In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about where to take the AZ-900 exam, the pros and cons of each location, and the exact steps to schedule it.
In the United States, you essentially have two paths: taking the exam from the comfort of your home (Online Proctored) or traveling to a physical location (Pearson VUE Test Center).
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Where to Take AZ-900 Exam
The Two Main venues: Online vs. In-Person
When you register for the AZ-900 exam in the US, Microsoft partners exclusively with Pearson VUE to deliver the test. You aren’t taking the exam “at Microsoft”; you are taking it through Pearson VUE’s delivery system.
You will be presented with two primary options:
- OnVUE Online Proctored Exam: You take the test on your own computer at home or in a private office while a proctor monitors you via webcam.
- Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center: You travel to a local facility, sit at their computer, and take the exam in a controlled environment.
Let’s break down both options in extreme detail so you can decide which “where” is right for you.
Option 1: Taking the Exam Online (OnVUE)
For many US-based professionals, this is the default choice. The convenience of not dealing with traffic in New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago is a massive selling point. However, I have found that the online option comes with the strictest rules.
The Environment Requirements
If you choose to take the exam at home, you are responsible for the testing environment. The proctor must see that your space is secure.
- The Walled Room: You must be in a room with four walls and a closed door. No open floor plans or glass-walled conference rooms where people can walk by.
- The Clean Desk Policy: This is where most people struggle. Your desk must be completely clear. I mean completely. No books, no papers, no second monitors, no tissues, and definitely no phone within arm’s reach.
- No Interruptions: If your spouse walks in to ask where the car keys are, or if your dog barks loudly enough to trigger the audio sensors, your exam can be revoked immediately.
System Requirements
You cannot simply use any laptop. You need:
- A reliable internet connection (I recommend a wired ethernet connection if possible).
- A functioning webcam and microphone.
- A single monitor (dual monitors must be unplugged).
- Private Computer: I strongly advise against using a work-issued laptop. Corporate firewalls and VPNs often block the OnVUE software. Use a personal machine to avoid technical heartbreaks on exam day.
The Check-In Process
When I take exams online, I always log in 30 minutes early. You will use your phone to take photos of:
- Your face (headshot).
- Your Government-Issued ID (Driver’s License or Passport).
- Your testing environment (front, back, left, and right of your desk).
Pros and Cons of Online Testing
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
| Convenience | No travel required; take it from your bedroom or home office. | You are your own IT support. If your internet fails, you lose. |
| Comfort | You can use your own keyboard, mouse, and chair. | Strict “no leaving the view” policy. You cannot stand up or stretch easily. |
| Scheduling | Available 24/7. You can take an exam at 11:00 PM on a Saturday. | Wait times for a proctor can sometimes be long (15-45 mins). |
| Privacy | No other candidates coughing or typing next to you. | Proctors can be invasive; they may ask you to move cameras or show your wrists. |
Option 2: Pearson VUE Authorized Test Centers
This is the traditional route. For the AZ-900, there are hundreds of authorized centers across the USA, usually located in community colleges, IT training centers, or specialized testing facilities.
The Environment
When you arrive at a test center, they control everything.
- Security: You will empty your pockets into a locker. No watches, wallets, or phones are allowed in the testing room.
- Equipment: You will use their PC, their mouse, and their monitor. It is usually a standard Windows desktop setup.
- Materials: They will provide you with an erasable whiteboard and a marker for notes. (In the online exam, you only get a digital whiteboard, which is much harder to use).
The Check-In Process
The process here is far simpler than online:
- Walk in 15 minutes early.
- Show two forms of ID (usually one photo ID like a Driver’s License and a second with a signature, like a credit card).
- Sign a digital logbook.
- Stash your stuff in a locker.
- Sit down and take the test.
Pros and Cons of Test Centers
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
| Reliability | Internet and hardware are their responsibility, not yours. | You must travel, park, and account for traffic. |
| Focus | A strictly controlled “exam mode” environment helps with focus. | Other test-takers might be noisy (typing, coughing). |
| Tools | Physical whiteboard/paper is superior for jotting down notes. | You are stuck with their equipment (sometimes old monitors/mice). |
| Schedule | You are done exactly when you finish. | Limited hours (usually 9-5, M-F) and limited seat availability. |
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Schedule Your Exam
Now that you have decided where to take it, let’s look at how to book the slot. The interface can be slightly confusing if you haven’t seen it before.
