Azure AZ305

Congratulations on passing the AZ-104 exam! Since you already have a solid foundation in Azure,
you’re in a great position to dive deeper into the AZ-305 exam. This certification focuses more on
design and architecture, so you’ll need to shift your mindset from operational knowledge (covered in
AZ-104) to a more strategic, solution-oriented approach.

Let’s create a tailored study plan based on your existing knowledge, with a structured methodology,
resources, and a study strategy to help you pass the AZ-305 exam.

AZ-305 Study Plan for AZ-104 Graduates

Since you already have experience with Azure administration, the AZ-305 exam will be more about
designing Azure solutions, which includes advanced topics like security, scalability, and high
availability. Here's a breakdown of how to approach your study plan:

1. Review Exam Objectives & Key Domains

Start by understanding the core domains tested in the AZ-305 exam. Since you are already familiar
with basic Azure services (like VMs, networking, and storage), you'll need to focus on designing
these solutions.

Exam Domains:

• Designing Azure Infrastructure (50-55%): Includes designing compute, network, and storage
solutions, and designing resource monitoring.
• Designing Security and Identity Solutions (25-30%): Includes designing identity solutions,
role-based access, and securing resources.
• Designing Data Storage and Business Continuity Solutions (20-25%): Includes designing
solutions for data availability, backup, and disaster recovery.

2. Structured Study Plan Breakdown

Given your experience with AZ-104, I recommend a 1.5 to 2 months study plan, with around 2-3
hours per day of focused study. This time frame assumes you're already familiar with many
foundational Azure concepts. Here's a week-by-week guide:

Week 1: Review Core Concepts (Infrastructure Design)

• Goal: Get familiar with the design concepts of Azure compute, networking, and storage
services.
• Key Areas:
o Compute Solutions: VMs, App Services, Kubernetes, Azure Functions, and their use
cases.
 o Storage Solutions: Blob Storage, Disk Storage, File Storage, and designing storage
architectures for scalability and performance.
o Networking: Virtual Networks (VNet), VPNs, ExpressRoute, Load Balancers,
Application Gateway, and design for network security.
• Study Method: Use Microsoft Learn for interactive modules. You can also watch videos and
read materials from platforms like Pluralsight or A Cloud Guru.

Week 2: Security and Identity Solutions

• Goal: Learn to design security and identity solutions for Azure resources.
• Key Areas:
o Azure Active Directory (AAD): Roles, identity management, AAD B2C, and AAD
Join.
o Security: Role-based access control (RBAC), Key Vault, Azure Security Center, Azure
Sentinel, Network Security Groups (NSG), and other security best practices.
o Authentication & Authorization: Design for multi-factor authentication (MFA),
conditional access policies.
• Study Method: Focus on designing security aspects through Whizlabs practice exams, A
Cloud Guru, and Microsoft Learn for hands-on labs.

Week 3: Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR)

• Goal: Focus on designing solutions for business continuity, backup, and disaster recovery.
• Key Areas:
o Backup Solutions: Azure Backup, Site Recovery, and high-availability architectures.
o Disaster Recovery: Azure Site Recovery, planning for regional disasters, recovery point
objectives (RPO), and recovery time objectives (RTO).
o Data Storage Redundancy: Geo-replication, read-write and read-only replicas, and
designing for resilience.
• Study Method: Use Microsoft Learn and Pluralsight courses to dive into BCDR strategies
and solutions.

Week 4: Practice & Final Review

• Goal: Solidify your understanding by taking practice exams, reviewing weak areas, and doing a
deep dive into the advanced topics that are harder to grasp.
• Key Areas: Review any topics you struggled with in the previous weeks (security, disaster
recovery, etc.).
• Study Method:
o Whizlabs Practice Exams: Take full-length practice exams.
o Review Microsoft Learn modules: Revisit any areas where you scored lower in practice
exams.
o Set up Hands-on Labs: Try implementing solutions in the Azure portal to simulate what
you’ve learned.

3. Best Resources for AZ-305 Exam

Here’s a curated list of the best resources for AZ-305, specifically considering your AZ-104
experience:
1. Microsoft Learn (Free)

• Link: Microsoft Learn AZ-305

• Why: Offers free, structured learning paths directly aligned with the exam objectives. It's a
great starting point for both high-level concepts and hands-on exercises.

2. Pluralsight

• Link: Pluralsight AZ-305 Path

• Why: Pluralsight offers comprehensive video courses that are well-regarded for their depth and
clarity. The platform provides in-depth courses by experienced instructors, as well as quizzes
for self-assessment.

3. A Cloud Guru

• Link: A Cloud Guru

• Why: Known for hands-on labs and practical, scenario-based learning. Great for reinforcing
concepts through real-world examples and practice labs.

4. Whizlabs Practice Tests

• Link: Whizlabs AZ-305

• Why: Provides excellent practice tests that simulate the actual exam format, helping you get
familiar with question types and improve your time management skills.

5. Exam Ref: Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions (Microsoft Press)

• Link: Exam Ref AZ-305

• Why: The official Microsoft book is a great guide to understanding the exam objectives in
detail. It helps fill in knowledge gaps and is structured for professionals familiar with Azure.

4. Core Concepts to Master for AZ-305

• Architecture & Design: Understand how to design Azure infrastructure that scales, performs
well, and ensures security. Focus on how to design for high availability and disaster recovery.
• Security: Master designing secure environments, including identity management, access
control, and compliance requirements.
• Networking: Understand how to design networking solutions, including VNet design, VPN,
ExpressRoute, and application load balancing.
• Storage Solutions: Know how to design storage solutions based on use case scenarios, such as
database storage, file storage, and data redundancy.
• BCDR: Have a strong understanding of disaster recovery, backup strategies, and designing for
business continuity.

