Microsoft unscheduled breaks vs Pearson proctor enforcement — candidates getting revoked
I’m starting this thread because the Microsoft “unscheduled breaks” feature is documented and available in the exam UI, but enforcement and support handling appear inconsistent in real OnVUE sessions. Example case: Exam: SC-401 via Pearson VUE OnVUE Date/time: 25 Jan 2026 1:00 PM (Australia/Melbourne) I initiated an unscheduled break through the exam UI: Take a break, then Start Break The break screen displayed, the timer continued running, I returned after about 3 minutes and resumed The session was revoked with messaging implying a policy/security violation Pearson case: 33927366 Why this matters: The published policy and the exam UI support unscheduled breaks, but some candidates still get revoked and then receive boilerplate responses referencing “scheduled breaks,” which doesn’t match the Microsoft unscheduled break feature. What I’m asking Microsoft / the community: Clarify the authoritative rule: if an unscheduled break is started in the UI, is it considered an approved break state for stepping away from webcam view? Enforcement: can revocation decisions be based on OnVUE telemetry (timestamps for Start Break, break state entry, resume) rather than proctor interpretation? Escalation path: what is the official fastest route for remediation when a revocation occurs even though the break was started in the UI? Operational guidance: best practices to reduce risk (for example, what exact “break state” confirmation should candidates wait for before stepping away)? Reference policy article: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/skills-hub-blog/unscheduled-breaks-now-available-in-most-exams-without-requesting-in-advance/3287005 If others have been impacted, please share: Exam, date, whether you clicked Start Break in the UI, and the resolution path that worked (voucher/refund/retest, and which channel).
Technical Issue during AB-900 Beta Exam - Pearson VUE Queue System Failure - Case #14052082
Hello Support Team, I am writing to request assistance regarding a technical issue I experienced during my AB-900 Beta Exam appointment on January 2nd, 2026. I had a voucher providing an 80% discount valid exclusively for that date. I successfully completed the check-in process on time, and my system passed all pre-exam requirements. However, I was placed in a waiting queue with 24 people ahead of me. After waiting for over 15 minutes, the system displayed a "Reschedule" button. When I clicked it, no dates were available, and I was unable to return to the exam session. I immediately contacted Pearson VUE support via chat. Despite following their instructions to restart the check-in process, the system blocked my access, stating it was past the allowed start time. I opened a formal case with Pearson VUE, and their final resolution (Case #14052082) was that I should reach out to Microsoft Support for further guidance and a "new authorization," as they claimed they could not provide a new voucher for this expired promotion. I prepared extensively for this certification and I was unable to take it due to a failure in the Pearson VUE proctoring queue system. Since the original voucher has now expired, I kindly ask for a new voucher or authorization so I can reschedule and take the AB-900 exam at the discounted rate I previously paid for. Exam: AB-900 Date: January 2nd, 2026 Pearson VUE Case Number: 14052082 Thank you for your time and assistance.