Every once in a while Microsoft creates a new exam, either for a new certification or to update an existing one, and needs to test it out before releasing it into General Availability.
The 80% beta discount
The first and most important incentive is that Microsoft offers 80% off to the first 300 people who order the beta exam. This discount is first-come, first-served, and the voucher code is shared publicly on the Skills Hub Blog.
You can generally only use this code to take the exam within 3-4 weeks of the beta launch.
Get early access to codes
You can also join the mailing list or the LinkedIn group for more active participation opportunities, including access to closed-access beta vouchers. These codes are functionally identical to the ones posted publicly, but since they aren’t public, they tend to last a lot longer.
After you take the exam
You’ll also receive a 25% off voucher code for any future exam. This voucher can be combined with the ESI voucher, but you’re only allowed to use one voucher per exam order.
Recently there was a situation where a beta exam was more complicated and took longer than usual to score. Because of this, early beta exam takers were given a 100% off exam voucher as compensation. This isn’t likely to happen again, but it’s not impossible.
When does a beta exam leave beta, and when do I get my score?
You won’t receive a score right after you finish a beta exam, because the scoring model for the exam is not finalized yet. According to the “Beta exam scoring and results” section of Microsoft’s About beta Certification exams page:
- The exam becomes available worldwide (“goes live”, which means it leaves beta) approximately 10-12 weeks after the beta period begins.
- You receive your score about 10 days after the exam goes live.
- Depending on when in the beta process you took the exam, you may not receive a score for 14 weeks.
- The beta exam process and the time it takes to receive your results may vary.
Should you take a beta exam?
Beta exams can take a long time to be scored (see the timeline above), so this isn’t the right path if you need your certification quickly. You should also avoid beta exams if you don’t have hands-on experience with the tools and products being tested — aside from the study guide, there are usually next to no materials to prepare with, so you’ll have to do the preparation yourself.
Beta exams are also more difficult than regular exams. On average they contain 25% more questions than regular exams in the same amount of time, and since the questions haven’t been tested yet, some may be very difficult or potentially incorrect.
Generally, only experienced professionals should take beta exams. If you’re new to the field, it’s better to wait for the exam to reach General Availability before taking it.
Still, at 80% off, it’s a great opportunity to preview the exam and get a feel for it without spending much, even if you don’t pass.