Go to the official Microsoft Learn page for the AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals. Do not go directly to Pearson VUE’s website yet; always start from Microsoft to ensure your certification profile links correctly.
Step 2: Sign In
Scroll down to the “Schedule Exam” section. You will see a button to schedule with Pearson VUE.
- Note for Students: If you are a student, you might see a “Certiport” option, but for 95% of general US candidates, Pearson VUE is the correct choice.
- Sign in with your personal Microsoft Account (MSA). Do not use your work email (like name@company.com) for your certification profile. Use a personal Outlook, Hotmail, or Gmail address. This ensures you keep your certifications even if you leave your current job.
Step 3: Confirm Profile Details
You will be asked to verify your legal name and address.
- Crucial Warning: Your name on this profile must match your Government ID exactly. If your license says “Christopher” and your profile says “Chris,” you will be turned away at the test center or rejected online.
Step 4: Select Delivery Method
This is the moment of truth. You will be redirected to the Pearson VUE scheduling system. You will see three options:
- In person at a test center.
- Online with OnVUE.
- Private Access Code (Ignore this unless you have a specific voucher from an employer).
Step 5: Choose Location or Time
- If choosing In-Person: You will enter your Zip Code (e.g., 90210 or 10001). The system will show you a map of the nearest 5-10 centers. Select up to three centers to compare availability.
- If choosing Online: You will simply select your time zone and preferred language (English).
Step 6: Select Date and Time
- Test Centers: You are limited to their operating hours. In major US cities, Saturday appointments fill up weeks in advance.
- Online: You will see slots available almost every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day.
Step 7: Payment
As of late 2024/early 2025, the cost for the AZ-900 in the United States is $99 USD.
You can pay via:
- Credit Card (Amex, Mastercard, Visa).
- Voucher Code (if your employer provided one or if you attended a Microsoft Cloud Skills Challenge).
Step 8: Confirmation
Once paid, you will receive an email confirmation.
- For Online: The email will contain a “Test your system” link. Do this immediately.
- For In-Person: The email will contain the address and parking instructions for the center.
Which Location Do I Recommend?
I have taken over a dozen Microsoft exams, roughly half online and half in person.
I recommend the Test Center if:
- You have a chaotic home environment (kids, pets, roommates).
- You have unreliable internet or an older computer.
- You suffer from test anxiety and need a physical separation between “home” and “work.”
- You like using a physical whiteboard to map out Azure resource hierarchies.
I recommend the Online option if:
- You have a high-end, reliable PC and fiber internet.
- You have a dedicated guest room or office that is sparse and quiet.
- The nearest test center is more than a 45-minute drive away.
- You are a night owl and want to take the exam at 11:00 PM.
Conclusion
The question of “where to take the AZ-900” ultimately comes down to your personal tolerance for risk versus convenience. The Online (OnVUE) route offers unmatched flexibility but places the technical burden on your shoulders. The Test Center route offers security and stability but requires travel and rigid scheduling.
My advice? If it is your very first Microsoft exam, go to a Test Center. Let the proctors handle the logistics so you can focus 100% on demonstrating your knowledge of the cloud. Once you are comfortable with the exam format, you can switch to online testing for your future certifications.
Good luck.
Quick Summary Table: Where to Take AZ-90
| Feature | Online (OnVUE) | Test Center (Pearson VUE) |
| Location | Home/Office (Private Room) | Authorized Facility |
| Equipment | Your Personal Computer | Center’s PC |
| Availability | 24/7 | Business Hours |
| Checking In | Self-check via Mobile App | Reception Desk |
| Notes | Digital Whiteboard Only | Physical Whiteboard/Marker |
| Best For | Tech-savvy users with quiet homes | First-timers or those with noisy homes |
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- How Many Questions in AZ-900 Exam
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- How to Pass AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- How to Retake Azure Fundamentals Exam
- How To Get Azure Fundamentals Certification Free
I am Rajkishore, and I am a Microsoft Certified IT Consultant. I have over 14 years of experience in Microsoft Azure and AWS, with good experience in Azure Functions, Storage, Virtual Machines, Logic Apps, PowerShell Commands, CLI Commands, Machine Learning, AI, Azure Cognitive Services, DevOps, etc. Not only that, I do have good real-time experience in designing and developing cloud-native data integrations on Azure or AWS, etc. I hope you will learn from these practical Azure tutorials. Read more.
