"Passed using only free Microsoft Learn modules and GitHub labs. Took 3 attempts – the cost optimization section tripped me up until I mastered the Pricing Calculator."
microsoft certified: azure solutions architect expert
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
Design Cloud-Native and Hybrid Solutions for Enterprise Scale
The Premier Azure Architecture Certification
The Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification validates your ability to design secure, scalable, and reliable Microsoft Cloud solutions. Recognized as one of the highest-paying cloud certifications (average 145K−145K−190K) for architects guiding digital transformation.
Why This Certification Stands Out
?? Hybrid Cloud Leadership: Covers Azure Arc and multi-cloud patterns
? Career Acceleration: 68% of certified architects report promotions within 1 year
? Design-Focused: Only Microsoft cert requiring solution design case studies
? Enterprise Demand: Required for Microsoft Partner Network Gold Competency
2024 Certification Path
Prerequisite (Choose One)
• Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
• Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204)
Exam AZ-305 Breakdown
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Questions | 40-60 case-based items |
| Duration | 150 minutes |
| Passing Score | 700/1000 |
| Question Types | Case studies, drag-and-drop, multiple-choice |
| Cost | $165 (discounts available) |
5 Core Design Domains
1. Identity & Security (25-30%)
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Zero Trust architecture
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Azure AD Conditional Access policies
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Data encryption (BYOK, HYOK)
2. Business Continuity (10-15%)
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Disaster recovery (Site Recovery, Backup Vaults)
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High availability design (Availability Zones, Sets)
3. Infrastructure Design (25-30%)
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Compute provisioning (VMSS, AKS, App Services)
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Storage solutions (Blob tiers, NetApp Files)
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Networking topology (Hub-spoke, NVAs)
4. Data Platform (15-20%)
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Database selection (Cosmos DB vs. SQL Managed Instance)
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Analytics solutions (Synapse, Databricks)
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AI integration (Cognitive Services)
5. Cost Optimization (10-15%)
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Reserved Instances vs. Spot VMs
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Azure Pricing Calculator mastery
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Tagging strategy for chargeback
Ideal Candidates
? Cloud Architects designing Azure solutions
? Infrastructure Engineers transitioning to architecture
? Technical Leads overseeing migrations
? Consultants delivering Microsoft Cloud projects
2024 Exam Updates
• New AI workload patterns (Azure OpenAI integration)
• Expanded sustainability guidance (Carbon Aware SDK)
• Enhanced multi-cloud scenarios (AWS/GCP interconnect)
• Updated Azure Landing Zones
Preparation Roadmap
1. Build Experience
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6+ months designing Azure solutions
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Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework study
2. Official Training
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Microsoft Learn Path (Free)
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Instructor-Led Course: AZ-305T00
3. Hands-On Labs
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Deploy 3+ reference architectures
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Microsoft Sandbox environments
"This certification helped me architect a solution that reduced client cloud costs by 40%."
— Priya N., Cloud Solutions Architect
Our services
- microsoft certified: azure administrator associate
- certified information security manager (cism)
- certified ethical hacker (ceh)
- comptia security+
- cisco certified network associate (ccna)
- cisco certified network professional (ccnp)
- comptia network+
- red hat certified engineer (rhce)
- google professional cloud architect
- comptia a+
- certified information systems auditor (cisa)
- project management professional (pmp)
- certified scrummaster (csm)
- comptia pentest+
- aws certified solutions architect – associate
- aws certified devops engineer – professional
- vmware certified professional – data center virtualization (vcp-dcv)
- microsoft certified: azure solutions architect expert
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