Training guide
Azure Solutions Architect Expert: AZ-305 Guide
A guide to the Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification: the two requirements, renewal and preparation.
EU Job Hub Editorial Team · Updated 1 October 2026 · Based on Microsoft Learn pages and Microsoft community answers
Introduction
The Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is for people who design cloud solutions on Microsoft Azure. You earn it by passing exam AZ-305 and holding an active Azure Administrator Associate certificate.
This is the point most older guides miss. Passing AZ-305 alone does not give you the certification. This guide explains both requirements and renewal.
Quick Information
| Provider |
Microsoft |
| Certification |
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert |
| Exam |
AZ-305 |
| Also required |
An active Azure Administrator Associate certification (AZ-104) |
| Renewal |
Free online assessment on Microsoft Learn, each year |
| Level |
Expert |
Key Points at a Glance
- You need AZ-305 and an active AZ-104 certification.
- AZ-305 alone does not give you the certification.
- You can take AZ-305 first, but the certificate only appears once AZ-104 is active.
- The certification expires each year and renews free online.
- AZ-305 itself does not expire.
The Two Requirements
Microsoft community answers explain that you must pass AZ-305 and also hold an active Azure Administrator Associate certification.
If your AZ-104 has expired, you can still sit AZ-305. You will not receive the expert certification until AZ-104 is active again.
What the Certification Shows
It shows that you can design solutions on Azure. This covers identity, data storage, business continuity and infrastructure.
Employers see it as a senior cloud design credential.
What AZ-305 Covers
Microsoft titles the exam Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions. It tests design choices, not clicks in a portal.
Check the study guide on Microsoft Learn for the current areas and weights.
Renewal
Microsoft says expert certifications renew each year by a free online assessment on Microsoft Learn.
A Microsoft Q&A answer says the expert certification does not automatically expire when the AZ-104 certificate expires. Passing AZ-104 again does not renew the expert certification.
Who Should Take It
It suits administrators with real Azure experience who want to design systems. It also suits consultants and technical leads.
If you have not run Azure workloads, start with AZ-104.
Study Plan
Plan eight weeks. Study one design area a week, such as identity, storage, networking and monitoring.
Use the free Microsoft Learn path and practice assessment. Draw a design for each case study.
How to Practise Design
Take a small business case, such as an online shop, and design it on paper. Choose services for identity, data, backups and security.
Then explain each choice and its cost. This is the skill the exam measures.
Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume AZ-305 alone gives you the certification.
Do not skip the cost side of design.
Do not rely on dumps.
Using It in Europe
Roles include cloud architect, solutions architect and technical consultant. Add the certificate and the year to your Europass CV.
Show your expiry date so that employers can see it is current.
Key Terms Explained
Solution architecture: the plan that shows how parts of a system fit together.
Business continuity: keeping services running after a failure.
Identity and governance: who can sign in and which rules apply.
Data storage design: choosing where and how to keep data.
Infrastructure design: choosing servers, networks and scaling.
Cost optimisation: meeting a need at a sensible price.
A Sample Design Exercise
Design a booking website for a small hotel chain. Decide who signs in, where data lives and how the site survives a Region failure.
Add a backup plan and a rough monthly cost. Explain each choice in one line.
Then compare your design with the Microsoft Azure Architecture Center examples.
Career Paths After This Certification
Architects often move into lead roles, consulting or security design. Some add the DevOps Expert or security certifications.
Read three job ads for architect roles and note which skills they ask for. Fill those gaps with projects, not only exams.
Keep a short portfolio of designs you drew, with the reasons for each choice.
Questions to Ask Before You Pay
Check that your AZ-104 certificate is active. Check the current price on the official page.
Ask whether your employer will pay. Write down your goal first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AZ-305 enough?
No. You also need an active AZ-104 certification.
Does AZ-305 expire?
The exam itself does not. The expert certification renews each year.
Can I take AZ-305 first?
Yes, but the certificate only appears when AZ-104 is active.
How do I renew?
Pass the free online assessment on Microsoft Learn.
Find Jobs
Job titles to search for include cloud architect, solutions architect and technical consultant. Search current vacancies on the EURES portal.
Official Course Page
Read the current details on the Microsoft Learn Azure Solutions Architect page.
Disclaimer
This guide is independent and is not affiliated with Microsoft. Prices, course lists and exam rules change, so check the official page before you pay or enrol. A certificate does not give you the right to work in any country.
