Microsoft · Professional Certification · Expert
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
Crydd Score 52
Demand High
Career Value High
Recognition High
AZ-305 at a glance
- Provider
- Microsoft
- Credential type
- Professional Certification
- Exam required
- Yes
- Category
- Cloud
- Level
- Expert
- Cost
- $165
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Time to earn
- 2–4 months
- Validity
- 1 year (free online renewal)
- Format
- Proctored exam, 100 minutes (120 if it includes labs)
- Prerequisites
- Requires the Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
What is AZ-305?
Microsoft's expert-level Azure certification: designing identity, governance and monitoring solutions, data storage, business continuity and infrastructure. It is awarded when you pass AZ-305 and hold the Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104).
Skills it covers
- Azure architecture
- Identity and governance design
- Data platform design
- Business continuity
Is AZ-305 worth it? The Crydd Verdict
CS 52Choose it if
You already administer Azure and are moving into designing solutions for others, as a cloud or solutions architect.
Consider alternatives if
You do not hold AZ-104 yet: it comes first and is required. If your work is on AWS, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional is the counterpart.
Why we say so
Architect roles are senior and well paid, and this is Microsoft's flagship architecture credential; the free yearly renewal keeps it current without another exam.
Market demand
Named often in Azure solutions architect and cloud consultant postings, frequently alongside AZ-104; demand follows enterprise Azure adoption, which remains strong.
Where AZ-305 takes you
- Solutions Architect
- Cloud Engineer
Career roadmaps show where this certification fits in each path. See the roadmaps.
Related certifications
Curated connections from the catalog — each labelled with how it relates to AZ-305, so you know why it’s here.
Careers AZ-305 leads to
The professional paths this certification genuinely serves — browse every relevant credential for each.
A sensible order
Where AZ-305 sits on the path — build up, then step on.
Build the foundation first
Earlier steps on the same path
