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Free AZ-301: Microsoft Azure Architect Design Exam Questions and Answers

This exam retired on 31 March 2021. It was replaced by AZ-305: Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions. The questions here still cover most of the same ground, and the new exam’s own page has the current bank.

Microsoft Azure Architect Design is exam AZ-301, part of Microsoft Certifications. Microsoft exam codes name the solution area rather than the level — AZ for Azure, DP for data, MS for Microsoft 365, PL for Power Platform, SC for security, AI for Azure AI — with one reliable rule: any exam numbered 900 or 901 is Fundamentals. Every technical exam is scored from 1 to 1000 with 700 to pass, a scaled score Microsoft notes is explicitly not 70% of the marks.

Candidates comparing AZ-301 exam dumps, ExamTopics and other AZ-301 practice tests use this page for the answers and explanations behind each question. Download the free AZ-301 PDF, then sit the timed AZ-301 exam simulation before booking with Microsoft.

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Exam code
AZ-301
Provider
Microsoft
Questions in our bank
1000+
Free to read
First 10, with answers
Our test mode duration & pass mark
130 mins · 70%
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What is an advantage of using Azure's managed Kubernetes service over self-managing Kubernetes?

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FAQ

Learn More: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/

Q1: Is the AZ-301 Microsoft Azure Architect Design exam still available?
A: No. Microsoft retired the English version of AZ-301 on September 30, 2020 and replaced it with AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Design. AZ-304 was itself retired on March 31, 2022, and as of October 2026 the Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification requires exam AZ-305: Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions.
Q2: What replaced the AZ-301 exam and what do I need now?
A: The current path to Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert is a single exam, AZ-305, plus the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification as a prerequisite. AZ-301 was previously paired with AZ-300 to earn the same expert certification.
Q3: What domains did the AZ-301 exam cover?
A: While it was live, the real exam measured six areas: determine workload requirements (10-15%), design for identity and security (20-25%), design a data platform solution (15-20%), design a business continuity strategy (15-20%), design for deployment, migration, and integration (10-15%), and design an infrastructure strategy (15-20%).
Q4: What was the passing score for the AZ-301 exam?
A: Microsoft technical exams, including AZ-301 when it was live, are scored on a scale of 1 to 1,000 and a scaled score of 700 or greater is required to pass. This is not the same as answering 70% of questions correctly.
Q5: Who was the AZ-301 exam designed for?
A: The exam targeted Azure solution architects with advanced experience across IT operations, including networking, virtualization, identity, security, business continuity, disaster recovery, data management, budgeting, and governance. Microsoft also expected proficiency in at least one of Azure administration, development, or DevOps.
Q6: What languages was the AZ-301 exam offered in?
A: Microsoft's exam page for AZ-301 lists Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), and Korean as localized versions, which stayed available briefly after the English version retired on September 30, 2020. All versions are now retired.
Q7: Does an AZ-301 pass still count toward a certification?
A: Microsoft states that a retired exam only counts toward a certification if it was completed before the retirement date. Anyone starting now must take AZ-305 and hold the Azure Administrator Associate certification to earn Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
Q8: What is the AZ-301: Microsoft Azure Architect Design exam?
A: AZ-301: Microsoft Azure Architect Design is a Microsoft certification exam. Judging by the questions in our bank, it concentrates on azure, subscriptions, securely, on-premises and storing.
Q9: What topics does the AZ-301: Microsoft Azure Architect Design exam cover?
A: Questions in our AZ-301: Microsoft Azure Architect Design bank cluster around azure, subscriptions, securely, on-premises, storing, networks, suited and private. Working through the full set is the quickest way to find which of these you are weakest on.
Q10: How should I prepare for AZ-301: Microsoft Azure Architect Design?
A: Work through the AZ-301: Microsoft Azure Architect Design practice questions here, checking your answer on each one, then sit the practice test to rehearse the exam under timed conditions before the real thing.
Q11: Are these real AZ-301: Microsoft Azure Architect Design exam questions?
A: They are drawn from officially released past questions and from community members who have sat AZ-301: Microsoft Azure Architect Design. Answers are verified and updated weekly.
Q12: Where do I register for the AZ-301: Microsoft Azure Architect Design exam?
A: Register through Microsoft directly at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/. Exampractice is not affiliated with Microsoft and does not administer the exam.
Q13: Is there a free AZ-301: Microsoft Azure Architect Design sample?
A: Yes. Every AZ-301: Microsoft Azure Architect Design page shows a free sample of real questions. Upgrading opens the full bank and the practice test.
Q14: What are Microsoft Certification Exams?
A: Microsoft Certification Exams validate your expertise in using and managing Microsoft’s technologies and solutions, including Azure, Office 365, Windows, and more. These certifications demonstrate your proficiency in deploying, configuring, and optimizing Microsoft products to support business operations and IT infrastructure.
Q15: Why should I pursue Microsoft Certification?
A: Microsoft Certification enhances your professional credibility, showcasing your skills and knowledge in Microsoft technologies. This can lead to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and career advancement in IT, cloud computing, software development, and related fields.
Q16: What are the benefits of Microsoft Certification?
A: Benefits include recognition as a certified Microsoft professional, improved job performance, access to exclusive resources, continuing education opportunities, and staying current with the latest Microsoft technologies and best practices.
Q17: Who should take Microsoft Certification Exams?
A: IT professionals, system administrators, developers, cloud engineers, data analysts, and anyone involved in managing and implementing Microsoft solutions should consider these certifications to validate their expertise and advance their careers.
Q18: What types of Microsoft Certification Exams are available?
A: Microsoft offers various certification paths, including:
Q19: How do I prepare for Microsoft Certification Exams?
A: Preparation can include official Microsoft training courses, study guides, practice exams, online tutorials, and hands-on experience with Microsoft products and solutions.
Q20: Where can I take Microsoft Certification Exams?
A: Microsoft Certification Exams can be taken online with remote proctoring or at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide, providing flexibility to fit your schedule and location.
Q21: How do Microsoft Certifications impact my career?
A: Microsoft Certifications significantly boost your career by demonstrating your expertise to employers, making you a more competitive candidate for advanced roles and promotions in IT, cloud computing, software development, and other tech-related fields.
Q22: Are there any prerequisites for Microsoft Certification Exams?
A: Some exams may have prerequisites, such as foundational knowledge or prior experience with Microsoft products. Check the specific requirements for each certification path on the Microsoft Learn website.
Q23: How often do I need to recertify for Microsoft Certifications?
A: Microsoft Certifications typically require renewal every year or two, depending on the certification, to ensure that certified professionals stay updated with the latest technologies and industry practices.
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