Looking for Azure Administration Certification, but don’t know where to start, in this blog I will cover all areas of AZ-305: Microsoft Azure Solution Architect Technologies and AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator.
In this blog, you will see the difference between AZ-305: Microsoft Azure Solution Architect and AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator.
If you are planning to become Azure Administrator then go for the certification of the AZ-104 exam and to become an Azure Architect you can choose the path for AZ-305. I will cover what is an Administrator and Architect, so no need to worry.
Microsoft has two different paths:
1. Microsoft Azure Administration Certification: AZ-100 series and the latest of all is [AZ-104] Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification Exam
2. Microsoft Azure Solution Architect Certification: AZ-300 series and the latest certification is [AZ-305] Microsoft Azure Solution Architect Certification Exam
What is a Cloud Architect?
A Cloud Architect is responsible for converting the technical requirements of a project into the architecture and design that will lead the final product.
Cloud Architects are also responsible for spanning the gaps between complex business problems and solutions in the cloud. In the Technology team, including DevOps engineers and developers, work with the Cloud Architect to ensure that the right technology or technologies are being built.
Read more: A case study on How to create a Load Balancer in Azure using the Azure Portal
Exam Details of AZ-305
- Certification Name: [AZ-305] Microsoft Azure Solution Architect
- Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for taking this course. Microsoft recommends candidates have a minimum of six months of hands-on experience administering Azure.
- Exam Cost: USD 165.00
- Passing score: 700 (Out of 1000)
- Validity: 1 year
AZ-305 Exam Topics
The important areas covered in the [AZ-305] Microsoft Azure Solution Architect certification exam are:
Azure Solution Architect is an expert-level certification, whereas the good point of this certification is that beginners can start directly from AZ-305 and clear the exam to get a certification, but for Solution Architect Certification you have to clear the AZ-305 exam. Beginners can get expert-level certification directly from the beginning. Read our blog on AZ-305 to understand it better.
Beginners can start from AZ-104 directly, there are no such prerequisites, wherever you found any difficulty, you can go with AZ-900, which will clear your fundamentals about the cloud. To know more read our blog on AZ-900.
Go through this Azure certification Blog to get a clear understanding of Microsoft Azure certifications!
What is a Cloud Administrator?
Cloud Administrators’ main work is to handle and manage access to cloud services, they are working from the high-level view. It is the responsibility of cloud administrators to make the cloud up and running smoothly, their specific tasks can usually vary on a priority basis from one day to the next according to organizational needs.
Exam Details of AZ-104
- Prerequisites: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Exam AZ-900 (optional)
- Number of Questions: 40 – 60
- Duration: 180 Minutes
- Cost: USD 165
- Certification Name: AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator
- Passing score: 700 (Out of 1000)
- Validity: 1 year
Beginners can start from AZ-305: Microsoft Azure Solution Architect, there are no such prerequisites, wherever you found difficulty, you can go with AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, which will clear your fundamentals about the cloud.
The important areas covered in the AZ-103 Microsoft Azure Administrator certification exam are:
After passing this exam you will be a Microsoft-certified Azure Administrator associate with a 2-star batch, you can expect jobs and enter an organization and work for them from the associate level.
Also Check: What Are Chatbots In Microsoft Azure -> Azure Chatbot
Azure Architect VS Administrator
The responsibilities are totally different, where AZ-104 certification is giving you all administration access and admin-level control, similarly, AZ-305 gives you the whole idea and hands-on of cloud architecture.
It is clear that AZ-104 is an associate-level certification, whereas AZ-305 is an expert-level certification. In this picture, you will get more idea about the exact difference between Azure Administrator with Azure Solutions Architect.
Also Read: What Is Azure Data Factory ?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between AZ-303, AZ-304, and AZ-305?
AZ-303, AZ-304, and AZ-305 are all Microsoft Azure certification exams. They are related to different topics and skill sets, and are intended for different audiences.
- AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies is intended for Azure Architects who have expertise in computing, network, storage, and security. It tests a candidate’s knowledge of Azure infrastructure, including Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Storage, Azure Networking, and Azure Security.
- AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Design is intended for Azure Architects who have expertise in design solutions and design Azure Infrastructure. It tests a candidate’s ability to design solutions that run on Azure, including designing and implementing Azure infrastructure, designing and implementing Azure Platform as a Service (PaaS) solutions, and designing and implementing Azure Application solutions.
- AZ-305: Microsoft Azure Identity and Access Management (IAM) is intended for Azure Administrators, Cloud Administrators and Security Engineers who have expertise in securing Azure resources using Azure IAM. It tests a candidate’s knowledge and skills in using Azure Identity and Access Management (IAM) to secure Azure resources, including Azure users, groups, and roles, Azure AD, Azure AD B2C, and Azure AD B2B.
So, in summary, AZ-303 is more focused on Azure Infrastructure, AZ-304 is more focused on designing solutions using Azure, and AZ-305 is more focused on Azure Identity and Access Management.
What is the difference between AZ-104 vs AZ-103?
AZ-103 is the old version which is removed by Microsoft and introduced the AZ-104 exam. AZ-103 is forcing on the Creation and configuration of storage and management with the administration but AZ-104 is advanced with administering roles and rules with management accounts as well as data.
What are the prerequisites for the AZ-305 exam?
Microsoft recommends having hands-on experience with Azure identity services, Azure AD, Azure AD Domain Services, Azure AD Identity Protection and Privileged Identity Management.
How often is the AZ-305 exam updated?
Microsoft regularly updates its certification exams but does not publicly announce the frequency of updates for individual exams.
Does AZ 305 have labs?
The exam does not include any labs, it is based on multiple-choice questions. However, it is recommended to practice and familiarize oneself with Azure IAM and its components by performing hands-on tasks and labs, before taking the exam.
You can find many online resources such as tutorials, documentation, and lab exercises that can help you to prepare for the exam. Some of the popular resources include Microsoft’s own Azure learning paths, third-party training providers, and online communities.
What are the prerequisites for the AZ-104 exam?
Microsoft recommends having hands-on experience with Azure services, such as virtual machines, storage solutions, and networking.
How often is the AZ-104 exam updated?
Microsoft regularly updates its certification exams but does not publicly announce the frequency of updates for individual exams.
Does AZ 104 exam have labs?
Yes, It covers how to implement, manage, and monitor the infrastructure. These skills can be obtained through the AZ–104 assessment.
To Download Azure Solutions Architect Exam Questions, Click here.
References/Related
- [AZ-305] Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies Certification Exam: Everything You Need To Know
- [AZ-900] Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification Exam: Everything You Must Know
- [AZ-104] Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification Exam: Everything You Need To Know
- Official Microsoft details for AZ-305, click here and for the AZ-104 exam, click here.
Next Task For You
Interested in other Azure Certifications as well? Check out this blog post to know all about the [AZ-104] Microsoft Azure Certification Exam. Also, check out this blog to know everything about the [AZ-900] Azure Fundamentals Certification Exam.
Still, feel confused about where to start or which certification is right for you. Just click on the register now button below to register for a Free Masterclass on Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Certification, Live Demo & Q/A which will help you to understand better, so you can choose the right path and clear the certification exam.
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