7.1.2. Time Management and Pacing

💡 First Principle: Effective time management is a critical skill for exam success, requiring a strategic allocation of your finite time to ensure every question is addressed thoroughly and efficiently.

Scenario: During a practice AZ-104 exam, you realize you're spending too much time on some detailed questions and are worried you won't finish.

What It Is: Time management and pacing refer to how you allocate your limited time during the exam to ensure you address all questions thoroughly and efficiently.

Key Strategies for Pacing:

• Allocate Time per Question: Divide the total exam time by the number of questions to set a rough time limit for each.
• Read Carefully: Take a moment to read each question and all answer options thoroughly.
• Flag for Review: Use the exam’s "flag for review" feature for questions you’re unsure about.
• Prioritize: Answer easier questions first to build confidence and save time.
• Scenario-Based Questions: Break down lengthy scenarios into key requirements.
• Review Time: Reserve the last 10–15 minutes to revisit flagged questions.

⚠️ Common Pitfall: Getting stuck on a single difficult question and losing valuable time that could have been spent on several easier questions.

Key Trade-Offs:

• Thoroughness vs. Speed: The goal is to find a balance where you are reading carefully enough to avoid mistakes but moving quickly enough to attempt every question.

Reflection Question: How does actively practicing strategies like "flagging for review" and "prioritizing easier questions" fundamentally help you manage your time and attention under pressure, ensuring you maximize your opportunity to score well on the AZ-104 exam?