Navigating the AZ-305: My Journey to Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions
As a software engineering enthusiast, I recently conquered the AZ-305: Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions certification, and I'm excited to share my experience with fellow tech professionals and Azure aspirants.
First Impressions: A Different Beast from AZ-104
Many in the tech community have noted that the AZ-305 feels somewhat more approachable than the AZ-104, and I can confirm that sentiment. Unlike the more hands-on AZ-104, this exam focuses more on architectural decision-making and strategic design principles.
The Surprising Depth of the Exam
The exam's nuanced approach to infrastructure design caught me off guard. It wasn't just about technical but rather about understanding when to choose one solution over another. The exam consistently tested my ability to make strategic decisions – essentially, when to do "X" over "Y" in Azure infrastructure design.
A Software Engineer's Perspective
As someone with a software engineering background, I was pleasantly surprised by the exam's inclusion of software-related questions, particularly around microservices. This intersection of infrastructure and software architecture made the exam feel more holistic and aligned with modern cloud design principles.
Preparation is Key
If you're preparing for this exam, I cannot stress enough the importance of three primary resources:
Microsoft Learn: The official learning path comprehensively covers the exam objectives.
John Savill’s Content: (Referring to John Savill's training materials, which are highly regarded in the Azure certification community)
Following these resources diligently will put you in a strong position to pass the exam.
Final Thoughts
The AZ-305 is less about memorizing every Azure service and more about understanding how and when to leverage these services effectively. It tests your ability to design scalable, efficient, and strategic cloud solutions.
For my fellow software engineers and cloud enthusiasts looking to validate their Azure design skills, this certification is a fantastic way to demonstrate your architectural prowess.
Pro Tips
Focus on design principles, not just technical details
Understand trade-offs between different Azure services
Practice architectural decision-making scenarios
Leverage official Microsoft learning paths and community resources
Have you taken the AZ-305 or are you planning to? I'd love to hear about your experiences or preparation strategies!
Disclaimer: Certification experiences can vary, and this reflects my journey.
Other Resources
Exam AZ-305: Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions - Certifications | Microsoft Learn