# Evaluate an MCP server before you connect it

A practical method for deciding whether to connect an MCP server to a work tool: define the task, review the source, run a bounded pilot and question the vendor.

- Level: Practitioner
- Length: 60 minutes
- Exam questions: 8, pass mark 80%, up to 3 attempts
- Certificate: valid for 12 months

## What you will learn

- Write a testable pilot task with a clear data boundary and failure condition.
- Review a server's publisher, repository, licence and release before you install it.
- Run a bounded pilot that tests a valid read, a denied read, a revoked credential and an upstream failure.
- Separate the cost lines of an MCP workflow and ask a vendor to price your own workload.

## Lessons

1. [Define the task and the boundary](https://mcpdirectory.fyi/academy/evaluate-an-mcp-server/define-the-task-and-boundary.md) (12 minutes)
2. [Review the source](https://mcpdirectory.fyi/academy/evaluate-an-mcp-server/review-the-source.md) (12 minutes)
3. [Run a bounded pilot](https://mcpdirectory.fyi/academy/evaluate-an-mcp-server/run-a-bounded-pilot.md) (15 minutes)
4. [Cost and vendor questions](https://mcpdirectory.fyi/academy/evaluate-an-mcp-server/cost-and-vendor-questions.md) (12 minutes)

## Questions

### Do I need to write code to follow this course?

No. The method uses a test account, the vendor's documentation and an inspection tool. Some steps are easier with a technical colleague.

### Does passing the exam mean a server is approved?

No. The certificate of completion records that you passed this site's exam. Approval is your organisation's decision, based on your own tests.

### Which tool inspects a server outside an AI client?

The MCP documentation describes MCP Inspector for examining tool discovery and requests. It helps you inspect a server. It does not certify production controls.

Also on the [web page](https://mcpdirectory.fyi/academy/evaluate-an-mcp-server).