AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate vs Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
Side-by-side comparison of 2 certifications to help you choose the right path for your career.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
Validates ability to design distributed systems and solutions on AWS. Demonstrates knowledge of how to design and deploy scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems.
Detailed Comparison
| Attribute | AWS-SOLUTIONS-ARCHITECT-ASSOCIATE | AZURE-SOLUTIONS-ARCHITECT |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft |
| Practice Questions | 65 | 50 |
| Exam Duration | 130 minutes | 100 minutes |
| Passing Score | 720/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Pass Percentage | 72% | 70% |
Choosing Between AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate and Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
Both certifications are valuable credentials in the IT industry, but they serve different purposes and target different career paths. Here's what you should consider when choosing between them.
Key Differences
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate has 65 practice questions, while Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) has 50.
- The AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam runs for 130 minutes, compared to 100 minutes for Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305).
- Passing scores differ: 720/1000 for AWS-SOLUTIONS-ARCHITECT-ASSOCIATEvs 700/1000 for AZURE-SOLUTIONS-ARCHITECT.
Which Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on your career goals, current employer's cloud platform, and the job market in your area. Here are some guidelines:
- If your company uses a specific cloud platform, prioritize that provider's certification.
- For job seekers, research which certifications are most requested in your target roles.
- Consider starting with entry-level certifications before pursuing advanced ones.
- Both certifications will strengthen your resume and validate your cloud skills.
Preparation Strategy
Regardless of which certification you choose, effective preparation includes a combination of hands-on practice, studying official documentation, and taking practice exams. BetaStudy provides thousands of practice questions for both certifications to help you prepare effectively.