Azure Architect Path — Prerequisites & FAQs

Start with the right exam, understand the path, and get quick answers to common questions.

Associate • AZ-104 Recommended first step

Microsoft Azure Administrator

  • Who it’s for: New/working professionals building core Azure skills (identity, compute, storage, networking, governance).
  • Why it matters: Gives the hands-on foundation most candidates need before architect-level design.
  • Suggested prep: 25–60 hours (videos + hands-on + a full practice exam).
Practical path: Complete AZ-104 first, then move to AZ-305 for the architect specialization.
Start AZ-104 (Free) Take Practice Exam
Expert • AZ-305 Architect specialization

Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions

  • Who it’s for: Professionals targeting the Azure Solutions Architect Expert credential.
  • Focus areas: NFR trade-offs, security, availability, governance, data/infra design, cost & performance.
  • Suggested prep: 40–80 hours depending on experience, plus scenario practice.
Goal: AZ-305 is the architect exam aligned to Azure Solutions Architect Expert. Completing AZ-104 first is the most effective preparation path.
Start AZ-305 (Free) Take Practice Exam

Realistic Exam Format Preview (AZ-104 & AZ-305)

A quick, honest look at how Microsoft structures the exams—so you walk in calm, prepared, and in control.

Covers AZ-104 (Associate) Covers AZ-305 (Expert) Mark-for-Review & Section Review Scenario & Case-Study Mindset
What You’ll Likely See
  • Unscored survey questions may appear at the start or end — they do not count toward time or score.
  • A large case study / scenario section (often first) with multiple independent questions tied to the same scenario.
  • Mixed question section: single-answer and multiple-answer MCQs, True/False, drag-and-drop, and occasional “click the right element” tasks on Azure portal images.
  • A final case study may appear near the end.
  • Sometimes a hands-on lab appears. If labs are absent, total exam time can be around ~100 minutes instead of ~120.
Heads-up: Microsoft updates formats periodically. Be familiar with all section types and question styles so nothing feels new on test day.
Navigation, Review, & Time Management
  • You can mark questions for review and revisit them at the end of a section.
  • After you complete a section and confirm, you may not be able to go back to it.
  • Case studies are time-intensive to read — plan pace accordingly.
  • Don’t get stuck on a single item. Keep momentum; use the review screen to harvest quick wins.
Pro tip: For a 100–120 minute exam, budget ~75–80% for mixed questions and ~20–25% for case studies. Train pacing with full-length practice exams.
Be Exam-Ready
  • Practice scenario-first thinking (NFRs, risks, trade-offs) — essential for AZ-305.
  • For AZ-104, ensure comfort with identity, compute, storage, networking, RBAC, governance.
  • Use full-length practice exams to build pacing and review discipline.
Have questions? Contact us

FAQs

What’s the recommended order — AZ-104 or AZ-305 first?
Most candidates start with AZ-104 to build hands-on skills, then take AZ-305 for architecture design. It’s the most efficient path to the Azure Solutions Architect Expert credential.
How much time do I need to prepare?
Typical ranges: AZ-104: 25–60 hours; AZ-305: 40–80 hours. Prior Azure experience can lower these numbers; scenario practice usually speeds things up.
Are Limcify’s AZ-104 / AZ-305 courses and practice exams free?
Yes. Both full courses and practice exams are available at no cost. Premium interview/resume kits and enterprise toolkits are offered separately.
Do I need real Azure hands-on experience?
It helps. We recommend completing the guided labs in AZ-104 before AZ-305, and doing 2–3 end-to-end scenario builds to practice trade-off thinking.
What’s the exam format and passing score?
Microsoft exams typically include multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and case-study questions. The scaled passing score is 700/1000. Check Microsoft Learn for any format updates.
What if I fail an exam?
Microsoft’s retake policy generally allows a retake after 24 hours for the first attempt, then longer intervals after subsequent attempts. Use your score report to target weak domains before retesting.
Where can I find more details about prerequisites and the full path?
Start with AZ-104 to build foundations, then move to AZ-305 to specialize as an architect. For interview prep and enterprise artifacts, see our kits on the main site.

Need help choosing your path? Contact us.