?
100 minutes of exam time, plus 15-30 minutes of verification if you take it online. It has between 40 and 60 questions.
What is the passing score for PL-400?
700 out of 1,000, like every Microsoft certification exam.
Can I take PL-400 in Spanish?
Yes. It is available in English, Spanish, German, French, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil) and Simplified Chinese; you pick the language when booking on Pearson VUE.
How many times can I sit PL-400?
There is no strict annual cap, but there are mandatory waits: 24 hours after the first failure and longer periods from the second onward.
Does the PL-400 certification expire?
It is valid for one year and renews for free with an online assessment on Microsoft Learn, without retaking the full exam.