Assessment lab duration and lab experience

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Most Microsoft Applied Skills assessment labs for a given scenario typically contain 12-16 tasks; however, the number can vary depending on the skill domain being assessed. The number of tasks that need to be completed in an assessment lab is subject to change as we make updates to the lab to ensure it continues to evaluate the relevant skills needed to complete the scenario.

You will have 2 hours to complete the lab with the ability to request an additional hour if needed as you progress through the lab.

What to expect on the lab

The Applied Skills assessment lab gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills by completing tasks in the associated technology, such as Azure, Microsoft 365, or Power Platform. You will perform tasks in a virtual environment. The virtual machine is remotely connected to a live environment where you perform tasks on real software and applications.

In the lab, you will be asked to perform several tasks. The guidelines and requirements for completing these tasks can be found in a series of email messages that are accessed through the lab environment. You will complete these tasks using tools, such as the Azure Portal, the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, Azure CloudShell, etc. Unless the email states otherwise, you can complete the task using any method or tool.

It will take a few minutes to load the lab. You may do other activities while it loads. You will have 2 hours to complete the lab tasks. You will NOT be able to save your work and come back later, so plan to complete all the tasks in a single session. The actions you take while completing the assessment lab will be recorded for quality control purposes.

To learn more about the assessment lab experience, watch this tutorial.

Getting started

After the lab launches, start by reviewing the Instructions, located in a pane on the right side of the lab environment. These instructions provide important information for accessing and completing the lab. Step 1 details the lab scenario.

Step 2 provides information on how to access the email messages. To access them, select the “Open Emails” button on the Instructions pane. This will open an interface in the lab environment that simulates an Outlook inbox. Read all the emails before beginning to understand the full scope of what’s required in the lab.

Your username and password are provided in Step 3 of the Instructions. To log into the associated technology (e.g., Azure, Microsoft 365 admin console, etc.), simply select the username, and it will automatically complete the username field. Do the same for your password after entering your username.

In the Troubleshooting section of the Instructions pane, you will find key tips for navigating the lab environment.

Submitting your work

After you have completed all the tasks in the lab, select the “Submit Assessment” button to submit your work for scoring. You will be asked to confirm that you really want to leave the lab. Selecting “Yes” will end the lab section, and your work will be scored. It will take a few minutes to evaluate your work after you submit it for scoring.

After you leave a lab, you will not be able to return to it because scoring starts (in the background) as soon as you exit a lab.

Additional resources

Documentation