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The XBOX Certification team created the Paid Services Program so that we could supply on-demand global test services using our highly skilled and experienced test professionals to our partners at competitive prices. These services are offered at Microsoft’s discretion and are entirely optional. The XBOX Certification paid services currently available to all Creators are:
  1. Fastlane
  2. Optional Certification testing
If you’re interested in any of the paid services offered by the XBOX Certification team, reach out to your Microsoft contact(s) to discuss and begin the process. They can also provide you with the latest pricing information. Paid services typically follow the steps below:
  1. A paid service request is triggered (for example, submitting a build for Optional Certification testing).
  2. Partner supplies a Purchase Order to their Microsoft contact for the value of the service.
  3. XBOX Certification complete the service (for example, by issuing a test report).
  4. XBOX Certification upload the Purchase Order for processing by finance.
  5. Microsoft finance issue an invoice.
  6. Invoice is paid.
Purchase orders must be supplied in English, use USD (US Dollars) EUR (Euros) or JPY (Japanese Yen) and must not include taxes. PO templates are available from your Microsoft contact if required.

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Fastlane

Fastlane provides an enhanced Certification test service with guaranteed reduced timelines. It provides a pathway for game studios who require expedited turnaround times. The benefits of Fastlane are:
  • Priority treatment throughout every stage of the Certification process
  • Direct interaction with the Certification team while the submission is in test
  • A guaranteed reduced service level agreement (SLA)
  • Same-day reporting for both interim and final report

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Fastlane pricing

Fastlane pricing is based on a single binary on a single generation of hardware. For example, a publisher who wants to expedite testing on a game releasing on both XBOX One and XBOX Series would be required to pay for each one separately. Reach out to your Microsoft contact for pricing details.

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Fastlane description

Fastlane provides support to game studios seven days a week for Final and Content Update submissions. Disc submissions are excluded due to external dependencies and existing optimized processing times. The Certification team will prioritize Fastlane submissions to ensure the quickest turnaround. Turnaround times may vary depending on factors such as game download size, functionality, and the timing of submission. Below are the expected processing windows:
  • Digital Base Final (Fastlane): 48 hours
  • Digital Content Update (Fastlane): 24 hours
The SLA represents the maximum time your submission will spend in Certification. The SLA starts the moment the game is kicked-off and ends when the report has been issued. Publishers must ensure submissions are testable. If a significant issue arises, Certification will perform testing as best as possible and provide a report. Fastlane submissions require a minimum of 24 hours’ advance notice. Reach out to your Microsoft contact during business hours and they will inform Certification of your plans. Fastlane submissions are prioritized for immediate testing and the Certification team will acknowledge receipt and provide a completion timeframe.

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Fastlane test coverage

Test coverage for Fastlane is identical to standard Certification submissions. There is no difference in test coverage between Fastlane and non-Fastlane submissions.

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Certification optional submissions

Three coverage options are available for the Optional Certification paid service. For more information about the Optional Certification process, see Optional Submissions. If further guidance or clarification is required on any paid services, reach out to your Microsoft contacts.
Last modified on October 8, 2026