How Many Times Can I Attempt the SDS Capstone Exam Course?

The SDS MicroMasters Program comprises very challenging, graduate-level coursework, and its final exam is no different. Not every learner will be able to pass the Capstone Exam and complete the program. Consequently, to maintain the Academic Integrity of the program, the SDS MicroMasters Program allows all learners two attempts to pass the Capstone Exam.

Policy

SDS MicroMasters learners are entitled to only two attempts to pass the SDS Capstone Exam. Learners who fail to pass the Capstone Exam within their first two attempts are not guaranteed any additional attempts.

Learners should assume that their second attempt at the SDS Capstone Exam is their final chance to pass it, complete the SDS MicroMasters Program, and earn the Program Credential.

However, the SDS Team may—in certain circumstances and at its sole discretion—allow a learner additional attempts. If you have already attempted the SDS Capstone Exam twice but failed to pass, and believe you should be allowed another attempt, please reach out to Customer Support and we will connect you with the SDS Team.

Please Note: All attempts at the SDS Capstone Exam must be paid—including both the two attempts allowed by default and any exceptional attempts granted by the SDS Team. Learners must pay the Course Fee again each time they wish to attempt or re-attempt the SDS Capstone Exam course. See this FAQ article for more information

Recommendations

Because you are only guaranteed two attempts to pass the SDS Capstone Exam, the SDS team strongly encourages you to thoroughly prepare for each attempt, to ensure you perform to the best of your ability and achieve the best score you can.

While learners must always wait until at least the next available session of the SDS Capstone Exam Course to attempt it, please note that you need not take your first or second attempt at the Capstone Exam as soon as you possibly can. You may choose to wait and take any future session of the SDS Capstone Exam, to ensure that you are as prepared as possible.

Overall, however, the experience of the SDS team is that learners are most likely to be successful when they attempt the Capstone Exam within—at most—two years after having finished their last SDS Content Course.

For the same reasons, the SDS team also very strongly encourages learners to complete the SDS MicroMasters Program within five years of earning their first Course Certificate.