ReadRoost ResearchEditorial
1-2 monthsDifficulty: 8/10Extensive cloud experience
Based on 15 pass reports
- Study time range: 4 to 12 weeks
- Most common: 6-10 weeks (~80-100 hours total)
- Consensus: Moderately difficult to hard — failing first attempt is common
Resources Used
Free
John Savill's AZ-305 Study Cram (~4hrs) — 'the GOAT'Video Course
Overwhelmingly dominant — ~10/15 passers
Free
AZ-305 Learning Paths (with caveat: NOT sufficient alone)Official Training
Foundation but multiple people warned it's insufficient — ~12/15 passers
Free
John Savill's Full AZ-305 Study PlaylistVideo Course
Deeper dive beyond the cram — ~5/15 passers
Paid
Scott Duffy — AZ-305 Azure Architect Design Exam PrepVideo Course
Top paid option — ~3/15 passers
Paid
MeasureUp AZ-305 Practice Test (168 questions)Practice Exam
Most realistic practice — 3/15 passers
Free
Azure Architecture Center + Well-Architected FrameworkOfficial Training
Essential reference architectures — ~7/15 passers
Free
Azure Subscription / Work EnvironmentHands-On
Design knowledge requires practical context — ~6/15 passers
Tips
Think like an architect, not an administrator — 'which service and why,' not 'how to configure.' Pick the most cost-effective answer that meets ALL requirements. Build decision trees for 'When do I use X vs. Y?' Take AZ-305 within 2-3 months of passing AZ-104. For case studies: read the QUESTIONS first, then skim the scenario. Budget 20-25 min per case study.