5. Study Methodology

• Active Learning: Focus on hands-on labs and real-world scenarios. The best way to learn
Azure design is by practicing in the Azure portal.
 • Consistent Review: Every few days, revisit previously studied content to reinforce your
knowledge.
• Take Practice Exams: Practice exams are critical for simulating the real exam experience. Use
them to gauge your progress and identify weak areas.

Conclusion

With your experience from AZ-104, you're well-prepared to study for AZ-305. Focus on design
aspects, security, and high availability, and use the resources listed above. Devote around 2-3 hours
per day for the next 6-8 weeks, and practice regularly to ensure you’re ready for the exam.

Good luck! Feel free to reach out if you need further clarification or assistance during your
preparation!

--------Deepseek
Since you’ve already passed **AZ-104 (Azure Administrator)**, you have a strong foundation in
Azure services, networking, security, and cost management. This will significantly reduce your
study time for **AZ-305 (Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions)**.

---

## ** Customized Study Plan for AZ-305 (Based on AZ-104 Background)**

### **1. Estimated Study Time: 50-70 Hours**
| **Phase** | **Tasks** | **Time Required** |
|-----------|-----------|------------------|
| **Concept Mastery** | Learn AZ-305 objectives, Microsoft Learn, docs | 20-30 hours |
| **Hands-on Labs** | Deploy & design solutions in Azure Portal | 15-20 hours |
| **Practice Tests** | Solve 300+ questions (Whizlabs, MeasureUp) | 10-15 hours |
| **Review & Weak Areas** | Revisit weak topics, mock exams | 5-10 hours |

---

## ** Best Resources to Pass AZ-305**

### **1. Official Microsoft Resources (Free)**
**[Microsoft Learn AZ-305 Path](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/exams/az-
305/)** (Mandatory)
**[Azure Architecture Center](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/)**
(Critical for design scenarios)
**[Azure Well-Architected Framework](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-
us/azure/architecture/framework/)** (Key for best practices)

### **2. Paid Courses (Highly Recommended)**

**[Udemy: AZ-305 by Scott Duffy](https://www.udemy.com/course/az-304-azure-architect-
design/)** (Best for structured learning)
**[Pluralsight: AZ-305 Path](https://www.pluralsight.com/)** (Good alternative)

### **3. Practice Tests (Must Do!)**

 **[Whizlabs AZ-305 Tests](https://www.whizlabs.com/microsoft-azure-certifications/)**
(Good for scenario-based Qs)
**[MeasureUp AZ-305](https://www.measureup.com/)** (Closest to real exam)
**[Tutorials Dojo Practice Tests](https://tutorialsdojo.com/)** (Good explanations)

### **4. Hands-on Labs (Critical!)**

**[Azure Quickstart Templates](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/templates/)**
(Deploy real solutions)
**[Microsoft Learn Sandbox](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/)** (Free Azure lab
environment)

---

## ** Methodology & Structured Way to Study**

### **Step 1: Understand AZ-305 Exam Objectives (Week 1-2)**
The exam tests **design decisions** (not just facts). Key domains:
1. **Design Identity, Governance, & Monitoring (25-30%)**
- Azure AD, RBAC, Azure Policy, Blueprints, Monitoring
2. **Design Data Storage Solutions (25-30%)**
- SQL DB, Cosmos DB, Blob Storage, Data Lake, Backup
3. **Design Business Continuity (10-15%)**
- Backup, Disaster Recovery, High Availability
4. **Design Infrastructure (25-30%)**
- Compute (VMs, AKS, ACI), Networking (VNet, Load Balancer), Migration

### **Step 2: Hands-on Labs (Week 3-4)**

- **Deploy & compare storage solutions** (Blob vs. Data Lake vs. Cosmos DB)
- **Design a multi-region HA solution** (Traffic Manager, Front Door)
- **Implement Azure Policy & Blueprints** (Governance)
- **Set up Azure Monitor & Alerts**

### **Step 3: Practice Tests & Weak Area Review (Week 5)**
- Take **3-5 full-length mock exams** (timed mode)
- Review **every wrong answer** (Microsoft Docs for gaps)
- Focus on **scenario-based questions** (most AZ-305 questions are case studies)

---

## ** Core Concepts You Must Master**

| **Topic** | **Key Focus Areas** |
|-----------|---------------------|
| **Identity & Security** | Azure AD, Conditional Access, RBAC, Private Link |
| **Storage Solutions** | Tiering, Replication, Cosmos DB partitioning |
| **Compute & Networking** | VM Scale Sets, AKS, VNet Peering, Private Endpoints |
| **Cost Optimization** | Reservations, Spot VMs, Azure Pricing Calculator |
| **Disaster Recovery** | Azure Site Recovery, Backup Vault, Geo-redundancy |
---

## ** Final Tips to Pass AZ-305**

✔ **Think like an architect** (trade-offs between cost, performance, security)
✔ **Memorize key Azure limits** (e.g., storage replication types, VM SKUs)
✔ **Flag tricky questions** (exam allows review at the end)
✔ **Schedule exam only after scoring 85%+ in mocks**

### ** Recommended Exam Day Strategy**

1. **First Pass:** Answer all easy questions (flag unsure ones).
2. **Second Pass:** Review flagged questions (eliminate wrong options).
3. **Final Check:** Ensure no unanswered questions.

---

### ** Your Next Steps**

1. **Start with Microsoft Learn AZ-305 modules** (Week 1).
2. **Do hands-on labs** (Week 2-3).
3. **Take practice tests** (Week 4).
4. **Book exam when confident** (Week 5).

Would you like a **day-by-day breakdown** of the study plan? Let me know how I can refine this
further!