Exam Overview

The AZ-802 exam is the current assessment for Administering Windows Server (beta) and follows the official objectives published for AZ-802.

• Exam Code: AZ-802
• Level: Associate
• Duration: 100 minutes. Available languages are listed on the official exam page and can vary by exam and region.
• Passing Score: 700 or greater on Microsoft’s scaled score. Beta results are released after Microsoft completes the scoring analysis.
• Unscored Content: Microsoft may include items used for evaluation or research; the number is not officially disclosed by the certification provider.

Exam Structure

The AZ-802 exam measures the domains in the current Windows Server Administration syllabus. The exact number of questions is not officially disclosed by the certification provider.

• Question Types: Not officially disclosed by the certification provider. Microsoft’s official exam sandbox demonstrates the current interface and supported interaction patterns.
• Number of Questions: Not officially disclosed by the certification provider.
• Hands-On Components: The public study guide does not promise a fixed number of labs or performance tasks. Review the official exam sandbox and appointment instructions.

Exam Policies

Before completing Windows Server Administration exam registration, review the Microsoft Certification Exam Candidate Agreement, security rules, identification requirements, delivery-provider policies, and appointment confirmation.

• Rescheduling Policy: Reschedule through the certification profile or delivery-provider account at least 24 hours before the appointment. Late changes can forfeit the exam payment or voucher.
• Cancellation Policy: Cancel at least 24 hours before the appointment. A missed appointment or late cancellation can result in loss of the exam payment or voucher.
• Retake Policy: After the first failed attempt, wait 24 hours. After a second or later failure, wait 14 days. Microsoft limits candidates to five attempts per exam within a 12-month period.
• Retake Fee: Each retake requires payment of the current Windows Server Administration exam fee or an eligible voucher unless the purchase terms explicitly include another attempt.

Certification Validity and Renewal Options

Passing the AZ-802 exam satisfies the exam requirement associated with Administering Windows Server; the credential is awarded only when every requirement on the official certification page is complete.

• Validity: Microsoft role-based, specialty, and expert certifications are valid for one year from the date earned.
• Renewal Options: Renew at no cost by passing the online renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn during the six-month renewal window before expiration.

Exam Fee

• Microsoft follows country- and region-specific pricing; therefore, exam fees vary by location rather than having a single worldwide price. India: ₹4,865 Europe: €126 Middle East: US$83 USA: US$165
• Taxes: VAT, GST, sales tax, or other local charges may change the final Windows Server Administration certification cost. The scheduling checkout displays the applicable amount.
• Example (India): Review the INR amount and applicable GST shown during Windows Server Administration exam registration; do not convert a U.S. price because regional pricing and taxes can differ.

Prerequisites

Formal Prerequisites: Microsoft does not require another certification before a candidate can schedule this exam, although an associated certification can have additional requirements.

• Recommended Experience: Candidates should have practical exposure aligned with deploy and manage active directory domain services, manage windows server instances and workloads in hybrid environments, and the technologies listed in the official guide.
• Preparation should combine the current Windows Server Administration syllabus, Microsoft Learn resources, the exam sandbox, and hands-on practice that reflects the target role.
• Verify the exam code and the skills-measured update date before studying because Microsoft can revise objectives, products, and credential paths.

Exam Topics

The official Windows Server Administration syllabus organizes preparation around these measured domains:

• Deploy and manage Active Directory Domain Services – 20–25%: Validate the planning, configuration, implementation, governance, and troubleshooting tasks associated with deploy and manage active directory domain services as described in the current official skills-measured outline.
• Manage Windows Server instances and workloads in hybrid environments – 10–15%: Validate the planning, configuration, implementation, governance, and troubleshooting tasks associated with manage windows server instances and workloads in hybrid environments as described in the current official skills-measured outline.
• Manage virtual machines – 10–15%: Validate the planning, configuration, implementation, governance, and troubleshooting tasks associated with manage virtual machines as described in the current official skills-measured outline.
• Implement on-premises and hybrid networking – 10–15%: Validate the planning, configuration, implementation, governance, and troubleshooting tasks associated with implement on-premises and hybrid networking as described in the current official skills-measured outline.
• Manage storage and file services – 15–20%: Validate the planning, configuration, implementation, governance, and troubleshooting tasks associated with manage storage and file services as described in the current official skills-measured outline.
• Secure Windows Server – 10–15%: Validate the planning, configuration, implementation, governance, and troubleshooting tasks associated with secure windows server as described in the current official skills-measured outline.

Intended Audience

The AZ-802 exam is intended for professionals and learners whose work or goals align with the current skills measured, including:

• Cloud Administrators
• Systems Administrators
• Microsoft 365 Administrators
• Platform Engineers
• Support Engineers
• Operations Professionals
• Infrastructure Specialists

Career Opportunities

Knowledge represented by the AZ-802 exam supports development toward roles such as:

• Cloud Administrator
• Systems Administrator
• Microsoft 365 Administrator
• Platform Engineer
• Cloud Support Engineer
• Infrastructure Specialist

Average Salary (Approximate)

Microsoft does not publish salary ranges for Windows Server Administration holders. These reputable employment-market estimates use closely related roles. Salaries vary by experience, employer, location, job role, and industry.

• United States: Approximately USD 80,000–135,000 per year for cloud and systems administrators (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).
• India: Approximately INR 500,000–1,500,000 per year for cloud and systems administrators (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).
• United Kingdom: Approximately GBP 40,000–70,000 per year for cloud and systems administrators (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).
• UAE: Approximately AED 96,000–240,000 per year for cloud and systems administrators (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).

Exam Delivery Options

During Windows Server Administration exam registration, choose an available Pearson VUE test center or online-proctored appointment when that delivery option is offered for the exam and location.

• Pearson VUE Test Center – Take the exam in person at an authorized center, subject to local availability and admission requirements.
• Online Proctored Exam – Take the exam remotely under live supervision when the official scheduling workflow offers online delivery.
• Online Exam Rules: Run the system test, use a private workspace and supported computer, present accepted identification, remove prohibited materials, and follow the proctor’s instructions.
• Test Center Rules: Arrive as directed, present accepted identification, store prohibited items, complete admission procedures, and follow the candidate agreement and center rules.

Exam Registration

Follow these steps to complete Windows Server Administration exam registration:

• Open the official AZ-802 exam page on Microsoft Learn and select the scheduling option associated with your region.
• Sign in, select the AZ-802 exam, and choose an available test-center or online-proctored delivery option.
• Choose the language, location, date, and time, then verify the legal name, identification requirements, accommodation status, and appointment policies.
• Pay the displayed Windows Server Administration exam fee or apply an eligible voucher, confirm the booking, and retain the confirmation email.

After Passing the Exam

After passing the AZ-802 exam, retain the score report and review the credential status in Microsoft Learn.

• Passing the AZ-802 exam satisfies the exam requirement associated with Administering Windows Server; the credential is awarded only when every requirement on the official certification page is complete.
• Use the Microsoft Learn Credentials dashboard to review the certification record, expiration or renewal status, transcript, and shareable credential options.
• Keep account recovery information and professional contact details current so that certification, renewal, and program notices remain accessible.

Why the AZ-802 exam Is Worth It

• Aligns preparation with the current official Microsoft objectives
• Demonstrates role-relevant technology knowledge
• Supports practical, scenario-based professional development
• Creates a verifiable foundation for specialization and career growth