Last updated: May 2026. Written by Josh Hutcheson. See our review methodology.
By Josh Hutcheson · E-Learning Specialist
Reviewing online learning platforms since 2019. Connect on LinkedIn · Review methodology
The 60-second guide: The Azure Solutions Architect certification is the AZ-305: Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions exam — Expert-level. Cost $165 USD, 120 minutes, 40-60 questions. Prerequisite: AZ-104 (Azure Administrator). Designs Azure solutions across compute, networking, storage, security, governance. Most candidates need 8-12 weeks of focused prep on top of AZ-104 foundation. Best prep path: Microsoft Learn (free official) + the Udacity Cloud Architect using Microsoft Azure Nanodegree for hands-on portfolio.
By the numbers (Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)):
- Azure has ~24% of the global cloud market and is the fastest-growing of the big three (Synergy Research, Q1 2026). Source: www.srgresearch.com.
- Senior Azure Cloud Architects earn $155K-$215K base in US tech hubs (Glassdoor, Apr 2026). Source: www.glassdoor.com.
- AZ-305 replaced AZ-303 + AZ-304 in March 2022 — single Expert-level Solutions Architect exam. Source: learn.microsoft.com.
Risk reversal: Microsoft lets you retake AZ-305 after 24 hours (max 5 attempts/year). Free annual renewal via Microsoft Learn assessment keeps the cert current.
What is Azure Solutions Architect (AZ-305)?
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AZ-305 (Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions) is the Expert-level credential for Azure architects. It validates your ability to design — not just deploy — cloud solutions that meet business requirements across identity, governance, data, and infrastructure.
The exam replaced the legacy AZ-303 + AZ-304 path in 2022. It’s now the single Solutions Architect Expert exam — pass it, plus the prerequisite AZ-104 (Azure Administrator), and you earn the “Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert” credential.
Should you pursue AZ-305?
Take it if you’re:
- An IT pro with 2-5+ years of Azure experience targeting Solutions Architect or Cloud Architect roles.
- Already AZ-104 certified (it’s a hard prerequisite).
- Working in or targeting Microsoft-shop employers — banks, government, healthcare, large enterprise.
- Looking for a credential that signals senior cloud design competency (not just operations).
Skip it if you’re:
- Going to work primarily on AWS — get AWS Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) instead.
- Just starting Azure — do AZ-104 first, get hands-on, then come back for AZ-305 in 12+ months.
- A pure developer (not architect) — AZ-204 is the more relevant cert: AZ-204 guide.
Exam format, cost, and logistics
| Detail | AZ-305 |
|---|---|
| Cost | $165 USD |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Number of questions | 40-60 (varies) |
| Question format | Multiple choice + drag-and-drop + case studies (heavy use) |
| Passing score | 700 / 1000 (scaled) |
| Prerequisite | AZ-104 (Azure Administrator) required for Expert credential |
| Languages | English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Simplified), German, French, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil) |
| Delivery | Pearson VUE testing center OR online proctored |
| Validity | 1 year (free annual renewal via Microsoft Learn assessment) |
| Recommended experience | 2+ years Azure + experience with all major Azure services (compute, networking, storage, identity) |
The 4 exam domains (in detail)
Domain 1: Design identity, governance, and monitoring solutions (25-30%)
- Identity: Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), conditional access, privileged identity management (PIM), B2B/B2C, hybrid identity (Entra Connect).
- Governance: Management groups, subscriptions, resource groups, Azure Policy, Blueprints, role-based access control (RBAC).
- Monitoring: Azure Monitor architecture, Log Analytics workspace design, Application Insights, distributed tracing.
Domain 2: Design data storage solutions (25-30%)
- Relational data: Azure SQL Database vs SQL Managed Instance vs SQL on VMs — when to use each.
- Non-relational: Cosmos DB (multi-model: SQL, MongoDB, Cassandra, Gremlin, Table), Table Storage, Blob.
- Data integration: Azure Data Factory, Data Lake Storage Gen2, Synapse Analytics.
- Caching: Azure Cache for Redis, CDN strategies.
Domain 3: Design business continuity solutions (10-15%)
- High availability: Availability Zones, Availability Sets, paired regions.
- Disaster recovery: Azure Site Recovery, Azure Backup, RPO/RTO design.
- Database HA: Geo-replication, Always On, Active Geo-Replication.
Domain 4: Design infrastructure solutions (25-30%)
- Compute: VM sizing, App Service vs Functions vs Container Apps vs AKS, batch processing.
- Networking: VNet topology, hub-spoke, ExpressRoute, VPN, Application Gateway, Front Door, Private Endpoints.
- Migration: Azure Migrate, lift-and-shift vs re-platform vs re-architect.
- Application architecture: microservices, event-driven, API management.
