The Azure Architect Certification is arguable one of the most difficult Azure Certifications to earn, it demonstrates that you are competent using Microsoft Azure and are able to turn a company’s business requirements into a reliable solution. We are going to discuss in this article whether taking the Azure Architect Certification is right for you and whether you are ready to take it.
What is the Azure Architect Certification ?
The Azure Architect Certification is proof of your competence designing business solutions in Microsoft Azure. It is a proctored exam that you can do in a test centre or at home and covers 4 key areas:
- Designing identity, governance, and monitoring solutions
- Designing data storage solutions
- Designing business continuity solutions
- Designing infrastructure solutions
How do I earn the Azure Architect Certification?
I guess this is the hard part right? By taking and passing AZ-305 Exam (Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure solutions) you will earn the title Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert. However there is 1 pre-requisite certification you must earn prior to completing the AZ-305 Exam. The pre-requisite is the AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam which earns you the title of Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate. Once you have complete both exams you will have completed the architect certification.
Am I ready to take the Exam?
This is arguable one of the hardest questions to answer, but once you build confidence it will become clearer. If you have not already done so start by taking the AZ-104 for first, I recommend doing so in order as the exam is easier, covers all bases of Azure and the knowledge learned from that exam will aid you in passing the AZ-305.
It is worth noting that you do not have to be working with Azure everyday to become ready to take this exam. I have been working for Managed IT providers my whole life and I have never gone through an extended period of using Azure everyday. The thing is, I do make up for that by integrating it into my life, I find it interesting, have my home labs and constantly engage with the community. You can say I am definitely and advocate for Azure.
So to summarise this question, you are ready when you are confident and if you are not confident you are not ready. There is no rush to take the exam, so make it your mission to engage in something Azure everyday and put yourself out there to learn a little bit about everything Azure has to offer.
How much does the exam cost?
Each Microsoft Exam is £113 or $165 USD as of December 2021. However by visiting the exams official page you can view the most up to date pricing information. Don’t forget to earn this certification there are 2 exams you must complete!
Check out this article: How to get Free Microsoft Exam Certifications
Feedback from someone who has take the exam
I have take both the AZ-303 & AZ-304 (old Azure Architect Exams) and the new AZ-305 Architect Exam making me Azure Solutions Architect Expert certified. Of-course if you have take a Microsoft exam you are agreeing to not expose any detailed information on the exam or questions. However I have written a follow up post on my experience taking the AZ-305 exam which can hopefully offer you some insight in what to expect.
AZ-305 Exam Completed with Feedback and Preparation Guidance
Summary
Thank you for taking the time to read our post. I want to finishing off my saying if you have any question regarding the exam please leave them as comments below and I will respond as soon as possible.
Please take the time to check out our other Azure article on our Blog Page.
