Microsoft Ignite 2026 Onsite Certification Testing Information

Advance your career at Microsoft Ignite 2026. In-person attendees can take one Microsoft or one GitHub certification exam free, onsite. Earn industry-recognized credentials in a dynamic, high-energy environment.

Seats are limited, and registration is required. Secure your spot and validate your skills at Microsoft Ignite.

Explore your onsite certification options:

• Steps to register for a Microsoft or GitHub Certification exam
• Microsoft and GitHub Certification offer details
• Plan for your exam seating
• Frequently Asked Questions

Steps to register for a Microsoft or GitHub Certification exam

Choose your path

• Visit the credentials overview or browse all certifications page.
• Select the certification you want to earn and select its name.

Schedule your exam

• On the certification detail page, scroll to Take the Exam and select Schedule Exam.
• Important: For Fundamentals exams, schedule through Pearson Vue. Don't try to register by using Certiport.

Set up your profile

• On the Transfer to Pearson VUE page, complete your profile.

Select exam options

• When prompted, choose In person at a test center.
• Select your preferred language.

Review and agree

• Confirm all required information and agree to Microsoft policies.

Find your test center

• Search for San Francisco.
• From the results, select Microsoft Ignite Event Test Center.

Book your slot

• Choose your preferred date and time.
• Complete the registration process.
• Your 100% discount automatically applies at checkout.

Need help registering? Find more Microsoft Certification exam instructions.

Microsoft and GitHub Certification offer details

The following terms and conditions apply:

• You must be registered to attend Microsoft Ignite 2026 in person.
• You can claim one certification exam offer per person.
• Government employees must confirm eligibility with their employer before redeeming the offer, in accordance with applicable policies and laws.
• Redeem this exam discount to take one (1) Microsoft certification exam or one (1) GitHub certification exam, delivered onsite at Microsoft Ignite.
• Eligible exams include those with the following prefixes: AB, AI, AZ, DA, DP, MB, MD, MS, PL, SC, as well as GH.
• No prerequisites are required to take an exam, but an individual certification might require prerequisites. Check the individual certification page for details.
• The redemption window for this exam offer starts on November 16, 2026, and expires on November 20, 2026.
• The expiration date for this exam offer can't be extended under any circumstances.
• You can redeem this exam offer only once.
• You can't redeem or exchange this exam offer for cash, credit, or refund.
• This exam offer is nontransferable and is void if you alter, revise, or transfer it in any way.
• Not valid in: Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, Region of Crimea, and where prohibited.

For support issues, visit Certification Support.

Plan for your exam seating

Arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled exam time to ensure you have time to check your bags and personal items. Exam sessions last between 1 hour and 2.5 hours, not including exam check-in or bag check.

Location

Moscone Center West - Level 2, Room 2018
747 Howard Street
San Francisco CA 94103

Exam check-in

• Bring a government-issued photo ID for identity verification.
• Microsoft provides all exam devices. You don't need to bring your own laptop.
• The certification check-in area requires a bag check. Securely store personal items, including backpacks, electronic devices, and jackets, before entering the exam room.

Certification testing hours

• Monday, November 16 - 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• Tuesday, November 17 - 1:00 PM to 7:30 PM
• Wednesday, November 18 - 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM
• Thursday, November 19 - 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Friday, November 20 - 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Am I eligible for a free certification exam at Ignite?

By attending Microsoft Ignite 2026 in person, you're eligible for one free Microsoft Certification exam or one free GitHub Certification exam. Microsoft uses your registration information to validate eligibility. Register for all certifications.

2. What certifications are available onsite?

All Microsoft and GitHub certifications that aren't in beta are available.

3. Are there any prerequisites for expert-level certification?

While some expert-level certifications require associate-level exams to earn the credential, you can still take the expert exam first. The registration process doesn't enforce the prerequisite.

4. What are beta exams and how do they work?

Beta exams are prerelease versions used to validate exam content. You don't get scores immediately, and your feedback helps improve the exam. If you pass during beta, you earn the certification. Beta exams at Ignite are 90 minutes long and available all week with no seat limits.

5. How long are exams?

Exams are typically 1 to 2.5 hours. Beta exams at Microsoft Ignite are approximately 90 minutes.

6. Will I receive my badge and certificate immediately?

For beta exams, Microsoft issues badges and certificates once the exam reaches general availability (GA). For standard exams, you typically get results and credentials shortly after completion.

7. Can I register onsite?

Yes, you can register onsite, but seats are limited. Pre-register to secure your spot.

8. What if I need help registering onsite?

Staff at the Certification check-in area can help with registration and answer questions. The event offers walk-up registrations and evening exam slots for added flexibility.