Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) Requirements & Prerequisites
Everything you need to know before registering for the Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305), eligibility, cost, format, and what to expect on exam day.
Cost
$165
Provider
Microsoft
Validity
1 year (renewal required)
Available
Global
Education
No formal education requirement
Experience
Recommended but not required
Specific Requirements
- There is no required prerequisite exam. Microsoft lists AZ-305 as the single exam needed to earn Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
- Microsoft expects advanced experience and knowledge of IT operations, including networking, virtualization, identity, security, business continuity, disaster recovery, data platforms and governance.
- Microsoft expects you to manage how decisions in each of those areas affect an overall solution rather than treating them separately.
- Microsoft also expects experience with Azure administration, Azure development and DevOps processes.
- AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator is a common route to the Azure administration experience the audience profile assumes, but it is a recommendation rather than a requirement.
- You need a Microsoft Learn profile connected to your certification profile to schedule the exam and, later, to take the free renewal assessment.
Number of Questions
Microsoft does not publish a question count for AZ-305. Microsoft states that most of its certification exams typically contain between 40 and 60 questions and that the number varies by exam. The exam introduction screen tells you how many items, case studies and labs your form contains.
Duration
Microsoft does not publish a per-exam duration for AZ-305. Its published policy for associate and expert role-based exams is 100 minutes of exam time and 120 minutes of seat time without labs, or 120 minutes of exam time and 140 minutes of seat time for exams that may contain labs. You are given the exam time when you register, and five minutes of break time is built into the exam clock.
Question Format
Case studies, with a scenario you can refer back to while answering its associated questions, Multiple choice and multiple select, Drag and drop, Build list, Hot area, Active screen, Problem and solution sets, where you judge whether a proposed solution meets a stated goal, Performance-based labs, which Microsoft may include or remove from any role-based exam without publishing a list
Passing Requirement
700 on a scale of 1 to 1,000. The score is scaled, so it does not equal 70 percent of the points available.
How It Is Delivered
Pearson VUE test center or Pearson VUE online proctored exam
Languages Offered
English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Chinese (Traditional), Italian
Create a Microsoft Learn profile
Navigate to the exam page and click 'Schedule exam'
Choose Pearson VUE test center or online proctoring
Pay the exam fee and confirm your appointment
- Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo)
- Appointment confirmation
- For online: clean workspace, webcam, microphone
What are the prerequisites for the Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)?
There is no required prerequisite exam. Microsoft lists AZ-305 as the single exam needed to earn Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert.. Microsoft expects advanced experience and knowledge of IT operations, including networking, virtualization, identity, security, business continuity, disaster recovery, data platforms and governance.. Microsoft expects you to manage how decisions in each of those areas affect an overall solution rather than treating them separately.. Microsoft also expects experience with Azure administration, Azure development and DevOps processes.. AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator is a common route to the Azure administration experience the audience profile assumes, but it is a recommendation rather than a requirement.. You need a Microsoft Learn profile connected to your certification profile to schedule the exam and, later, to take the free renewal assessment..
How much does the Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) cost?
The Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) exam costs $165. This includes the exam fee only, study materials are additional.
How do I register for the Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)?
Create a Microsoft Learn profile → Navigate to the exam page and click 'Schedule exam' → Choose Pearson VUE test center or online proctoring → Pay the exam fee and confirm your appointment
What should I bring to the Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)?
Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo). Appointment confirmation. For online: clean workspace, webcam, microphone.
Ready to prepare for Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)?
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