Skip to content
Cloud Architecture

Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)

Expert-level certification validating ability to design and implement solutions on Azure. Requires understanding of advanced Azure services, hybrid scenarios, and enterprise patterns.

Provider

Microsoft

Level

Expert

Duration

3–6 months

Cost

$165

Passing Score

70%

Validity

2 years

Salary Impact

+$20,000–$35,000 avg

Prerequisites

Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)

Azure hands-on experience (2+ years)

Networking knowledge

Exam Format

40–60 multiple-choice questions, 120 minutes, $165 USD

Exam Topics & Weights

Design for identity and security

30%

Design for business continuity

25%

Design for performance and scalability

25%

Design for management and governance

20%

8-Week Study Plan

Weeks 1-2

Focus: Azure services overview and architecture frameworks

Microsoft Learn Azure Architecture

Azure reference architectures

Well-Architected Framework

Weeks 3-4

Focus: Identity, security, and compliance

Azure AD and identity

Security best practices

Compliance solutions

Weeks 5-6

Focus: Business continuity and disaster recovery

Azure Site Recovery

Backup solutions

High-availability patterns

Weeks 7-8

Focus: Performance, cost, and governance

Performance tuning

Cost management tools

Azure Policy and governance

Exam Tips & Strategies

Focus on hybrid and multi-cloud scenarios—Azure loves questions about on-premises integration

Understand Azure service endpoints, private endpoints, and networking deeply

Study case studies from Microsoft documentation

Be familiar with Azure governance and policy frameworks

Cost optimization using reserved instances and spot VMs is important

Case study format questions require reading carefully for all requirements

Ready to Apply? Use HireKit's Free Tools

AI-powered job search tools for Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)

hirekit.co — AI-powered job search platform

Ready to start preparing for Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)?

Get a personalized study plan and track your progress toward certification.

Start Learning