Salary impact
AZ-305 is one of Microsoft’s most career-impactful certifications. Holders typically earn:
- Senior Cloud Architect (Azure): $155K-$215K base in US tech hubs (Glassdoor April 2026).
- Microsoft-shop premium: Banking and government Azure architects often earn 5-10% above AWS-shop equivalents due to compliance specialization.
- FAANG/Big Tech with Azure focus: Microsoft Azure architects at Microsoft, Accenture, Deloitte, large consultancies command $200K-$280K+ base + bonus + equity.
Best ways to prepare for AZ-305
Honest ranking by community consensus, not corporate preference:
#1 (free, official, genuinely best): Microsoft Learn AZ-305 path
Microsoft’s own learning platform has the complete AZ-305 path, completely free. ~30-40 hours of content covering all 4 domains, including hands-on labs in real Azure trial environments. For Azure certs specifically, Microsoft’s free official path is consistently the best primary resource — this is unique to Microsoft (AWS’s free Skill Builder isn’t as deep).
#2 (comprehensive paid alternative): A Cloud Guru / Pluralsight AZ-305
$35-50/month for ~25-30 hours of focused exam prep. Tim Warner’s and John Savill’s courses are the most-recommended on r/AzureCertification. Useful if you prefer structured paid courses over Microsoft Learn’s modular format.
#3 (essential): MeasureUp practice tests
$99 for the official Microsoft-endorsed practice test. Closest to actual exam difficulty. Whizlabs ($19-24) is a budget alternative with comprehensive coverage.
#4 (for portfolio + cert combo): Udacity Cloud Architect using Azure Nanodegree
If you want hands-on architecture experience to back up the cert: Udacity Cloud Architect using Microsoft Azure Nanodegree (nd090) — advanced level, 53 hours covering cost optimization, infrastructure monitoring, Zero Trust security, advanced IAM.
$399/month + ~$80-150/month Azure costs. Builds the architecture portfolio that complements the cert. Read our full Udacity Cloud Architect review.
Honest framing: Microsoft Learn is sufficient for AZ-305 exam prep. Udacity is for the portfolio that supplements the cert — not a replacement for the free official path.
10-12 week study plan (AZ-104-certified candidates)
Weeks 1-4: Domain 1 + 2 (deep)
- Microsoft Learn AZ-305 path (Domains 1+2 modules).
- Udacity Cloud Architect Azure modules 1-2 if pursuing Nanodegree.
- Hands-on: design and deploy hub-spoke VNet topology, configure Conditional Access policies, set up Azure Policy.
Weeks 5-7: Domain 4 (infrastructure)
- Microsoft Learn modules + Udacity Module 3-4.
- Hands-on: deploy AKS cluster, design multi-region active-active, build ExpressRoute scenario.
Weeks 8-9: Domain 3 (business continuity)
- Backup, Site Recovery, RPO/RTO design exercises.
- Database HA: Always On Availability Groups, Geo-replication.
Weeks 10-12: Practice + exam
- MeasureUp practice tests — aim for 80%+.
- Microsoft Official Practice Assessment.
- Schedule exam for end of week 12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need AZ-104 to take AZ-305?
Technically no — you can take AZ-305 alone. But you can’t earn the “Solutions Architect Expert” credential without ALSO holding AZ-104. Most candidates do AZ-104 first.
How hard is AZ-305?
Hard. Expert-level case studies test architectural judgment more than memorization. Pass rates are ~50-60% for first-time candidates without focused prep.
How long is AZ-305 valid?
1 year, with FREE annual renewal via a 30-minute Microsoft Learn assessment. Practically lower-friction than AWS’s 3-year recertification (which requires re-exam).
What’s the difference between AZ-303/304 and AZ-305?
AZ-303 + AZ-304 was the previous two-exam path (retired March 2022). AZ-305 is the single replacement.
What jobs can I get after AZ-305?
Senior Cloud Architect, Cloud Solutions Architect, Principal Architect, Lead Cloud Engineer roles. Median TC: $185K-$280K in US tech hubs depending on company tier.
How does AZ-305 compare to AWS Solutions Architect Professional?
Roughly equivalent in scope and difficulty. AZ-305 emphasizes Microsoft ecosystem (Entra ID, Microsoft 365 integration); SAP-C02 emphasizes AWS scale architecture. Pick based on your target employer’s cloud.
Related guides
Cert path: AZ-204 (Azure Developer) · AWS Solutions Architect (SAA) · AWS vs Azure
Best courses: Udacity Cloud Architect Nanodegree (AWS + Azure variants) · Udacity Data Engineering
New to Azure? Start with the AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals certification.
Comparing clouds? See our guide to the best cloud certifications (AWS vs Azure vs GCP).