How do I renew my Microsoft Certification, and is there a cost involved?

Question

How do I renew my Microsoft Certification, and is there a cost involved?

Shilalia jiya 20

In the past, Microsoft certifications were "good for life" or required a full retake of the exam every few years. However, under the current policy (active in 2026), role-based and specialty certifications expire one year after they are earned. This question is asked by almost every professional once they reach the 6-month mark of their certification's validity.

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Shilalia jiya 20 Reputation points

2026-02-08T12:13:30.7666667+00:00

Renewal is free, online, and unproctored. * Eligibility: You become eligible to renew approximately six months before your certification expires.

Process: You do not need to schedule a formal exam through Pearson VUE. Instead, you take a shorter, open-book assessment directly on Microsoft Learn.

Failure: If you fail the renewal assessment, you can retake it immediately. After the second attempt, you must wait 24 hours between retakes.

Consequence: If you do not pass before the expiration date, the certification is lost, and you must sit for the full, paid proctored exam again.

Answer accepted by question author

AI answer

To renew your Microsoft Certification, you must pass the free online renewal assessment available on Microsoft Learn. This assessment can be taken starting six months before your certification expires. There is no cost involved in renewing your certification; it is free for anyone with a valid Microsoft associate, specialty, or expert certification. Note that fundamental certifications do not require renewal as they do not expire.

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Your answer

Shilalia jiya 20 Reputation points

2026-02-08T12:13:30.7666667+00:00

Renewal is free, online, and unproctored. * Eligibility: You become eligible to renew approximately six months before your certification expires.

Process: You do not need to schedule a formal exam through Pearson VUE. Instead, you take a shorter, open-book assessment directly on Microsoft Learn.

Failure: If you fail the renewal assessment, you can retake it immediately. After the second attempt, you must wait 24 hours between retakes.

Consequence: If you do not pass before the expiration date, the certification is lost, and you must sit for the full, paid proctored exam again.

Answer 1

Julian Sharp 40,601

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/renew-your-microsoft-certification-faq

The renewal period is open for 180 days before your expiry date. Check https://learn.microsoft.com/users/me/credentials/?tab=credentials-tab which will show when renewals are due.

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