AZ-305 exam guide: format, design domains, cost, and a free practice quiz covering identity/governance, data storage, business continuity, and infrastructure design on Azure.
AZ-305 leads to the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert credential. It tests your ability to design solutions across identity/governance, data storage, business continuity, and infrastructure.
Unlike the administrator exam, AZ-305 is design-focused: you choose the right Azure services and patterns to meet requirements and constraints.
▶ Start the free AZ-305 practice quiz| Certification | Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) |
|---|---|
| Exam code | AZ-305 |
| Level | Expert |
| Format | Multiple choice, multi-response, and case studies |
| Questions | 40–60 questions |
| Duration | ~120 minutes |
| Passing score | 700 / 1000 |
| Cost (USD) | $165 |
| Validity | 1 year (renewable free online) |
| Prerequisites | Azure Administrator (AZ-104) knowledge expected |
Exam details change over time — always confirm the current specifics on the official exam page before you book.
The official exam is organized into these domains. Our practice bank mirrors them so you can drill each area:
| Domain | Exam weight | Practice questions |
|---|---|---|
| Design Identity, Governance & Monitoring | 25-30% | 6 |
| Design Data Storage Solutions | 20-25% | 4 |
| Design Business Continuity Solutions | 15-20% | 4 |
| Design Infrastructure Solutions | 25-30% | 7 |
Focus on design trade-offs: choosing between storage/database options, HA/DR strategies (Availability Zones, Site Recovery, geo-replication), and compute/messaging services.
Know identity and governance design (Entra ID, Conditional Access, PIM, Azure Policy) and networking (Private Link, Front Door, ExpressRoute).
The free quiz below covers all four AZ-305 design domains.
Our free AZ-305 practice quiz has 21 scenario-based questions covering every exam domain. Each question includes the correct answer, a plain-English explanation of why it is right (and why the alternatives are wrong), and a reference to the relevant topic — so you learn as you go, not just test yourself.
▶ Practice AZ-305 now — 21 questions, freeIt's not strictly required, but Microsoft expects administrator-level knowledge; AZ-104 is the recommended path.
Less so — it's about choosing and designing the right solution rather than clicking through the portal.
40–60 items including case studies, ~120 minutes, 700/1000 to pass. Verify officially.
Passing AZ-305 grants the Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification.