Microsoft
Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (Exam AZ-305)
Expert-level certification for solutions architects designing identity, governance, storage, compute, and business continuity solutions on Microsoft Azure. Carries a high wage premium for senior cloud roles.
What's on the exam
AZ-305 Skills Measured (as of April 17, 2026)
Design identity, governance, and monitoring solutions
25–30%Authentication and authorization design · Identity and access for apps · Governance and management groups · Logging and monitoring design · Cost management strategies
Design data storage solutions
20–25%Relational data storage · Non-relational and semi-structured storage · Data integration and analytics · Storage account design · Data protection and replication
Design business continuity solutions
15–20%Backup and recovery design · High availability strategies · Disaster recovery planning · Recovery objectives (RTO/RPO) · Resiliency patterns
Design infrastructure solutions
30–35%Compute solution design · Application architecture design · Network solution design · Migration design · Container and serverless design
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) cost?
The Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) costs $165. US list price; varies by country.
How long is the Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) and how many questions does it have?
40–60 items — Approximately 100 minutes.
What do you need to pass the Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)?
700 on a scale of 1000.
Can you retake the Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)?
24-hour wait after first fail; longer waits for subsequent attempts.
What is the best way to study for the Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Design identity, governance, and monitoring solutions 25–30%, Design data storage solutions 20–25%, Design business continuity solutions 15–20%, Design infrastructure solutions 30–35%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Program in development
We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 11 exam.
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