AZ-104 and AZ-305 are the associate and expert steps of the Azure infrastructure track. AZ-104 (Administrator) is about implementing and operating Azure - the hands-on "how". AZ-305 (Solutions Architect Expert) is about designing solutions and choosing between options - the "what and why". AZ-104 is the natural prerequisite in practice, even though it is not officially required.
AZ-104 vs AZ-305 at a glance
| AZ-104 | AZ-305 | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Associate | Expert |
| Best for | Hands-on Azure administrators | Solution architects and senior engineers |
| Main focus | Implementing and managing Azure: identity, storage, compute, networking, monitoring | Designing solutions: identity/governance, data storage, business continuity, and infrastructure |
| Prerequisites | AZ-900 or hands-on Azure experience (recommended) | AZ-104 knowledge strongly recommended; design experience expected |
| Difficulty | Intermediate - configuration and operations | Advanced - design trade-offs and scenario-heavy |
| Exam length | 100 min | 120 min |
| Passing score | 70% | 70% |
Key differences
- Do vs design. AZ-104 tests whether you can configure and manage Azure resources. AZ-305 tests whether you can design a solution and justify trade-offs between services.
- Question style. AZ-104 has procedural and configuration questions. AZ-305 is heavy on scenario-based design questions, including case studies with requirements to satisfy.
- Sequence. AZ-104 is an associate exam; AZ-305 is expert level. Most people earn AZ-104 first because AZ-305 assumes you already understand how the services work.
Which should you take?
Take AZ-104 if your job is implementing and operating Azure, or if you are building toward architecture and need the hands-on foundation first. Take AZ-305 once you are comfortable with Azure services and are moving into solution design. Doing AZ-104 then AZ-305 is the standard, recommended order.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need AZ-104 before AZ-305?
It is not an official prerequisite, but AZ-305 assumes solid hands-on Azure knowledge. Most people take AZ-104 first, then AZ-305.
What is the main difference between AZ-104 and AZ-305?
AZ-104 is about implementing and managing Azure (the hands-on work); AZ-305 is about designing solutions and choosing between services (the architecture decisions).
Is AZ-305 an expert certification?
Yes. AZ-305 leads to the Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification, which is a level above the AZ-104 associate certification.