Special offers > Second Shot
Act now to get a free Second Shot on Top IT Certifications
For a limited time, take any Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) exam, and get a free retake if you don’t pass!
How do I get my free retake?
When you schedule and take an MCP exam between July 12, 2015, and January 12, 2016, you are eligible for a free retake if you don't pass your certification test on your first attempt. You have 30 days from the date of the failed exam to schedule a retake. To schedule your retake, click the Sign in link in the upper-right corner of this page and sign in with your Microsoft account, select your exam from the exam list, and then click Schedule now for free.
What exams are included in this offer?
Many of our top IT certifications are included in the Second Shot offer. In fact, all of the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), and Microsoft Specialist certification exams and Microsoft Dynamics exams are eligible. However, Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) exams, Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exams, and beta exams do not qualify for this offer.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Second Shot?
Second Shot provides you a free retake exam if you do not pass an MCP exam scheduled and taken between July 12, 2015, and January 12, 2016.
- When is Second Shot available?
This Second Shot offer is available for exams scheduled and taken between July 12, 2015, and January 12, 2016.
- Which exams qualify?
Second Shot applies to the exams in our MCSA, MCSE, MCSD, and Microsoft Specialist certifications and to Microsoft Dynamics exams.
Note MTA exams, MOS exams, and MCE exams do not qualify for MCP certification and are not eligible for Second Shot. Beta exams can only be taken once, so they do not qualify for the Second Shot offer.
- Can I take an online proctored exam via Second Shot?
Yes.
- Can I schedule both of my exams at the same time?
No, you cannot register for your exam retake until you have taken (and failed) the initial exam.
- I missed my initial appointment. Can I use the free exam to schedule a new appointment?
No. The free exam is for retake of your initial exam only.
- Can other offers or discounts be combined with Second Shot?
Yes.
- I’m a student eligible for academic exam pricing. Can I get a Second Shot?
Yes.
- How many exams can I take with the offer?
Second Shot provides you with one free retake for each exam scheduled and taken between July 12, 2015, and January 12, 2016, that you do not pass on the first attempt. To qualify as free, the retake must be the same exam as the one you didn't pass.
- Am I eligible for a Second Shot even if I have taken (and failed) the exam prior to July 12, 2015, and then retaken (and failed) the exam again after July 12, 2015?
Yes.
- Am I eligible for this Second Shot offer if I have only taken (and failed) an exam prior to July 12, 2015?
No. This offer starts on July 12, 2015. You must schedule, take, and fail the exam between July 12, 2015, and January 12, 2016, to be eligible for this Second Shot offer.
- Is this a worldwide offer?
Yes, this is a worldwide offer.
- Why do I not see a free retake available when I try to schedule the exam?
If you have followed the instructions on this page and reviewed the terms and conditions and still feel you are eligible but have issues registering for a free retake, please contact your Microsoft Regional Service Center for assistance.
Additional terms and conditions
- The Second Shot offer is a six-month promotional offer available for MCP exams that are scheduled, taken, and failed between July 12, 2015, and January 12, 2016.
- Beta exams can only be taken once, so they do not qualify for the Second Shot offer.
- You must schedule your free retake exam within 30 days of failing your MCP exam, and availability is limited to capacity at Pearson VUE Testing Centers.
- To ensure that Second Shot applies to the exam you are taking, click the Sign in link in the upper-right corner of this page and sign in with your Microsoft account before you select the exam you want to retake.
- All retake timeframes are subject to compliance with the Microsoft Certification exam retake policies.
- Second Shot expiration dates cannot be extended under any circumstances.
- The Second Shot offer cannot be redeemed for cash or credit.
- The Second Shot offer is nontransferable.
- Second Shot is a free benefit and has no cash value.
- An individual may reschedule their Second Shot exam appointment as late as (but no later than) 24 hours before their scheduled Second Shot appointment, provided the individual registers for the Second Shot exam within 30 days of the initial exam.
- Individuals who fail to appear for their scheduled exam appointment forfeit their free Second Shot.
- Individuals must be signed in with their Microsoft account when they register for their Second Shot exam to get the exam retake for free.
- To register for your free exam retake, click the Sign in link in the upper-right corner of this page and sign in with your Microsoft account, select the exam you want to take from the exam list, and then click Schedule now for free.
