Written by: Deeba Kamran
Deeba Kamran is a tech reviewer and writer obsessed with finding the best tools for the modern world. From hardware to SaaS, she delivers clear, actionable insights into the products and services shaping our digital future.
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This article is part of our IT Professional & Certifications resource section

Introduction

A few months ago, Microsoft made two changes to the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification exams. Exam AZ-300: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies was retired and replaced by Exam AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies, while Exam AZ-301: Microsoft Azure Architect Design was retired and replaced by Exam AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Design. These changes took effect on 30 September 2020. The exam codes changed to reflect updated content, while the certification name and exam titles remained the same. These changes were announced on the Microsoft website.

Last week, I passed the Microsoft exam AZ-303, Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies. It was the first exam toward my Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification. I’m sharing my experience with the exam here. Let me begin with my introduction. I’m working as an Azure Administrator in a large-scale manufacturing concern.

I have been working in this position for the last seven years. Before that, I worked with the AWS Cloud platform for five years. I have 12 years of hands-on experience in cloud computing, with almost 10 years as a cloud platform administrator. It has been almost a year since I started planning to leave my job and begin an independent career in consultancy for cloud platform solutions. As the cloud market continues to expand, I believe it is a good time to consider an independent venture.

I have good platform knowledge of both Azure and AWS. I believe that, working independently, I can contribute to the market with my experience. To gain new skills and validate my existing skill set, I planned to earn two certifications: Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert and AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional. First, I decided to pursue Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert. At the time described in this experience, the certification required passing two exams: AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies and AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Design. Once I decided on my new career goals, I started preparing for the Microsoft certification.

If you are exploring professional credentials to advance your career, you can also read about how IT certifications can help you grow your career with Examice. Comparing certification options and understanding their relevance to your intended role can help you make a more informed career decision.

At first, I planned to take the AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies exam. As I had already taken some IT certifications, the process was not new to me. As with my previous exams, I first downloaded the exam objectives and skills list from the Microsoft Learn website. This is important because the vendor’s official materials provide the relevant exam outline and objectives, helping you understand what to study. Once you have the current course outline, you can make an effective preparation plan.

You can create a daily timetable and set time-based goals. This can help you avoid becoming overwhelmed near the end of your preparation. For certification exams, dedication, persistence, and hard work are important. Alongside these personal qualities, you need good planning and suitable study materials.

For training material, I have always trusted Marks4Sure, my preferred training provider for certification preparation resources, for several reasons. Marks4Sure offered updated and innovative training materials for the exam I was preparing for.

Like the replacement of the older AZ-300 exam with AZ-303, updated preparation content became available through Marks4Sure. I selected both the PDF and Testing Engine package for AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies. The practice questions helped me assess my preparation against the course outline provided by Microsoft.

Marks4Sure offered a money-back guarantee for its training materials, which gave me confidence in the package I selected. The PDF materials were helpful during my preparation. Finally, exam day arrived, and I went to the testing centre. I did well according to my expectations and passed AZ-303 with 93% marks on my first attempt. It was a great experience. I then began preparing for the second exam, AZ-304. I believe hard work and choosing appropriate study materials are important parts of exam preparation.

When considering study resources, focus on understanding the concepts and applying them to realistic scenarios rather than simply memorising answers. The exam objectives should remain your main guide, and you should verify that any study materials match the version of the exam you intend to take.

Exam AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies

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Important status note: AZ-303 and AZ-304 are retired exams. The details below describe the historical exam and the original certification experience. If you are preparing for an Azure certification today, consult Microsoft Learn for the current certification pathway, exam code, and skills measured.

The AZ-303 exam measured the ability to accomplish the following technical tasks: implement and monitor an Azure infrastructure; implement management and security solutions; implement solutions for apps; and implement and manage data platforms.

Candidates for this exam were expected to have subject-matter expertise in designing and implementing solutions that run on Microsoft Azure, including compute, networking, storage, and security. Candidates were also expected to have intermediate-level Azure administration skills and an understanding of Azure development and DevOps processes.

A candidate was expected to have advanced experience and knowledge of IT operations, including networking, virtualization, identity, security, business continuity, disaster recovery, data platforms, budgeting, and governance. The role required understanding how decisions in each area affect an overall solution, alongside strong Azure administration skills and experience with Azure development and DevOps processes.

Part of the requirements for: Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, under the historical certification pathway described above.

Skills measured

  • Implement and monitor an Azure infrastructure (50–55%)
  • Implement management and security solutions (25–30%)
  • Implement solutions for apps (10–15%)
  • Implement and manage data platforms (10–15%)

These percentages reflect the historical AZ-303 exam outline and should not be assumed to apply to current Azure certification exams.

Preparing for Other Microsoft and IT Certification Exams

Preparing for a technical certification becomes easier when you break the syllabus into smaller sections, practise regularly, and review your progress. This approach can be useful across different technology fields, although each certification has its own requirements and exam objectives.

If you are exploring other Microsoft credentials, our guide to maximizing your career potential with Microsoft certifications discusses how certifications can fit into a broader professional development plan. Before choosing an exam, check the official provider’s website to confirm whether the exam is active and whether its syllabus has changed.

You may also come across older Microsoft exam resources, such as the Microsoft 70-461 exam. Since exam codes and certification programmes can be retired or replaced, verify the current status of any exam before spending time or money on preparation.

Similarly, if you are interested in cloud computing beyond Azure, you can explore this guide to preparing for AWS Certification. Comparing cloud platforms can help you understand which skills align with your career goals, but you should choose your study path based on the roles you want to pursue rather than trying to prepare for every certification at once.

When using practice questions, focus on learning why an answer is correct and why the alternatives are unsuitable. For another example of a structured, knowledge-focused approach to IT certification preparation, see our guide on how to pass the ServiceNow Admin Certification without dumps. Practical exercises, official documentation, and consistent revision are valuable ways to develop a stronger understanding of the subject.

Conclusion

Cloud computing is an important and evolving area of IT. Microsoft Azure is widely used by organisations for cloud infrastructure, application development, data services, and enterprise solutions. For professionals who want to build a career in Azure architecture, an appropriate Microsoft certification can help demonstrate relevant knowledge and skills.

The AZ-303 exam described in this article is now retired, so candidates should consult Microsoft Learn for the current Azure Solutions Architect certification route and its active exam requirements. Whatever certification you choose, start with the official exam objectives, create a realistic study schedule, practise the relevant technical skills, and use up-to-date learning materials.

With consistent preparation and practical experience, you can build your technical knowledge and work toward your cloud career goals.