☁️ Microsoft Certified:
Azure Solutions Architect Expert

🧠 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body

  • Full name: Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

  • Issuing organization: Microsoft

  • Reputation and global recognition: Highly respected and globally recognized for validating deep expertise in designing and implementing Azure-based solutions for complex enterprise environments

📚 2. Curriculum and Skills Covered

  • Covered domains:

    1. Design for governance, security, and compliance

    2. Design identity and access architecture

    3. Design data storage and business continuity solutions

    4. Design infrastructure and networking

    5. Design application architectures

    6. Monitor and optimize workloads

    7. Implement hybrid and multi-cloud strategies

  • Depth of content: Advanced – strategic, architectural, and hands-on content

  • Technologies and tools included:

    • Azure AD, Azure Storage, Azure Monitor, Azure Firewall, Azure Policy, ARM templates, Bicep, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), API Management

    • Integration with DevOps pipelines and security best practices

  • Relevance in the current job market: Very high – demanded for cloud transformation, migration, and enterprise architecture roles

  • Mapping to frameworks: NIST, ISO 27001, Zero Trust Architecture, Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework

🧩 3. Prerequisites and Recommended Level

  • Prior experience required:

    • Strongly recommended: 1–2 years of hands-on Azure experience

    • Experience in networking, virtualization, identity, security, and governance

  • Expected skill level: Advanced

  • Recommended knowledge: Azure architecture, scripting (PowerShell/Bash), infrastructure as code, containers, cost management, and SLA design

🧪 4. Exam Format and Difficulty

  • Exam format:

    • Two required exams:

      • AZ-305: Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions

    • Multiple choice, case studies, and scenario-based questions

    • Time: ~120 minutes

    • Passing score: 700/1000

  • Languages: English + several localized versions

  • Difficulty: High – focused on decision-making, trade-offs, and architectural design

💰 5. Cost and Renewal

  • Exam cost: ~$165 USD per exam (1 exam currently required – AZ-305)

  • Recertification: Every year (via free online assessment through Microsoft Learn)

  • CPEs required: No, but continuous learning is encouraged

  • Renewal method: Free annual renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn

💼 6. Industry Recognition and Job Roles

  • Global demand: Extremely high for enterprise Azure roles

  • Recognized by: Microsoft Partners, government and regulated industries, global enterprises

  • Typical job roles:

    • Cloud Solutions Architect

    • Enterprise Architect

    • Azure Infrastructure Architect

    • Azure DevOps Lead

    • CTO (Cloud Strategy)

💵 7. Salary Expectations

  • Europe: €90,000 – €130,000/year (average: €110,000)

  • USA: $135,000 – $180,000/year (average: $155,000)