Assessment lab scoring and score reports

Score needed to pass assessment labs

The score needed to pass an assessment lab will vary depending on the difficulty of the lab in relation to the skills of the target audience. Because labs include a mix of easy (those tasks that someone in the target audience who has the prerequisite skills and experiences should be able to perform) and more difficult tasks (those tasks that someone in the target audience are less likely to perform correctly), the passing score will vary from lab to lab. As we update the labs, the number of easy and difficult tasks may change over time; this, too, will affect the passing score.

How assessment labs are scored?

Labs are scored based on how many tasks are performed correctly. In most cases, each task is worth one point. If you complete it correctly, you will earn the point; if you don’t you will not earn the point. The number of points earned based on your task level performance are summed together and compared to the number of points required to pass. If you earned at least that number of points, you will pass the assessment lab.

The tasks are scored based on the result, not how you performed the task. You can accomplish the tasks in any way that you would like (for example, through the UI or using PowerShell commands) unless explicitly stated in the email. Complete the task as you normally would; the scoring script evaluates the result based on the key characteristics to determine if it was performed correctly. For example, if the task was to add a user, the scoring script ensures that you added that user regardless of if you used the UI or PowerShell commands to accomplish that task.

When to expect your score?

For most assessment labs, you should have results within minutes of finishing the lab, including your pass/fail status and feedback on your performance at the subskill level. This information will be available in your Learn profile. If a result doesn’t appear in your profile within 24 hours, please contact Support.

How to access your score report?

Score reports, including those passed and failed, are available on the Applied Skills credential details page where you completed your assessment.

Understand an assessment lab score report

The score report provides:

• Pass/fail status
• A chart showing performance on each skill area assessed
• Recommended options for additional learning

The chart shows your performance for each skill area. Shorter bars indicate weakness, longer bars show strength. The chart is not intended to indicate the number of tasks performed correctly, either within a specific section or across the assessment.

What to do if you fail an assessment lab?

If you fail an assessment lab, don’t worry. You can retake it. To learn more, visit: Applied Skills retake policy.

To prepare for a retake, review the strengths or weaknesses revealed on your score report. Practice the skills where your performance was weak. You can also review lab assessment preparation resources on the Applied Skills credential details page and the Prepare for Applied Skills assessment lab page.

When you’re ready to retake the assessment lab and comply with the retake policy, visit the credential details page and launch the lab.

Why can’t you tell me which tasks I passed and which I failed?

Microsoft Applied Skills assessment labs are designed to validate your skills in various technologies and scenarios; they are not designed for learning purposes. Qualified candidates will be able to pass this assessment lab regardless of the tasks they are asked to perform; if they have the skill being assessed, they should be able to perform the required tasks to demonstrate that skill.

In addition, to protect the integrity and fairness of the certification process, Microsoft does not share information about the specific tasks that were performed incorrectly. Sharing details about incorrect tasks could compromise the integrity of the Applied Skills credential, making it easier for future candidates to anticipate and prepare for specific tasks rather than demonstrating their overall competency.

Finally, the assessment labs aim to evaluate your ability to apply knowledge and skills in a comprehensive manner. Providing feedback on individual tasks might lead to a narrow focus on specific areas, rather than encouraging a well-rounded understanding and application of the skill being assessed.

Use the information provided in this report to focus your study efforts on areas of weakness. If you gain experience in those areas, your skills will improve.

How can I improve my performance?

Prioritize the skills you should practice:

• Start by reviewing the recommended learning path provided on the credential details page.
• Next, practice skills in the content areas where you had the weakest performance. Improving or maintaining these skills is important in passing this assessment lab.
• Finally, honestly evaluate your skills against all tasks measured and practice those tasks that you believe are your weakest.

Methods to help improve your skills:

• Explore the learning path provided in the “Prepare for the assessment” section on the credentials details page for this assessment lab.
• Leverage the study guide provided in the "Applied Skills Resources" section on the credential details page.
• Perform tasks listed in the “Evaluated on this assessment” section of the credential details page. Note any challenges that you encounter and keep practicing. Hands-on experience performing these tasks is essential to passing this assessment lab.
• Ask others how they perform those tasks. Do they perform the task differently? Understand why they do.
• Search authoritative sources, such as technical documentation.

The most common mistake learners make when completing the assessment labs is not reading the instructions and emails carefully. Every email contains information you need to perform the tasks correctly and where to perform it. If you don’t perform the task as expected or if you do not complete it in the VM, it will not be scored. These labs have been thoroughly tested by hundreds of people so inaccurate scoring, missing files, features, or functionality are extremely unlikely. Review the learning path, get as much practice as possible, and read the emails and instructions carefully before retaking the assessment lab.