The Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification proves you can design complete solutions on Microsoft Azure: identity, governance, data, business continuity and infrastructure. It’s Microsoft’s flagship architect credential.
I passed AZ-305 on 4 February 2026. On this page you’ll find what the exam covers, how I’d prepare if I were starting today, a free study plan, and ways to work with me if you want help getting across the line.
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How I passed
What the exam covers
AZ-305 is a design exam. You’re asked to choose the right service and pattern for a scenario, not to click through the portal. The skills outline is grouped into four areas:
- Design identity, governance and monitoring solutions
- Design data storage solutions
- Design business continuity solutions
- Design infrastructure solutions
Exam format
- Scenario-based questions and case studies
- Passing score: 700 out of 1000
- You need the Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) as well to earn the Expert certification
- Associate and Expert certifications are valid for one year. You renew them for free with an online assessment on Microsoft Learn.
Exam details change. Check the official exam page before you book. Official AZ-305 page.
Who it’s for
Engineers and administrators moving into architecture, consultants who design Azure environments for clients, and anyone who already holds AZ-104 and wants the Expert-level credential.
How to prepare
- Pass AZ-104 first. AZ-305 assumes you already know how the services work and asks you to choose between them.
- Learn the trade-offs: when to pick each storage, database, compute and networking option, and why.
- Study the Azure Well-Architected Framework and the Cloud Adoption Framework. Many questions follow their logic.
- Practice case studies under time pressure. Read the requirements first, then the scenario.
- Use Microsoft Learn’s free practice assessment to find weak areas before you book.
Free AZ-305 study plan
Get my step-by-step AZ-305 study plan by email: what to study each week, the resources worth your time, and a checklist for the week before the exam. It’s free.
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AZ-305 course
If you’d rather follow a structured path, my AZ-305 course walks you through every exam domain with lessons, labs where they apply, and practice questions. You can also browse practice exams and guides in the store.
Book a session
Stuck on a domain, failed once already, or short on time? In a 1:1 session we go through where you are, what’s left, and a plan to get you to exam day. Book a session, or see 1:1 certification coaching. Training a team? Ask about corporate team training.
Verify
I hold the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification. Passed 4 February 2026.
What to take next
Good next steps after AZ-305:
- Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) if you haven’t taken it yet
- Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) to round out security
- Google Professional Cloud Architect to add a second cloud