Brains!
Quick tips for achieving the Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification.
- There are no prerequisites. You only need to complete AZ-300 and AZ-301.
- I do highly recommend completing AZ-900, AZ-103, and AZ-500 prior.
- Be prepared to retake 2-3 exams along the way. Test early and test often.
- These exams overlap and have a cumulative effect. Starting with AZ-900 and working up to expert will be easier and will help create a more lasting knowledge base.
Exam AZ-900 Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals – AZ-900 is a great introduction to Azure concepts.
AZ-103 Azure Administrator Associate – AZ-103 provides concept reinforcement and establishes a deeper understanding.
AZ-500 Azure Security Engineer Associate – AZ-500 creates a strong baseline of Azure identify concepts (these concepts are common to most advanced Azure exams).
AZ-300 Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies – AZ-300 expands on infrastructure services with an partial emphasis on identity (hence the AZ-500 recommendation)
AZ-301 Microsoft Azure Architect Design – AZ-301 takes what you have previously learned, reinforces some new concepts, and focuses on identifying the best solutions.
Closing tips on the final exam AZ-301. This exam is more focused on application than testing new concepts. I have seen several people boast of completing AZ-300 and AZ-301 on the same day. You likely will not need the same level of preparation as you would for AZ-500 or AZ-301. I recommend reviewing your notes from prior exams and taking 1-2 practice tests. Use the practice tests to identify weak areas for additional study topics. I recommend MeasureUp because they provide links to Microsoft documentations in the answer explanations. Take AZ-301 as soon as possible following AZ-300.
Overall, I will say the AZ-301 appear to be very common sense. If you encounter unfamiliar terminology; focus on the logic and common sense deductive reasoning. Make sure you understand data and database archiving techniques, high availability concepts (data and web), web services, p2v migrations, and traffic manager routing configuration.
- You don’t need expensive books or training classes.
- For AZ-900 and AZ-103 You may benefit from online training from Cloud Academy, Pluralsight, LinkedIn Learning or similar provider.
- The time commitment for more advanced online programs gets to be a little ridiculous (35-50 hours).
- Focus instead on the Microsoft Documentation website and a free Azure account as your primary learning resources.
- Find learning guides that link exam objectives to MSIT Docs references.
- Keep up the momentum and be prepared to fail a few tests.