1. SAM Core (70-713) MCP Exam Prep Tips
Rudy Sias
Cloud Acceleration & Licensing Leader
WW SAM & Compliance
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2. Agenda: three things. What this test is and Who the test is for
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Agenda: three things.
5 minutes
What this test is and Who the test is for
5 minutes
How to prepare for the exam
5 minutes
How to register for the exam
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3. The Certification gives you:
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The SAM Core (70-713) MCP Exam is the latest industry-focused SAM Certification offered by Microsoft
The Certification gives you:
Industry accepted Microsoft SAM credentials and MCP brand rights
NEW digital SAM MCP Badge offered by Acclaim
The SAM certification required for your organization’s SAM Solution Expertise
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4. The SAM Core (70-713) MCP Exam measures your ability to:
Assess SAM Programs by using the SAM Optimization Model (SOM) (15-20%)
Manage Software Licenses (15-20%)
Coordinate Data Collection Technologies (15-20%)
Design and Manage a SAM Program (25-30%)
Manage the Software Asset Life Cycle (15-20%)
Full details:
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5. Microsoft SAM Solution Specialist Lite: 100-Level Exam
Free from getlicensingready.com
Ideal for new SAM Employees, SAM refresher, or P2P scenarios
Microsoft SAM Core
(70-713) MCP:
300-Level Exam
$165
Ideal for those with at least 9-12 months in a SAM role wanting industry accepted SAM credentials
Industry Certifications
(e.g. IAITAM):
400+ Level Exams
Cost varies by organization and Certification
Ideal for SAM Experts requiring another level of industry SAM acknowledgment
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6. 4/23/ :18 AM
How to Prepare
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7. 4/23/ :18 AM
How to prepare
On the job
People with at least 6-9 months in a SAM role should be well positioned to take the exam
Read the Skills Measured (i.e. exam blueprint) to avoid surprises
Print out and study the Microsoft SAM Optimization Model (SOM).
Review the ISO Standard… this is the basis for industry SAM
Read the “Secrets of the Microsoft SAM Core (70-713) Certification (Part 1 and Part 2)”
Study
Take the FREE SAM MCP Exam Prep Course at
Take other FREE SAM and Licensing Courses at
Sign up for the upcoming MCP Online Courses offered by the Licensing School at
See the available training resources offered at
Online
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8. Demo

9. 4/23/ :18 AM
How to Register
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10. Registering for the Exam
Decide if Onsite or Online (if available) is right for you
Choose your exam date and time (You should allocate at least 3 hours for the exam)
Register for the
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11. 4/23/ :18 AM
Onsite
Determine your Test location:
Visit and click “Schedule Exam” and follow the registration directions
On test day, arrive at your testing location with your identification; you may not take in notes or mobile devices.
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12. 4/23/ :18 AM
Online
Verify your System Requirements for Online testing:
Visit and click “Schedule Exam” and follow the registration directions
On test day, ensure your testing area is private. If you’re in an office, place a “do not disturb” sign on the door.
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13. 4/23/ :18 AM
To summarize:
This is my #1 best piece of advice: print out and study the Microsoft SAM Optimization Model (SOM).
Take the FREE SAM MCP Exam prep courses that we created at in partnership with the Licensing School. There are five modules that align to the real exam, and again, written by the same folks who offer the live Online course.
Finally, read the two articles I wrote on LinkedIn about how to prepare and take the exam:
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14. Thank you!

15. FAQ Frequently Asked Questions How difficult is the exam?
This exam is written at a 300-level of SAM expertise. Specifically, the minimally qualified candidate for this exam typically:
·        has relevant experience in IT.
·        is familiar with procurement, contract negotiations, software management (i.e., on-premises and cloud software licensing, terms and conditions), and IT operations (i.e., cybersecurity, development and test environments, mobile device management, server infrastructure, cloud deployments).
·        is familiar with business processes and audit procedures (i.e., ITIL SAM-related standards, ISO/IEC standards, IAITAM best practices) and provides SAM assessments.
·        is familiar with technologies, strategies, and standards that support the SAM life cycle (i.e., acquisition, inventory, discovery, deployment, reconciliation, maintenance, consolidation, virtualization, cloud migration, and retirement).
·        is familiar with relevant licensing models, product terms, and online services terms.
What specific skills are measured on the exam, and how many questions are there per skill?
The Skills Measured are similar to the existing SAM MCP Certification (70-673), but have been updated to reflect Customer’s Cloud and Hybrid Environments. The exam is broken in to five functional groups, with a percentage of questions per section.
1.           Assess SAM Programs by using the SAM Optimization Model (SOM) (15-20%)
2.           Manage Software Licenses (15-20%)
3.           Coordinate Data Collection Technologies (15-20%)
4.           Design and Manage a SAM Program (25-30%)
5.           Manage the Software Asset Life Cycle (15-20%)
Why has it taken so long for the test to become available?
There were a number of reasons for delays, but mostly because of the limited resources dedicated to working on the various Microsoft Certified Professional exams. The SAM MCP exam is one of many exams under constant refresh, and the rigor and attention to detail in making the most polished exam possible takes a lot of time. Thanks for your patience.
How can I find a Pearson Vue Test Center near me?
You can find a test center by visiting
How do I prepare for the exam?
A candidate who has functioned in a SAM role for a minimum of 6-12 months should have sufficient knowledge to pass the exam. However, as mentioned above, in order to pass the exam, the candidate should have strong Microsoft licensing expertise, understanding of the ISO Standard, knowledge of the Microsoft SAM Software Optimization Model (SOM), and reasonable understanding of various tools commonly used in SAM.
Where do I find Microsoft Volume Licensing readiness materials to help pass the exam?
A great place to start for general Volume Licensing readiness is This site offers a wide variety of licensing training with GLR Certifications that certify your licensing competency. In addition, the site prepares you to take and pass the : Designing and Providing Microsoft Volume Licensing Solutions to Large Organizations MCP Exam. In addition, is always your best resources for current and legacy Product Terms, Licensing Program information, and easy to understand Volume Licensing Briefs.
Where do I find content on the ISO Standard?
The ISO Standard is available from Free access to the Forward and Scope is available online, and full access to the standard is available by license directly from ISO.
Where do I find content on the Microsoft SAM Software Optimization Model (SOM)?
The most current Microsoft SAM resources and information are available at Among other things, you will find a SAM FAQ, SAM Checklist, and the Microsoft SOM.
Where can I find additional SAM Partner information, including information on the different types of Microsoft Value Engagements?
The most current Microsoft SAM resources and information are available at