How hard is AZ-140? +
AZ-140 is harder than most people expect because the desktop itself is a small part of it. Planning and implementing AVD infrastructure carries 40-45% of the exam - host pool design, image management with Azure Compute Gallery, RDP Shortpath and networking. FSLogix profile architecture and Entra-based identity also drive many answers. If your AVD experience is mainly supporting end users, the infrastructure and storage design questions are where you will lose points.
What is the AZ-140 exam format? +
AZ-140 is a proctored Microsoft exam taken at a Pearson VUE test center or online. Expect roughly 40-60 questions in about 100 minutes. Question types include multiple choice, drag-and-drop, case studies and sometimes hot-area items. Some sections lock once you move past them, so you cannot go back. Check the Microsoft Learn exam page for the current duration and languages.
What is the passing score for AZ-140? +
You need 700 on Microsoft's scaled scale of 1 to 1000. That is not 70% correct - questions carry different weights and the scaling is not published. Your score report shows performance by skill area, which is useful if you need a retake. Because infrastructure is 40-45% of the exam, weak performance there is very hard to offset elsewhere.
How much does AZ-140 cost and how long does it stay valid? +
In the US the exam costs $165, and pricing varies by country, so check the Microsoft Learn page for your region. Passing earns the Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty certification. It is valid for one year, and you renew it for free by passing an online renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn within the six months before it expires. No retake of the full exam is needed.
What changed in the latest AZ-140 skills update? +
The skills measured were updated on July 20, 2026. The current outline adds newer networking and security items such as RDP Multipath, Trusted Launch and confidential VMs. Notes and practice sets built on the older outline will miss these. Download the current study guide from Microsoft Learn and compare it against whatever course you are using before you commit to a study plan.
How long should I prepare for AZ-140, and what if I fail? +
With hands-on Azure administration experience, 4-8 weeks of focused study is typical. Without it, plan longer and build a lab with a host pool, FSLogix on Azure Files and Conditional Access. If you fail a Microsoft exam, you can retake it after 24 hours. After that, each further retake requires a 14-day wait, with a maximum of five attempts in any 12-month period.